Augusta, GA
Crews continue work on Augusta Canal due to Helene damage
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Crews are continuing to clear away tons of debris from the Augusta Canal.
The towpath is still closed to the frustration of many, but that just goes to show you how much damage the storm caused.
It could be May at the earliest before the towpath opens.
About a hundred trees fell into the canal. In some areas, workers are dealing with cracked embankments, which is a safety issue for someone walking beyond these gates.
It’s a place for peace and beauty.
“I always call it one of Augusta’s little gems,” said Jedidiah Ballad, who visits the canal.
John Purvis, who also visits the canal, said: “It’s one of the most scenic places in Augusta. To me, it’s on the river here.”
The canal took a beating from Hurricane Helene.
“For me, it was no problem. It’s like basically the same scene. There are fewer trees down there now, but it’s not a big deal,” said Purvis.
And that’s why a stretch of the canal is closed.
“We’re going to be rolling heavy machinery in January up and down the entire four-and-a-half-mile stretch,” said Augusta Utilities Director Wes Byne.
That’s phase one. In the next phase, they’ll drain the canal.
“We don’t want to do it. We recognize that it’s heavy watering season and everybody’s getting ready for the tournament. And everybody’s obviously got to have grass in their yards. So, we know there’s going to be a high water demand, but we’ve got to do it in order to restore the embankment, the embankment and the banks along the canal,” said Byne.
Byne says all together the cost could total up to $10 million, but that’s what it takes to restore the canal back to its original purpose.
Purvis said: “Well, you know, I enjoy walking that way. I’ll be glad when they have it open again. But no, it’s not. It’s not causing me any stress. Still very, very beautiful, probably will be for another 500 years.”
Byne says they are working with FEMA to see what’s eligible for reimbursement.
He says only a portion of the estimated $10 million to fix the canal is reimbursable.
He did want to remind folks that the canal is open from downtown to Lake Olmstead to the pumping station.
He says the gates are up for a reason. It’s for your own safety.
Copyright 2024 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The second annual Juneteenth trail ride took place on Old Waynesboro Road in Augusta on Saturday.
The event featured trail rides with horses and ATVs, a mechanical bull contest and music.
People shopped at vendors, and there was entertainment for kids, including a petting zoo, inflatables and games.
“It’s really a privilege just to be able to have the opportunity to share my space, to share my area, and to share for an event with so much value, to give back to my community and a place to celebrate,” said Davon Wallace, chief of operations at Crimson Hills.
Wallace said they will be hosting more events, with a haunted trail coming in October.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) — The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office has made multiple arrests in a deadly shooting that left one teenager dead and another injured early Saturday morning.
According to deputies, the incident happened June 20, at approximately 12:50 a.m. in the 200 block of Warren Road, where authorities responded to reports of shots fired involving two gunshot victims.
When deputies arrived, they located two 18-year-old men from Augusta.
Officials identified the victims as Eric Markquis Bartley Miller and Joseph Lamar Thomas.
Investigators say Miller sustained at least one gunshot wound and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Thomas was also found with at least one gunshot wound and was transported to a local hospital for treatment.
The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office says the circumstances surrounding the shooting remain under active investigation.
As of Saturday afternoon, three teenage suspects have been arrested and charged in connection with the incident.
18-year-old Dmihjay Collins, 17-year-old Tayshaun Thomas, and 17-year-old Joseph Thomas have all been arrested and charged with Murder, Aggravated Assault, and Possession of Machine Guns. They are all currently being held at the Webster Detention Center.
A fourth teenager, 17-year-old Reante Byrd was also arrested, but investigators have not linked him to the murder case. Byrd has been charged with Possession of a Pistol or Revolver by a Person Under the Age of 18. He is also being held in the Webster Detention Center.
No further details in the investigation have been released.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Students showcased drones they built during a two-week summer camp at Augusta Regional Airport on Friday.
12 junior and high school students attended the camp, where they learned to fly and build drones designed to help others.
Anderson Puryear, a student, said the camp focused on delivering small medical supplies.
“It was focused on delivering small medical supplies like an EPI pen or glucose packet for like diabetics and for people with allergies in need in the real world that could obviously help save lives, and if people are like in a place in a boat or like in the desert or in the forest where they can’t easily access those supplies it can save their lives,” Puryear said.
The airport partnered with Georgia Tech, state troopers and the Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting Department for the Air Edu Summer Camp.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
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