Augusta, GA
Foster with Augusta shelter and give a pet a home for Christmas
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – If getting a pet for Christmas wasn’t on your to-do list, think again.
Augusta Animal Services has the chance for you to “test run” a pet this week as part of their Home for the Holidays program.
You get to foster a pet, with all the food and supplies you need provided for you and in return, a dog or cat gets to spend the holiday outside the shelter.
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Augusta Animal Services says they struggle with overcapacity almost all year round so events like Home for the Holidays are crucial.
“We have really high hopes for it, we always do,” said Rebecca Reece, Augusta Animal Services outreach coordinator.
It’s an event the shelter depends on.
“Home for the Holidays is one of our favorite programs,” said Reece. “We do it every year for Thanksgiving and for Christmas.”
The goal is for animals to find a home where they can spend lots of future holidays.
“We have a pretty good rate of people who take their dogs home for the holidays, deciding to keep them which is something we love having happen,” said Reece.
But adoption isn’t a requirement. They say taking them home even just for a little bit can help.
“It helps get the dogs out into a home environment over the holidays,” she said.
Which in turn, makes them more adoptable.
“It still helps us get a lot of vital notes about how the dogs do in the home environment, which helps future adopters,” said Reece. “It also helps the dogs to just enjoy themselves for a while. It means they’re not in the kennel.”
And they say they are there to help you through the process.
“You can always just come in and let us know if you’re looking for a dog or if you’re looking for a cat,” she said.
They say they’ll do their best to make sure both you and the animal are comfortable.
“We’ll talk to you a little bit about your home, what you’re looking for, whether you have any animals in the home already, and we’ll give you some suggestions of dogs you might like,” said Reece.
If you decide to add a furry friend to your holiday fun, they will give you everything you need to get started.
“The leash and some food. Some minor supplies,” said Reece. “Almost like a gift bag to make it easier for you.”
Augusta Animal Services says even though the shelter is closed on Tuesday, they will still have the event from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m
If you decide to return your foster animal, you can do that between Jan. 2 and 3 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
If you do adopt that animal, your adoption fee is waived.
Copyright 2024 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – One person has died after a shooting on Cameron Drive in Augusta early Friday morning.
The Richmond County Coroner’s Office has identified the victim as 25-year-old Khyla Rodriguez, of Augusta.
Richmond County deputies responded to the 3600 block of Cameron Drive around 1:11 a.m. for a suspicious situation.
While on scene, deputies spoke to the complainant who stated they got a call form an unknown person saying their friend was dead at the incident location.
Deputies then searched the area, where they found Rodriguez on the ground unresponsive with several gun shot wounds to the stomach area.
The coroner’s office says Rodriguez was pronounced dead at 2:27 a.m. An autopsy has been scheduled.
As of 4:15 a.m., at least one deputy and crime scene crews were still on scene.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) – Four individuals from Augusta have been indicted by a federal Grand Jury on federal drug trafficking charges, the U.S. Department of Justice’s Southern District of Georgia announced Thursday.
The following individuals were indicted:
(Indictments contain charges, and defendants are considered innocent until proven guilty.)
- Tyriquez McFadden, 39, and Nichael Lessey, 44, both of Augusta, charged in a five-count indictment with Possession with Intent to Distribute 400 Grams or More of Fentanyl; Possession with Intent to Distribute 28 Grams or More of Crack Cocaine; Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine; Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime; and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon
- Roman Kelly, 51, of Augusta, indicted for Possession with Intent to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine; Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin; and Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine.
These charges carry statutory penalties up to life in prison, substantial financial penalties and a period of supervised release upon completion of any prison term.
Drought-fueled wildfires burn across Georgia, Florida
Wildfires in Georgia and Florida have forced evacuations, road closures and burn bans as the drought-fueled fires burn thousands of acres.
Two large wildfires burning in south Georgia were now 90% contained, as of Wednesday, after consuming about 54,000 acres, according to the Georgia Forestry Commission.
The Pineland Road Fire has burned 32,575 acres. The Highway 82 Fire has burned 22,420 acres.
However, fuel conditions remain extremely dry, officials said. Containment continues to improve on both fires, but crews remain actively engaged in patrol, suppression, and mop-up operations.
Seth Hawkins, urban and community forestry program coordinator for the Georgia Forestry Commission, worked on the Highway 82 Fire in Brantley County, which is still about 22,000 acres. Suppression costs are estimated to exceed $18.3 million.
“The rain put out the active flame on that fire,” Hawkins said. “However, there’s still that deep layer, that organic material, burning, and hot spots can still flare up as soon as humidity drops.”
Hawkins said 166 people are still working hot spots on the Highway 82 fire, setting up sprinkler systems where needed.
As of May 12, the State Forester burn ban has been lifted, but the Environmental Protection Division’s summer burn ban remains in place. Many counties may still have local ordinances. Georgia residents are encouraged to check with their county before burning.
The state remains in an extreme drought.
“It’s just unique down there because of all that organic fuel,” Hawkins said. “And when it dries out, it’s very susceptible to ignition. It’s going to be a long, hot, dry summer. We’re telling folks to keep their guard up and be safe with campfires and debris burning.”
This reporting content is supported by a partnership with Journalism Funding Partners.
Erica Van Buren is the climate change reporter for The Augusta Chronicle, part of the USA TODAY Network. Connect with her at EVanBuren@usatodayco.com or on X: @EricaVanBuren32.
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