Augusta, GA

‘Extremely dangerous’: Icy conditions cause crashes across the CSRA

Published

11 months ago

January 22, 2025

‘Extremely dangerous’: Icy conditions cause crashes across the CSRA

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Deputies responded to numerous wrecks throughout the CSRA due to the snow and ice covering the region.

Augusta officials stated there were several vehicle issues reported on Deans Bridge Road, Walton Way, Morgan Road and Barton Chapel around 8:25 a.m.

The Columbia County Sheriff’s Office advises people to stay off the roads Wednesday morning.

Officials say there were multiple roads that were iced over and not passable. Several accidents had already occurred just before 8 a.m.

One of the accidents, deputies responded to a three-vehicle accident in front of Steed’s Dairy on Wrightsboro Road. No one was injured, dispatch says. On the opposite side of the road, deputies were clearing a disabled vehicle at 7:09 a.m.

Columbia County Sheriff’s Office advises people to stay off the roads after snow storm(Contributed)

The Aiken County Sheriff’s Office said they responded to multiple wrecks throughout the county. They advise you to please stay off the roads until it is safe.

Aiken County crews respond to crashes caused by winter weather(Contributed)

Around midnight, the Taliaferro County deputies blocked off I-20 W at the 146.5-mile marker due to an accident involving a semi-truck and a van. The roadway was cleared at 1:50 a.m.

In Washington County, deputies and Sandersville Police responded the scene of a rollover single-car accident on MLK Avenue Ext. and Kaolin Road around 10 p.m.

Also in Washington County, deputies, fire and EMS crews responded to an overturned vehicle crash on Linton Road at the bridge near Webster Road around 9 p.m.

Kids made time for snow angels on Tuesday in the CSRA.

“I’m urging everyone to stay off the roadways unless it is an absolute emergency. Travel is extremely dangerous, and we’ve already seen vehicles stuck, stranded, and wrecked. There is no reason to be out unless it’s critical. Please take this seriously – for your safety and the safety of first responders,” Washington County Sheriff Joel Cochran advises.

As a winter storm dumped snow across the region Tuesday night, we talked to other authorities who warned of the dangerous conditions.

“Due to current conditions, we urge everyone to stay off the roadways unless absolutely necessary. If you must drive, please exercise extreme caution, reduce your speed, and remain alert at all times,” the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office said.

The Georgia Department of Transportation echoed that statement, saying travel is strongly discouraged overnight.

Road temperatures are falling below freezing and black ice is forming in some locations, state transportation officials said.

Richmond County deputies said Tuesday night that John C. Calhoun Expressway, Alexander Drive, and Riverwatch Parkway should be avoided especially due to shutdowns and multiple crashes.

Augusta, GA

Augusta Stars hosts Christmas bowling event with Fort Gordon soldiers

Published

7 hours ago

December 16, 2025

Press Room

Augusta Stars hosts Christmas bowling event with Fort Gordon soldiers

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The Augusta Stars Special Olympics team hosted their annual Bowl with Soldiers Christmas party.

The goal was to bring together local athletes and military personnel from Fort Gordon for an evening of bowling at Bowlero.

The Augusta Stars is a Special Olympics team that offers bowling and basketball programs. The team is currently preparing for the Winter Special Olympics, which begin Jan. 30 in Marietta.

“I like the bowls because it’s fun and I like to get to play,” said Victoria Valootton, an Augusta Stars athlete.

The annual event allows soldiers to join the Special Olympics athletes for bowling and community connection.

“Personally, it’s important because Jeff Keating is one of our teammates and we want to support them,” said Sapriya McLendon, U.S. Army. “Secondly, just for the community in general, just coming out here and being part of the team that cares about us and supports us, and we’re here to serve you today.”

The Winter Special Olympics will be held in Marietta, Georgia, starting Jan. 30.

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Augusta, GA

Through pain, acid victim still smiling as she recovers in Augusta

Published

19 hours ago

December 15, 2025

Press Room

Through pain, acid victim still smiling as she recovers in Augusta

AUGUSTA, Ga. – A Savannah woman faces a long road to recovery after a stranger attacked her with acid that ate through her clothes and covered 50% of her body with burns.

Ashley Wasielewski is trying to recover after receiving a first round of emergency surgery at the Joseph M. Still Burn Center at Doctors Hospital in Augusta.

The attack happened last Wednesday at Savannah’s iconic Forsyth Park when a man stepped out of the shadows and poured acid all over Wasielewski.

The recovery has been extremely difficult, according to her friend Kristen Oddi, of Marietta.

Most of the burns have been diagnosed as third-degree, covering over 50% of her body, Oddi wrote on a GoFundMe page.

She said it’s unlikely one burned area of Wasielewski’s scalp will ever grow hair again.

She added that the most crucial next step is to see if Ashley’s body will accept the cadaver skin from a recent surgery.

If that happens, skin graft surgeries will proceed, Oddi said.

Plastic surgery is ahead for her, but there’s no timetable yet.

Beyond that, Wasielewski faces rehabilitation, occupational therapy, wound management, long-term support and follow-up.

For now, she’s stable, according to Oddi.

Women suffers third-degree burns in Forsyth Park acid attack; Community concerned(WTOC)

And despite the hardship she’s been through and that lies ahead, she’s smiling in a photo from her hospital bed, with little other than her eyes and mouth visible through openings in gauze that covers her face.

“She will come back so much stronger,” Oddi said. “That, I don’t have a single doubt about.”

The investigation continues

Police are looking for the suspect and have spoken with two witnesses.

They’re hoping to speak with a third person whose photo they posted and to find the driver of a vehicle that was spotted nearby.

Meanwhile, the FBI is offering a $5,000 reward for tips.

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Augusta, GA

AU’s Healthy Grandparents program holds Christmas party

Published

1 day ago

December 15, 2025

Press Room

AU’s Healthy Grandparents program holds Christmas party

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Augusta University’s Healthy Grandparents program had its Christmas party Sunday.

Santa is continuing his trip across the csra and was at the party to give presents to the kids.

The program was started in 1999 to support grandparents raising their children.

They help with necessary services like food assistance and transportation.

We spoke with one of the grandparents about the program.

“My grandchildren love it. They do a lot of things going on the year, like summer camp and all that stuff, book bag, getaways,” said Carolyn Thompson.

The program has helped more than 660 families, 900 grandparents, and 1,300 grandchildren.

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