Augusta, GA
Out-of-state volunteers continue Hurricane Helene cleanup in Augusta
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – More than a year after Hurricane Helene devastated the area, volunteers from across the country continue cleanup efforts in Augusta, helping families rebuild their lives one home at a time.
Annie Thompson remembers her daughter’s house well. But on the early morning of September 27, everything changed.
“When the tree came, it came; that window came all the way through. It came right here, really close to where they were sitting,” Thompson said.
The home was supposed to be their safe place after losing a home to a tornado in Burke County and another to a fire. But Helene crushed those hopes. The house now sits unrecognizable, having been destroyed for more than a year while the family looked for an answer on how they could move back in.
That answer came from an unexpected place. Dale Sink and his group of volunteers with Christian Disaster Services are working on houses across Augusta, a year and a half later.
“It’s rewarding to help somebody who needs help,” said Sink, whose life’s work is helping people with nowhere else to turn.
The crew has experience with major disasters. “Hurricane Katrina. And then after that, we were in Joplin, Missouri, where a tornado went through there,” Sink said.
This crew has been a lifeline for Annie’s family, fixing their home plank by plank at no cost. But they’re not the only ones still rebuilding the community.
More than 100 volunteer workers gathered under one roof for a dinner in South Augusta. The Greater Augusta Long Term Recovery Committee recognizes the work they’ve put in.
“We are eternally grateful for your sacrifice to be here, we thank you and I tell everybody… you are angels to us,” said Augusta Mayor Garnett Johnson.
Deke Copenhaver, executive director of the Greater Augusta Long Term Recovery Committee, said the work continues to make a difference.
“To see the homeowners, once again, people that had trees on their house for over a year, that probably thought they were never going to get assistance, but we will continue to do this work as long as it takes,” Copenhaver said.
The celebration served as a show of thanks as people from across the country continued to pour in to restore lives and community.
The effort is managed through the United Methodist Committee on Relief and the Greater Augusta Long Term Recovery Committee. On Wednesday, they had 80 volunteers working 18 different sites, with relief and rebuilding still flowing through the community.
More information on the work being done and how to donate can be found at https://cfcsra.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=4432
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
Augusta, GA
Abercrombie’s Career-High 33 Lifts Augusta Past Middle Georgia in PBC Tournament Quarterfinals – Augusta University
AUGUSTA, Ga. – Augusta opened Peach Belt Conference Tournament play with a win Wednesday, outlasting Middle Georgia 74-70 in the PBC quarterfinals atChristenberry Fieldhouse.
The Jaguars (19-9, 13-7 Peach Belt) move on to the next round of four and will travel to top-seeded Columbus State on Saturday, March 7, in Columbus, Ga.
Augusta got rolling early behind Quinasia Abercrombie, who buried a three in the opening minute and continued to set the tone offensively. The Jaguars built momentum on both ends, and Nadiyah Byard provided an instant spark off the bench with a layup late in the first quarter to help Augusta take a 16-13 lead after one.
The second quarter belonged to the Jaguars’ defense. Middle Georgia managed just six points in the period, as Augusta tightened the paint and forced tough possessions. Amari Jackson hit a pair of free throws early in the quarter and later added a layup, while Abercrombie finished the half with a strong push in transition to keep Augusta in control. The Jaguars took a 31-19 lead into halftime after holding Middle Georgia to 1-for-13 shooting in the second quarter.
Middle Georgia responded coming out of the break, but Augusta answered every push. Abercrombie knocked down a fast-break three early in the third, and Jackson followed with a layup to keep the advantage comfortable. Sa’Niah Dorsey connected from deep during the quarter, and Augusta shot 61.5 percent in the third to carry a 54-40 lead into the final 10 minutes.
The final quarter turned into a battle. Middle Georgia found rhythm offensively and closed the gap with repeated second-chance opportunities, eventually cutting it to a one-possession game in the final minute. Augusta stayed poised at the line down the stretch, with Elyse Autrey knocking down key free throws in the closing seconds to preserve the win.
Abercrombie led Augusta with a career-high 33 points, going 13-of-20 from the field and 3-of-6 from three. Jackson added 16 points on 7-of-11 shooting. Dorsey finished with seven points, while Autrey dished out six assists and went 5-for-6 at the free throw line.
Middle Georgia (17-11, 10-10 Peach Belt) was paced by Mauryah Jones with 20 points and Kristen Foglia with 18. The Knights also received 13 points and 15 rebounds from Kennedi Hawkins.
Wednesday’s game also featured a special atmosphere at Christenberry Fieldhouse, with the Lucy C. Laney High School Marching Band, the Pride of Augusta, providing in-game entertainment.
Augusta advances to face top-seeded Columbus State on Saturday, March 7, in Columbus, Ga.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The Augusta Boxing Club is facing financial uncertainty after Richmond County’s 2026 budget left no room to fund nonprofit organizations.
The county’s decision removes one of the club’s main financial supporters, leaving the historic organization without a key source of funding.
The Augusta Boxing Club is one of the nation’s longest-running amateur boxing clubs and has served at-risk youth in the Augusta area.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Augusta-Richmond County has selected a new planning and development director nearly a year after the previous director resigned.
Commissioners voted to hire Adleasia J. Cameron, who goes by Lisa, after an executive session Tuesday.
Cameron was one of two finalists for the position, along with Ryan A. Bland.
The position has been vacant since May 30, when Carla Delaney resigned as planning and development director.
“Augusta has been home to me for many years, from my time as a middle and high school student to earning my graduate degree. It has truly been a privilege to work here and contribute to the community’s growth, sustainability, and development,” Delaney wrote in her letter of resignation.
Cameron is expected to start within the next 30 days.
Her salary will be $125,000, with a moving allowance of up to $10,000 reimbursed based on receipts.
Other commission action
Commissioners also received an update that a veterans cemetery will break ground at the end of the year.
A motion passed authorizing the Marshal’s Office to purchase two vehicles at a cost of more than $115,000.
Copyright 2025 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
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