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Annual rowing event brings ‘a lot of cheering’ to Augusta

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Annual rowing event brings ‘a lot of cheering’ to Augusta


AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The 26th annual Head of the South Fall Regatta took place on Saturday.

We talked with organizers about the participants, economics boost and how they bounced back to be ready after Helene hit our area.

It is one of the largest head races in the southeast.

“I think they’re having a good time. I see a lot of smiles down there by the shelf trailer,” said Kirsten Aylward, president of Augusta Rowing Club.

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Rowers from states all over travel to the CSRA to compete.

“We have over 40 teams with us this year, about 1,100 athletes from all over the southeast and as far away as Colorado and Pennsylvania,” said Aylward.

Rowers of all ages can compete in the Regatta.

“It’s the head race. So, it’s 5,000 meters. Our start line is up at Hammonds Ferry dock, and our finish line is one of the homes in River North. And so, it’s a total little over three miles,” she said.

Aylward says they were unsure if they were going to be able to host the event this year after Hurricane Helene.

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“The impact it would have was the flooding that occurred on the Augusta on the Savannah River, but we were very fortunate that the boathouse held up well. The river recovered nicely,” she said.

She says the only obstacle now is the course itself.

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“They’re going through four different bridges, and they have to navigate some of the abutments and obstacles in the river,” said Aylward.

But the course isn’t the only challenge.

“The wind and the chop on the river is posing some obstacles for the rowers, but they seem to be working around it pretty well,” said Aylward.

Aylward says they are just happy to be able to leave it all out on the water.

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“So, there’s a lot to do, a lot to see, a lot of excitement. A lot of cheering, as you can hear in the background, for their teams, and just a great event,” she said.

The Augusta Sports Council’s economic data says the regatta brought in more than $1 million for the CSRA last year, so the event provides a boost to the region.



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Augusta, GA

25-year-old woman killed in shooting on Cameron Drive

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25-year-old woman killed in shooting on Cameron Drive


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.

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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.



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Four indicted in Augusta on federal drug trafficking charges

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Four indicted in Augusta on federal drug trafficking charges


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.

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South Georgia wildfires 90% contained, but hot spots still a concern

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South Georgia wildfires 90% contained, but hot spots still a concern


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  • Two large wildfires in south Georgia have burned approximately 54,000 acres and are now 90% contained.
  • Suppression costs for the fires are estimated to exceed $18.3 million, with crews still managing hot spots.
  • Georgia remains in an extreme drought, increasing the risk of fires throughout the summer.

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.

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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.

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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.”

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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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