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Augusta, GA

Augusta Commission moves forward on mayor’s credit card policy

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Augusta Commission moves forward on mayor’s credit card policy


AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – After months of back and forth, Augusta commissioners agreed to move forward with a plan regarding city credit card expenses on Tuesday.

This comes after Mayor Garnett Johnson asked commissioners for reimbursements to his personal credit card he used for city purchases.

The policy the administrator presented to commissioners laid out the credit card policy for all elected officials, including the mayor.

Prior to this policy, the mayor did not have a city credit card and there was no policy for him when it came to him using his own personal credit card for city spending.

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For several months now commissioners have tossed around what they think the limit should be for the mayor.

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There are two other elected officials that use a city credit card, the sheriff who has a monthly limit of $5,000, and the marshal who has a monthly limit of $20,000.

Commissioners decided to give the mayor a monthly limit of $15,000 with no daily limit and if any other elected official decides to use a city credit card, their limit will also be $15,000.

“It better reflects our budget in that oftentimes the mayor has to make either travel plans or plans to receive guests,” said Johnson. “Sometimes at the very last moment, we shouldn’t have the hurdles of calling authorizers to approve us with having the ability to entertain guests, having approvals to travel as we need.”

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Commissioners also approved the audit of the Parks and Recreation Department.

Commissioner Sean Frantom says they are close to hiring a permanent director and in order to set that individual up for success, they needed to go ahead and audit the department.

This now goes to the full commission for a vote on Tuesday.

Voting in Augusta

Also discussed at the meeting, Augusta’s newly-hired City Administrator, Tamekaa Allen highlighted her plans for the first 180 days in her role.

That involves identifying organization goals, formulating an action agenda and tackling the city’s priorities.

Allen says a “long-range strategic approach” is the key to holding everyone accountable for their performance, as well as clear and honest communication.

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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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Augusta, GA

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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