Augusta, GA

Augusta community in shambles after Hurricane Helene

Published

1 year ago

October 1, 2024

Augusta community in shambles after Hurricane Helene

‘This storm literally spared no one’: Kemp in Augusta

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp surveyed Hurricane Helene’s damage across Augusta, vowing to get everything cleaned up for residents.

AUGUSTA, Ga. – From the air, the view of Hurricane Helene’s toll in Augusta is staggering. Neighborhoods were left in disarray from the storm’s strong winds, which toppled trees and knocked down power lines.

“That’s my house, I lived here for my daughter’s entire life,” said Crystal Watson, who has lived in the home for about a decade.

As Hurricane Helene tore through, four trees came crashing down, narrowly missing two bedrooms where people were sleeping.

“Just looking at my house, I just feel thankful because we’re all okay,” Watson said. “We’re all okay. We’re able to stay here. We’re able to sleep here at night and I know that it’s probably a lot worse for other people.”

Around the area, damage can be found everywhere; on Monday morning, Governor Brian Kemp got a bird’s-eye view.

“This hurricane looks as if a 250-mile-wide tornado has hit,” he said.

SEE ALSO: Death toll rises to 25 in Georgia, Biden asked to approve disaster declaration

Augusta continues to assess damage and clean up days after Helene on Sept. 30, 2024. (FOX 5)

Gov. Kemp says the death toll in Georgia stands at 25, including a 27-year-old mother and her one-month-old twin boys who died when a tree fell onto their mobile home just west of Augusta.

Kemp says he is working with federal partners to get help where it is needed.

“This storm literally spared no one,” he said.

The governor stated that at the height of the storm, 1.3 million people were in the dark; however, in the days since, hundreds of thousands have had their power restored. For Georgia Power service areas alone, company officials say more than 7,000 power poles had to be repaired or replaced, more than 700 miles of new wires had to be strung, more than 1,200 new transformers installed, and more than 3,000 trees had to be removed from lines.

For the Watson family, recovery will take some time, but they have insurance. They said their community has really come together during this difficult time.

“We’ve become really close with our neighbors of ten years because of this. It sucks that it takes that kind of disaster to make it happen,” Watson said. “I am glad that communities are helping each other out, and we still have some good humanity left out there.”

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Augusta, GA

Aerospace program milestone reached at Thompson Farm in Augusta

Published

10 hours ago

December 13, 2025

Press Room

Aerospace program milestone reached at Thompson Farm in Augusta

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Students at Richmond County Technical Magnet School achieved a milestone by launching their 500th non-kit rocket.

Students launched rockets at Thompson Farm in Augusta. The launch is part of the school’s aerospace program that has been part of their STEM curriculum since 2014.

The Augusta Fire Department collaborated with the group for the launch.

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Augusta, GA

Savannah woman attacked with acid, recovering at Augusta burn center

Published

22 hours ago

December 13, 2025

Press Room

Savannah woman attacked with acid, recovering at Augusta burn center

SAVANNAH, Ga. – A woman is recovering in Augusta after being attacked with acid earlier this week in Savannah.

Around 8:16 p.m. Wednesday, she was walking around Forsyth Park and a man hiding in the shadows near Whitaker Street suddenly came out and attacked her with an unknown chemical.

The liquid melted through her clothing and headphones.

The victim has been identified as Ashley Wasielewski, of Savannah, according to sources close to her family.

First responders located and treated the victim on scene before transferring her to a local hospital. Wasielewski has now been transferred to a regional burn center for advanced treatment. Sources close to the family said the burn center is in Augusta.

Sources close to the family said Wasielewski is stable after suffering second-degree burns.

Photos of the victim before and after an acid attack in Forsyth Park(N/A)

Savannah police say they don’t believe the attacker was known to the victim.

No arrests have been made, and the investigation is ongoing.

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Augusta, GA

Red Kettle Campaign short $100K of goal as it enters its final days

Published

1 day ago

December 12, 2025

Press Room

Red Kettle Campaign short 0K of goal as it enters its final days

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The Salvation Army of Augusta’s Red Kettle Campaign is working to close a $100,000 gap before Christmas Eve.

With just 11 days left in the 2025 Red Kettle Campaign, the Salvation Army of Augusta is urging the community to rally together.

The Red Kettle Campaign is the largest fundraiser of the year for The Salvation Army.

The campaign funds programs and services that support neighbors in need throughout the entire year.

Every penny donated through the Red Kettles stays in the Augusta area, ensuring local impact.

Proceeds from the campaign directly support the Center of Hope. In addition to providing a safe place to sleep, the Center of Hope operates a soup kitchen that serves approximately 200 meals every day.

In the past year, the Salvation Army has assisted more than 900 local residents through its rent and utility assistance program.

“The Red Kettle represents so much more than a simple donation—it represents hope for families right here in our community,” said Major Jonathan Raymer, Area Commander for The Salvation Army of Augusta.

“Every dollar dropped into the kettle helps provide shelter, meals, case management, and stability for our neighbors who need it most. With just days left in this campaign, we are asking the CSRA to show up in a big way.”

The Salvation Army of Augusta is encouraging community members to donate when they see a Red Kettle. For those who are cashless, donations can be made online at donateaugusta.org.

If you would like to volunteer for the Red Kettle Campaign, visit ringforhope.org.

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