Augusta, GA

Augusta leaders discuss progress on city cemetery clean-up

Published

1 year ago

March 14, 2025

Augusta leaders discuss progress on city cemetery clean-up

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – In December, we told you that the city-owned Augusta cemeteries were locked, and fam ilies have not been able to visit their loved ones.

Now, two months later and five months after Hurricane Helene, leaders spoke at a forum to discuss an audit of the parks and recreation department and progress on restoring the cemeteries.

Augusta Mayor Garnett Johnson and new parks and recreation leader Tameka Williams gave updates.

Williams said she visited the Cedar Grove, West View and Magnolia cemeteries that the city owns.

She said the debris had been removed, but areas deemed unsafe are still blocked off.

Williams also offered a new time frame when the cemeteries may reopen.

“We are looking to within the next couple of weeks,” said Williams. “Our biggest work was getting the debris removed once we hit one cemetery, then we moved to another, and we finished with Magnolia Cemetery.”

Williams said staff would be on site to help people when the cemeteries reopen.

Johnson gave his thoughts on the cleanup as well.

“Most of the roads are clear, a lot of the debris have been removed, it’s the spring time of year and everyone wants to go visit their loved ones,” said Johnson. “Our ceemteries were severely damaged as a result of the hurricane and we’ve asked that they just give us some patience as our primary focus was cleaning up our cities.”

Regarding the audit for the parks and recreation department, leaders gave an update saying they will have to choose a new firm to perform a new audit no later than April 15.

We will keep you updated on that process.

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Augusta, GA

Augusta mayoral candidates outline priorities during debate

Published

2 hours ago

March 30, 2026

Press Room

Augusta mayoral candidates outline priorities during debate

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Broadway Baptist Church hosted a debate Monday featuring the three candidates seeking to become Augusta’s next mayor.

Candidates Lori Myles, Steven Kendrick and Eric Gaines shared their goals and visions for the city as they campaigned for voters’ support ahead of the upcoming election.

“We need to focus on what the community needs. We’ve got to start being practical in Augusta-Richmond County,” Gaines said.

“I want to create better relationships with both our state and federal officials, so that our city can learn how to bring some of the dollars we need home. I hope I was able to provide enough information for people to choose me as the person to lead the city,” Kendrick said.

“I want them to go out and touch the masses and show that there is a new paradigm shift coming to Augusta. All of us are invested,” Dr. Myles said.

The primary election is scheduled for May 19. In addition to the mayoral race, voters will also decide several other contests, including five Augusta Commission seats.

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Augusta, GA

Augusta Fire to showcase progress on new Fire Station #3 construction

Published

15 hours ago

March 30, 2026

Press Room

Augusta Fire to showcase progress on new Fire Station #3 construction

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Augusta Fire is showcasing progress on its new Fire Station #3 construction site Monday with a public tour of the facility.

The tour is scheduled from 11 a.m. to noon at the construction site at 2075 Powell Road.

The approximately 12,500-square-foot facility will feature three apparatus bays, modern living quarters, administrative space and support areas designed to enhance firefighter readiness and emergency response.

“The progress we’ve made on this fire station reflects our commitment to public safety and community resilience,” said Fire Chief Antonio Burden. “We’re proud of what this station represents for our community: enhanced protection, improved readiness and continued investment in the future.”

Johnson Laschober Associates designed the station. Spratlin Construction is building it in coordination with the Augusta government and the Augusta Fire Department leadership.

Representatives from Spratlin Construction will also be on-site to provide project updates.

The only entrance to the site is on Powell Road. Parking is not permitted on the construction site. Visitors should park along Powell Road and follow all posted safety guidance.

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Augusta, GA

Local group holds 4th annual walk against autism

Published

1 day ago

March 29, 2026

Press Room

Local group holds 4th annual walk against autism

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – April is Autism Awareness Month, and one local group raised awareness with a walk in Augusta on Sunday.

The fourth annual autism walk was hosted by Moving Over Mountains Against autism at Lake Olmstead Park.

All proceeds from the walk support autism awareness initiatives.

We spoke with the CEO and founder of the group, Deidre Roberson, who said this year they are dedicating the walk to their photographer, who died recently.

Roberson told us what she looks forward to the most.

“I look most forward to seeing the different people every year. We always meet different people, new people, and they come from all over the CSRA, so Washington, Wilkes, Carolina,” she said.

There were also several vendors providing resources to families.

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