Augusta, GA
Augusta leaders provide update on Helene debris cleanup
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The city of Augusta says it’s nearing the completion of debris cleanup from Hurricane Helene.
The final phase began on January 21 in the northern and western portions of the county.
City officials say that, as of Tuesday, most of Districts 1, 2, 3, and 7 have been completed. Officials also say Districts 4, 5, 6 and 8 are expected to be complete during the week of March 17.
On February 28, the Georgia Department of Transportation completed debris pickup operations along state rights-of-way. City officials say GDOT will not pick up items on state routes going forward.
Residents are urged not to place any more debris on state rights-of-way.
The city says bush trimmings and vegetation are not considered storm debris and should be handled through regular garbage collection by bagging it appropriately.
City officials say they are also working to prevent and address illegal dumping.
If any Augusta resident believes their property was missed during the final collection pass, they should call 311 to report the issue. Each request will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis using available proof, including aerial data.
For updates and additional information, please visit www.augustaga.gov or call Augusta 311.
Copyright 2025 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The FBI confirms that it’s been at the Augusta-Richmond County Municipal Building this week.
The agency said special agents have been at the building “conducting law enforcement activities.”
The FBI isn’t saying what that law enforcement operation might be.
We do know, however, that the city has caught the federal government’s attention in recent weeks after more than $6 million in grant money wasn’t repaid in a timely manner after it wasn’t spent, as required by law.
The money was meant to fund COVID-era programs to help people in need avoid eviction.
However, when it wasn’t used, the federal government said it wanted the money back from the Housing and Community Development Department.
It was months before the city’s top brass learned of the problem, and ultimately the money was paid back from its funds.
But not before Housing and Community Development Director Hawthorne Welcher was suspended.
City officials also decided to conduct an audit of the department.
Copyright 2025 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene of the 2500 block of Lumpkin Road regarding a deadly shooting Wednesday evening.
The sheriff’s office located one male on the scene with at least one gunshot wound, who died after being transported to Wellstar MCG, according to Coroner Mark Bowen.
The coroner’s office identified the victim as 26-year-old Jaquavious Watkins.
Homicide investigators were on scene as of 8:43 p.m., and no further information was released, the sheriff’s office says.
Copyright 2025 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – We’re getting an update on Tuesday on debris cleanup efforts at the Augusta Canal.
Officials say they are still clearing trees from the canal.
Wes Byne from Augusta Utilities is asking you to avoid going into the canal while crews clean it up.
Byne says that while they’re not cleaning this weekend and they ask for you to stay clear of certain areas.
“We ask that everybody to steer clear of the pumping station, watch the trees that are leaning, enjoy the waterway, please stay off the canal and the embankment itself. It’s pretty dangerous in certain locations and I don’t want it heavily trafficked,” Byne explained. “For the weekend kayaking, canoeing in the water is good, please stay off the embankment, please stay off the towpath. It is open from Eisenhower South to Savannah Rapids Pavilion.”
Augusta Utilities says they’re working on finishing the design of the embankment repair.
Copyright 2025 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
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