Augusta, GA

Augusta Prep honors Deputy Sikes, the one who was always smiling

Published

8 months ago

May 4, 2025

Augusta Prep honors Deputy Sikes, the one who was always smiling

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – As friends, family and our community prepare for the funeral of fallen Columbia County Deputy Brandon Sikes, Augusta Prep students are finding more ways to honor the one who was always seen going the extra mile.

Deputy Sikes’s bond with Augusta Prep students ran deep. Sikes was a deputy at the school since 2023, and his absence has left a strong impact on the students and staff.

The headmaster tells us you never saw him without a smile, and his approachability made students feel safe.

Even though students spent Wednesday wearing blue in his honor, they wanted more, leading students outside Friday to the teardrop area.

With the American flag flying at half staff, upper school chorus and third-grade students stood behind Deputy Sikes’ memorial, singing a Latin song in his honor.

A simple gesture, Headmaster Eric Hedinger says, brings so much peace to a place that means a lot to both Deputy Sikes and the students.

“Being outside mattered,” said Hedinger. “He loved being outside. He would walk through campus and often be seen with his smile and so it was important again to be outside together and we sang a song in the celebration of life and that really lifted our spirits and then the officers actually, the sheriff’s department officers who are part of our rotation, some of them showed up. It was a moment of just coming together and giving comfort to one another.”

Hedinger says Deputy Sikes made Augusta Prep a better place.

“There’s also a part of reflecting on the legacy of Officer Sikes and what he brought to our community,” said Hedinger. “A kind heart under the shield of being a sheriff, the care of kids, and the approachability you know, I think our students understand that law enforcement are approachable and they’re not an intimidating shield, but they’re ones who care about you and he helped to exemplify that and be a part of our community and that’s the bright side that I think is a takeaway for our kids.”

And their goal is to continue finding ways to share his joy for years to come.

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Augusta, GA

Georgia Lt. Gov candidate Rep. David Clark visits Augusta

Published

8 hours ago

January 11, 2026

Press Room

Georgia Lt. Gov candidate Rep. David Clark visits Augusta

Georgia Lt. Gov candidate state Rep. David Clark made a stop in Augusta Saturday. He says that some of his priorities if he wins include expanding school choice, eliminating the state income and property taxes, and reaching out to younger voters.

Clark is also an Army veteran, who served overseas. He hopes to represent all Georgians.

“Before politics and parties we’re Americans, we’re Georgians. That’s the biggest thing. People want someone who stands up and listens to people,” said Clark.

“I’m not saying we’re always going to agree, but in the end—we’re the American family, we’re the Georgian family.”

The Georgia primary will take place on May 19th, and the general election will be on November 3rd.

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Augusta, GA

Car enthusiasts meet to talk rides and drink coffee

Published

20 hours ago

January 10, 2026

Press Room

Car enthusiasts meet to talk rides and drink coffee

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Car enthusiasts met Saturday morning at the Augusta Richmond County Judicial Building to show off their cars and meet others.

It was also an opportunity for these people to network with others.

One of the group leaders spoke about the event.

“So we like to be a community-oriented club. We give back to charities with the money that we make off the car shows. So we just like to come hang out and just look at other cars, and talk to other car enthusiasts,” said Mike Anchor, CSRA Mustang and Ford Club.

There are get-togethers like this every month.

They’re normally the first Saturday of the month and start at 9 a.m.

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Augusta, GA

Structure fire blocks multiple lanes on Peach Orchard Road

Published

1 day ago

January 10, 2026

Press Room

Structure fire blocks multiple lanes on Peach Orchard Road

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office and Augusta Fire Department responded to a structure fire early Saturday morning in the 3600 block of Peach Orchard Road.