AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The Salvation Army of Augusta is calling on the community to help make sure no child is left without Christmas joy through its Forgotten Angels initiative.

Forgotten Angel tags, now available at all participating Angel Tree locations, list the most-needed toys, clothing and essentials to ensure every registered child receives items appropriate for their age and needs.

The Salvation Army says the need is urgent for older children, who are often the last to be adopted and the first to be overlooked when gifts are not returned.

HOW TO HELP:

• Visit an Angel Tree location and select a Forgotten Angel tag
• Purchase any of the items listed
• Return gifts to the Kroc Center, 1833 Broad Street, by the deadline listed on the tag
• shop directly from the Walmart Registry, which ships straight to the Salvation Army of Augusta 

Forgotten Angel tags include suggested items such as coats, hats and gloves, art supplies, science kits, sports equipment, teen-friendly gifts and more.

All donated gifts will support local children through The Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program, which provides Christmas assistance to families facing financial hardship.

“Every child we serve deserves to feel seen and cared for on Christmas morning,” said Major Jonathan Raymer, Area Commander for The Salvation Army of Augusta.

“When community members pick up a Forgotten Angel tag, they help us bridge the gap for families who are counting on us. It is one of the most meaningful ways to share hope during the holiday season.”

Angel Tree and Forgotten Angel tags can be found at locations throughout the Augusta Area. A full list of participating sites is available at SalvationArmyAugusta.org.

The deadline for all Angel Tree and Forgotten Angel tags is Tuesday.

Copyright 2025 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – A shooting in Richmond County left one male victim dead Sunday evening, according to officials.

The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office responded to the 3400 block of Lucie Street at 6:45 p.m., where they found one male victim with an apparent gunshot wound, officials say.

The victim, identified as John Bennett, 60, was pronounced dead on the scene at 7:37 p.m., according to the Richmond County Coroner’s Office.

A criminal investigation immediately began, which resulted in issuing warrants on Kenneth Murray Jr, a 40-year-old male of the same address, who had fled the scene, authorities say.

Within three hours, deputies Murray and took him into custody without incident at 9:56 p.m. in the 2200 block of Rosier Road.

Richmond County Sheriff Eugene Brantley provided a statement: “Violence in any form is tragic but violence within families and between people who live together is especially heartbreaking. Too often these situations begin with anger frustration or unresolved conflict that continues to build until it reaches a point of no return.”

Brantley encourages anyone who is struggling or feels a situation is escalating to reach out for help before it leads to irreversible consequences.

The investigation is ongoing.

Copyright 2025 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.

AUGUSTA, Ga. – Augusta men’s basketball turned in a balanced offensive effort and steady defensive performance to earn an 84-55 Peach Belt Conference win over Georgia Southwestern on Saturday evening at Christenberry Fieldhouse. The Jaguars move to 6-5 overall and 2-0 in league play, while the Hurricanes fall to 6-2 on the season and 1-1 in the PBC.

Augusta shot 50.8 percent (32-for-63) from the field, 45.5 percent (10-for-22) from three-point range, and 71.4 percent (10-for-14) at the free throw line. Georgia Southwestern finished 34.7 percent (17-for-49) from the floor, 30.4 percent (7-for-23) from beyond the arc, and 63.6 percent (14-for-22) at the line.

The Jaguars used an efficient first half to build early separation, going 57.7 percent from the field and 71.4 percent (5-for-7) from three to take a 41-21 lead into the break. Augusta continued to control the tempo in the second half, outscoring the Hurricanes 43-34 and never allowing the margin to fall back into single digits.

Luis Nonfon led four Jaguars in double figures with a game-high 19 points on 8-for-14 shooting, adding eight rebounds, one assist, and one block in 31 minutes. Matias Zanotto followed with 16 points, including 3-for-5 from beyond the arc, and chipped in six rebounds and three assists.

Off the bench, Tobias Prall added 14 points on 5-for-10 shooting and 4-for-7 from three-point range, while Camryn Pacheco supplied five points, one assist, and one steal. Rodney Scott turned in an efficient line of eight points on 4-for-4 shooting with three rebounds and three assists. Charlie McBeath finished with six points, five rebounds, and three assists, and Elías Pálsson added seven points and one assist.

Augusta held a 38-30 advantage on the glass and converted 16 second-chance points compared to 10 for Georgia Southwestern. The Jaguars also owned a 38-20 edge in points in the paint, a 15-8 margin in fast-break points, and outscored the Hurricanes 28-12 in bench points. Augusta forced 10 Georgia Southwestern turnovers and turned them into 12 points on the other end.

Georgia Southwestern was led by Amir Reaves with 17 points and three rebounds. Markel Freeman added 15 points, including three three-pointers, while JR Jacobs chipped in seven points.

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