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Augusta, GA

Crews continue work on Augusta Canal due to Helene damage

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Crews continue work on Augusta Canal due to Helene damage


AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Crews are continuing to clear away tons of debris from the Augusta Canal.

The towpath is still closed to the frustration of many, but that just goes to show you how much damage the storm caused.

It could be May at the earliest before the towpath opens.

About a hundred trees fell into the canal. In some areas, workers are dealing with cracked embankments, which is a safety issue for someone walking beyond these gates.

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It’s a place for peace and beauty.

“I always call it one of Augusta’s little gems,” said Jedidiah Ballad, who visits the canal.

John Purvis, who also visits the canal, said: “It’s one of the most scenic places in Augusta. To me, it’s on the river here.”

The canal took a beating from Hurricane Helene.

“For me, it was no problem. It’s like basically the same scene. There are fewer trees down there now, but it’s not a big deal,” said Purvis.

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And that’s why a stretch of the canal is closed.

“We’re going to be rolling heavy machinery in January up and down the entire four-and-a-half-mile stretch,” said Augusta Utilities Director Wes Byne.

That’s phase one. In the next phase, they’ll drain the canal.

Halifax North damage after Hurricane Helene.

“We don’t want to do it. We recognize that it’s heavy watering season and everybody’s getting ready for the tournament. And everybody’s obviously got to have grass in their yards. So, we know there’s going to be a high water demand, but we’ve got to do it in order to restore the embankment, the embankment and the banks along the canal,” said Byne.

Byne says all together the cost could total up to $10 million, but that’s what it takes to restore the canal back to its original purpose.

Purvis said: “Well, you know, I enjoy walking that way. I’ll be glad when they have it open again. But no, it’s not. It’s not causing me any stress. Still very, very beautiful, probably will be for another 500 years.”

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Byne says they are working with FEMA to see what’s eligible for reimbursement.

He says only a portion of the estimated $10 million to fix the canal is reimbursable.

He did want to remind folks that the canal is open from downtown to Lake Olmstead to the pumping station.

He says the gates are up for a reason. It’s for your own safety.

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Augusta, GA

Demolition makes James Brown Arena look like it’s melting

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Demolition makes James Brown Arena look like it’s melting


AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Work continues on the demolition of the James Brown Arena.

On Thursday, we sent a drone up to take a look.

With the roof now caved in, the mammoth building looks like it’s melting.

Demolition has been happening for a few months, but it’s only recently started to be visible from the outside.

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Once the old building comes down, a new James Brown Arena will be built from the bottom up – thanks to a half-penny sales tax approved by voters.

Demolition is expected to be complete by the end of February.

Augusta Helene debris

If everything remains on schedule and within budget like it is now, leaders are expecting the new James Brown Arena to open its doors in 2027.



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Augusta, GA

Real or fake Christmas tree? Ga., S.C. differ in preference

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Real or fake Christmas tree? Ga., S.C. differ in preference


AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – A new report is shedding light on the age-old “fake vs. real” Christmas tree debate.

According to the analysis from Online-Casinos.com, more American states prefer real trees over fake ones.

Interestingly, Georgia and South Carolina apparently have a difference of opinion. A survey of residents found that people who live in Georgia prefer artificial trees, while their counterparts in South Carolina want the real thing.

Real or Fake Christmas tree? Ga., S.C. differ in preference
Real or Fake Christmas tree? Ga., S.C. differ in preference(Contributed)

Surveys from each state found that 32 favor real trees, while the other 18 are more likely to want artificial ones.

Looking at the map, the majority of the states who prefer fake trees are located south of the Mason-Dixon line, and nearly all of the southeast. Judging by the report, South Carolina and Tennessee appear to be the southeastern outliers.

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States in the northeast almost entirely favor real trees, with Delaware the odd one out.

Toys for Tots Augusta

The report concluded that most of the states that opt for real trees are ones with long histories of farming and an emphasis on natural beauty. Climate and geography also appear to play a role.

Environmental impacts: real vs. fake

For eco-conscious consumers, the debate often boils down to environmental considerations. Both real and artificial trees have their pros and cons:

Real tree pros:

  • Renewable and biodegradable
  • Support local agriculture
  • Absorb carbon dioxide while growing

Real tree cons:

  • Require transportation (if not locally sourced)
  • Disposal can contribute to landfill waste if not recycled

Artificial tree pros:

  • Reusable for many years
  • No need for annual purchase
  • Low maintenance

Artificial tree cons:

  • Made from non-renewable materials
  • Energy-intensive production
  • Difficult to recycle at end of life
The price at the pump in the city of Atlanta soared to $4 a gallon at several filling stations...

Tips for choosing the perfect tree

Whether you lean toward real or fake, finding the right tree for your household boils down to your holiday schedule, budget, and priorities. Here are some tips to help make your decision:

  • Consider your space: Live in a small apartment? A compact artificial tree might be your best bet. Have a spacious living room? Go for that towering real tree.
  • Think about maintenance: If you dread vacuuming up pine needles or watering a tree daily, an artificial option might be more your style.
  • Support local farmers: If you go for a real tree, try to buy from a nearby tree farm. This supports local economies and reduces the carbon footprint of transportation.
  • Extend the life of your tree: For real trees, proper care (like watering and avoiding direct heat sources) can extend their lifespan. For artificial trees, careful storage ensures they last for years to come.

If you’re still on the fence, consider this fun fact: the carbon footprint of a real tree is generally smaller than that of an artificial tree, unless the fake tree is reused for at least 8-10 years



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Augusta, GA

Ga. DNR hosts annual fish, wildlife conference after Helene delay

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Ga. DNR hosts annual fish, wildlife conference after Helene delay


AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – After being postponed due to Hurricane Helene, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources hosted the 78th annual Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Conference on Wednesday.

The fish and wildlife agencies cover 15 states and two territories with more than 600 hundred people attending the conference.

Georgia DNR has been on the ground assisting with the recovery from Hurricane Helene as well.

“Hurricane Helene was an unprecedented storm for Georgia. DNR was starting and preparing for the storm before it made landfall, following the storm, deploying people in all. We touched about 25 counties in Georgia and deployed 335 personnel that were involved. To this day, we are helping clean debris from roads and offering critical assistance with supplies,” said Trevor Santos, deputy commissioner for Georgia DNR.

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During the meeting, they also discussed a new initiative, “Outdoors Beyond Barriers”

It is focused on removing barriers for people looking to get outdoors and dealing with issues including mobility issues, living in more urban areas or those who just have not been able to experience the outdoor areas in Georgia.



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