Augusta, GA
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.
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.
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.

“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.”
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.
Copyright 2024 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
Augusta, GA
25-year-old woman killed in shooting on Cameron Drive
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – One person has died after a shooting on Cameron Drive in Augusta early Friday morning.
The Richmond County Coroner’s Office has identified the victim as 25-year-old Khyla Rodriguez, of Augusta.
Richmond County deputies responded to the 3600 block of Cameron Drive around 1:11 a.m. for a suspicious situation.
While on scene, deputies spoke to the complainant who stated they got a call form an unknown person saying their friend was dead at the incident location.
Deputies then searched the area, where they found Rodriguez on the ground unresponsive with several gun shot wounds to the stomach area.
The coroner’s office says Rodriguez was pronounced dead at 2:27 a.m. An autopsy has been scheduled.
As of 4:15 a.m., at least one deputy and crime scene crews were still on scene.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
Augusta, GA
Four indicted in Augusta on federal drug trafficking charges
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) – Four individuals from Augusta have been indicted by a federal Grand Jury on federal drug trafficking charges, the U.S. Department of Justice’s Southern District of Georgia announced Thursday.
The following individuals were indicted:
(Indictments contain charges, and defendants are considered innocent until proven guilty.)
- Tyriquez McFadden, 39, and Nichael Lessey, 44, both of Augusta, charged in a five-count indictment with Possession with Intent to Distribute 400 Grams or More of Fentanyl; Possession with Intent to Distribute 28 Grams or More of Crack Cocaine; Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine; Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime; and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon


- Roman Kelly, 51, of Augusta, indicted for Possession with Intent to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine; Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin; and Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine.
These charges carry statutory penalties up to life in prison, substantial financial penalties and a period of supervised release upon completion of any prison term.
Augusta, GA
South Georgia wildfires 90% contained, but hot spots still a concern
Drought-fueled wildfires burn across Georgia, Florida
Wildfires in Georgia and Florida have forced evacuations, road closures and burn bans as the drought-fueled fires burn thousands of acres.
Two large wildfires burning in south Georgia were now 90% contained, as of Wednesday, after consuming about 54,000 acres, according to the Georgia Forestry Commission.
The Pineland Road Fire has burned 32,575 acres. The Highway 82 Fire has burned 22,420 acres.
However, fuel conditions remain extremely dry, officials said. Containment continues to improve on both fires, but crews remain actively engaged in patrol, suppression, and mop-up operations.
Seth Hawkins, urban and community forestry program coordinator for the Georgia Forestry Commission, worked on the Highway 82 Fire in Brantley County, which is still about 22,000 acres. Suppression costs are estimated to exceed $18.3 million.
“The rain put out the active flame on that fire,” Hawkins said. “However, there’s still that deep layer, that organic material, burning, and hot spots can still flare up as soon as humidity drops.”
Hawkins said 166 people are still working hot spots on the Highway 82 fire, setting up sprinkler systems where needed.
As of May 12, the State Forester burn ban has been lifted, but the Environmental Protection Division’s summer burn ban remains in place. Many counties may still have local ordinances. Georgia residents are encouraged to check with their county before burning.
The state remains in an extreme drought.
“It’s just unique down there because of all that organic fuel,” Hawkins said. “And when it dries out, it’s very susceptible to ignition. It’s going to be a long, hot, dry summer. We’re telling folks to keep their guard up and be safe with campfires and debris burning.”
This reporting content is supported by a partnership with Journalism Funding Partners.
Erica Van Buren is the climate change reporter for The Augusta Chronicle, part of the USA TODAY Network. Connect with her at EVanBuren@usatodayco.com or on X: @EricaVanBuren32.
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