Augusta, GA
“Definitely a little overwhelmed:” AU tries to get back to normal after Helene
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Cleanup is underway at Augusta University after heavy damage from Hurricane Helene.
Power is restored on campus and most of the debris is clear, but there is still caution tape up as crews clean up.
Dr. Keen says Helene left more than $5 million worth of damage.
AU leadership says although they’ve made strides with keeping the doors open, they still have a long recovery ahead.
“We can replace buildings, we can plant seeds for more trees, but we cannot replace the human beings that take part in our community,” says Russell Keen, Augusta University president.
It’s a reality Keen says they’re still trying to navigate after Helene left its mark, but he says clean-up isn’t the top issue right now.
“I think the most difficult part is, not necessarily the cleanup, it’s getting everyone else back on campus, focused and ready to go, which our faculty and staff and our students have done an amazing job,” says Keen.
Families express concerns as Richmond County kids return to classroom
Students say the transition has been mostly smooth, but it’s hard to ignore the last two weeks and what it has cost them.
“We actually had water coming through our doors,” says Riya Patel, senior at AU. “It wasn’t entirely too much, but it was enough to for us to be concerned.”
“Definitely a little overwhelmed,” says Tenbit Serbessa, a senior at AU. “You know, we didn’t have class for almost two weeks, so everything is, like, pushed until this weekend and next week.”
Students living on campus were moved to Gordon State College for refuge when power was out, and resources are still available for students like food and laundry services through the Salvation Army.
“It’s like good to see that everybody in the community stepped in to help one another out, especially the neighborhoods that were like severely impacted,” says Patel.
“I think they did the best that they could, given the circumstances,” says Serbessa.
Keen says fixing everything will be a long-term project, but he believes this will make the AU community stronger.
“The resilience that was demonstrated, and really the last couple of weeks of this institution, this community, speaks very loudly, and I’m very excited about what that might offer for our future,” says Keen.
AU leadership says they’re continuing to work with contractors to get everything cleaned up.
They’re continuing to focus on the well-being of students and faculty through hybrid classes and continuing community partnerships to fulfill their communities’ needs during this time.
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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