Augusta, GA
Deputy Brandon R. Sikes Obituary April 26, 2025 – Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors
Evans, GA – Entered into rest on Saturday, April 26, 2025, Deputy Brandon Ray Sikes, 31, loving husband of Amber Sikes and father of Lyndsey Sikes. Deputy Sikes, a proud native of Augusta and a devoted member of the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, passed away in the line of duty, leaving behind a legacy of service, humility, and unwavering dedication.
From the beginning of his career, Deputy Sikes was driven by a heartfelt mission: to make his community a safer place for his beloved wife and daughter. His work within the Special Operations Division was marked by meticulous care, steadfast commitment, and a quiet strength that resonated with all who served alongside him.
Before his law enforcement career, Deputy Sikes honorably served his country as a United States Army combat medic. His experiences shaped his deep compassion, sense of duty, and readiness to stand in harm’s way for others — traits that continued to define his life and service.
In his rare moments of rest, Deputy Sikes found peace in the outdoors, especially enjoying the calm and challenge of fishing. Friends and colleagues knew him as a genuine, methodical professional who never sought recognition but consistently rose to every occasion with courage and grace. His selflessness was not a trait he wore for show; it was the quiet force that moved him to serve at every opportunity, regardless of the personal cost.
Deputy Sikes embodied the very best of community service and personal sacrifice. Though he never sought the spotlight, his impact on those around him will be felt for generations. His memory will live on — in the community he made safer, in the lives he touched, and in the family and friends who will forever be proud of the man he was.
In addition to his wife and daughter, Deputy Sikes is survived by his parents: Donald Sikes and Sieglinde DeChant; brothers Thomas DeChant (Letitia),Gunter Neubach, and Frank Kruse; nieces and nephew; Doriana Serrano (Sean), Selena Fereday (Grant) and son Truitt, Lisa Serrano, Braden DeChant (Marissa), Gabrielle DeChant; childhood friend Robert Price; canine companions: Bella and Phoebe; and other loving family members.
The funeral service will be held Monday, May 5, 2025 at 12 Noon at the Columbia County Performing Arts Center with Rev. John Kenney officiating.Memorial contributions may be made to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.
Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors, 214 Davis Rd., Augusta, GA 30907 (706) 364-8484.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) – Golden Harvest Food Bank is partnering with local legal organizations for the 15th Annual Georgia Food Frenzy.
The fundraising competition is held in partnership with Feeding Georgia, the Office of the Georgia Attorney General, the State Bar of Georgia, and the Young Lawyers Division of the State Bar of Georgia.
The two-week competition runs from April 20th through May 1st, and every dollar raised stays local, supporting Golden Harvest’s work across the state of Georgia.
Groups can register at www.galegalfoodfrenzy.org/sign-up, and registration will remain open throughout the competition.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Georgia gubernatorial candidate Geoff Duncan campaigned in Augusta ahead of Election Day, making stops at two churches and meeting with local faith leaders.
The former lieutenant governor visited Good Hope Baptist Church on Cedar Street, where he spoke with the Greater Augusta Interfaith Coalition’s “Music to the Polls” group.
Duncan told us that, if elected governor, he wants to expand Medicaid, pass what he called “common-sense gun legislation,” and create more economic opportunities statewide. He also pointed to affordability concerns impacting families and businesses.
“I want to take $1.7 billion of our state’s fund and wrap it around the axle of poverty,” Duncan said, adding that he wants to lower child care costs and improve temporary assistance programs.
Duncan also stopped at Miles Memorial Church on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
NJ apartment dwellers, renters have these options for help with rent
State and local officials say several programs are designed to help low and moderate-income households stay housed in the face of financial distress.
As rent prices continue to strain budgets, a new study is highlighting where Georgians can save the most by splitting housing costs.
According to a report from SmartAsset, some cities in Georgia offer major savings for renters who choose to live with a roommate.
Here’s what to know.
Where can you save the most in Georgia?
The study ranks Augusta as the top city in Georgia for roommate savings, and No. 6 in the country.
Renters there can save about 45% on monthly rent, or roughly $450 per month, by sharing an apartment.
Here’s how the costs compare in Augusta:
- One-bedroom rent: $1,000
- Two-bedroom rent: $1,100
- Estimated monthly savings with a roommate: $450
Why are roommate savings so high?
With rent prices rising, splitting costs has become one of the easiest ways to cut monthly expenses.
The study shows that sharing rent can significantly reduce housing costs, especially in cities where prices have climbed in recent years.
How does Georgia compare to the rest of the country?
Here’s the top 10 cities in the US for saving with a roomate:
- Cleveland, OH
- Baton Rouge, LA
- Jersey City, NJ
- Memphis, TN
- Boise, ID
- Augusta, GA
- New Haven, CT
- Chattanooga, TN
- Virginia Beach, VA
- Shreveport, LA
Methodology
The study analyzed 100 U.S. cities using rental data from March 2025 to March 2026 from Zumper, comparing one-bedroom rents to half the cost of two-bedroom apartments to estimate savings from sharing with a roommate.
For more information, visit smartasset.com/data-studies/roommate-savings-2026.
Vanessa Johns is the Trending Topics Reporter for the Deep South Connect Team Georgia. Email her at Vcountryman@gannett.com.
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