Augusta, GA

Helene damage removal continues in the Augusta Canal

Published

3 months ago

January 15, 2026

Helene damage removal continues in the Augusta Canal

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) – Dudley Stulb has been walking the canal trail for years, but he’s never seen it look this.

“No, had no idea two big trees there and others down, down the ways towards the pumping station, so that’s going to be difficult to get out,” he said.

But that’s the plan for the Utilities Department.

The canal has been drained, allowing access to several trees knocked into the waterway by Hurricane Helene.

Heavy equipment is now on site to grab and cut the the trees.

“I think everybody in town has seen these big green big track-hoe machines, they’ll grab that, work it to a more manageable size and then haul that off,” said Chad Hendrix Assistant Director of the Utilities Department.

It’s expected to take two to three weeks to remove trees.

They need to come out because the canal provides 65 percent of the city’s drinking water.

“We know we pull a lot of water out of the canal there at the Raw Water Pump Station, so obviously any of that clog up those intakes, that’s our raw water,” said Hendrix.

This is just the first phase of what will be a $32 million-dollar repair job on the canal.

This year, the city is raising water rates six and a half percent. Repairing Helene damage is not the only reason for it, but a big part it.

“There’s no question Helene cause a lot of things to be exposed, a lot of things that had to be repaired. We have a lot of big plants, an industrial base we have to provide treatment and water supply to all of these entities,” said Utility Department Director Wes Byne.

After being closed for more than a year, this section of the canal path just reopened last month. However, officials say they don’t plan to close it again while the tree removal is underway.

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Augusta, GA

What is the cheapest city in Georgia to live with a roomate?

Published

9 hours ago

April 19, 2026

Press Room

What is the cheapest city in Georgia to live with a roomate?

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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Augusta, GA

Augusta nonprofit hosts family financial literacy day

Published

21 hours ago

April 19, 2026

Press Room

Augusta nonprofit hosts family financial literacy day

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Families had the chance to sharpen their money skills at a financial literacy event hosted by local nonprofit Crown Her Mentoring at the Bernie Ward Community Center.

The free event offered resources for all ages, from kids learning the basics to adults planning for their financial future.

Attendees could sit in sessions about budgeting, credit, opening banking accounts and insurance options.

Organizers said the event was designed to make financial education accessible during Financial Literacy Month.

“People need to understand the importance of a checking account, a savings account—how to manage your money. How to invest your money. People need to learn about life insurance,” said Torrecka Davis, organizer.

Crown Her Mentoring will host a mental health awareness event on May 23. Open enrollment for new mentees will begin on May 10.

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Augusta, GA

Lane Bryant to close Augusta Mall store this weekend

Published

1 day ago

April 18, 2026

Press Room

Lane Bryant to close Augusta Mall store this weekend

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Shoppers in Augusta will soon lose a longtime retail option, as Lane Bryant’s store inside Augusta Mall is set to close for good this weekend.

Employees at Lane Bryant inside Augusta Mall confirmed that the store will permanently close starting Sunday, April 19.

After the closure, the nearest Lane Bryant location for customers will be in Lexington.

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