Augusta, GA
Helene spawns curfews in Augusta, elsewhere across CSRA
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Augusta joined other local communities in ordering a curfew as the city grapples with hazards from a direct hit by Category 1 Hurricane Helene early Friday.
Augusta Mayor Garnett Johnson declared a state of emergency Friday after the storm swept through the CSRA as a Category 1 storm, knocking down trees, tossing power lines and debris across roads and causing widespread flood flooding.
Augusta announced the curfew at 9:59 p.m. Friday – and it began one minute later at 10.
All bars and places of amusement must close at 10 p.m. and remain closed through 6 a.m. Saturday, the order states.
Beginning Saturday, there will be a curfew enforced by Richmond County Sheriff’s Office from 7 p.m. through 7 a.m. until further notice.
It came after the mayor and other local officials on Friday urged people to stay at home because roads and some other public areas aren’t safe, with storm debris, trees and power lines blocking thoroughfares or teetering on the brink of falling.
Columbia County imposed a curfew from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m.
“This decision comes as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety and well-being of our community during ongoing efforts to remove debris, downed trees, and downed powerlines with community partners from the major thoroughfares throughout the county,” the Columbia County government said in a statement.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
Under an emergency declaration, Aiken County Sheriff Michael Hunt instituted a curfew for Aiken County from 7:30 p.m. to 7:30 a.m. Essential workers for local businesses and services and responders will be exempt from this curfew.
“This act is being used as a deterrence for anyone who would want to take advantage of our citizens who have been greatly impacted by the storm,” Hunt said. Violators and looters will be arrested, he said.
There’s also a curfew in Saluda County from 6:30 p.m. Friday until 8 a.m. on Saturday. That’s because there are so many highways and secondary roads with downed trees and power lines.
Jefferson County had a curfew overnight Thursday, expiring at noon Friday.
Although it stopped short of a curfew, the Burke County Sheriff’s Office issued an advisory for everyone to avoid leaving their homes for any reason.
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Helene came ashore overnight in the Big Bend of Florida as a Category 4 storm, then cut a path due north through Georgia.
It was expected to veer westward toward Atlanta but instead headed straight for Augusta, which got a direct hit.
The CSRA felt the worst of the storm between 4 and 6 a.m.
Copyright 2024 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
Augusta, GA
One killed after shooting on Winesap Way in Augusta
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – One man died Wednesday evening at a hospital after a shooting on Winesap Way, according to the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office.
Officials said deputies located a male victim with a gunshot wound about 7:30 p.m. on the 3400 block of Winesap Way.
The victim was transported to Wellstar Medical Center, where he died, the agency said.
Violent crime investigators and crime scene technicians were on the scene until around 10:30 p.m.
Our News 12 crew reported a large number of sheriff’s deputies, K-9 units and drones on the scene.
At the home, investigators focused on a damaged vehicle in the yard.
The car, which had damage and debris across it, was photographed by investigators.
The tow truck arrived about 10:20 p.m. to remove the vehicle from the property, but the exact connection between the vehicle and the shooting remains unknown.
The home itself also showed damage to its side wall, according to our News 12 crew.
Neighbors say this is a quiet neighborhood where the most interesting thing that usually happens is speeding.
The name of the victim is being withheld pending notification of the victim’s family by the Richmond County Coroner’s Office.
Coroner Mark Bowen says an autopsy has been scheduled.
Authorities have not released information about possible suspects.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division at 706-821-1020. Callers can remain anonymous.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
Augusta, GA
Sheriff to hold news conference on deputy’s shooting of suspect
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Richmond County Sheriff Eugune Brantley is holding a press conference at 4 p.m. Wednesday regarding the officer-involved shooting from Tuesday night.
Deputies say they responded to the 4300 block of Peach Orchard Road just before 11:30 p.m. Tuesday for a domestic dispute.
While on scene, deputies made contact with a man who had a firearm and pointed the weapon at deputies.
Another deputy discharged their service weapon, striking the man at least one time, according to the sheriff’s office.
The suspect was transported to Wellstar Medical Center for medical treatment.
The Columbia County Regional Use of Force Investigation Team responded to the scene. The team is now investigating the incident.
This is the second officer-involved shooting in Richmond County this year.
On Jan. 30, deputies respond to the 200 block of Telfair Street after 911 calls reported several individuals were involved in a fight. While on scene, deputies shot Joshua Derrelle Mormant, 28, of Augusta, after they were fired upon when arriving to the scene.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
Augusta, GA
Plans move forward for student housing near Augusta University’s Summerville campus
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Augusta commissioners voted to approve rezoning for a potential student housing project in the historic Sandhills community, replacing several vacant lots with units for students near Augusta University’s Summerville campus.
The decision has divided community members, with some supporting revitalization efforts while others express concerns about infrastructure and neighborhood character.
Veronica Bogans, who has lived in the Sandhills community for 56 years, supports the project.
“Being revitalized, I think our community is well overdue for that,” Bogans said. “Students coming here from AU, Payne College, we need that. We need that. Those are our future doctors, teachers, lawyers, x-ray technicians. We need that.”
Darryl Mims, who grew up in Sandhills and lived there for about 25 years, also sees potential benefits.
“It’s a little older community, but I think it put a, get a hill, a fresh start. Everybody love the hill. People on the hill have a lot of pride,” Mims said.
Other residents worry about the proposed housing’s impact on the community. Carolyn Robinson, who moved to Augusta at age four, cited infrastructure issues.
“You have to be very careful when you are traveling and it’s just an issue. The streets are in disrepair. You’ll have more vehicle fumes. Weed is a dead end St. and that’s a problem,” Robinson said.

Some residents said the proposed housing would look out of place, noting the roads are too narrow and citing drug issues in the area that need addressing.
The Sandhills community holds deep roots for longtime residents. Mims described the neighborhood’s past character.
“Everybody was closed and everybody looked out for each other. The older folks were real kind. You had a bunch of caddies in this neighborhood and they always talked about golf and that was the main thing in this neighborhood. You had to know golf,” Mims said.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
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