Augusta, GA

Herbert L. Ellis, Jr. Obituary 2024 – Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors

Published

2 years ago

July 19, 2024

Herbert L. Ellis, Jr. Obituary 2024 – Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors

Herbert L. Ellis, Jr., 77, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 17, at his home in Augusta, GA with his loving wife, Judy Parkman Ellis of fifty-six years by his side.

He was born on July 31,1946 in Washington, GA to Herbert L. Ellis and Anne Williamson Ellis. Herb was raised in Jacksonville, FL, where he graduated from Robert E. Lee High School in 1964. He was recruited to play basketball at Augusta College where a beautiful young cheerleader, Judy, caught his eye and she eventually became his wife on August 26, 1967. Herb made lifelong friends with his fellow basketball teammates and through the years they have met annually to reconnect and enjoy a weekend of fellowship and golf. He left Augusta College and joined the U.S. Coast Guard where he was stationed in Cape May, NJ. Following his honorary discharge from the Coast Guard, Herb and Judy moved back to Augusta and he started his firefighting career. He started with the Richmond County Fire Department in 1978 and after many years serving the county, he took a job at Fort Gordon as a firefighter with the civil service. During his time with the fire department, on his days off, he built up a successful side business as a handy man and painter. He was always moving and didn’t like to sit still. Herb retired from firefighting in January of 2000 but he continued being a handyman until the last few years.

Herb loved sports, especially softball and all things golf. He participated in church league and travel softball with many teams. Herb excelled as a pitcher, and he could knock the cover off a softball. Since his return to Augusta in 1978 he never missed the Masters Tournament. His favorite spot to sit was behind number six green under the large oak, consuming egg salad sandwiches and occasionally a frosty cold beer. He spent many hours on the golf course and there were many memorable moments spent with friends and family on the links.

Herb is survived by his wife Judy, their two sons and their children, Tripp and Lance, grandchildren Cal, Hayes (Tripp) and Parks, Preston (Lance). He is proceeded in death by his parents Herbert L. Ellis and Anne Williamson Ellis.

The memorial service will be held on Tuesday July 23, at 11:00 at Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 3185 Wheeler Road, Augusta, GA 30909 with the Reverend Rodger Murchison officiating. Honorary pall bearers will be members of the Exchange Club of Augusta. The family will receive friends in the Fellowship Hall at the conclusion of the memorial service.

In lieu of flowers please consider memorial contributions to: Exchange Club of Augusta Charity Fund, P.O. Box 3884, Augusta, GA 30914.

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Augusta, GA

25-year-old woman killed in shooting on Cameron Drive

Published

1 hour ago

May 15, 2026

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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.

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Augusta, GA

Four indicted in Augusta on federal drug trafficking charges

Published

13 hours ago

May 14, 2026

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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.

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Augusta, GA

South Georgia wildfires 90% contained, but hot spots still a concern

Published

1 day ago

May 14, 2026

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South Georgia wildfires 90% contained, but hot spots still a concern

Two large wildfires in south Georgia have burned approximately 54,000 acres and are now 90% contained.
Suppression costs for the fires are estimated to exceed $18.3 million, with crews still managing hot spots.
Georgia remains in an extreme drought, increasing the risk of fires throughout the summer.

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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