Augusta, GA
Jags take down No. 19 Columbus State for eighth straight victory – Augusta University
AUGUSTA, Ga – The Augusta men’s basketball team extended their winning streak to eight games with a thrilling 79-75 come-from-behind win over No. 19 Columbus State on Saturday afternoon. The victory improves Augusta to 8-4 overall and 2-0 in Peach Belt Conference play, while handing Columbus State just their second loss of the season, dropping them to 10-2 and 1-1 in conference action.
Augusta (8-4, 2-0 Peach Belt)
FG% 51.1
3PT% 38.9
FT% 82.8
Columbus State (10-2, 1-1 Peach Belt)
FG% 45.1
3PT% 42.1
FT% 84.0
The final five minutes of the game showcased Augusta’s grit and composure. After trailing 71-65 with just over five minutes remaining, Demitri Gardner sparked a comeback with a pair of free throws at the 4:13 mark, cutting the deficit to four. Max Amadasun followed with a clutch three-pointer, narrowing Columbus State’s lead to 73-70 with 3:17 left.
John St. Germain III then drove into the paint for a layup, bringing Augusta within one at 73-72 with 2:40 on the clock. Moments later, Luis Nonfon capitalized on an offensive rebound with a go-ahead layup, giving the Jaguars a 74-73 lead at the 2:04 mark. Nonfon added a free throw to push the lead to two.
With the game tied at 75 after a Columbus State jumper, St. Germain III delivered again, hitting a layup with 30 seconds left to put Augusta ahead 77-75. Gardner sealed the victory by stealing the ball with six seconds remaining and converting two clutch free throws with two seconds left, giving the Jaguars a four-point lead. Max Amadasun’s defensive rebound on Columbus State’s final three-point attempt secured the win.
Gardner led all scorers with 28 points, shooting 9-15 from the field and a perfect 9-9 from the free-throw line. He also added three rebounds and two steals, including the critical takeaway in the final seconds. Amadasun contributed a double-double with 10 points and 13 rebounds, while St. Germain III added 12 points, five assists, and the decisive layup. Nonfon and Elias Palsson chipped in with key contributions down the stretch.
Next Up: The Jaguars will hit the road for their next game on Wednesday, January 8, when they face Clayton State University in Morrow, GA. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Augusta will then travel to Aiken, SC, for a rivalry matchup against USC Aiken on Saturday, January 11, at 3:30 p.m
Fans of Jaguar Athletics can subscribe to the email listserve by clicking here. Fans can follow Augusta University at www.augustajags.com and receive short updates on Facebook at Augusta University Athletics and on Twitter at @AugustaJags
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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