Augusta, GA
North Augusta sophomore breaks barrier on D1 football offers
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – It’s not every day that you see a high school sophomore with multiple division one offers on the table.
But North Augusta’s Malcom Gaston is one of those players.
The junior left guard didn’t start his career with the Yellow Jackets, but his success under Head Coach Richard Bush has put his name on the map.
“Don’t compare yourself to other people,” says Gaston.
Gaston started at McCormick High School but moved to North Augusta High School.
“Going into my sophomore year, I’m gonna go ahead and tell you I did not have any college looks,” says Gaston. “It was hard, but Coach Bush and Coach McCarthy and the rest of the coaching staff helped develop me and helped me become a better player.”
I-TEAM: Body cam shows how deputies responded to Westside High hoax
The 6′6, 340-pound brick wall has helped lead North Augusta to a 3-1 start on the season.
“He’s a big part of our offensive line, you know, he’s developed a lot since he got here, and he’s gotten better each week, and that’s the goal for him personally to get better each and every week,” said Bush.
He might look like a grown man, but Gaston is only 16.
At such a young age, he’s already got plenty of options for his next move in a few years.
His current list of offers includes Jackson State University, Liberty, UNC Charlotte, Georgia and Florida State.
While he hasn’t officially had an offer from South Carolina, he was invited for an unofficial visit last Saturday.
“I love the atmosphere at South Carolina, love the fans too,” says Gaston.
Reminiscing on a slow start to his career with more offers sure to come, Gaston reminds himself that it’s all about betting on yourself.
“If you know how you play, and you know you’re good at it, don’t let no rankings hold you back,” says Gaston. “There’s plenty of offers in the world. God has a plan for each and every one of us. If you stick by His plan, put Him first above everything else, He’s gonna put you on the right path.”
Copyright 2024 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
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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