Augusta, GA
‘One of a kind’: Heroic pilot is mourned in Augusta, elsewhere
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The community is mourning a pilot who died Thursday morning in an Augusta plane crash – a man many are calling a hero for saving lives on the ground.
Scott McKenzie, associate director of philanthropy at Augusta University, was the only person killed when the single-engine Beechcraft 36 crashed at Hillcrest Avenue and Belmont Drive just after 7:13 a.m. Thursday.
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First responders credit McKenzie’s piloting for avoiding further deaths and injuries.
The plane, bound for New Haven, Conn., crashed in a densely populated residential neighborhood just after taking off from Daniel Field, just a couple of blocks away.
McKenzie joined Augusta University in 2020 and worked in philanthropy and alumni engagement, where he was extensively involved in building relationships and working with donors who support athletics programs.
“His passion for the university and our athletics programs was unsurpassed. We are keeping Jason’s family, friends and colleagues in our thoughts and prayers,” AU said in a statement.
A former resident of Baton Rouge, he was on the golf team at Mississippi State University.
McKenzie worked in the broadcasting field for many years in Baton Rouge including at WAFB-TV and Guaranty Broadcasting.
But Augusta was his hometown, so he moved back here four years ago.
McKenzie was a close friend of Augusta Commission member Sean Frantom, who appeared shaken when he visited the crash site Thursday.
“He was one of kind. My friend for over 35 years,” Frantom posted on Facebook. “He loved the Lord and loved his family. He is one of the best family men I have ever seen.”
Frantom said he had the honor of being in his wedding in Baton Rouge with his bride Stephanie McKenzie.
“He loved her so much and was so excited to get married,” Frantom said, adding that McKenzie left this Earth too soon but doing what he loved.
“It will take a village to love and support your wife, son, and mom but we will be here for them,” Frantom wrote.
Copyright 2024 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
NJ apartment dwellers, renters have these options for help with rent
State and local officials say several programs are designed to help low and moderate-income households stay housed in the face of financial distress.
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.
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.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
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.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
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