Augusta, GA

Over 70 days later, here’s where Augusta stands with debris cleanup

Published

1 year ago

December 9, 2024

Over 70 days later, here’s where Augusta stands with debris cleanup

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – It’s been nearly 2½ months since Hurricane Helene tore through the Southeast, and debris is still a major concern for many people.

For many, this winter is going to look and feel different as damage is still being uncovered.

Augusta is still hard at work clearing away debris ahead of FEMA’s deadline.

City leaders say they are working to get Augusta back to a new normal and are even having meetings this month to prove it.

The first one is on Tuesday.

“I realize there’s a lot of anxiety happening now, as we get ready to enter the holiday season and some people still have piles in their yards or on their streets,” said Garnett Johnson, Augusta Mayor.

Johnson says so far they have picked up 1.8 million cubic yards of debris.

“We are still, I don’t want to say struggling but keep in mind, this storm was so large it affected not only Florida, Georgia and the Carolinas,” said Johnson. “There are only so many debris companies that are out there.”

The damage that we still see isn’t just on homes and piled up on roadways.

“It’s that time of year when many loved ones are concerned about the final rest and pace place of their loved ones, so we’re out doing an assessment of the city-owned cemeteries,” he said.

What Johnson is talking about is the fallen trees, broken headstones and damage all across the cemeteries.

He is looking to solve that problem while also seeing how else he can help out the city.

As the city works to get back to a new normal he says he understands that people are worried about their loved ones both in and outside of these gates.

“This storm recovery is going to go far beyond just cleaning up the debris,” said Johnson. “There’s so many different aspects from a long-term recovery perspective that we’re already starting to address. So we’re going to ask people to continue to be patient and continue to remind yourselves of where we were on Sept. 27 compared to where we are now.”

Jaqueline Benitez, who depends on California's SNAP benefits to help pay for food, shops for...

The city is having two meetings this month to answer questions about cleanup and where the city stands.

“We want to make sure that they’re aware of the process and the work that we’re doing,” he said. “We’re also going to have our debris contractors there, as well as many city departments that are going to educate our citizens on the process and what to expect.”

Everything is still a work in process and will have more answers at the meetings this month.

Johnson and other officials will hold two town hall meetings on recovery efforts this week and next week.

The first one is on Tuesday at the Warren Road Community Center from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

The second one is Tuesday, Dec. 17 at Diamond Lakes from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

There will be a question and answer session at both meetings.

If you are unable to attend, both events will be live-streamed.

Questions can be submitted by emailing mayorforms@augustaga.gov

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Augusta, GA

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

Published

3 minutes ago

May 15, 2026

Press Room

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

12 hours ago

May 14, 2026

Press Room

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

Press Room

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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