Augusta, GA
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.”
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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The Augusta-based manufacturer of one of the world’s leading brands of golf carts could split from parent company Textron by the end of 2027.
Textron has announced its intention to concentrate its aerospace and defense subsidiaries into a separate company called New Textron, including Textron Aviation, Textron Systems, and Bell, a brand that produces military-grade helicopters and tiltrotor aircraft. It also oversees general aviation brands Cessna and Beechcraft.
Textron Specialized Vehicles is part of the company’s Industrial segment, which expects more than $3 billion in 2026 revenue. TSV properties include E-Z-GO golf carts; PACE Technology, which manufactures global positioning systems customized for golf courses; Jacobsen, a producer of turf maintenance equipment; and TUG Technologies, which makes airport ground support equipment such as baggage tractors.
“This planned separation creates greater clarity and focus for both businesses,” Textron CEO Lisa M. Atherton said in a statement. “New Textron will move forward as a pure-play aerospace and defense company positioned for higher growth, while Industrial gains the independence to pursue strategies aligned with its distinct strengths — unlocking long-term value for all stakeholders.”
The company “intends to explore multiple paths to effect the planned separation of its Industrial segment, including but not limited to a sale of the Industrial businesses or a tax-free separation into a standalone, publicly traded company,” according to Textron.
Textron said in its April 30 first-quarter earnings call to stockholders that it estimates the complete corporate separation to occur within 12 to 18 months, implying Halloween 2027 at the latest.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Fort Gordon service members will soon have more opportunities to further their education thanks to a partnership between Augusta University and the U.S. Army Cyber Center of Excellence and Fort Gordon.
Augusta University President Russell T. Keen and Commanding General of the U.S. Army Cyber Center of Excellence Maj. Gen. Ryan M. Janovic will sign a new memorandum to continue their partnership at 11 a.m. on Tuesday at the Shaffer MacCartney Building at the Georgia Cyber Center at Augusta University.
Augusta University first began its partnership with the U.S. Army Cyber Center of Excellence back in 2016.
The new memorandum will provide additional opportunities for service members to receive degree credit for military training through Augusta University and AU Online.
The programs being updated under the new agreement include: Master of Science in Cybersecurity Management and Technology, Master of Arts in Intelligence and Security Studies, Master of Arts in Intelligence and Security Studies with a Technical Intelligence Analysis Concentration and the PhD in Intelligence, Defense and Cybersecurity Policy.
“We are proud to continue our longstanding partnership with the U.S. Army Cyber Center of Excellence to create new educational opportunities for the men and women who serve our nation,” Keen said.
Janovic emphasized the magnitude of the relationship and the critical skillsets it supports.
“This partnership with Augusta University is a force multiplier for our formations. By translating our rigorous military training into academic credit, we bridge the gap between military instruction and higher education,” Janovic said.
“Through this partnership, we are preparing experienced military leaders to build on the skills they have already developed and continue serving in ways that advance our national security, strengthen Georgia’s workforce and create lasting impact for generations to come. Their commitment to service extends far beyond the battlefield. It continues in the communities they protect, the organizations they lead and the lives they influence every day,” said Keen.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
AUGUSTA, Ga. – Augusta University volleyball has announced its 2026 schedule, featuring 30 regular-season matches and 10 home contests inside Christenberry Fieldhouse.
The reigning 2025 Peach Belt Conference regular-season champions open the season Aug. 28-29 at the Emmanuel Tournament in Franklin Springs, Ga., before returning home Sept. 4-5 to co-host the Augusta/USC Aiken Tournament. Augusta then travels to Clinton, Miss., for the annual Peach Belt Conference/Gulf South Conference Crossover before opening Peach Belt Conference play Sept. 17 against Middle Georgia at Christenberry Fieldhouse.
Following an eight-match road swing through late September and October, the Jaguars return home for their final four regular-season contests, hosting Francis Marion, Flagler and rival USC Aiken. The 2026 Peach Belt Conference Tournament begins Nov. 12.
Tickets are available now. Don’t miss your chance to watch the reigning Peach Belt Conference regular-season champions in action at Christenberry Fieldhouse this fall.
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In conjunction with the schedule release, Augusta Athletics has also announced its promotional schedule for the 2026 home season.
2026 Promotional Schedule
Friday, Sept. 4 – vs. Lee (12:00 p.m.) & North Greenville (5:00 p.m.)
Parents Weekend
Join us as we welcome Jaguar families to campus for opening weekend.
Thursday, Sept. 17 – vs. Middle Georgia (6:00 p.m.)
Student Appreciation
Augusta University students are encouraged to pack Christenberry Fieldhouse for the conference home opener.
Saturday, Sept. 19 – vs. Georgia College (3:00 p.m.)
CSRA Club Volleyball Day
Local club volleyball teams are invited to attend and be recognized throughout the match.
Tuesday, Sept. 22 – vs. Lander (6:00 p.m.)
Coats & Scrubs Night
Medical students and healthcare professionals are invited to wear their scrubs and support the Jaguars.
Tuesday, Oct. 20 – vs. Francis Marion (6:00 p.m.)
Here to Win – Cancer Awareness Game
Augusta Athletics and the Georgia Cancer Center continue the “Here to Win” campaign to raise cancer awareness, promote early detection and support patients. Fans are encouraged to wear pink.
Friday, Oct. 23 – vs. Flagler (6:00 p.m.)
Faculty & Staff Appreciation Night
A special night recognizing Augusta University’s faculty and staff.
Saturday, Oct. 24 – vs. Flagler (1:00 p.m.)
Halloween Game
Fans are encouraged to wear costumes while cheering on the Jaguars.
Friday, Nov. 6 – vs. USC Aiken (6:00 p.m.)
Greek Night
Augusta University’s fraternities and sororities are invited to attend and show their Jaguar pride.
Saturday, Nov. 7 – vs. USC Aiken (3:00 p.m.)
Senior Night
Help us recognize the Jaguars’ senior class before the final regular-season home match.
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