Augusta, GA

Real or fake Christmas tree? Ga., S.C. differ in preference

Published

1 year ago

December 12, 2024

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Real or fake Christmas tree? Ga., S.C. differ in preference

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – A new report is shedding light on the age-old “fake vs. real” Christmas tree debate.

According to the analysis from Online-Casinos.com, more American states prefer real trees over fake ones.

Interestingly, Georgia and South Carolina apparently have a difference of opinion. A survey of residents found that people who live in Georgia prefer artificial trees, while their counterparts in South Carolina want the real thing.

Surveys from each state found that 32 favor real trees, while the other 18 are more likely to want artificial ones.

Looking at the map, the majority of the states who prefer fake trees are located south of the Mason-Dixon line, and nearly all of the southeast. Judging by the report, South Carolina and Tennessee appear to be the southeastern outliers.

States in the northeast almost entirely favor real trees, with Delaware the odd one out.

The report concluded that most of the states that opt for real trees are ones with long histories of farming and an emphasis on natural beauty. Climate and geography also appear to play a role.

Environmental impacts: real vs. fake

For eco-conscious consumers, the debate often boils down to environmental considerations. Both real and artificial trees have their pros and cons:

Real tree pros:

Renewable and biodegradable
Support local agriculture
Absorb carbon dioxide while growing

Real tree cons:

Require transportation (if not locally sourced)
Disposal can contribute to landfill waste if not recycled

Artificial tree pros:

Reusable for many years
No need for annual purchase
Low maintenance

Artificial tree cons:

Made from non-renewable materials
Energy-intensive production
Difficult to recycle at end of life

The price at the pump in the city of Atlanta soared to $4 a gallon at several filling stations...

Tips for choosing the perfect tree

Whether you lean toward real or fake, finding the right tree for your household boils down to your holiday schedule, budget, and priorities. Here are some tips to help make your decision:

Consider your space: Live in a small apartment? A compact artificial tree might be your best bet. Have a spacious living room? Go for that towering real tree.
Think about maintenance: If you dread vacuuming up pine needles or watering a tree daily, an artificial option might be more your style.
Support local farmers: If you go for a real tree, try to buy from a nearby tree farm. This supports local economies and reduces the carbon footprint of transportation.
Extend the life of your tree: For real trees, proper care (like watering and avoiding direct heat sources) can extend their lifespan. For artificial trees, careful storage ensures they last for years to come.

If you’re still on the fence, consider this fun fact: the carbon footprint of a real tree is generally smaller than that of an artificial tree, unless the fake tree is reused for at least 8-10 years

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Augusta, GA

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

Published

3 minutes ago

May 15, 2026

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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

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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

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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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