AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The 2024 Augusta Buddy Walk is happening Saturday morning at Evans Towne Center Park.

It’s put on by the Upside of Downs. The annual walk is to promote support, understanding and inclusion of those with Down syndrome.

The walk is the organization’s main fundraiser each year and has a bounce house, food and vendors, balloon animals and more.

“It’s a huge day of fun and fundraising, but mostly it is a day to celebrate our loved ones, our family members and our community. We invite everyone in the CSRA to come out and show that support with us,” said Stevie Rodriguez, vice president of Upside of Downs.

Rodriguez adds that this fundraising helps to make sure any activities they put on for the families they care for are at no cost to those families.

The walk is on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Copyright 2024 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.

AUGUSTA, Ga. – Attorney General Chris Carr says the state of Georgia will receive more than $55 million to expand access to opioid treatment, prevention and recovery services.

South Carolina, meanwhile, will receive about $18 million for opioid abatement, with payments anticipated to begin early next year.

This is part of a recently finalized agreement with Kroger, which totals $1.37 billion overall and includes a bipartisan coalition of 30 states.

“We’re fighting this battle on multiple fronts by declaring war on fentanyl and holding accountable those who have contributed to this crisis in the first place,” Carr said.

The nationwide opioid epidemic started in the 1990s with increased opioid prescribing and opioid overdose deaths, according to the Georgia Department of Public Health.

The total number of deaths in Georgia increased by 302% from 2010 to 2022, the department says. The increases appeared to be driven by fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid often found in drugs such as cocaine, heroin and counterfeit pills.

“No amount of money can make up for the lives we’ve lost to the opioid crisis, but the money from this settlement, along with the other settlements we’ve announced, will go to treat people who are addicted to opioids,” South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson said. “We will continue to go after those responsible for the opioid crisis to hold them accountable.”

The deal, announced in September 2023, declared that Kroger Co. would pay up to $1.4 billion over 11 years.

In addition, Kroger has agreed to injunctive relief that requires its pharmacies to monitor, report, and share data about suspicious activity related to opioid prescriptions.

Copyright 2024 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – We are seeing rain for the first time in more than a month, adding more concern for those who are still dealing with structural damage after Hurricane Helene. 

Local roofing companies are challenged with keeping the demand of roofing needs. 

For the last month, people have been just worried about what’s in front of them on the ground with debris. But after the last couple of days, the battle is leaks on their roofs.  

Roofing companies say the urgency for repairs is growing with more weather coming in the future and only having limited resources to fix it. 

Tarp is becoming the new style for hundreds of people’s roofs.  

Augusta resident, Susan Wyatt, says the heavy rain was the first real test for her roof after Helene. It’s a test that failed. 

“We had the mop this morning and everything. Put a bucket, still can drip and drip, and it all changed the color of the ceiling again,” said Wyatt. 

Wyatt says she’s not alone. 

“Everybody’s trying to find the roofers and getting their houses redone. And one friend up there has got very bad damage in the back of their house,” said Wyatt. 

Contractors say their workload was already overwhelming after the storm, but now it’s on another level. 

“Now, homeowners are dealing with water pouring into their houses, you know. So, it’s a lot more demanding as far as it’s got to be done,” said Daniel Williams, general manager of Best Choice Roofing in Augusta. 

Roofing companies like Brighter Side Roofing and Best Choice Roofing say they went from 15-20 jobs a month to now facing hundreds.  

But they’re saying the biggest challenge is not having enough manpower to fulfill in-person estimates, slowing up the scheduling process. 

Samuel Leverette, owner of Brighter Side Roofing, said: “A roofing company, we can come out and provide you with estimates. But a lot of times, our estimate may not coincide with what the insurance company is even going to do. So, we, come in, get in touch with your insurance company, go ahead and see exactly what they’re going to cover and not cover, and see what the price, what the cost is going to be.” 

Meanwhile, Wyatt and her neighbors are hopeful things pick up down the line, so they have one less thing to worry about post-storm. 

“I know the Lord will take care of it,” she said. 

The roofing companies we spoke with say the average wait time for roof replacement is six to eight weeks and tarping can be done over a couple of days. 

They’re asking for patience and to streamline the process by going through your insurance company first to find out what and how much they will cover with an adjustor’s summary report.  

They say roof replacement costs can range anywhere from $8,000 to $14,000. 

Copyright 2024 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.