Augusta, GA
Shop Small Business Saturday in Downtown Augusta
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) – Fifteen local small businesses in downtown Augusta are a part of the event with Downtown Soul City.
The event starts at Augusta & Co. at 10 a.m., where the first 150 people get a free tote bag. When shopping at one of these stores, you are entered into a raffle to win one of three prizes. After Helene this gives the business a chance to catch up.
“A lot of small businesses right now are facing real challenges because, you know, there was a lag there,” said David Hutchison, the Co-owner of Book Tavern. “But I know that a lot of the small businesses I know right now are really counting on this holiday season to kind of pick up that slack and make it so that, you know, they go into the new year strong.”
The owner of Field Botanicals says it has been a slow year even before the Hurricane and hopes this will inspire more people to shop locally
“We just want the community to support small businesses. Especially this time of the year, especially this year, because it’s been really slow for retail and downtown overall the whole year. So, this is a way to show your support,” said Jennifer Tinsley, the Owner of Field Botanicals.
Another business owner says that not only does shopping locally help the economy in Augusta, but it also brings the community together.
“Everything from better tax revenue to better employment for people, but I think the other thing, the real reason that maybe it’s important to shop small, is because you get to know people, and they get to know you, and that produces better outcomes, I think, for people in their lives,” said Hutchison.
Not only will you have the opportunity to shop from local stores, but there will be many pop-up vendors from the Augusta handmade fair since that was canceled due to Helene having handcrafted goods starting Saturday and continuing through the holidays.
“It’s important to shop local, you know, to help out the local economy and keep cool, fun local businesses alive,” said Evan Grantski, the Owner of Grantski Records.
You can find more information on the event on the Downtown Soul City Website.
Augusta, GA
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.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
Augusta, GA
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.
Augusta, GA
South Georgia wildfires 90% contained, but hot spots still a concern
Drought-fueled wildfires burn across Georgia, Florida
Wildfires in Georgia and Florida have forced evacuations, road closures and burn bans as the drought-fueled fires burn thousands of acres.
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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