AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Mayor Garnett L. Johnson on Monday announced the partial reopening of the Augusta Canal towpath.

The announcement came in a news conference at the Savannah Rapids Pavilion.

The reopening is from the headgates to the Interstate 20 bridge.

The route has been closed since Hurricane Helene on Sept. 27, 2024, left it covered in debris and full of hazards.

The Augusta Utilities Department, in coordination with the Augusta Canal Authority, has made enough repairs to safely reopen a section of the towpath while additional restoration and safety improvements continue along other areas.

“The Canal towpath for about a mile and a half is reopened. We encourage everyone to come out and enjoy it safely. There is still more work to be done, but certainly enjoy it safely with more work to be done,” said Mayor Garnett Johnson.

Residents and visitors are encouraged to enjoy the reopened section while observing all posted safety measures:

• Towpath partially open: Access is limited to designated areas.
• Stay behind safety barriers: Do not cross or move restricted zones.
• Obey all signage: Posted notices are in place to ensure public safety and allow maintenance to continue efficiently.

Crews will continue to monitor the area to ensure safe conditions for public use.

Officials aim to get the rest of the route open by the end of the second quarter of 2026.

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AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The Richmond County Coroner’s Office responded to the 600 block of Bennock Mill Road at 1:04 p.m. Sunday in reference to 3 deaths, which appears to be a double murder-suicide.

Upon arrival, three bodies were located inside the residence, officials say.

The sheriff’s office said initial investigations indicate the incident is a double murder and suicide among family members.

The Richmond County criminal investigations division and crime scene unit also responded to the residence.

Autopsies have been scheduled, and no further information is available at this time.

Officials say there is no danger to the public.

This would mark the CSRA’s fourth murder-suicide in 2025.

On April 8, officials said they found a married couple dead in their home on Springwood Drive; both had gunshot wounds.

On March 28, authorities say 71-year-old Keith Jones shot his girlfriend, 67-year-old Kathy Hydrick, and then turned the gun on himself at their home on Walnut Court.

On April 4, the Saluda County Sheriff’s Office announced that a deadly shooting at Valley Proteins Inc. was confirmed as a murder-suicide.

Deputies responded to the facility in Ward shortly before 6 p.m. Monday, where they discovered 44-year-old Willie Hopkins Jr. and 52-year-old Kimberly Leon dead.

The autopsy verified that Leon was shot multiple times by Hopkins before he turned the gun on himself.

While each story is different, and we don’t know the circumstances surrounding this most recent case, there are local groups working to teach others about the warning signs.

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AUGUSTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First/WRDW) – A Gwinnett County murder suspect is reportedly dead after a police chase near Augusta, the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office said.

Deputies said the chase happened on I-20 eastbound near Jimmie Dyess Parkway near mile marker 193.

Deputies conducted a PIT maneuver on the suspect’s vehicle. The suspect, who has not been identified, then died by suicide, according to the sheriff’s office.

The Columbia County Coroner’s office says it was called to the scene around 8:45 p.m.

This is a developing story. Check back with Atlanta News First for updates.

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