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Augusta, GA

‘When is it going to happen?’ Augusta updates citizens on Helene cleanup

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‘When is it going to happen?’ Augusta updates citizens on Helene cleanup


AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – It’s been more than two months since Hurricane Helene hit the area leaving behind a path of destruction.

Augusta Mayor Garnett Johnson updated the community at a town hall meeting Tuesday night on cleanup efforts in Richmond County.

City leaders are encouraging people to stay patient as crews are weeks away from completing their first pass-through of the county.

Contractors say they’re about 90% done and are getting ready for the next phase, which will start in the new year.

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News 12 to air special on how to get help after Helene

Deborah Jones says she feels like everyone else sees crews picking up debris, but not in her neighborhood.

“They don’t come up the street, they stop at one location, and then they’re gone, and you don’t see them again,” says Jones, an Augusta citizen. “So, I guess I’m like everybody else. When is it going to happen?”

With 1.9 million cubic yards of debris collected and only weeks from completing an entire pass-through of the county, residents like Sheila Spivey say they see the progress.

“I see them go up and down, Walter Way up and down, Heard Avenue up to south Augusta,” says Spivey, an Augusta citizen. “They’re doing what they can, but it is a big job.”

City leaders say the plan is more than just debris removal, they’re now making bids toward a long-term recovery contract to rebuild Augusta.

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“That means everything that’s been going on, from degree to mitigation to rebuilding, to all our respective agencies that we can discuss our HUD applications, our funding that’s going to be there to oversee to make sure that we can get Augusta back to where it originally was,” says Tameka Allen, Augusta city administrator.

A plan residents say they’re ready to see the other end of as many just want normalcy back on their property lines.

“My front yard is covered in debris, so I can’t see out of my front yard,” says Jones. “We can’t do anything in our yard because of the debris. So, I’m trying to be patient, but it’s kind of hard.”

City leaders say the next phase will involve removing larger debris normal trucks can’t pick up as well as getting rid of construction-based debris.

They say although there are about 15 days left on the FEMA deadline, they will continue the work until everything is done.

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If you missed this town hall meeting, another will take place on Dec. 17 at Diamond Lakes at 6 p.m.



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Augusta, GA

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

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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.

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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.



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Augusta, GA

Four indicted in Augusta on federal drug trafficking charges

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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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South Georgia wildfires 90% contained, but hot spots still a concern

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South Georgia wildfires 90% contained, but hot spots still a concern


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  • 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.

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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.

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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.”

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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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