🌱 Augusta Man Wanted For Kidnapping + Security At Local Rec Center

Hello, everybody. It's me, Michelle Paul, your host of the Augusta Patch newsletter. Here's all the community news you need to know right now.

But first, your local weather:

• Saturday: Partly sunny. High: 66 Low: 48.
• Sunday: Cloudy with showers. High: 63 Low: 48.

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Here are the top three stories today in Augusta:

1. The Richmond County Sheriff's Office (RCSO) is seeking help from the public in locating a missing 19-year-old woman, Zkyla Rhodes, who was last seen on Mar. 9 at a Waffle House on Gordon Highway. Witnesses reported that Rhodes was being forced into a dark-colored Chevrolet Malibu or Cruze by 59-year-old Willie Walker, who was wearing multicolored jeans and a white t-shirt and allegedly pointed a gun at them. Rhodes was last seen wearing black jeans and a blue jean jacket and is believed to be in danger. If anyone sees them, they should contact the RCSO at (706) 828-1020 or (706) 828-1080. (WJBF-TV)
2. Nick Bradley, a coach and parent who attends basketball games regularly at Riverview Park Activities Center, has voiced concerns about overcrowding and lack of security during games, citing incidents of fans getting out of control and using profanity, with people threatening others. Cops have been called to ensure their removal. Bradley has spoken in front of City Council members, requesting a solution to the problem, and Mayor Briton Williams said that the city has put in the budget to add more officers to certain games. However, officials say there is no guarantee that they can provide security for all games, but they are doing their best. (WJBF-TV)
3. The Richmond County Sheriff's Office is warning drivers about a traffic ticket scam in downtown Augusta, where scammers are attempting to trick drivers into paying fake traffic tickets. Real traffic tickets contain the agency's information, so drivers should verify before making any payment and contact deputies at (706) 821-1000 if they have any doubts or questions. (WRDW)

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Today and tomorrow in and around Augusta:

Saturday, March 11

• St. Patrick's Shuffle 5K At 39th St., Fort Gordon (9:00 AM)
• Voices Of Augusta Solo Exhibit At Augusta & Co. (10:00 AM)

Sunday, March 12

• Social Canvas Block Party At Morris Museum Of Art (12:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• The Augusta Fire/EMA Department will host the annual Georgia Fire Service Conference from Aug. 7-13 with the support of the Georgia State Firefighters Association and the Georgia Association of Fire Chiefs. The conferences will include training, business sessions, a firefighter competition, and an awards reception, and will draw firefighters from all over Georgia and the Southeast region. (City of Augusta)
• Are you looking for a new family member with four paws? Check out the list of adoption-ready pets in the Augusta area at the link! (Augusta Patch)
• The United Way of CSRA raised $2.2 million during its 2022 fundraising campaign, which was announced at its 86th annual campaign celebration on Tuesday. In addition, the organization recognized local business leaders and community volunteers and presented awards to those who contributed to the organization's success in 2022. (WRDW)

You're officially in the loop for today! I'll see you around.

— Michelle Paul

About me: Michelle Paul is a Utah-based writer and photographer with a professional background in content management and registered nursing. When not working on projects ranging from photo editing to copywriting, they enjoy traveling, video games, and expanding their skills.