🌱 Columbus PD Investigates Double Homicide + Bad Local Air Quality

Hi all. It's me, Rose Mendez, your host of the Columbus Patch newsletter. Keep reading to find out the most important things going on in town these days.

But first, your local weather:

• Thursday: Cooler; a little p.m. rain. High: 62 Low: 53.
• Friday: A shower and thunderstorm. High: 68 Low: 42.

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Here are the top three stories today in Columbus:

1. Columbus police are investigating a double homicide that occurred on Mar. 7 on Clay Street in Columbus. Ronisha McCaskey, 51, and Juantonja “Tonja” Richmond, 52, both died of fatal gunshot wounds in the front yard of McCaskey's home. Dr. Xavier McCaskey, the ex-husband of Ronisha, said, "This gun violence has to stop" and called the person who murdered the women a "coward." (WRBL.com)
2. There is currently "unhealthy air quality in the Columbus metro area" due to smoke from prescribed burning. The City of Columbus has advised anyone with a respiratory disorder to stay indoors until the smoke cannot be seen or smelt. Residents can see an air quality chart here. (WRBL.com)
3. Columbus businessman Robert Wright petitioned the Columbus City Council for legislation that would allow a casino in south Columbus. Wright said he wants "a state referendum that would allow our citizens in Georgia to vote as to whether or not they would like gaming in the state of Georgia." Many Columbus residents agree that voters should decide for themselves. (WTVM)

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Today and tomorrow in Columbus:

Thursday, March 9

• Garden Volunteer Workdays At The Columbus Museum (8:00 AM)
• Crown & Comedy At The Loft (7:30 PM)

Friday, March 10

• Jazz Friday At Bo Bartlett Center (5:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• Last week a Pit Bull attacked two people and the dog's owner received two citations for violating a city ordinance. The dog attacked Kim Golden, chief operating officer for NeighborWorks Columbus, while she was inspecting a property next door to the dog on Curtis Street. She was flown to an Atlanta hospital where she is still recovering after having part of her lower leg amputated. (WTVM 9)
• On Saturday, Mar. 11, the local communities of Fort Benning, Columbus, and Phenix City will celebrate Mardi Gras at the seventh annual Fountain City Mardi Gras Parade! The festivities will also include a 5K run, scholarship presentation, vendors, live DJ, and an Urban Bike Race this weekend. (WTVM 9)
• Wednesday, Mar. 8, was the last day of 80-degree weather in Columbus for at least a week! There will be a series of cold fronts and showers for the next seven days, starting on Mar. 9. (WRBL.com)

That's it for today! I'll be in your inbox soon with a new update.

— Rose Mendez

About me: Rose Mendez is a freelance writer. She is studying English Literature at Hunter College. She loves reading, walking around the city, and coffee!