Athens News Podcast: 9/26/2023
After a fatal crash on Georgia 316 resulting in three deaths, Barrow County Sheriff Jud Smith has taken measures to improve safety at the intersection. The Georgia Department of Transportation and the construction contractor have responded to his request by adding more signs and lighting. The intersection, located in a construction zone for an overpass project, witnessed a tragic accident when a Dodge Dart ran a red light, leading to a collision with a tractor-trailer truck. Three people died in the accident, and the car's driver is now paralyzed. With a University of Georgia football game and parents' weekend approaching, Sheriff Smith plans to deploy additional deputies and Georgia State Patrol officers to manage the expected high traffic volume. The construction project is ongoing, and drivers are urged to exercise caution in the area........This from WSBTV
Athens-Clarke County Police are investigating a drive-by shooting in Athens that occurred over the weekend, injuring a child. The incident took place just after midnight on Saturday in the 1900 block of Winterville Road. Multiple gunshots struck a home, and a child inside sustained a minor injury to the hand, not requiring medical transport. Approximately 31 spent shell casings from two different calibers were found at the scene, and two bullet holes associated with the incident were discovered in a neighboring unoccupied residence. The investigation is ongoing, and anyone with information is urged to contact Lieutenant Barnett at 762-400-7318 or Shaun.Barnett@accgov.com….........This from Atlanta News First
Athens Technical College is celebrating a significant surge in both enrollment and graduates for the fall of 2023. Enrollment has increased by 8.2% compared to the previous year, totaling 4,164 students. The college's Dual Achievement Program and Dual Enrollment initiatives continue to grow, with 55 students enrolled in the ATC Academy and nearly 1,000 participants in Dual Enrollment this semester. Enrollment has also risen in high-demand career programs like nursing, commercial truck driving, and welding.
The college achieved an exceptional 31.4% increase in graduates for the Academic Year 2023, the highest among all 22 Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) institutions, with 1,694 graduates and 2,525 awards last year. Athens Technical College boasts a 100% placement rate for graduates for the second consecutive year and a remarkable 95.3% in-field placement rate, surpassing the TCSG average. These accomplishments highlight the college's dedication to student success and workforce development in the Athens community. Plans include expanding academic offerings and opening a new Industrial Systems Technology building in January 2024.............This from Monrow The local news
The Friends of the Athens-Clarke County Library are hosting their annual sale, offering a wide selection of books, movies, and music. The sale kicks off with a preview event for Friends members on Wednesday at 2 p.m. at the library on Baxter Street. It opens to the public on Thursday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and continues on Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. On Saturday, there's a "Bag Day" where shoppers can fill a bag with books for $10. In addition to books, the sale includes records, CDs, DVDs, and games at bargain prices. Proceeds benefit the library's author events, concerts, and the summer reading program...........This from the Athens – Banner Herald
The Athens-Clarke County Board of Elections is conducting a Logic and Accuracy Test on all voting equipment to be used in the upcoming November 7 election. The testing started on September 22 and will continue on weekdays until all machines have been verified for accuracy. This testing is taking place at the Athens-Clarke County Facilities and Landscape Management Building on Lexington Road. In the election, Winterville voters will cast their ballots for Mayor and Council seats, while all Athens-Clarke County voters will vote for Clerk of Superior Court. Early voting is set to commence on October 16 at the Elections Office on East Washington Street............This from the Red and Black
Georgia coach Kirby Smart has set a new SEC record for the most victories in his first 100 career games as his No. 1 Bulldogs defeated UAB 49-21. Smart's record now stands at 85-15 in his eighth season with Georgia. This achievement surpasses Nick Saban's mark of 84 victories in his first 100 games at Alabama. The Bulldogs have been dominant under Smart, going 38-1 in their last 39 games. Smart is establishing himself as a coaching force, potentially comparable to Saban, who has seven national titles. Kirby Smart aims to match that feat this season if the Bulldogs secure a national championship. His success also surpasses other SEC legends like Steve Spurrier, Phillip Fulmer, and Bear Bryant through their first 100 games.........This from CBS
In Athens, Georgia, a significant event took place where Linnentown Lane on the University of Georgia's campus was renamed. Linnentown, a historically Black neighborhood, was demolished in the 1960s to make way for UGA dormitories. The Athens-Clarke County government had issued an apology to Linnentown's first descendants in 2021 for this displacement. During the renaming ceremony, Linnentown Project organizer Hattie Thomas Whitehead and other descendants expressed their desire for UGA to return the land. Athens Mayor Kelly Girtz acknowledged the significance of the day and emphasized the importance of restoring dignity to Linnentown residents and their descendants, who had their homes taken from them 60 years ago.........This from the Athens Banner Herald
Social:
From The Athens Clarke County News Facebook page:
Joey Matheny From Athens posted “I was hit today at the corner of Dearing street by Clark county highway on my bike by someone driving a silver BMW with a license plate that starts with TMK They messed me up and left the scene of the accident the cops are after them and charges will be filed I was taken to the hospital really hurt”
He said that he has some bruised ribs a messed-up rotator cuff and road rash all over his left side.
Athens you Commented we listened:
John Q Williams from Athens “So sorry to hear this. I hope you heal quickly and the offender is located. I'll keep an eye out when I get back out on the road.”
Linda Craig Walls from Watkinsville “Sending prayers.”
PSA: If you hit someone on the road please pull over and make sure they are okay. You will be in trouble with law enforcement, but you will be in even more trouble if they have to search and find you. Please do the right thing and be safe on the roads!
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