February 20th Podcast

Hello and welcome to the Athens News podcast, I’m Melissa Carter. An Athens woman falls victim to a costly phishing scam, losing a substantial amount of money. And later, tensions escalate during a food dispute, leading to a violent altercation  But first…Here are your top stories brought to you by Drake Realty.

Athens News

An armed robbery on UGA’s campus lead to a foot chase. 

UGA police responded to an armed robbery near the crosswalk between Church Street and Boggs Hall.

Officers swiftly pursued the suspect, who was armed with a handgun.

Seventeen-year-old Jeremiah Scott was booked into the county jail on charges of armed robbery, aggravated assault, and possession of a pistol by a person under 18 years of age.

This from the Red & Black.

Athens News

The Athens-Clarke County Police Department is seeking the public's assistance in locating a missing elderly man with dementia.

Bobby Smith was last seen on Saturday near Brookside Avenue and Hawthorne Avenue in Athens.

A Mattie's Call, Georgia's emergency alert system for missing disabled or elderly persons, has been issued.

Smith is described as having salt and pepper hair, wearing a plain white shirt, blue scrubs, and brown loafers.

If you have any information regarding Bobby Smith's whereabouts, please contact 911 or the Athens-Clarke County Police Department at 706-613-3888.

This from Fox 5.

Athens News

Athens-Clarke County Unified Government Manager Blaine Williams has announced Laura Welch as the Interim Human Resources Director, following the departure of Jeff Hale, who served in the role since 2008.

Welch, previously the Assistant Human Resources Director since 2017, brings a wealth of experience to the role.

With a background in court administration and senior management analysis, Welch's diverse career spans positions in both public and private sectors.

Her tenure includes service in the Chattooga County School System, Berry College, and roles in defense and government relations in Washington, D.C.

The ACCGov has begun a national search for a permanent Human Resources Director.

This from the Red & Black.

Social Media

From the Athens-Clarke County News Facebook Page:

 A dispute over food turned violent in Athens as police arrested a man for allegedly shooting his friend during an argument.

The disagreement arose after the victim ate food from a delivery, supposedly from Raising Cane's chicken fingers restaurant.

j_ruus148

The fool should have kept his greeeezy grubby unwashed paws off da man's food!

tmhodgson

The prison that I imagine.  You know the one, the one big enough to hold all the criminals that don't deserve to walk the same streets as my children and my self.

Aunty Lib

Raising Caine's, it's worth catching a bullit.

UGA News

The inaugural class of Youth LEAD Georgia has embarked on its 2024 tour, aiming to shape the state's future leaders.

This collaborative program - led by the UGA’s Fanning Institute for Leadership Development, Chick-fil-A, and The Same House organization - aims to empower students to address the challenges facing Georgia.

Selected from over 300 nominations across 29 counties, the 30 students kicked off their journey with a retreat in Athens, where they met UGA President Jere Morehead.

The program selects 30-40 students annually for four weekend-long retreats and a four-day summer bus tour.

The programming includes leadership development workshops and experiential activities that allow students to practice what they learn and connect with community leaders across the state of Georgia.

This from the Red & Black.

UGA Sports

From ESPN:

In basketball, the Georgia men lost to Florida, 88-82.  The Lady Bulldogs lost to South Carolina, 70-56.

In baseball, UGA beat UNC Asheville 17-5.

Athens News

An Athens woman fell victim to phishing scammers, sending approximately $109,000 before contacting police.

According to the Athens-Clarke County police report, officers responded to Alps Road after the woman, who had been in contact with a suspect, finally reached out for help.

The woman revealed she was initially contacted in mid-January by someone claiming to represent Mega Millions.

They falsely informed her of winning millions of dollars and a vehicle.

Subsequently, she was instructed to send cashier's checks and pre-paid cards, resulting in significant financial loss.

If you suspect fraudulent activity, don't hesitate to reach out to authorities.

This from the Red & Black