Athens Clarke County Cast: Bell Hotel Renovations, Firefly Trail Expansion, Stormwater Fee Increase, UGA-Army Partnership, New UGA Baseball Coach, Slab Dream Lab's Success

Published Jul 6, 2024, 9:00 AM

Athens News Podcast

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In this episode of the Athens-Clarke County Cast, host Melissa Carter covers the latest news in Athens, GA. Learn about the renovation of the historic Bell Building into the Bell Hotel, the expansion of the Firefly Trail, the increase in stormwater utility fees, UGA's $100 million partnership with the US Army, Georgia baseball's new assistant coach, and the success story of Slab Dream Lab, a local Lego baseplate business. Stay informed and connected with your community by tuning in.

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Discography from the Athens Tech Studios. This is the Athens-Clarke County cast, covering the latest stories that affect you in and around Athens. Now let's give you our top stories.

Hello and welcome to the Athens-Clarke County cast! When a Feedspot top 20 Georgia News podcast. My name is Melissa Carter, and here are your top stories brought to you by Drake Realty. Athens Historic Bell Building, located downtown at 183 West Clayton Street, is undergoing renovations to become an exclusive boutique hotel. The Bell Hotel will blend the building's rich history with modern luxury, offering a unique lodging experience in the heart of the classic city. Built in 1916 for the Southern Bell Telephone and Telegraph Company, the Bell Hotel will feature 12 elegantly appointed rooms once renovations are completed later this year. For more information, follow at The Bell Underscore Athens on Instagram and Facebook. This from the red and black pedestrians, bikers and other users of Athens-Clarke County's Firefly Trail may soon enjoy more open pavement. The Athens-Clarke County government has opened the bidding process for a new section of the Firefly Trail, spanning over two and a half miles from Spring Valley Road to the city of Winterville. This will be the final section of the Firefly Trail, a multi-use recreation path funded by Tsplost revenue. Preliminary plans for this segment were approved in 2020, with construction originally scheduled for last summer. The project is expected to cost between three and a half to $4 million. A Pre-bid conference is set for 10 a.m. on July 16th at City Hall, where officials will address questions related to the project. This from WAGA. Starting this month, Athens-Clarke County residents may notice an increase in their stormwater utility fee. On average, property owners will see a $14 rise in their fee, the first increase since 2005. These collected fees are dedicated to stormwater programs across the country, such as replacing and repairing culverts. The fee applies to both taxable and tax exempt properties. The price hike was approved by the county's Stormwater Advisory Committee last summer, citing the need for a more sustainable pool of funds to maintain infrastructure to help address stormwater issues, the county is offering erosion control assistance for single family residences and within the Athens-Clarke County right of way. This from WAGA.

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And known Athens street gang member Sherrod Porter, who was acquitted last week of armed robbery, was arrested just hours after his acquittal for allegedly attempting to break into an apartment. The 20 year old, of Westchester Circle was charged with first degree burglary and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. Authorities have identified him as a member of the 52 Hoover Gangster Crips street gang. LJ said. We have an incompetent Da. Others have the same feeling. Paul Buntz said not guilty. Exactly how did the Da prosecute this case? An empty Colquitt said. Not surprising to me. Criminals know the ACC Da has their backs. The University of Georgia is teaming up with the US Army to support military installations across the South. The Regional Intergovernmental Support Agreement, or Riksa, was officially signed by Army representatives and UGA President Jere Morehead on July 2nd at Fort Moore in Columbus. The $100 million agreement spread over ten years, will be administered by the UGA Carl Vinson Institute of Government. This initiative aims to streamline the provision of services from UGA and its partners to Army installations. This from the red and black. In sports. From the red and black, Georgia baseball hired former Kentucky assistant coach Nick Ammirati to the same role. He will replace Josh Simpson, who rejoined LSU's staff in June. And finally, a new business in Athens is tapping into the Lego market in a big way. Slab Dream Lab supplies Lego base plates to retail markets across the country. The company has already sold over a million units this year. These base plates are essential for building Lego projects, providing a sturdy foundation with small nubs to attach the bricks. Slab Dream Lab Located in the former Georgia Square Mall, Sears has grown into the largest and most creative Lego baseplate business globally. CEO Lyle Thompson started the company after making a stronger baseplate for his son, with innovative designs, including large base plates and customizable options. Slab Dream Lab now supplies 3000 Walmart stores, and expects to expand to 4500 retail outlets by summer's end. Slab Dream Lab remains committed to staying in Athens, no matter where their success takes them. This from the Athens Banner-herald.

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