Athens News Podcast: 8/26/23


Police report: Athens-Clarke Commissioner John Culpepper scammed in bank fraud:

In a recent incident, Athens-Clarke County Commissioner John Culpepper fell victim to fraud when scammers accessed his bank account, stealing around $230,000. The crime began with a call from a woman claiming to represent Regions Bank, inquiring about suspicious charges. She requested a verification code sent to Culpepper's phone, which he complied with. The following day, he realized significant sums were missing from his account. The police were alerted on August 11, and the bank's security office is also investigating. Culpepper hasn't yet responded to requests for comment on the matter......This from Athens-Banner Herald #policereport #police #commissioner #scammed #bankfraud #victim #sccessedbankinformation #bankssecurityofficer #investigating 




Commissioners Put Off Classic Center Arena, Stormwater Fee Votes


The Athens-Clarke County Commission has postponed a vote for the issuance of a third round of bonds to fund a new arena, expressing skepticism about the financial projections. Despite concerns that delaying the decision might jeopardize the project's deal with the master developer, commissioners cited the need for more information about how the debt will be repaid. The Classic Center Executive Director emphasized the importance of moving forward due to volatile interest rates and ongoing bookings at the arena. Some commissioners highlighted the transformative potential of the arena and associated developments, while others felt the public needed more time to understand the project's scope. In a separate matter, the commission is considering raising stormwater fees to address infrastructure needs exacerbated by climate change........This from Flagpole #comissioners #stormwaterfeevotes #issuance #roundofbonds #newarena #skepticism #transformativepotential #developments  


Athens man accused of damaging dozens of vehicles in wild ride through Gwinnett County neighborhood




An Athens man has been arrested and is facing 28 charges after causing significant damage to vehicles in a Gwinnett County neighborhood. The incident began when a driver in a Mercedes G500 was reported to be speeding through yards, doing donuts, and crashing into parked cars. The driver fled before the police arrived, leaving behind around 30 damaged vehicles. The driver was later found at a McDonald's and identified as Patrick Humes, aged 37. Although the motive is unclear, investigators suspect he may have been experiencing a mental health crisis. Despite reports of gunshots, no evidence of gunfire was found......... This from Fox 5 #arrested #facing28charges #driverwasfound #identefied #patrickhumes #37 #unclearmotive #speedingthroughyards #mcdonalds #mentalhealthcrisis #mercedes #G500 #doingdoughnuts #crashingintoparkedcars 


UGA researchers to perform necropsy on Lolita, the killer whale from Miami, per report


Lolita, a 57-year-old killer whale also known as Toki, has died at the Miami Seaquarium. The orca, well-known for her captivity and controversial history, was transported to the University of Georgia for a necropsy to determine the cause of death. The presumed cause is renal failure. Lolita had faced health issues in the past, including infections and eating problems. The People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) protested her captivity, and there were intentions to relocate her to a natural habitat, though releasing her into the open ocean was not feasible. Many have memorialized her on social media, and Miami's mayor expressed sorrow for her passing.......... This from Athens-Banner Herald #57yearoldkillerwhale #killerwhale #toki #lolita #diedatMiamiseaquarium #wellknownforhercaptivity #UGA #necropy #determinecuaseofdeath #PETA #PETAprotested #captivity #healthissuesinpast #infectionsandeatingproblems 


Carson Beck Talks Why he Stayed at UGA, Becoming the Starter



Georgia's football program has named Carson Beck as their starting quarterback for the upcoming 2023 college football season. Beck, who has patiently waited for his turn and remained committed to Georgia despite not having started a game in his previous three years, recently discussed his journey and feelings about being named the starter. He could have explored other opportunities through the transfer portal but chose to stay. As Georgia aims for a third consecutive national title, Beck's role is crucial. His selection as the starter has led to increased draft prospects and Heisman Trophy odds. Both fans and Beck anticipate his performance in the upcoming season......... This from Sports Illustrated Fan Nation #Georgiafootball #georgiafootballprogram #CarsonBeck #startingquarterback #collegefootballseason #patientlywaited #histurn #notstartedpreviousthreeyears #discussedhisfeelingsaboutthisposition #increaseddraftproposals #heinsmantrophyodds #thirdnationaltitle #roleiscrutial #fansandbeckanticipatehisperformance 

 ACC affordable housing plan holds final public input session today



Athens-Clarke County is holding its final public input session for the Affordable Housing Investment Strategy. Developed by an external consultant and ACC staff, the plan proposes initiatives like a local housing fund and down payment assistance fund. The strategy aims to allocate around $5 million annually for affordable housing efforts, potentially resulting in 1,500 new affordable housing units over a decade. A portion of the funds could come from the federal government, while the rest would be local funding, possibly from the county budget, new taxes, fees, tax allocation districts, or private philanthropy. Some commissioners expressed skepticism about the plan's novelty.......... This from WUGA #finalpublicinputsession #afortablehousing #investmentstrategy #externalconsultant #Athens-clarkecounty #accstaff #planproposedinitiatives #localhousingfund #downpaymentassistantfund #allocate5millionannually #1500newaffordablehousing 


LORAN SMITH: 6,200 INCOMING FRESHMEN WILL LOOK BACK ON THEIR UGA EXPERIENCE IN THE ENSUING YEARS AS THE GREATEST TIME OF THEIR LIVES




The article discusses the excitement and experiences of incoming freshmen at the University of Georgia (UGA) for the 2023 college football season. The incoming class is highlighted as being academically qualified, with an average GPA of 4.13 and strong standardized test scores. The author shares anecdotes about individual students and their decisions to attend UGA, emphasizing the diversity of backgrounds and interests among the new students. The article also touches on the author's personal memories of attending UGA in the 1950s and the lasting impact it had on his life. Overall, the article celebrates the anticipation and positive experiences of the incoming students and reflects on the university's history and future............ This from Bulldog illustrated #excitement and experiences #incomingfreshman #UGA #universityofga #academicallyqualified #averageGPA4.13 #strongstandardizedtestscore #testscores #differentbackgroundsandinterst 







Social: 

From Athen’s-Clarke County News Facebook page: 

Sandy Rena Overstreet posted “Anyone know why there's a lock down at Cedar Shoals? My daughter said it wasn't a drill.” 



There were a lot of comments helping to try and figure out what is going on: 

Amber Kelly “Just confirmed with an officer. Nothing serious is going on.” 

Clarke County School District “there was no active threat” 

Wendy Sherod “I saw it was a former student on the grounds.” 



www.athensdtech.edu

Athens News Podcast: 8/26/23  
  
<ol>
<li data-leveltext="%1." data-font="Arial" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:0,&quot;335559684&quot;:-1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769242&quot;:[65533,0],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;%1.&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1">Police report: Athens-Clarke Commissioner John Culpepper scammed in bank fraud:  </li>
</ol>
In a recent incident, Athens-Clarke County Commissioner John Culpepper fell victim to fraud when scammers accessed his bank account, stealing around $230,000. The crime began with a call from a woman claiming to represent Regions Bank, inquiring about suspicious charges. She requested a verification code sent to Culpepper's phone, which he complied with. The following day, he realized significant sums were missing from his account. The police were alerted on August 11, and the bank's security office is also investigating. Culpepper hasn't yet responded to requests for comment on the matter......This from Athens-Banner Herald #policereport #police #commissioner #scammed #bankfraud #victim #sccessedbankinformation #bankssecurityofficer #investigating 
 
  
<ol>
<li data-leveltext="%1." data-font="Calibri" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:0,&quot;335559684&quot;:-1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769242&quot;:[65533,0],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;%1.&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="2" data-aria-level="1">Commissioners Put Off Classic Center Arena, Stormwater Fee Votes </li>
</ol>
  The Athens-Clarke County Commission has postponed a vote for the issuance of a third round of bonds to fund a new arena, expressing skepticism about the financial projections. Despite concerns that delaying the decision might jeopardize the project's deal with the master developer, commissioners cited the need for more information about how the debt will be repaid. The Classic Center Executive Director emphasized the importance of moving forward due to volatile interest rates and ongoing bookings at the arena. Some commissioners highlighted the transformative potential of the arena and associated developments, while others felt the public needed more time to understand the project's scope. In a separate matter, the commission is considering raising stormwater fees to address infrastructure needs exacerbated by climate change........This from Flagpole #comissioners #stormwaterfeevotes #issuance #roundofbonds #newarena #skepticism #transformativepotential #developments  
  
<ol>
<li data-leveltext="%1." data-font="Roboto Condensed" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:0,&quot;335559684&quot;:-1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769242&quot;:[65533,0],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;%1.&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="3" data-aria-level="1">Athens man accused of damaging dozens of vehicles in wild ride through Gwinnett County neighborhood </li>
</ol>
 
  An Athens man has been arrested and is facing 28 charges after causing significant damage to vehicles in a Gwinnett County neighborhood. The incident began when a driver in a Mercedes G500 was reported to be speeding through yards, doing donuts, and crashing into parked cars. The driver fled before the police arrived, leaving behind around 30 damaged vehicles. The driver was later found at a McDonald's and identified as Patrick Humes, aged 37. Although the motive is unclear, investigators suspect he may have been experiencing a mental health crisis. Despite reports of gunshots, no evidence of gunfire was found......... This from Fox 5 #arrested #facing28charges #driverwasfound #identefied #patrickhumes #37 #unclearmotive #speedingthroughyards #mcdonalds #mentalhealthcrisis #mercedes #G500 #doingdoughnuts #crashingintoparkedcars 
  
<ol>
<li data-leveltext="%1." data-font="Roboto Condensed" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:0,&quot;335559684&quot;:-1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769242&quot;:[65533,0],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;%1.&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="4" data-aria-level="1">UGA researchers to perform necropsy on Lolita, the killer whale from Miami, per report </li>
</ol>
   Lolita, a 57-year-old killer whale also known as Toki, has died at the Miami Seaquarium. The orca, well-known for her captivity and controversial history, was transported to the University of Georgia for a necropsy to determine the cause of death. The presumed cause is renal failure. Lolita had faced health issues in the past, including infections and eating problems. The People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) protested her captivity, and there were intentions to relocate her to a natural habitat, though releasing her into the open ocean was not feasible. Many have memorialized her on social media, and Miami's mayor expressed sorrow for her passing.......... This from Athens-Banner Herald #57yearoldkillerwhale #killerwhale #toki #lolita #diedatMiamiseaquarium #wellknownforhercaptivity #UGA #necropy #determinecuaseofdeath #PETA #PETAprotested #captivity #healthissuesinpast #infectionsandeatingproblems 
 
<ol>
<li data-leveltext="%1." data-font="Calibri" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:0,&quot;335559684&quot;:-1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769242&quot;:[65533,0],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;%1.&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="5" data-aria-level="1">Carson Beck Talks Why he Stayed at UGA, Becoming the Starter </li>
</ol>
 
Georgia's football program has named Carson Beck as their starting quarterback for the upcoming 2023 college football season. Beck, who has patiently waited for his turn and remained committed to Georgia despite not having started a game in his previous three years, recently discussed his journey and feelings about being named the starter. He could have explored other opportunities through the transfer portal but chose to stay. As Georgia aims for a third consecutive national title, Beck's role is crucial. His selection as the starter has led to increased draft prospects and Heisman Trophy odds. Both fans and Beck anticipate his performance in the upcoming season......... This from Sports Illustrated Fan Nation #Georgiafootball #georgiafootballprogram #CarsonBeck #startingquarterback #collegefootballseason #patientlywaited #histurn #notstartedpreviousthreeyears #discussedhisfeelingsaboutthisposition #increaseddraftproposals #heinsmantrophyodds #thirdnationaltitle #roleiscrutial #fansandbeckanticipatehisperformance 
<ol>
<li aria-level="1"> ACC affordable housing plan holds final public input session today</li>
</ol>
 
Athens-Clarke County is holding its final public input session for the Affordable Housing Investment Strategy. Developed by an external consultant and ACC staff, the plan proposes initiatives like a local housing fund and down payment assistance fund. The strategy aims to allocate around $5 million annually for affordable housing efforts, potentially resulting in 1,500 new affordable housing units over a decade. A portion of the funds could come from the federal government, while the rest would be local funding, possibly from the county budget, new taxes, fees, tax allocation districts, or private philanthropy. Some commissioners expressed skepticism about the plan's novelty.......... This from WUGA #finalpublicinputsession #afortablehousing #investmentstrategy #externalconsultant #Athens-clarkecounty #accstaff #planproposedinitiatives #localhousingfund #downpaymentassistantfund #allocate5millionannually #1500newaffordablehousing 
 
<ol>
<li aria-level="1">LORAN SMITH: 6,200 INCOMING FRESHMEN WILL LOOK BACK ON THEIR UGA EXPERIENCE IN THE ENSUING YEARS AS THE GREATEST TIME OF THEIR LIVES</li>
</ol>
 
  The article discusses the excitement and experiences of incoming freshmen at the University of Georgia (UGA) for the 2023 college football season. The incoming class is highlighted as being academically qualified, with an average GPA of 4.13 and strong standardized test scores. The author shares anecdotes about individual students and their decisions to attend UGA, emphasizing the diversity of backgrounds and interests among the new students. The article also touches on the author's personal memories of attending UGA in the 1950s and the lasting impact it had on his life. Overall, the article celebrates the anticipation and positive experiences of the incoming students and reflects on the university's history and future............ This from Bulldog illustrated #excitement and experiences #incomingfreshman #UGA #universityofga #academicallyqualified #averageGPA4.13 #strongstandardizedtestscore #testscores #differentbackgroundsandinterst 
 
 
 
Social: 
From Athen’s-Clarke County News Facebook page: 
Sandy Rena Overstreet posted “Anyone know why there's a lock down at Cedar Shoals? My daughter said it wasn't a drill.” 
 
There were a lot of comments helping to try and figure out what is going on: 
Amber Kelly “Just confirmed with an officer. Nothing serious is going on.” 
Clarke County School District “there was no active threat” 
Wendy Sherod “I saw it was a former student on the grounds.” 
 
<a href="http://www.athensdtech.edu">www.athensdtech.edu</a>

Listen to the Athens News Podcast! Stay informed, stay connected. Our podcast is your go-to source for the latest happenings in Athens-Clarke County, Georgia. Whether you're a resident, a business owner, a parent, or just curious about what's shaping our community, we bring you the top stories, local insights, and interviews that matter. Tune in twice a week to be in the know about everything in Athens-Clarke County, all in a quick and convenient 15-minute format. Join us on 'Athens-Clarke County News Podcast' and stay engaged with your community



To learn more visit Bgpodcastnetwork.com

Listen to the Athens News Podcast! Stay informed, stay connected. Our podcast is your go-to source for the latest happenings in Athens-Clarke County, Georgia. Whether you're a resident, a business owner, a parent, or just curious about what's shaping our community, we bring you the top stories, local insights, and interviews that matter. Tune in twice a week to be in the know about everything in Athens-Clarke County, all in a quick and convenient 15-minute format. Join us on 'Athens-Clarke County News Podcast' and stay engaged with your community
 
To learn more visit <a href="Bgpodcastnetwork.com">Bgpodcastnetwork.com</a>