November 28th Podcast

Hello and welcome to the Athens News podcast, I’m Melissa Carter.  Will some of the Bulldogs get off the injured list to play this weekend? … and what is the deadliest road in the country? The answer may surprise you, but first…Here are your top stories brought to you by Drake Realty.

Athens News

Papa John's Pizza has settled a lawsuit with an Athens man for $175,000. 

Michael Barnes, who is visually impaired, claimed he was fired over his service dog. 

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission ruled Papa John's violated the Americans with Disabilities Act. 

Now, not only is Barnes compensated, but Papa John's commits to ADA training for staff and EEOC monitoring to prevent future discrimination.

This from Fox 5.

Athens News

After 75 years of serving the community, Athens' oldest restaurant, the Mayflower, has closed its doors. 

Ricky Vaughn, owner of the iconic 171 E. Broad St. establishment, confirmed the end of operations. 

Established in 1948, the restaurant remained a beloved breakfast destination, weathering the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

While Vaughn did not disclose details about a potential sale, plans to close the Mayflower were previously mentioned, marking the end of an era for this downtown culinary landmark.

This from the Athens-Banner Herald.

Athens News

The Atlanta Braves, Delta Airlines, and the Delaney family join forces for a blood drive on Nov. 30, honoring the late UGA student, Morgan Delaney, who died in September from a rare form of cancer.

The event runs from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., welcoming walk-ins but encouraging appointments with code DeltaATL on the Red Cross website. 

Donors will receive "Elf" & Red Cross socks, plus a water bottle. There will also be a raffle for Delta tickets, and the Braves are donating four Delta Club seats with field access to a 2024 game.

According to Morgan’s mother, blood donations were vital during Morgan’s treatment, which is why the Delaney family is encouraging people to donate.

This from The Red & Black.

Social Media 

From the Athens-Clarke County News Facebook Page:

Chaos erupted at Rocksprings Homes as gunfire echoed in broad daylight. 

A pistol and shotgun clash left vehicles damaged, but thankfully, no injuries reported. 

Athens Clarke County Police said two men exchanged gunfire on November 18th, two females fled, followed by a speedy escape in a silver Lexus. 

Surveillance footage reveals the suspects' descriptions and a "shockwave" shotgun. 

An investigation is underway after over a dozen shell casings are recovered.

Jabece1903 said:  Another day in the neighborhood.

Aunty Lib responded:  Psychopaths who have no purpose or reason for existence.

Izzy Mendelbaum commented: Don't it make ya proud!?  I'm gonna bet the two 'gunmen' haven't worked a day this year and have learned to take money from Uncle Sam or some innocent person or store.  I'll also bet that at least one of these vermin are out on bail.  And the two women were likely guilty of something nefarious also.  But who knows, right?

UGA News

Two iconic buildings have undergone significant changes in recent months. 

The University of Georgia's President's House, a landmark since 1856, is on the market. Despite no buyer yet, Historic Athens is urging future owners to seek historic status. But, complications loom as it's currently zoned as government property.

Meanwhile, the Taylor-Grady House, built in 1844, has found new life. Athens-Clarke County decided to lease it, renaming it "Landmark Commons." Once home to cotton merchant Robert Taylor and later, Major William S. Grady, the estate, now a National Historic Landmark, is set for a historical education makeover.

This from the Red & Black.

UGA Sports

Georgia defeated Georgia Tech 31-23 in the Bulldogs’ last regular season game.  The question now is will any injured players be back for the SEC championship?

Coach Kirby Smart said Sunday evening that star tight end Brock Bowers and offensive guard Tate Ratledge were closest to being able to play at Georgia Tech, but they were held out.  

We’ll see what Saturday brings.  The SEC Championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta will begin at 4pm, and you can see the game on CBS.

This from the Athens-Banner Herald.

Athens News

If I asked you where the deadliest road in the United States was, would you have answered Georgia? 

It’s true.  Interstate 16 - between Macon and Savannah - has been deemed the deadliest road in the country, with a fatality rate of 23.2 per 100 miles. 

Spanning 166 miles, factors contributing to I-16’s alarming rate include design challenges, driver behaviors like speeding and impairment, and adverse environmental conditions. 

So if you have to travel this stretch of road during the holidays, make sure you take special care.

This from the Newton County News.