Hello and welcome to the Athens News podcast, I’m Melissa Carter.  A beloved Bulldog fan has died.  Plus, debate over which friends get to spend the night after an Athens family is attacked. We’ll discuss.  But first…Here are your top stories brought to you by Drake Realty.

Athens News

In a five-hour-long session, the Athens-Clarke County Mayor and Commission meeting remained a hub of community engagement, addressing a range of pressing issues from short-term rentals to public recognition of local contributors.

The pivotal agenda item on short-term rentals drew significant public interest, culminating in unanimous approval for policy amendments aimed at regulating STRs, potentially banning them in residential areas unless the renter's primary residence aligns with the property rented out.

This decision, though hailed as a step towards preserving neighborhood integrity by some, sparked concerns about potential financial strains for residents relying on STR income.

The meeting concluded with constructive public comments and calls for prompt governmental action, emphasizing the importance of responsive governance in addressing community concerns.

This from the Red & Black.

Athens News

Last week, Athens-Clarke police responded to a car crash on Whit Davis Road, only to be met with gunfire from a passing vehicle.

Upon arrival, officers witnessed a Nissan Altima pulling into a nearby driveway, prompted by the gunfire.

Sensing danger, an officer armed with a 12-gauge shotgun approached the vehicle, which ultimately led to a startling discovery.

A search of the car, prompted by the strong smell of marijuana, uncovered a cache of illegal substances, including 16 grams of marijuana, approximately 200 grams of methamphetamine, and 16 grams of fentanyl.

Additionally, officers seized narcotics, five firearms, two of which had been modified into fully automatic weapons.

The driver, identified as 31-year-old Samuel Adams of Athens, along with a 22-year-old Crawford man, were removed from the vehicle for further investigation.

Authorities found a Glock .40-caliber pistol reported stolen in Clarkston, as well as an arsenal of firearms in the trunk, including an AR-15 rifle and pistol, and modified Glock pistols.

Adams remains in custody without bond, facing multiple felony charges related to drug possession and illegal firearms, while the passenger was transferred to Madison County authorities on unrelated warrants.

This from the Athens Banner-Herald.

Athens News

A pedestrian was struck by a vehicle while crossing West Broad Street at North Hull Street last week, leading to serious injuries and a subsequent hit-and-run case.

According to the ACCPD, a southbound-moving car collided with the pedestrian, causing significant harm, before fleeing the scene and running a red light at Lumpkin Street.

Authorities identified the vehicle as a white Honda Accord.

The pedestrian was left unconscious and with severe injuries to his right leg.

Anyone with information is urged to reach out to Senior Police Officer Tilley at 762-400-7355.

This from the Red & Black.

Social Media

From the Athens-Clarke County News Facebook page:

An Athens family narrowly escaped a violent attack last month, by a teenage friend who spent the night at their home.

Jessica Cates discovered the15-year-old houseguest attacking her daughter with a knife in the early hours of the morning.

Jessica acted swiftly while her son intervened to save his sister from further harm.

Despite the distressing nature of the incident, the son still described the suspect as his "best friend.”

While investigations into the alleged knife attack are ongoing, the Athens-Clarke County Police Department refrained from disclosing further details due to the sensitive nature of the case and the ages of those involved.

Shag2023

This is so sad. Prayers for the family.

OC_DadOfSix

Let’s have a 15 year old boy stay overnight with my 15 year old daughter. - Quality Parenting Tips

Georgia is a Cesspool

Victim blaming is what people who don’t know the situation do. Don’t be a jerk.

UGA News

The University of Georgia community is mourning the loss of a beloved figure, Trent "Big Dawg" Woods.

Known for adorning a painted bulldog on his head and spreading cheer on game days, Big Dawg's sudden passing from natural causes has left a void in Bulldog Nation.

Big Dawg's tradition traces back three generations, from his grandfather to his father, Mike, who carried on the iconic gesture until his own passing in 2017.

This from Atlanta News First.

UGA Sports

From the Red & Black, the Athens-Banner Herald:

The No. 20 Georgia men’s tennis team earned their 13th consecutive win against Georgia Tech.

In basketball the Georgia men lost to Mississippi State 75-62.  The Lady Bulldogs defeated Kentucky 72-65.

SuperBowl 56 kicks off at 6:30 tomorrow night between the San Francisco 49ers and the Kansas City Chiefs. 

Former Bulldogs playing in the game include:

On the 49ers - DE Robert Beal Jr, WR Chris Conley and TE Charlie Woerner.

For the Chiefs - WR Mecole Hardman and DE Malik Herring.

Athens News

The 15 contenders for the new season of Top Chef have been announced and an Athens chef is among the list.

Kenny Nguyen, executive chef at The Expat in Five Points, is set to compete on Bravo's Top Chef season 21, premiering March 20th.

The show was filmed last year, according to a social media post from Nguyen.

Nguyen is also set to open a new restaurant called Pretty Boy later this year.

This from the Athens-Banner Herald.