Hello and welcome to the Athens News podcast, I’m Melissa Carter.  An accident on campus between a scooter and bus leaves a student injured.  Plus, a local high school is in search of a new principal. We’ll tell you which one.  But first…Here are your top stories brought to you by Drake Realty.

Athens News

Athens police say an argument over food escalated into a shooting at a bus stop that sent one person to the hospital.

On Thursday, officers with the Athens-Clarke County Police Department responded to reports of a shooting on the 1000 block of Lakeside Drive.

At a nearby bus stop, officers found a victim who had been shot in the leg.

Medics took the victim to a local hospital for treatment. 

They are expected to recover.

Investigators believe the situation started during a dispute over food at a nearby apartment. The argument eventually escalated to the shooting at the bus stop.

Officers arrested and charged 25-year-old Athens resident Douglas Barnett with aggravated assault.

This from Fox 5.

Athens News

Athens-Clarke police announced the arrests of six individuals in Georgia and South Carolina on charges related to trafficking in methamphetamine. 

The Northeast Georgia Regional Drug Task Force spearheaded the investigation, which involved collaboration with six other law enforcement agencies.

Described as lengthy, the probe led to the execution of search warrants at locations including a home in Hallmark Mobile Home Park on Spring Valley Road and another in Pinewood Estates North trailer park off U.S. Highway 29, both in Athens. 

During the operation, officers seized 39 kilograms of meth valued at over $340,000 on the street, along with a Springfield Armory 9mm pistol and approximately $32,000 in cash. 

The suspects hail from Dillon and Eastover in South Carolina, as well as Loganville, Monroe, and Athens. 

Further details about the investigation were not disclosed.

This from the Athens-Banner Herald.

Athens News

For many in Athens, the daily routine of commuting via public transit is essential for running errands, attending classes, and getting to work punctually. 

However, this process hinges on the dedication of bus operators, who are currently facing a critical shortage, both nationally and in Athens.

A survey conducted by the American Public Transportation Association revealed alarming statistics: 71% of 117 transit agencies had to reduce or defer services due to workforce shortages. 

Over 90% of these agencies struggled to recruit new employees, with bus operator positions proving to be the most challenging to fill.

The shortage of bus operators not only impacts the reliability of public transportation but also underscores broader challenges within the transit industry. 

As Athens continues to rely on buses for their daily commutes, addressing this shortage will be crucial for maintaining efficient and accessible public transit services in the city.

This from the Red & Black.

Social Media 

From Classic City News:

The issue of safety and security surrounding the homeless and panhandler population in Athens has come to the forefront, particularly in relation to the differing standards applied by City Hall. 

While the government has taken steps to ensure the safety of its employees by hiring a private security firm for City Hall, citizens and business owners are left to grapple with these challenges on their own.

mtcolquitt

Athens is a hot  mess. I work on the Old Hull Rd. The police told my boss there's at least 75 homeless individuals living on this road, and onto North Ave., I'm sure. They sometimes sleep in our delivery trucks. How would you like to leave out early and find someone asleep in your truck. Not me. 

sabrina_mynx

I work downtown next to city hall.  It's an embarrassment for a prestigious university city to allow aggressive panhandling.  Just going to Chick fil la is a hassle.  The homeless literally sit there in your face while you are trying to get food.  They assault the traffic lady all the time.  I have watched cops walk away from screaming homeless people outside of shops scaring customers away. 

Georgia is a Cesspool

You can’t arrest your way of the poverty issues. You have to tackle poverty and addiction BEFORE they become adults. This problem didn’t start with the current government, it’s been stirring for decades. The status quo is the problem. You can’t criminalize poverty and hope it goes away…

UGA News

Last week, a University of Georgia student suffered injuries in a collision between their electric scooter and a shuttle bus. 

The incident, which took place along East Campus Road, resulted in the scooter driver sustaining multiple lacerations. 

UGA police promptly responded to the scene, and the injured student was swiftly transported to Piedmont Athens Regional Hospital for medical attention. 

It's worth noting that the shuttle involved was not affiliated with UGA. 

This from the Red & Black.

UGA Sports

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

Former Georgia football receiver Mecole Hardman caught the game-winning touchdown in the Chiefs' overtime win over the 49ers in Super Bowl 58 Sunday.

Georgia softball wins in a doubleheader this weekend, defeating Murray State 2-0 and Purdue 6-1.

In basketball, the UGA men fell to Arkansas 78-75.

Athens News

Cedar Shoals High School Principal Antonio Derricotte has announced his resignation, effective at the end of the current school year. 

The Clarke County School District confirmed the resignation on Friday, although no details regarding Derricotte's future plans were provided. 

The district expressed gratitude for his service and wished him well in his future endeavors in a letter addressed to the Cedar Shoals community. 

Derricotte, a Cedar Shoals graduate himself, took on the role of principal in March 2022. 

The district has initiated the process of hiring a new principal to fill the upcoming vacancy.

This from the Athens-Banner Herald.