November 18th Podcast

Hello and welcome to the Athens News podcast, I’m Melissa Carter.  More about the teen who was shot last week before school … and a remarkable achievement from one UGA student heading abroad, but first…Here are your top stories brought to you by Drake Realty.

Athens News

Two tragic accidents on Commerce and Pine Bluff roads last week claimed one life and left several injured.

According to the Athens-Clarke County Police Department, the 17th Fatal Crash of 2023 occurred when a Chevy Malibu pulled into the path of a semi-truck on Pine Bluff Road. The semi-truck driver, though unhurt, was later killed while he was checking on the Malibu’s occupants.  A Chevy Tahoe struck him.

The Malibu driver is in critical condition, while her passenger suffered minor injuries. The co-worker of the deceased semi-truck driver was treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

The Athens-Clarke County Police Department is urging anyone with information to come forward. Contact Sgt. Schulte at Robert.Schulte@accgov.com or 762-400-7093. 

This from the Red & Black.

Athens News

The Athens-Clarke County Mayor and Commission discussed crucial changes at their recent work session. 

A Transit Development Plan aims to enhance Athens' public transit system, responding to a 10% population growth from 2010 to 2020. 

With increased bus ridership, citizens' input suggests a desire for expanded services and reduced fees. The plan targets a 95% on-time performance rate, aiming for implementation in the second quarter of next year.

Transportation and Public Works Technical Standards updates include wider pavements, roundabout criteria, and improved pedestrian accommodations. Mayor Girtz expressed optimism for safer sidewalks. The commission is also exploring changes to driveway widths for enhanced parking efficiency.

This from The Red & Black.

Athens News

In a landmark decision, U.S. District Judge Amy Totenberg has ruled that the question of cybersecurity flaws in Georgia's electronic voting system will go to trial early next year. 

The ruling comes after a long-running lawsuit by activists pushing for hand-marked paper ballots. Judge Totenberg set a non-jury trial for January 9th, urging both sides to seek resolution. 

The lawsuit claims the current system threatens voters' rights, with vulnerabilities identified by experts leading to a federal cybersecurity advisory.

This from 11 Alive.

The Bulldogs nab a recruit away from another SEC team, but first…

Social Media 

From the Athens-Clarke County News Facebook Page:

This is a follow-up to a story we told you about in our last podcast.  In western Athens-Clarke County, the 13-year-old boy who was wounded last week before school was apparently a victim of a drive-by shooting. 

Authorities report a teen, who fled the scene, was later arrested on a misdemeanor and is now under questioning.

Geof Gilland, spokesperson for Athens-Clarke County Police, states, 'Due to the ongoing nature of the investigation, it would be premature to comment on gang involvement.’

The shooting occurred at 8 a.m. at Windy Hills Apartments. A woman, preparing her son for school, heard gunshots, finding her nephew wounded. A Jeep Cherokee fled the scene, colliding with a Honda Accord. The injured boy's father rushed him to the hospital.

Police located the stolen Jeep abandoned in Ben Burton Park, leading to a foot pursuit and the arrest of an 18-year-old on misdemeanor obstruction. 

The Clarke County School District has offered counseling for students affected.  The injured student is from Elbert County and came to Athens to attend alternative education.

MTColquitt says: The poor victim will forever be traumatized by the stupidity of another. The shooter needs to be traumatized too, Ms. DA. Not taken to your home to coddle. 

Paul Bunce replied: Someone else for the DA to let off.

UGA News

In a remarkable achievement, two Georgia students have emerged as the cream of the academic crop, securing coveted spots as 2024 Rhodes Scholars. 

Mariah Cady, a senior at the University of Georgia, and Madison Jennings, a senior at Agnes Scott College, join the ranks of 32 exceptional students from across the nation.

The prestigious honor was announced last week, granting the duo the opportunity to pursue graduate degrees at the illustrious Oxford University in England, with the scholarship covering all associated costs.

Hailing from Midland, Georgia, Cady is a linguistics and international affairs major with a passion for languages. 

At Oxford, she intends to earn dual master’s degrees, delving into linguistics, philology, and phonetics, as well as refugee and forced migration studies. Cady already commands eight languages, including German, Russian, Arabic, and more.

UGA President Jere Morehead expressed immense pride, stating, "We are extraordinarily proud that Mariah has joined the long and distinguished list of University of Georgia students who have been honored as Rhodes Scholars. I am confident that Mariah will make significant contributions to the world through her academic and professional pursuits.

This from the AJC.

UGA Sports

The Georgia Bulldogs face the Tennessee Volunteers in Knoxville this afternoon.  Kick-off is at 3:30, and you can see the game on CBS.

Meanwhile, the Bulldogs scored a victory on the recruiting front. Dublin High School's four-star defensive lineman, Nasir Johnson, has flipped his commitment from the Florida Gators to Georgia. The 6-foot-4, 300-pound prospect is a significant addition for the Bulldogs, currently ranked No. 27 in his position nationally. 

This from the Athens-Banner Herald.

Athens News

Got some old $2 bills lying around? Well, it might be time to dig them out! 

According to Heritage Auctions, the largest collectible currency auction house globally, certain $2 bills, in circulation since 1929, are turning heads among collectors.

Recent sales have seen a 2003 bill with a low serial number fetch $2,400, only to be resold for $4,000. 

But here's the catch: it's not about age, it's about the serial number, date, and condition. 

Dustin Johnston of Heritage Auctions notes, "Americans don’t spend $2 bills because they think they are markedly scarce. However, the numbers tell us a different story." 

So, dust off those $2 bills, check the Heritage Auctions website, and who knows, you might be holding onto more than just face value.

This from the AJC.