February 17th Podcast

Hello and welcome to the Athens News podcast, I’m Melissa Carter.  Discover how local activists are rallying the community to tackle a pressing issue in Athens that needs your support. And, before you reach for that refreshing cold brew coffee, find out why it could pose unexpected health risks if not consumed cautiously.  But first…Here are your top stories brought to you by Drake Realty.

Athens News

The Mayor and Commission of the Athens-Clarke County Unified Government unveiled a groundbreaking initiative during their monthly work session at City Hall on Tuesday night: the Local Road Safety Plan, aimed at bolstering safety measures on local roads.

With a commitment to achieving zero fatalities and severe injuries on all ACCGov roadways and paths, the initiative underscores the fundamental right of every individual to travel safely.

The session also delved into other pertinent matters, including the replacement project for Fire Station #5 under the 2020 SPLOST, the presentation of the annual financial report for the previous fiscal year, and the unveiling of a Pavement Management Program (PMP).

The comprehensive road safety plan hinges on several key strategies, including raising awareness about road safety and associated risks, reducing the occurrence of severe crashes, and garnering support for grant applications aimed at addressing road safety concerns.

This from the Red & Black.

Athens News

One man is dead and another is in police custody following a fatal shooting last week.

Authorities responded to the 1200 block of Athens Road, where they discovered 48-year-old Willie Jewell, a resident of Winterville, fatally wounded by a gunshot.

Details surrounding the motive behind the shooting remain undisclosed.

However, police swiftly apprehended 26-year-old Cedric Jones, a resident of Athens, at the scene.

Jones now faces charges of second-degree murder and possession of a firearm during the commission of certain felonies.

While granted bond for the latter charge, he remains in police custody without bond for the former.

This from The Patch.

Athens News

Athens-Clarke police are probing two more, separate shooting incidents last week that resulted in injuries to two men.

The initial shooting unfolded on Viking Court, situated in an apartment neighborhood adjacent to Cedar Shoals High School, just off Cedar Shoals Drive.

Though specifics regarding the cause of the shooting were not disclosed, a 36-year-old man sustained critical injuries in the exchange of gunfire and was rushed to a hospital.

The second shooting happened on Zebulon Drive within the Nellie B Community in east Athens.

According to authorities, an 18-year-old male, traveling as a passenger in a vehicle, sustained injuries in the gunfire.

While investigators have identified the person responsible for shooting the teenager, further details regarding the incident were not disclosed.

This from the Athens Banner-Herald.

Social Media

From the Athens Banner-Herald Facebook page:

A University of Georgia study finds cold brew coffee comes with a potential health risk, pathogens survive in it anywhere from nine to 12 days.

Flinn Hill Manor

Summary: if you’re making hot coffee, heat and acid kills pathogens that you may have accidentally introduced. So if you’re making cold brew, make sure your equipment and hands are clean and you refrigerate the coffee so you don’t accidentally grow out something that could make you sick.

Joseph Kolter

If it makes money, health doesn't matter.

home.made

Could the same thing be said about Koolaid?

UGA News

The University System of Georgia Board of Regents has granted authorization to the University of Georgia to establish a new, independent School of Medicine in Athens.

UGA President Jere W. Morehead hailed the decision as historic, emphasizing the school's potential to expand access to healthcare, attract top-tier talent, and serve underserved communities.

The school's impact extends beyond healthcare, with expectations for economic development and job creation.

The UGA School of Medicine is supported by both state funding and private donors.

This from Fox 5.

UGA Sports

From the Red & Black and ESPN:

In tennis, No. 24 Georgia men were shut out by No. 6 Virginia on the road.  The Georgia women defeated No. 8 Florida at the ITA Indoor Championships.

Georgia women's golf placed 4th in the San Diego State Championship.

In basketball the Georgia men lost to Arkansas, 78-75.

Athens News

Athens-Clarke County is grappling with an escalating crisis, as hundreds of individuals and families struggle with homelessness.

The latest count reveals that approximately 342 people are experiencing homelessness in Athens-Clarke County, a figure officials say likely underestimates the true extent of the issue.

Various factors contribute to the surge in homelessness, including rising housing costs, limited affordable housing options, and the closure of vital resources like the "First Step" homeless encampment.

Organizations like The Sparrow's Nest and Athens Area Homeless Shelter provide essential services and support, but they cannot do it alone.

Activist John Morris is emphasizing community engagement in order to become a powerful force for change.

“Put yourselves out there,” he says.  “Volunteer at places, but do it a little more consistently.”

This from the Red & Black.