• Athens Clark County Cast: Bell Hotel Renovations, Firefly Trail Expansion, Stormwater Fee Increase, UGA-Army Partnership, New UGA Baseball Coach, Slab Dream Lab's Success
    Jul 6 2024

    In this episode of the Athens-Clarke County Cast, host Melissa Carter covers the latest news in Athens, GA. Learn about the renovation of the historic Bell Building into the Bell Hotel, the expansion of the Firefly Trail, the increase in stormwater utility fees, UGA's $100 million partnership with the US Army, Georgia baseball's new assistant coach, and the success story of Slab Dream Lab, a local Lego baseplate business. Stay informed and connected with your community by tuning in.

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    8 mins
  • Athens Clark County Cast: Resilience and Change in Athens-Clarke County: Local News, UGA Honors, and Real Estate Trends
    Jul 2 2024

    Hello and welcome to the Athens-Clarke County Cast, one of Feedspot’s Top 20 Georgia News Podcasts. I’m Melissa Carter. Here are your top stories brought to you by Drake Realty.

    In this episode, we cover a series of compelling local news stories. Hear the courageous recovery journey of Chris Sullens, who survived a brutal machete attack in Athens and inspired over $25,000 in donations. We also dive into the rising rent prices in Athens, which are bucking regional real estate trends with a steady increase. Additionally, Dr. Beverly L. Ford resigns as principal of Coile Middle School after 18 years of dedicated service, and we look at the University of Georgia's Jere W. Morehead Honors College being ranked first in the nation. Finally, we discuss North Oconee senior wide receiver Landon Roldan's commitment to Georgia football, marking another local talent joining the Bulldogs.

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    9 mins
  • Athens Clark County Cast: Fourth of July Prep, Linnentown Reparations, and UGA Sports Highlight
    Jun 29 2024

    Welcome to the Athens-Clarke County Cast, one of Feedspot’s Top 20 Georgia News Podcasts. Hosted by Melissa Carter. Here are this week's top stories brought to you by Drake Realty:

    • Holiday Travel Tips: AAA predicts a busy Fourth of July with two million Georgians on the roads and offers essential safety tips.
    • Linnentown Reparations: Athens Reparations Action launches its first phase for Linnentown descendants in an emotional ceremony, raising over $120,000.
    • Drug Bust: Athens-Clarke County police arrest two individuals following a significant drug bust on Rear Arch Street.
    • Summer in Athens: Local businesses adjust to quieter streets as UGA students leave for summer break.
    • UGA Sports: UGA sophomore Aaliyah Butler qualifies for Team USA in the 400-meter dash.

    Stay tuned for detailed coverage of these stories and more.

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    9 mins
  • Athens Clark County Cast: Top Athens-Clarke County Stories: Machete Attack, Housing Authority CEO Resignation, and UGA Vaccine Trials
    Jun 25 2024

    Hello and welcome to the Athens-Clarke County Cast, one of Feedspot’s Top 20 Georgia News Podcasts. I’m Melissa Carter, and here are your top stories brought to you by Drake Realty.

    1. Machete Attack: A judge has denied bond for Cedric Smith, the suspect in a brutal machete attack outside an Athens homeless shelter. We'll dive into the details of the assault and the ongoing support for the victim, Chris Sullens.
    2. Housing Authority Leadership Change: Connie Staudinger has resigned as CEO of the Athens Housing Authority just 18 months into her tenure. Learn more about the interim leadership and the board's next steps.
    3. Homeless Coalition Director Appointment: The Athens Homeless Coalition has appointed Michael Bien as its first executive director. Find out what this means for homelessness prevention efforts in our community.
    4. UGA's Nasal COVID-19 Vaccine: Exciting news from the University of Georgia as a new intranasal COVID-19 vaccine heads to clinical trials. Discover how this innovation could impact the fight against COVID-19.
    5. UGA Sports Achievement: Celebrate with us as UGA’s Charlie Condon makes history by winning the Golden Spikes Award, recognizing the top amateur baseball player in the country.
    6. Upcoming Art Event: Mark your calendars for a unique art event at the Lyndon House Arts Center this September. Experience the excitement as the front entrance transforms into a giant outdoor printing operation.

    Tune in for these stories and more on the Athens-Clarke County Cast. Stay informed with the latest news impacting our community.

    Listen now and subscribe to the Athens-Clarke County Cast for weekly updates!

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    9 mins
  • Athens Clark County Cast: Charitable Choices in Athens: A Conversation with Sarah McKinney - President and CEO of Athens Area Community Foundation
    Jun 22 2024

    Welcome to the Athens-Clarke County Cast, one of Feedspot’s Top 20 Georgia News Podcasts. I’m Melissa Carter. If you're looking to support local charities but aren't sure where to start, tune in as I interview Sarah McKinney, President and CEO of Athens Area Community Foundation, for expert guidance.

    Plus, get the latest Athens news, including updates on a recent shooting on Hickman Drive, a court decision involving Rashard Blackshear, and upcoming pro-choice rallies. Brought to you by Drake Realty.

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    17 mins
  • Athens Clark County Cast: Athens Crime Updates and Leadership Changes
    Jun 18 2024

    Welcome to the Athens-Clarke County Cast, proudly named one of Feedspot’s Top 20 Georgia News Podcasts. I'm your host, Melissa Carter. In this episode, brought to you by Drake Realty, we cover the latest updates in Athens:

    • Arrests in Rolling Ridge Homicide: Police have arrested 18-year-old Janiya Moore and 16-year-old Zyquavious Thomas in connection with last month's tragic shooting.

    • Deadly Shooting on Nowhere Road: Heather McCall faces charges for the fatal shooting of Jeremy Howard. The investigation continues.

    • New Acting County Manager: Deputy Manager Niki Jones steps in as acting county manager following Blaine Williams' resignation.

    Stay informed on these critical developments in your community. Tune in now to get the full story!

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    8 mins
  • Athens Clark County Cast: Executive Director of AthFest Educates Mary Joyce
    Jun 15 2024

    Hello and welcome to the Athens-Clarke County Cast, one of Feedspot’s Top 20 Georgia News Podcasts. I’m Melissa Carter. Heading to AthFest this month? Your attendance actually helps a good cause. Mary Joyce, Executive Director of AthFest Educates, will join us to explain the impact and importance of this local event.

    Top Stories Brought to You by Drake Realty:

    **Deadly Shooting in Athens:**

    Athens-Clarke County Police have charged a woman in a deadly shooting that occurred Wednesday. Officers responded to the 100 block of Nowhere Road, finding 31-year-old Jeremy Howard with a gunshot wound. Despite being rushed to a local hospital, Howard succumbed to his injuries. After an investigation, police arrested 26-year-old Heather McCall, charging her with involuntary manslaughter and reckless conduct. The investigation is ongoing, and anyone with information is urged to contact detectives at (762) 400-7060.

    **Federal Charges for Athens Woman:**

    Gabryele "Gabby" Watson faces federal charges in Tennessee following multiple search warrants, including one at her home. The 26-year-old was indicted for two counts of cyberstalking and one count of interstate transmission of threats related to an alleged adoption scam targeting a Tennessee couple. If convicted, Watson could face up to five years in federal prison for each count.

    **Fraud Ring Arrest:**

    Athens-Clarke County Police arrested Anthony Phillips after he attempted a large purchase using a fraudulent account number at a business on Lexington Road. Phillips is linked to a multi-state fraud ring responsible for stealing millions of dollars in merchandise. During the arrest, officers recovered $1,800 in stolen goods and fentanyl. Phillips faces several charges, including theft by receiving stolen property, providing false information to law enforcement, and possession of a schedule II controlled substance. He also has outstanding warrants related to the fraud ring.

    Join us for these stories and more on this episode of the Athens-Clarke County Cast!

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    15 mins
  • Athens Clark County Cast: Embezzlement Scandal, Kyron Zarco Day, and a New Control Tower at Ben Epps Airport
    Jun 11 2024

    Welcome to another episode of the Athens-Clarke County Cast, proudly listed as one of Feedspot’s Top 20 Georgia News Podcasts. I’m your host, Melissa Carter. In this episode, we bring you the latest news stories from around Athens, brought to you by Drake Realty.

    **Athens News**

    Embezzlement at Integrity Foods Inc.** A local company, Integrity Foods Inc., specializing in chicken products, has accused a former employee of embezzling over $3 million. The company discovered falsified records which the employee used to divert funds into personal accounts over six years. Following an internal investigation, the Athens police became involved on May 22nd. While the employee has been fired, it remains uncertain if they will be taken into custody or what charges might be filed.

    **Kyron Zarco Day Declared**

    The Athens-Clarke County Commission has designated June 18th as Kyron Zarco Day to honor the 3-year-old boy tragically killed in a gang-related shooting earlier this year. This resolution, adopted last week, addresses the root causes of gun violence and gang activity in the community. Four alleged gang members have been indicted in connection with his death, facing charges including malice murder and aggravated assault. The commission’s resolution commits to prioritizing gun and gang violence prevention in future budgets and calls for community collaboration to support at-risk youth.

    **New Control Tower for Athens-Ben Epps Airport**

    Athens-Ben Epps Airport has selected a site for its new control tower, set to begin construction within the next 18 months to two years. This project is part of a $500 million FAA initiative to replace aging towers at 31 smaller U.S. airports. Airport Director Mike Mathews announced the new tower, budgeted at $2.5 million, will be on a 1-acre site behind the current tower. The new structure will stand 90 to 95 feet tall, about 30 feet taller than the existing tower, and feature a larger control cab. Whether the new tower will display the University of Georgia's "Super G" emblem is still under discussion.

    Tune in for more detailed coverage and insights on these stories, only on the Athens-Clarke County Cast!

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    9 mins