Athens News Podcast: 10/7/23
A recent ConsumerAffairs report delves into the minimum annual income needed for middle-class status across U.S. states. Georgia's middle-class income for a family of four in 2023 is $65,364, placing it second-highest in the region. Wages have risen nationally, with a 6.7% increase in August 2022. Despite a slight dip to 5.3% in August 2023, it surpasses pre-pandemic levels. Notably, service and leisure sectors experienced faster wage growth due to pandemic-related shutdowns. The overall U.S. middle-class share has dwindled in the past 50 years, impacted by factors like retirements and a younger workforce facing a shortage of workers. Inflation, peaking at 9% in June 2022, also plays a role in shaping middle-class income levels.................This from the Athens – Banner Herald
The University of Georgia School of Law has been ranked as the nation's best value in legal education for the fourth time in six years by National Jurist. Achieving a historic three-peat from 2018 to 2020, the law school is praised for its commitment to affordability and accessibility. Recent metrics contributing to this recognition include a 95% employment rate for full-time, long-term, bar-pass required jobs within 10 months of graduation (Class of 2022), a nearly 99% Ultimate Bar Passage Rate for the Class of 2020, and a 50% decline in student borrowing over the past decade. The school's emphasis on scholarships, low tuition, and support for first-generation college graduates and veterans is highlighted. School of Law Dean Peter B. “Bo” Rutledge notes that this recognition allows students to pursue legal careers based on passion rather than financial constraints............This from WUGA
A video captured a security guard leaving a gun unattended on the floor of a Georgia Department of Labor building in Athens. The gun remained unattended for several minutes in a waiting room with employees and taxpayers. Russell Pickron, a government watchdog, recorded the incident and expressed concern about the risk, especially for children present in the area. It took at least four minutes before the security guard returned. The Georgia Department of Labor labeled the situation unacceptable, stating that the officer involved will no longer work at any GDOL locations.............This from WSBTV
Athens-Clarke County Commissioners are set to discuss the county's homelessness prevention and reduction plan during a Tuesday meeting. Developed in collaboration with Cloudburst consulting firm, the plan emphasizes enhanced coordination among agencies. District 2 Commissioner Melissa Link highlights the need for sustainable funding, especially as the majority of resources for implementing changes are sourced from the American Rescue Plan Act funds. The focus is on finding continued support for the plan's objectives beyond the initial funding phase...........This from WSBTV
An accidental fire occurred at a three-story apartment building on Highland Park Drive in Athens-Clarke County, resulting in minor burns for one individual. Firefighters responded around 2:30 a.m. after an alarm alerted them to flames on the second and third floors. Most of the structure remained intact as crews worked to extinguish the fire. The number of affected residents is unknown, but the American Red Cross is assisting those displaced. The cause and origin of the fire are under investigation, and fire officials emphasize the importance of working smoke alarms, urging the community to check them regularly...........This from the Patch
In Athens, the Board of Elections is organizing a voter education session at the Library on Baxter Street at 6 p.m. Caterpillar celebrated its tenth anniversary in Athens, producing heavy machinery with 1,200 employees. A dedication for a rebuilt bridge at Oconee Hill Cemetery is scheduled for 6 p.m. Ronda Rich, a writer and TV personality, is signing copies of her new book at Appointments at 5 gift shop on South Lumpkin from 3 to 5:30 p.m. Today marks the last day of class for students in Oconee County schools, with a teacher workday tomorrow and fall break on Monday.......This from WUGA
The purported leader of the 1831 Piru Blood street gang in Athens, Gregory O’Neal Wade Jr., has been sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for cocaine and fentanyl possession with intent to distribute. Wade, 31, pleaded guilty in June, and the sentencing was deemed a show of "mercy" by U.S. District Judge Tillman Self III. Wade, with no prior criminal history, was initially facing a potential 40-year sentence. The FBI, leading the investigation, revealed that Wade operated his drug business from two Athens apartment complexes and owned a machine gun for protection. The sentencing took into account Wade's apology to his family and the Athens community............This from the Athens – Banner Herald
Social:
Emily Cook from Athens “Are there any fall festivals, pumpkin patches coming to town?
-just moved here.”
Others Commented:
Kristin Wilson from Athens “Washington farms!”
Betsy A. Biship “If you like a day trip, Franklin, North Carolina has an amazing fall festival where they roll pumpkins down this really long steep hill! The pumpkins have numbers and they see which one goes the farthest! There is great food, crafts, cute downtown with mountains all around.”
Deb Rolfe from Winterville “Check out the Wild Rumpus in Athens… so much fun!”
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