Athens News Podcast 9/5/2023:
In the Georgia Bulldogs' season opener against UT Martin, they secured a 48-7 victory. Although they started slow, with only 17 points in the first half and numerous punts, they improved in the second half. Standout performances included Brock Bowers, who was a force to reckon with, catching five passes for 77 yards and scoring a rushing touchdown. However, the Bulldogs missed a chance for a touchdown before halftime due to a questionable play call. Starting quarterback Carson Beck had a solid debut but needs improvement for a playoff run. Backup QB Brock Vandagriff showed promise with a touchdown pass. Walk-on Mekhi Mews impressed with a 54-yard touchdown reception. Dominic Lovett had a disappointing debut, dropping contested catches. On the defensive side, Malaki Starks and Javon Bullard showcased strong tackling. Mykel Williams recorded a crucial sack, and the Bulldogs excelled at stopping third-down conversions. Overall, Georgia's performance in Week 1 should be seen in context, with room for improvement going forward…………. This from UGA Wire
Athens-Clarke County Mayor Kelly Girtz, along with 43 other mayors in the state, sent a letter to Georgia Governor Kemp and the General Assembly, urging action to reduce gun violence. They highlighted that gun violence is a leading cause of death among children, and Georgia is a significant source of illegal firearms. The mayors compared the effort to combat gun violence to improving water and air quality and road safety, suggesting the governor has the power to make a difference. Their proposed solutions include bolstering behavioral health support, expanding background checks, preventing risky gun purchases, addressing high-capacity weapons, and implementing safe gun storage requirements………… This from the Red and Black
Nike is honoring the Georgia Bulldogs, two-time national champions, with a dedicated shoe as part of the NCAA Air Max collection. This collection includes 10 universities, such as Florida, Ohio State, Texas, and Alabama. The Georgia shoes feature the school's signature red, black, and white colors, along with the university logo on the tongue. These shoes are priced at $109.99 and available at Fanatics, coinciding with the Bulldogs' upcoming season opener. Georgia has a favorable schedule, aiming for an unprecedented third straight national championship, with most of their early games being at home, and only facing two ranked teams in their regular-season slate…………. This from Fox 5
Chris Nichols, a current officer with the Athens-Clarke County Police Department, has announced his candidacy for the office of Jackson County Sheriff in the 2024 election. Nichols, who currently serves as a captain and Administrative Division Commander, has been with the police department since 2001, starting as a patrol officer. The current Jackson County Sheriff, Janis Mangum, announced a year ago that she would not seek re-election for a fourth term. Another candidate, Jackson County sheriff’s Capt. Dale Dillow, also declared his candidacy. Given the county's population of about 84,000, more candidates may join the race before the 2024 primaries. Nichols emphasized the importance of strong law enforcement-community relations in building a safer future for Jackson County. He has a background in emergency medical instruction and is involved in various community roles………..This from the Athens Banner Herald
In Emanuel County, Georgia, a shooting incident occurred involving Johnnie Lee Dixon Jr., 35, who is suspected of shooting two individuals. The first incident took place on Harrison Drive in Swainsboro, where Frederick P. Anthony, 33, was found with multiple gunshot wounds. He was hospitalized and later transferred to an Augusta trauma center.
Shortly afterward, another call reported a break-in and shots fired on Glenwood Road in Swainsboro, involving the same suspect, Dixon, who had already fled. Fortunately, there were no injuries during this second incident.
Johnnie Lee Dixon Jr. eventually turned himself in at the Emanuel County Detention Center around 10:30 a.m. Sunday, and he had a gunshot wound to the right side of his chest. Authorities are investigating the circumstances of Dixon's injury, and no law enforcement officers were involved in the shooting incidents. Dixon was subsequently taken to an Augusta trauma center for treatment…………This from WSBTV
The Athens-Clarke County commissioners have approved redevelopment resolutions for Georgia Square Mall, advancing plans by The Leaven Group to revitalize the mall's area on Atlanta Highway. The redevelopment plan includes:
The $650 million redevelopment project, spanning about 70 acres, is one of the largest in Athens' history. It includes a new Athens-Clarke County Transit transfer station, aiming to expand service and benefit residents on the westside of Athens. A maintenance plan with a $100,000 escrow account for infrastructure upkeep is also part of the project. The redevelopment aims to not only address immediate needs but also contribute to the community's long-term sustainability…………This from the Athens Banner Herald
K-9 officer Waro, a 2-year-old German Shepherd in Clayton County, was tragically shot and killed during a police operation. The incident occurred when a teenager, 17-year-old Stephon Ford, allegedly opened fire on Waro and fled from officers. Waro had recently received a bulletproof and stab protective vest through a charitable donation. Despite wearing the vest, he was shot in the back, sustaining fatal internal injuries and going into cardiac arrest.
Officers pursued Ford, who raised a gun at them, resulting in officers shooting and killing him. Two other individuals wanted in a suspicious call were apprehended, but Ford managed to evade officers. Waro, paired with Sgt. James Williams in March 2021, was trained in patrol, detection, and drug patrol by the National Narcotics Detector Dog Association…………..This from 11 Alive
Social media:
This from the Athens Clarke County News Facebook Page
Kelly Brown posted “ISO- an HVAC specialist to investigate an odd stale cigarette smoke smell that has been overwhelming our home the past few weeks. We have lived in our home for over a year, do not smoke, and have never smelled this until recently. Ideas or similar experiences also welcome! Thank you!”
Others Commented:
Michelle Cole “Do you live in an older apartment or duplex, by chance? When we lived in a duplex, we had issues with odors from the other side. Turns out the attic was open above both units and the bathroom fans were vented into the attic. When the AC kicked on, it would pull air from one unit into the other, so we would get odors from their side and they would get odors from ours. Venting the bathroom fans outside of the building solved the issue.”
Tracy Latimore “Ghost ”
Anne Dawson “Odd question but have you had covid recently and lost your sense of smell? I know a lot of people, myself included, that smelled cigarette smoke constantly as the sense of smell returned.”
Debra Arnbal “Check your dryer vent inside and outside. If built up lint gets hot it smells like smoke. It can catch fire. There are a couple of videos showing how you can do it from inside, behind the dryer, using a leaf blower. That's what I do!”
Also there were a lot of other comments asking her different question to get this issue solved for her without having to spend a lot of money!
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