UGA Ranks in Top 20 Public Universities for 8 straight years

Athens News Podcast: 9/19/23

1. Top 20 for 8 straight years

The University of Georgia has maintained its position among the top 20 public universities in the U.S. for the eighth consecutive year, according to the 2024 rankings by U.S. News & World Report. It's ranked 20th among public universities and 47th nationally. The university earned high marks in various categories, with its Terry College of Business ranking 21st for undergraduate business programs and several individual degree programs ranking highly. UGA has seen a surge in demand for its degrees, with record graduation and retention rates. It has also been strategically investing in its faculty. The university has received recognition from various other rankings platforms, highlighting its academic excellence and student experience..........This from UGA Today

1. Athens-Clarke Mayor Kelly Girtz involved in minor car accident

Athens-Clarke County Mayor Kelly Girtz faced criticism from the Athens Alliance Coalition after they accused him of a hit and run incident in a convenience store parking lot. A video posted by the coalition showed Girtz leaving a store and backing up his car, with a woman near a gas pump appearing to inspect her car for damage. The police identified Girtz and the woman as the drivers involved but did not file charges, as private property accidents are typically resolved by the drivers or their insurance companies. Girtz stated that he was unaware of any incident and provided his insurance information to an officer who later visited his home...........This from the Athens – Banner Herald

1. Kirby Smart updates status of Amarius Mims, Kendall Milton

In a game against South Carolina, the Georgia Bulldogs faced multiple injuries. Starting right tackle Amarius Mims left the game in the second quarter with a left ankle injury, and he did not return. Coach Kirby Smart described it as an ankle sprain. Running back Kendall Milton also left the game in the third quarter with a knee injury, believed to be an MCL issue. Although Milton could have returned, Georgia relied on Daijun Edwards, who performed well with 20 carries for 118 yards. The Bulldogs were already missing key players like Javon Bullard and Ladd McConkey, with Marvin Jones Jr. also unavailable due to illness...........This from Dawg nation

1. Athens nonprofits try to support homeless population despite challenges

The rates of homelessness in Athens, Georgia, have risen by 20% in the past year, and a lack of affordable housing is a major contributor. Luxury apartment construction, primarily catering to students, has made housing less affordable for permanent Athens residents. Nonprofits like The Backpack Project and Our Daily Bread are trying to help the homeless population, but challenges persist. Increasingly, rental requirements in Athens exclude locals, favoring students and high-income individuals. The local government's August Affordable Housing Investment Strategy proposes a $5 million investment in a housing fund to address these issues, with a vote scheduled for October 3rd. Collaboration among nonprofits and sustainable interventions are seen as vital to addressing the homelessness crisis in the community............This from the Red and Black

1. 'We are not being bought out': Athens business owners dismiss social media rumors:

Rumors circulating on social media falsely claimed that two Athens music venues, Flicker Theatre & Bar and Hendershot's, were being bought out by an Atlanta-based company. The owners of both venues, Jeremy Long of Flicker and Seth Hendershot of Hendershot's, dismissed these rumors as untrue. They confirmed that they had recently signed new leases and had no plans to be bought out. Hendershot's lease runs through the end of 2024, further dispelling the speculation surrounding the venues' ownership changes.............This from the Athens Banner Herald

1. UGA Students for Latinx Empowerment unite with local high schoolers for ¡Sígueme! event:

Students for Latinx Empowerment (SLE), a University of Georgia (UGA) student organization, hosted 104 Latinx high school students from Clarke Central and Cedar Shoals high schools for a day at UGA. SLE's goal is to show Latinx students that they can pursue higher education and achieve their goals. The students shadowed UGA students, attended an engagement fair, and participated in a panel discussion with UGA students from different classes. This year marked the return of ¡Sígueme!, SLE's signature event, which is funded and supported by UGA's Office of Institutional Diversity for the first time. The event may expand to Atlanta area schools in the future.........This from the red and Black

1. St. Joseph church celebrates 150 years in Athens with retrospective and vision for the future:

St. Joseph Catholic Church in Athens is celebrating its 150th anniversary. The celebration includes a Mass officiated by the Archbishop of Atlanta, Most Reverend Gregory John Hartmayer, along with the church's pastor and parochial vicars. St. Joseph Catholic Parish was established in 1873, making it the first Catholic church in Clarke County. The church has a rich history, including its role in saving St. Mary's Hospital in 1937. To commemorate the anniversary, a retrospective gallery has been created, showcasing historical news articles, photographs, and artifacts. The church is also planning to build a new sanctuary at its current location, featuring its original stained glass windows from the 1900s and potentially adding a bell tower in the future.........This from the Athens Banner Herald

Social:

From The Athens Clarke County News Facebook page:

Jose from Atlanta posted “Dumb question. Is stormwater and water bill two different things? I believe this is my first time getting this so I am wondering if this is a new utility they are throwing at me. Is this a new monthly thing or is it a yearly bill?”

Others commented:

Sully Johnson from Athens GA “Isn’t that what we pay taxes for?? Smh”

Rita Smith Raines from Athens GA “They shouldn’t charge us. A long time ago they repaved our road. They paved over the bump at the entrance to our driveway. All the water flows quickly down into our carport and stands in our yard.”

Demetrick Morse “I never pay mines”

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