Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 16th of April.
Good morning, Athens.
🏘️ Community
Officer Samuel Garcia of the Athens Clarke County police purchased and installed a basketball hoop for kids at Rolling Ridge apartments to build community ties.
He shared his gesture on social media and the video quickly went viral.
🚨 Crime
Charles Edward Gresham, 33, from Jefferson River Road was sentenced to 10 years for causing a DUI collision in September 2023 on Barnett Shoals Road that seriously injured 18-year-old Audrey Lesniak from Hoschton who suffered chest, internal injuries and a broken ankle — he must report to the Athens-Clarke County Diversion Center this Thursday.
On April 6 at 2:54 a.m., a man was robbed at gunpoint outside Athens Target after paying $25 via Apple Pay; on April 7 at 7:15 p.m., a solid waste worker was verbally assaulted on College Square when a white van passenger brandished a handgun and used a racial slur; and on April 10 at 6:34 p.m., a man having a mental episode blocked traffic on South Newton Street with a machete until his family disarmed him and he received citations.
🎓 Education
The University of Georgia will purchase 10 new diesel buses and eight new electric buses to boost its fleet to over 80 vehicles as several current electric buses are undergoing repairs.
The expanded fleet is meant to ensure reliable service for about 3.5 million annual passenger trips.
🏛️ Government
The Athens Clarke County Mayor and Commission discussed extending acting county manager Bradley Griffin’s contract until June 4th during a special called session Tuesday night—Griffin took over in early January after Nikki Jones left for North Carolina.
They also set the agenda to review the budget for a planned mobile clinic by Piedmont Athens Regional to serve underserved and housebound patients.
The Athens-Clarke County Library recently installed a solar array—saving at least $25,000 a year and removing 100 tons of carbon—and the project is part of the county's efforts to reach 100% clean energy by 2035.
Memorial Park and the Costa Building will soon receive solar panels as additional steps in this renewable energy plan.
🏥 Health
The FDA has recalled over 25,000 packages of Target’s Good & Gather Pea, Zucchini, Kale & Thyme Vegetable Puree after tests found elevated lead levels — parents in Athens are urged not to feed the product to children.
🎉 Athens Events
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Songwriters in the Round: Athens Edition
6:30 – 8:00 p.m. — Tapped Athens Wine Tasting Market — Free entry — Celebrate local talent with an open floor for songwriters inspired by the Bluebird Cafe.
The Grawks - EP Release Party
Evening — 40 Watt Club — Ticket information not provided — Celebrate the release of The Grawks' 7th EP with special performances by Shehehe and Five Eight.
Cameron Sacky Band Live Performance
7-8:30 p.m. — 40 Watt Club — $17+ — Experience the genre-bending sounds of the Cameron Sacky Band from Texas as they showcase their new tracks.
Evan Honer Live Concert
7:30 p.m. — Georgia Theatre — $25-$30 — Experience the captivating blend of modern outlaw country and indie folk from rising star Evan Honer.
Oklahoma at Georgia College Baseball Game
7-11 p.m. — Foley Field — Stream with Fubo starting at $84.99/mo — Catch the thrilling college baseball matchup between Oklahoma and Georgia live from Athens.
Normaltown Music Festival 2025
4-10 p.m. — Athentic Brewing Company — $10-$85 — Experience two days of diverse musical talent and local camaraderie at Athens' vibrant music festival.
9th Annual Pop-Up Artist Market
10 a.m. – 3 p.m. — Stan Mullins Art Studio — Free entry — Explore a vibrant showcase of art and handmade goods by talented student and community artists.
Health Meets Hope 5K Run-Walk
3-5 p.m. — Southeast Clarke Park — $25 registration fee — Celebrate health and community with a fun 5K run-walk featuring family-friendly activities and awards.
Gimme Hendrix - A Jimi Hendrix Tribute
8 p.m. — Georgia Theatre — $15 - $20 — Experience the electrifying performances of the award-winning tribute band recreating the legendary sound of Jimi Hendrix.
Sketch Comedy Graduation Show
8-10 p.m. — Flying Squid Comedy — Free entry — Enjoy a night of laughter with original sketches performed by Athens' funniest talents.
🏠 Athens Real Estate
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2 bedroom 1 bath near Alps
Centrally located, renovated, W/D hookups, stainless appliances and granite countertops. Walk in tile showers. Security Cameras, Great location!
💼 Athens Job Board
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📣 Athens Announcements
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