Good morning, Athens.

An Athens man, William Robert Barnett II, 33, pleaded guilty on August 4 to a federal charge of conspiracy to sexually exploit a child—he sent explicit abuse instructions via a social media app—and he faces up to 30 years in prison, a mandatory minimum of 15 years, a $250,000 fine, and lifelong sex offender registration.

Schools in Clarke and Oconee counties will reopen Wednesday, increasing Athens road traffic as school buses resume stops and police monitor school zones—drivers are urged to be extra cautious around children.

The Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services Department announced that the East Campus Connector Bridge—a 235-foot span over the Oconee River connecting the Greenway Trail System and the UGA campus—will be closed for maintenance starting Monday, August 11.

Maintenance is expected to take 6—8 weeks while the Greenway remains open from Oak/Oconee Street to the North Oconee River and along the river north to south.

University of Georgia Cooperative Extension says chiggers are red mites that bite in grassy areas and cause itch and redness — the pests peak in mid-summer and remain active until fall.

Residents should clean bites, use a cold compress, and apply antihistamines — these steps help ease discomfort and lower the risk of infection.

Georgia football is ranked No.4 in the preseason US LBM coaches poll released on Aug.

4, its lowest ranking since 2021 after an 11 win and 3 loss season and a playoff quarterfinal loss—teams ahead include No.1 Texas, No.2 Ohio State and No.3 Penn State. The Bulldogs will face five ranked opponents this season, including hosting Texas in Athens after last season's road game.

Classic City Sprint, Duathlon and Aquabike

7 AM – 2 PM — Sandy Creek Park — Registration fee required — Compete in swim, bike, and run events tailored for athletes of all levels.

The WannaBeatles Concert

7-11 p.m. — The Foundry — $25-30 — Experience spot on covers of Beatles classics and '60s hits with Grammy finalists The WannaBeatles.

AJJ Live Concert

7-8:30 p.m. — 40 Watt Club — Tickets available — Experience the vibrant sounds of AJJ, a band from Phoenix, Arizona.

Leanne Morgan: Just Getting Started Tour

7:00-8:30 p.m. — The Classic Center — Cost info not provided — Enjoy an evening of laughter with beloved Southern comedian Leanne Morgan, known for her charming and relatable storytelling.

Them Dirty Roses Concert

7-8:30 p.m. — 40 Watt Club — Tickets available — Experience southern rock from the heart of Georgia with Them Dirty Roses.

Cosmic Charlie Concert

8:00 – 9:30 p.m. — Georgia Theatre — $28+ — Experience a fresh, high-energy take on the Grateful Dead catalog with Athens' own Cosmic Charlie.

An Evening with The Mountain Grass Unit

8:00 – 9:30 PM — Georgia Theatre — $39 — Enjoy an evening of live bluegrass music in Athens with The Mountain Grass Unit.

Chamomile & Whiskey Concert

8-11 p.m. — Georgia Theatre — Free entry — Enjoy deep roots rock sounds from Nashville's Chamomile & Whiskey with incisive lyricism and nostalgia.

Tom Segura Live

7:30-11:30 p.m. — The Classic Center — Tickets starting at $40 — Experience a night of laughter with one of comedy's biggest stars as he brings his latest tour to Athens.

Cam Smith and the Lawless Live Performance

7-10 p.m. — 40 Watt Club — $10 — Enjoy high-energy Southern rock and country music from a local band blending classic rock grit with country soul.