Wednesday, December 17th, 2025
Good morning, Athens. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 17th of December.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The Athens-Area Homeless Shelter will move operations to a larger facility on Bray Street next year to double its emergency capacity from 4 to 8 families — improving access to nearby nonprofits and health services. The current Barber Street location is being sold to a private buyer. WUGA
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ University of Georgia scientists report evidence that the Okefenokee Swamp and nearby aquifer share similar water fingerprints, suggesting water withdrawal from the aquifer would lower the swamp's level — research may support a temporary moratorium on mining permits in the affected counties as new data overturns long-held assumptions. Athens Banner-Herald
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Athens insurance agent Carl Blount announced his bid for the Clarke County School Board District 3 seat on Tuesday, Dec. 16. His campaign will focus on boosting literacy and math in early grades, supporting students who fall through cracks, and fostering safe learning environments ahead of the May 19 election. Athens Banner-Herald
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ FurKids introduced Mistletoe, available for adoption on Dec. 16, and Athens residents can contact the shelter to learn more about welcoming this furry friend. FOX 5 Atlanta
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Georgia basketball agreed to a home-and-home series with UNC, with the first game scheduled for Friday, Nov. 13, 2026 at the Smith Center and a return game set in Athens later in 2026; the teams have not met since a 1998 preseason NIT meeting. Athens Banner-Herald
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Now After Nothing Concert
8 PM – 12 AM — Flicker Theatre & Bar — Tickets available — Enjoy an evening of music featuring Fixation Fantasy by Now After Nothing.
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BloodKin Concert
7-9:30 p.m. — 40 Watt Club — Ticket info not provided — Enjoy an evening with BloodKin & Friends featuring special guest Kevn Kinney.
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27th Annual Will Chamberlin Memorial Santa Stroll 8K
1:30-5:30 p.m. — Bishop Baptist Church — Entry fee proceeds support outreach programs — Participate in a festive 8K run with a charitable cause.
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The Nutcracker Ballet
2:00 – 3:30 PM — The Classic Center — $33.75+ — Experience a dazzling holiday tradition that brings joy and imagination to life through breathtaking performances.
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Pee Dee IceCats vs. Athens Rock Lobsters
7:05-8:35 p.m. — The Classic Center — Check for ticket pricing — Enjoy a fun-filled evening of local hockey action with the Pee Dee IceCats facing off against the Athens Rock Lobsters.
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Blackberry Smoke Concert
7-10:30 p.m. — The Classic Center — $108.50+ — Experience the vibrant blend of Southern rock, blues, and country from Georgia's own Blackberry Smoke.
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Workhorses of the Entertainment/Recreational Industry with Scott Low
7-9 p.m. — The Foundry — $10 adv / $15 door — Experience a soulful night of Americana & Blues with traditional folk and lonesome bluegrass melodies.
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Don Toberman: Ping-Pong Champ
8-10 p.m. — Canopy Studio — Tickets required — Experience an absurd and hilarious clown showdown featuring pantomime ping-pong antics.
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LSU Tigers at Georgia Bulldogs Women's Gymnastics
7-9 p.m. — Stegeman Coliseum — Stream available — Watch a thrilling women's gymnastics showdown as LSU visits Georgia.
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