Grady Newsource

Aggravated assaults, robberies and motor vehicle thefts have declined in Athens-Clarke County this year, while the community has not recorded a homicide as of Sept. 23. Mayor Kelly Girtz outlined the trends during a Sept. 23 news conference with University of Georgia journalism students, framing public safety as not only…

Athens-Clarke County has recorded zero murders through September — a first in the county’s history — according to Mayor Kelly Girtz, who announced the milestone Sept. 23 at City Hall.  In addition, there has been a significant decrease in major crimes compared to last year. Aggravated assaults dropped to 420,…

Kelly Girtz is in his final term as mayor of Athens-Clarke County, which has more than 128,000 residents. Q: Alright, so you’ve had a long history of working in the Athens community, from education to District 9 commissioner. What inspired you to become the mayor? A: I really wanted to…

In Athens, a town known for its DIY approach to music, local bands and students are rethinking a critical part of the music industry: merch.  Right now, streaming accounts for 84% of recorded music revenues in the United States. The thing is, musicians aren’t earning the majority of their revenue through collecting…

Athens-Clarke County will add a pedestrian crossing on North Thomas Street near The Classic Center following two car accidents that resulted in fatalities, Mayor Kelly Girtz said Sept. 23 in a news conference. This project will make the city safer for pedestrians and drivers, Girtz said, while discussing public safety…

There are no new developments in the investigations regarding the deaths of four inmates in the Athens-Clarke County Jail between April and July 2025, Mayor Kelly Girtz said Tuesday. Two of these inmates died of apparent drug overdoses. Before the death of the fourth inmate, Clarke County Sheriff John Williams…

On an early fall evening in Athens, rows of fig trees and native crops bask in the sun at UGArden, the University of Georgia’s student-run community garden. But beneath this calm green canopy, there’s a growing unease among local gardeners.  “It’s not normal anymore,” says UGArden executive board member, Owen…