Athens-Clarke County
Reporting about Clarke County, Georgia. Some stories will be republished in the Athens Banner-Herald as part of a news-academic partnership with Grady Newsource.
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Farmers Market Doubles Food Stamps to Help Triple Impact
A local parent is challenging the Athens community to give and save. Jenn Thompson is encouraging people to swipe their Pandemic Electronic Benefit (P-EBT) card at the Athens Farmers Market to get their benefit funds doubled, purchase goods for half price and donate the original amount swiped to the Athens…
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Music Versus The Coronavirus: Local Venues Plan to ‘Prevail’
Athens, Georgia, is a city typically bustling with students and locals. The Classic City’s downtown area has hardly seen a quiet night with bars, restaurants and music venues filling the 12-block area. At the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, these lively establishments shut their doors to protect employees and the…
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How Technology Helps Athens Woodworking Business Thrive Without Physical Store
When Mark and Rhonda Palmer first took their woodworking business, Grands Designs, to markets, their most popular items were their rectangular cutting boards and “llama that’s similar to the llama character in Fortnite” ornaments. Now, charcuterie serving boards and unicorn magnets have taken over as their top sellers. “We listen…
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Effects Of COVID-19 Felt By Athens Music Community
Music in Athens, Georgia, is a large part of the town’s identity, but the recent outbreak of COVID-19 has had a profound effect on local artists and promoters. Other than the University of Georgia, music is one of the things that makes Athens stand out from other Southern towns. The…
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Local Yoga Studios Offer Virtual Alternatives During Social Distancing
As a result of the ongoing pandemic, yoga studios are one of many establishments deemed “non-essential” by Georgia’s statewide shelter-in-place ordinance, forcing local Athens studios to reevaluate how they will service their membership without physically congregating. On March 14, 2020, weeks before Gov. Brian Kemp would announce the executive order,…
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The Daily Co-Op: Providing Local Produce, Products Amidst Pandemic
The Daily Co-Op, located on 523 Prince Ave., in Athens, Georgia is still open amid the coronavirus pandemic. Although the store is only operating through curbside service and delivery, their values have not changed during this time of uncertainty: self-help, self-responsibility, democracy, equality, equity and solidarity. The Daily Co-Op’s adjusted…
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Athens Artist Kristen Ashley Uses Creativity To Keep Business Afloat During Quarantine
While shops, restaurants and galleries are empty all across downtown Athens, a small art shop hidden upstairs on Jackson Street has never been more busy. Kristen Ashley, owner and founder of K. A. Artist Shop, is just one of many Athens business owners developing new ways to stay connected, and…
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There’s A Silver Lining For Fitness Industry Workers During COVID-19 Era
When people are quarantined at home, Joey Stewart, the owner of Fit Body Bootcamp in Athens, Ga., says, it is easy for them to lose the motivation to exercise. The challenges that fitness instructors and studio owners in Athens are facing from taking their businesses online due to the COVID-19…
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Plans For Site of Bethel Midtown Village Evolving
Last February, the partners of the North Downtown Athens Planning Study scheduled two workshops to get to know the community of Bethel Midtown Village, and to hear how they would like to better their home. Brian Keith, principal architect of JHP Architecture/Urban Design, works with his firm in…
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Athens Twilight Postponed To Fall For First Time In Its History
Ashley Travieso was about to travel to Birmingham, Alabama, after teaching a trapeze class on March 12 when she heard the news. Due to concerns over the spread of COVID-19, the city pulled the permits and canceled Birmingham Hammerfest, a bike race which was supposed to take place on March…