Northeast Georgia News
Reporting from Barrow, Clarke, Jackson, Madison, Oconee and surrounding counties.
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Athens-Clarke Hits Public Safety Milestones Amid Ongoing Reforms
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,…
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Athens Implements North Thomas Street Crosswalk, Public Safety Measures
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…
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Athens Mayor: No New Developments Regarding Drug-Related Inmate Deaths
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…
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How UGA Community Garden is Adapting to Climate Change
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…
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Melissa Butler Named Superintendent of Oconee County Schools
The Oconee County Board of Education unanimously voted to appoint Melissa Butler as superintendent. The decision comes after an almost four-month search. “I am deeply honored by the opportunity to serve as the next Superintendent of Oconee County Schools,” Butler said in a press release. “Oconee County is a place…
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Push for Change: Northeast Georgia Organizations Pursue Environmental Justice
Hurricane season is here, and Athens received its share of downpours over the past month. The heavy rain has left low-income communities vulnerable to flooding throughout Northeast Georgia, and this is not the only problem. “There’s also a very big issue with regards to flooding as well. So flooding and…
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Elementary School Custodian Named Employee of Month
Sallie Smith, a custodian at Johnnie Lay Burks Elementary, arrived at work in the morning as usual when the Clarke County School District superintendent approached her. “I’m like, she must be here to talk to the kids. Then she called my name,” Smith said. And for good reason: Smith had…
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Athens Water Festival creates awareness for water conservation
Area children splashed and adults learned more about the water they use everyday at the annual Athens Water Festival on Sept. 6. The event, held at Sandy Creek Park, aims to teach people more about where their water comes from and water conservation. “I’m really glad that we get to…
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Teachers in Madison County Work to Keep Literacy Rates Up
Development of children’s literacy starts early — before children are even in the classroom. While literacy rates were up in Madison County last year, rates were still lower than in 2023. Local librarians and teachers said they are making efforts to keep scores consistent. “It has had its ebbs and…
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Clarke Central Tennis Players Find Strength in Coach’s Cancer Fight
Last June, Clarke Central High School assistant tennis coach Evan Adams received life-changing news. At just 33 years old, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. A steady presence on the Gladiators’ courts for more than five years, Adams has always led her players with close connections and a strong emphasis…