Northeast Georgia News
Reporting from Barrow, Clarke, Jackson, Madison, Oconee and surrounding counties.
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Care That Creates Community at Ghost of Athens
At Ghost of Athens, Dave Ranney and Robby Bailey believe a mix of self-care and community is just the comfort people need, and they work to create a safe and quiet third space. Ghost’s community originally began in Clayton, Georgia, but has since relocated to Athens as of June 2025. Ranney…
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Jackson County Softball Player Returns After Injury
After a torn labrum sidelined her just over a year ago, Jackson County softball infielder Alyssa Peurifoy is back on the field for her senior season with more determination and a stronger love for the game. Peurifoy suffered her injury in June of 2024 during a showcase at the University…
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Northeast Georgia Food Bank Lends Neighbors A Hand to A Healthier Plate
Many Athens residents live in food deserts. And according to Feeding America, almost 20% of residents in Clarke County were living in food insecurity as of 2023. But the Food Bank of Northeast Georgia is leading the charge to not only feed every mouth, but to do so sustainably. Athens-Clarke…
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Federal Funding Cuts Affect National Parks, but also Local Businesses and the Environment
The total federal funding for the National Park Service (NPS) in 2025 was $3.337 billion. That’s seven percent less than the Biden administration’s request of $3.576 billion. The Trump administration has proposed a cut of more than $1 billion across the operation of NPS, including its historic preservation fund, construction…
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Mayor Kelly Girtz Criticizes Loss of Federal Government Grants to Reduce Violence
Athens-Clarke County Mayor Kelly Girtz demanded that grants rescinded by the U.S. Department of Justice be restored to the state and local governing bodies. The federal grants, initially calculated as $820 million, were rescinded in April after the Trump administration sought to cut federal spending. Many of the grants were…
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‘My Breasts Don’t Define Me’: Survivor Shares Strength During Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Without early detection appointments and strategies, survivors like Vivia Hill-Silcott would not be here today. And to her, strength has a whole new meaning. “I know my strength,” said Hill-Silcott, director of Student Success for the College of Pharmacy at UGA. “Your strength comes through asking for help.” October is…
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Athens Mayor Notes Crime Drop, Emphasizes Prevention Programs
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…
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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…