Northeast Georgia News
Reporting from Barrow, Clarke, Jackson, Madison, Oconee and surrounding counties.
-
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…
-
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…
-
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…
-
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…
-
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…
-
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…
-
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…
-
Breaking Barriers, Building Strength: How Women Like Sarah Povie Are Redefining Gym Culture
Sweat drips down her forehead as she steadies herself underneath the barbell, her grip firm against the cold steel of the gray Smith machine. The clanking of weights fills the air, blending with the low hum of gym chatter and bass-heavy music pulsing through the speakers. As she lowers the…
-
CEOs Behind the Walls: Meet Women Who Keep Sorority Life Running
Long before the sisters of Zeta Tau Alpha arrive on the University of Georgia campus, June Johnson is already at work. Months in advance, she studies a stack of over 50 headshots — photos of soon-to-be residents holding a notecard with their name — arranging them beside her desk, which…
-
From Load-In to Lights-Out: What It Takes to Keep Athens’ Iconic Sound Alive
Long before the first chord rings through the Georgia Theatre and hours after the last fan files out of downtown Athens, Colm O’Reilly is still working — loading out gear, wrapping cords and preparing for tomorrow’s show. He’s been there since 7 a.m. “When people think of Athens’ music scene,…