athens-clarke county
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Athens-Clarke County
How Invisible Scars Turn Pain into Purpose
Editor’s Note: This series of stories explores how individuals have turned challenging experiences and obstacles into opportunities — particularly around mental health. July 23, 2017. Freedom Day. That’s when a nightmare ended for Genesis, only six days shy of her 18th birthday. That’s when the FBI finally rescued her. The…
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Athens-Clarke County
Why Composting Is Accessible, but Not Widely Practiced
As spring gardening season begins in Athens-Clarke County, some residents are rethinking what happens to their food scraps. Food waste makes up a large portion of what ends up in landfills, where it breaks down without oxygen and produces methane, a powerful greenhouse gas. While composting offers an alternative, it…
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Athens-Clarke County
Athens’ De-Icing Chemicals Raise Waterway Concerns
Winter storms bring more to Athens-Clarke County than snow and ice. After the slush melts, salt crystals and sand linger on streets and sidewalks until the next rainstorm washes those materials toward storm drains, ditches and nearby waterways. During the two winter storms in Athens during 2026, Athens-Clarke County Emergency…
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Athens-Clarke County
Athens Mayor, Commissioners To Decide Future Of Data Center Moratorium After Public Input
The Athens-Clarke County Commissioners are expected to decide Tuesday whether to extend the moratorium on data centers as concerns over water, power use and rising utility costs have dominated the local conversation. Meanwhile, state lawmakers including Rep. Spencer Frye (D-Athens) are weighing legislation that could eliminate tax incentives for the industry.
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Environment
Q&A: Nix Spearheads Clean Energy Plan for County
Ramsey Nix recently started a position in the Athens-Clarke County Sustainability Department as an education consultant. She has previously advocated for the use of electric school buses and solar panels in the Clarke County School District. Q: You’re relatively new to your job with Athens-Clarke County. What has been the…
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Athens-Clarke County
How Athens’ Only Art House Theatre Is Bridging the Gap Between Cost and Community
With national box office sales struggling to return to pre-pandemic highs, Ciné continues to serve as a cultural beacon for the Athens community. Just last year, Beechwood Cinemas permanently closed after serving Athens movie-goers since its opening in 1962. But Athens’ only arthouse theatre, Ciné, is still thriving in…
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Athens-Clarke County
West Broad Complex Coverage: Clarke County School District Outlines Redevelopment Plans
Reporting II students have covered the discussions and decisions throughout fall 2025 around the Clarke County School District’s plans to repurpose and redevelop the West Broad Street School site. Nearly 80 students researched and reported on this high-interest issue in Athens. See a few of their stories below. Click the…
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Athens-Clarke County
Swap Shop Strives for Visibility as Students Go Against Fast Fashion
For fourth-year University of Georgia student Kennedy Fulton, thrifting used to be about saving money. Now, it’s about something bigger. “I first started thrifting back in middle school for affordability reasons, but now it is more about sustainability,” Fulton said. “Most clothes today are cheaply made in sweatshops, and I…
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Athens-Clarke County
SNAP Benefit Cuts Leave Athens-Clarke Nonprofits Facing Sharp Rise in Demand
Geoff Rushing, founder of City of Refuge Athens, said Northeast Georgia has gone from “food insecurity crisis to food insecurity emergency.” On Nov. 1, for the first time in United States history, the federal government suspended benefits for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program amid the federal government shutdown. The unprecedented…
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Athens-Clarke County
Provider Shortages Limit Mental Health Access in Athens
Athens-Clarke County is facing a growing shortage of mental health care providers, leaving both college students and local residents struggling to find prompt and affordable treatment. Athens Mental Health Resources Fall Short of Demand Athens is officially marked as a Mental Health Professional Shortage Area, meaning the demand for providers…