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Athens, Georgia · AthensAthens-Clarke County Commission candidate Stephanie Johnson has threatened to seek a restraining order against local journalist Chris Dowd, which one First Amendment expert described as an attempt to intimidate him and keep him from doing his job. Oconee County attorney Kevin Epps, on behalf of Johnson, sent Dowd a cease-and-desist letter Mar. 27 accusing him of criminal stalking and intimidation. Epps did not give any specifics, only referencin…See the Story
Commission Candidate Threatens Restraining Order Against Local Journalist
Athens, Georgia · AthensIf you’ve driven down Tallassee Road lately, you might have noticed some new activity taking place on the sprawling site that previously housed the original Cali ‘n Tito’s (back when it was Caliente Cab), the original Rashe’s and several other restaurants (RIP Kabana, the best/only Jamaican/Indian eatery this town ever had). Winifer Rodriguez and her family are close to opening the Food Truck Station there, a restaurant that takes advantage of t…See the Story
Versatile 'Food Truck Station' Soon to Open on Tallassee Road
Homeless · AthensADDA Discusses Downtown Panhandling Every city has its panhandlers and people sleeping on the street, as Athens Downtown Development Authority board member Drew Dekle pointed out at a recent meeting, but to many, the problem seems to be growing worse lately, and business owners say it’s driving away customers. The ADDA—made up of city officials, downtown property owners and business owners—had a frank discussion about homelessness and panhandlin…See the Story
ACC Officials Continue to Wrangle With Panhandling, Housing, Homelessness
Athens, Georgia · AthensMore than five years after the family that owns The Varsity announced it would sell the property for redevelopment, and almost three years after the landmark restaurant closed, plans have been filed with Athens-Clarke County. And yes, the magnolias will be saved. The plans call for two buildings—one at the corner of West Broad and Chase streets featuring a grocery store on the second floor with parking on the main level underneath, and a second …See the Story
Plans for Grocery Store, Apartments Filed for the Varsity Property
Property · AthensHouse lawmakers signed off on a controversial measure that would increase the number of misdemeanor criminal offenses that require a cash or property bond to be released from jail. With a 97–69 vote, the House approved a bill Feb. 6 that Georgia Republicans say is intended to crack down on repeat offenders. But Democrats argue the changes will only hurt the poor. The measure adds theft, criminal trespass and other offenses to the list of misdem…See the Story
Athens Republican Sponsors Bill Restoring Cash Bail for Minor Offenses
Athens, Georgia · AthensUniversity of Georgia forecasters delivered a familiar message in the university’s annual economic outlook presentation in Athens on Jan. 31: Although economic growth will slow in 2024, Georgia will outpace the national average, and Athens will outpace the state average. Georgia economic growth will slow to about 1.1%, down from last year’s 3% but better than the projected national average of 0.8%, while growth in the Athens area will be slightl…See the Story
