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July 9, 2024 8 mins

Welcome to the Athens-Clarke County Cast, one of Feedspot’s Top 20 Georgia News Podcasts. Hosted by Melissa Carter and brought to you by Drake Realty, this episode covers the most pressing news in Athens-Clarke County.

Episode Highlights:

  • Athens Motel Tragedy: Police are investigating the death of a 61-year-old man found in a motel room at the Howard Johnson on West Broad Street. His black 2019 Toyota Camry is missing, and authorities continue their search.
  • Avid Bookshop vs. Gwinnett County Jail: The Athens-based bookseller challenges a restrictive jail policy limiting book shipments to inmates, arguing it violates free speech and due process rights.
  • New Interim Principals for Clarke County Schools: Superintendent Robbie Hooker appoints April Braswell and Bylan Swift as interim principals for the 2024-2025 school year.
  • Acts of Kindness in Athens: A heartwarming story from We Love Athens, GA Facebook page about two young men who helped a father and daughter in need.
  • UGA & Samsung Partnership: Introduction of a personalized Energy Score developed with UGA's Professor Patrick O’Connor, set to debut with the Galaxy One UI 6 Watch.
  • UGA Sports Update: Former Georgia tight end Brock Bowers makes the NFL.com’s 2024 All-Rookie Team.

Tune in to stay informed about the latest happenings in Athens-Clarke County.

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Chapters

00:00 Death Investigation and Stolen Car
02:07 Interim Principals Appointed
04:16 Acts of Kindness in Athens
05:11 Samsung and UGA Collaborate on Energy Score
06:04 Former Georgia Titan Makes Waves in NFL
06:33 Inclusive Playground Opens in Sandy Creek Park

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Transcript

Episode Transcript

Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
S1 (00:00):
Discography from the Athens Tech Studios. This is the Athens-Clarke
County cast, covering the latest stories that affect you in
and around Athens. Now let's give you our top stories.

S2 (00:16):
Hello and welcome to the Athens-Clarke County cast, one of
Feed Spot's Top 20 Georgia news podcast. My name is
Melissa Carter. Here are your top stories brought to you
by Drake Realty. Police are investigating the death of a
61 year old man found in a motel room in
Athens while his car was stolen from the premises. The
body was discovered last week at the Howard Johnson on
West Broad Street after a housekeeper entered his room. No

(00:38):
foul play is suspected, though evidence of drug and alcohol
use was present, along with a small amount of white
foam on his lip. An autopsy is pending at the
Gbi's lab in Decatur. The man's black 2019 Toyota Camry keys,
wallet and cell phone are missing. The car has been
listed stolen. Police are continuing their investigation. This from Classic
City News. Avid Book Shop is challenging a Gwinnett County

(01:02):
jail policy that restricts book shipments to inmates from limited sellers.
In a recent federal court filing, the Athens based bookseller
argued against a motion to dismiss their lawsuit. Avid Book
Shop contends that the policy violates free speech and due
process rights as it effectively bans independent bookstores from sending
books to inmates. The policy allows shipments only from Amazon

(01:23):
and Barnes and Noble. Jail officials argue the policy prevents contraband.
Avid bookshops legal team, citing a Pen America report, highlights
the growing trend of prisons limiting book access. The court's
decision on the dismissal is pending this from the Athens Banner-herald.
Clark County School District Superintendent Robbie Hooker has appointed two

(01:43):
interim principals for the 2024 2025 school year. April Braswell,
formerly principal of Whitehead Road Elementary, will take over as
principal of Coil Middle School, replacing Beverly Ford. Bisland Smith,
previously an assistant principal at Whitehead Road, will serve as
interim principal there. These appointments are effective immediately and are
temporary for the upcoming school year. This from the red

(02:05):
and black.

S1 (02:06):
A new exciting podcast about dads for dads legacy makers.
A conversation for dads. Download now wherever you get your podcasts.

S3 (02:17):
It pays to know your doctor, it pays to know
your lawyer. And now more than ever, it pays to
know your local real estate professional. Hi, I'm Jeffrey Drake
with Drake Realty and we have seven offices in the
metro Atlanta area, including two right here in Cobb County
and one at Lake Oconee. I'm the proud leader of
over 700 agents here in Georgia, and we pride ourselves
in professional service. Whether you are the buyer or the seller.

(02:39):
Drake Realty makes the home buying process seamless from contract
to close. Our agents are a little different. They're not
pushing for the quick sale and close. They are pushing
for the best price and terms for their client. In
other words, Drake Realty fights for you. Now's the time
to buy that dream home, vacation home, or new home.
Your family deserves a lot of real estate agents. Talk big.
Let my team at Drake Realty prove they will fight

(03:00):
for you. I'm Jeffrey Drake, and I'd be honored to
have my team serve you. Visit us online at Drake Realty.com.
And remember, it's not how quick you sell or buy,
it's what the deal provides for your future.

S1 (03:13):
Achieve more with Athens Tech at Athens Technical College. Their
programs can connect you with in-demand and high paying careers.

S4 (03:21):
I graduated from Athens Tech in May and started my
job two weeks later. I had the job before I left,
thanks to my professor and just focusing on growing a career.

S1 (03:32):
As far as Athens Tech, I think I've been a
member of the advisory panel for ten years now, and
it's been it's been an awesome experience.

S5 (03:43):
I'm currently going to Athens Tech. I started out as
an accounting major. I've finished all my accounting classes and
then switched over to the culinary and baking program.

S6 (03:55):
My name is Alex Lange. I'm an electromechanical engineering student.
This is my second year at Athens Tech and I
graduate in December. The long term goal is to work
for the railroad, uh, whether that be Norfolk Southern or CSX.

S1 (04:09):
Achieve more with Athens Tech. Find out more at Athens Techedu.

S2 (04:16):
From the We Love Athens, GA Facebook page. Jefferson Taffet
posted we were in Athens yesterday and Avery had to
go to the bathroom really, really bad. She and I
ran into the closest place, which was a subway in
downtown Athens. We ran straight to the bathroom and the
employee got my attention and told me the bathroom was
only for paying customers. I didn't have my wallet with
me and I told him I was sorry I didn't
have my wallet and we would leave. Without hesitation, two

(04:38):
young men spoke up and said they would buy a
cookie for Avery so she could be a paying customer
so that she could use the restroom. Kathleen Crenshaw said,
these two young men are awesome role models for teens
and young people everywhere. I know every will remember who
bought her that cookie for a long time. Lori Jacqueline
Saint Martin said, I love this. And Don Barrow said,
Go Dawgs. Samsung and the University of Georgia have teamed

(05:01):
up to create a personalized energy score, set to be
released later this year with the Galaxy One UI six. Watch.
This innovative feature, developed with Professor Patrick O'Connor, measures daily
energy levels by considering both physical and mental factors, including
sleep quality and heart rate variability. The Energy Score aims
to enhance the digital health care experience by providing users

(05:23):
with personalized health insights and daily health suggestions. Samsung's collaboration
with UGA highlights the integration of scientific research and AI
technology to promote healthier lifestyles. This from the red and black,
also from the red and black in sports. Although only
drafted three months ago, former Georgia tight end Brock Bowers
already making waves in the NFL. Last month, Bowers was

(05:46):
selected as one of 22 players chosen on NFL. Com's
2024 All Rookie Team. Bowers joins former teammate Javon Bullard
as the only two former Bulldogs to make the team
this year. And finally, excitement filled Sandy Creek Park is
the new inclusive playground officially opened last week. Designed for
children of all abilities, the playground features a pirate ship,

(06:08):
wheelchair accessible structures, musical instruments, a ground level spinner, and
a misting station funded by 902,000 $500,000 in special purpose
local option sales tax dollars. The playground was three years
in the making. Physical therapist Christie Norton, whose son drew
has a rare neurological condition, highlighted the importance of the
playground and fostering community and inclusivity. Leisure services director Kent

(06:31):
Kilpatrick praised the collaborative effort that brought the project to life,
This from the Athens Banner-herald.

S1 (06:37):
Learn how to succeed and win big in life, plus much,
much more. Listen to the Red Hot Read podcast wherever
you get your podcasts. Thanks for listening to the Athens-Clarke
County cast, and don't forget to subscribe wherever you get
your podcasts! This podcast is.

S7 (06:54):
A production of BG ad Group. All rights reserved.

S1 (07:00):
This podcast aggregate content from other sources for informational purposes,
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(07:20):
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(07:41):
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(08:01):
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