In this episode of the Athens-Clarke County Cast, host Melissa Carter covers the latest news in Athens, GA. Learn about the renovation of the historic Bell Building into the Bell Hotel, the expansion of the Firefly Trail, the increase in stormwater utility fees, UGA's $100 million partnership with the US Army, Georgia baseball's new assistant coach, and the success story of Slab Dream Lab, a local Lego baseplate business. Stay informed and connected with your community by tuning in.
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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 (00:15):
Hello and welcome to the Athens-Clarke County cast! When a
Feedspot top 20 Georgia News podcast. My name is Melissa Carter,
and here are your top stories brought to you by
Drake Realty. Athens Historic Bell Building, located downtown at 183
West Clayton Street, is undergoing renovations to become an exclusive
boutique hotel. The Bell Hotel will blend the building's rich
history with modern luxury, offering a unique lodging experience in
(00:39):
the heart of the classic city. Built in 1916 for
the Southern Bell Telephone and Telegraph Company, the Bell Hotel
will feature 12 elegantly appointed rooms once renovations are completed
later this year. For more information, follow at The Bell
Underscore Athens on Instagram and Facebook. This from the red
and black pedestrians, bikers and other users of Athens-Clarke County's
(01:00):
Firefly Trail may soon enjoy more open pavement. The Athens-Clarke
County government has opened the bidding process for a new
section of the Firefly Trail, spanning over two and a
half miles from Spring Valley Road to the city of Winterville.
This will be the final section of the Firefly Trail,
a multi-use recreation path funded by Tsplost revenue. Preliminary plans
for this segment were approved in 2020, with construction originally
(01:23):
scheduled for last summer. The project is expected to cost
between three and a half to $4 million. A Pre-bid
conference is set for 10 a.m. on July 16th at
City Hall, where officials will address questions related to the project.
This from WAGA. Starting this month, Athens-Clarke County residents may
notice an increase in their stormwater utility fee. On average,
(01:44):
property owners will see a $14 rise in their fee,
the first increase since 2005. These collected fees are dedicated
to stormwater programs across the country, such as replacing and
repairing culverts. The fee applies to both taxable and tax
exempt properties. The price hike was approved by the county's
Stormwater Advisory Committee last summer, citing the need for a
more sustainable pool of funds to maintain infrastructure to help
(02:07):
address stormwater issues, the county is offering erosion control assistance
for single family residences and within the Athens-Clarke County right
of way. This from WAGA.
S1 (02:17):
A new exciting podcast about dads for dads legacy makers.
A conversation for dads. Download now wherever you get your podcasts.
S3 (02:28):
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.
(02:49):
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
(03:10):
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 (03:23):
Achieve more with Athens Tech at Athens Technical College. Their
programs can connect you with in-demand and high paying careers.
S4 (03:31):
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 (03:42):
As 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 (03:53):
I've 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 (04:05):
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, whether that be Norfolk Southern or CSX.
S1 (04:19):
Achieve more with Athens Tech. Find out more at Athens Techedu.
S2 (04:26):
And known Athens street gang member Sherrod Porter, who was
acquitted last week of armed robbery, was arrested just hours
after his acquittal for allegedly attempting to break into an apartment.
The 20 year old, of Westchester Circle was charged with
first degree burglary and possession of a firearm during the
commission of a felony. Authorities have identified him as a
member of the 52 Hoover Gangster Crips street gang. LJ said.
(04:47):
We have an incompetent Da. Others have the same feeling.
Paul Buntz said not guilty. Exactly how did the Da
prosecute this case? An empty Colquitt said. Not surprising to me.
Criminals know the ACC Da has their backs. The University
of Georgia is teaming up with the US Army to
support military installations across the South. The Regional Intergovernmental Support Agreement,
(05:09):
or Riksa, was officially signed by Army representatives and UGA
President Jere Morehead on July 2nd at Fort Moore in Columbus.
The $100 million agreement spread over ten years, will be
administered by the UGA Carl Vinson Institute of Government. This
initiative aims to streamline the provision of services from UGA
and its partners to Army installations. This from the red
(05:30):
and black. In sports. From the red and black, Georgia
baseball hired former Kentucky assistant coach Nick Ammirati to the
same role. He will replace Josh Simpson, who rejoined LSU's
staff in June. And finally, a new business in Athens
is tapping into the Lego market in a big way.
Slab Dream Lab supplies Lego base plates to retail markets
(05:52):
across the country. The company has already sold over a
million units this year. These base plates are essential for
building Lego projects, providing a sturdy foundation with small nubs
to attach the bricks. Slab Dream Lab Located in the
former Georgia Square Mall, Sears has grown into the largest
and most creative Lego baseplate business globally. CEO Lyle Thompson
started the company after making a stronger baseplate for his son,
(06:15):
with innovative designs, including large base plates and customizable options.
Slab Dream Lab now supplies 3000 Walmart stores, and expects
to expand to 4500 retail outlets by summer's end. Slab
Dream Lab remains committed to staying in Athens, no matter
where their success takes them. This from the Athens Banner-herald.
S1 (06:33):
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 a.
S7 (06:51):
Production of BG ad Group. All rights reserved.
S1 (06:56):
This podcast aggregate content from other sources for informational purposes,
and is in no way trying to infringe on the
copyrights or businesses of any other entities. All content posted
up on the site is used under the Fair Use
Copyright Law 107. All audio media and articles are copyrighted
to the original owners. All audio in this podcast are
embedded from YouTube.com and are owned by the respective copyright owners.
(07:16):
No audio information are copyrighted or stored on our servers.
The court ruled that linking or embedding copyrighted videos is
not copyright infringement, even if the source video was uploaded
without permission. However, we will gladly remove any audio clip
upon valid request from respective copyright owners. Any owners also
have the option to disable embedding his YouTube videos on
other websites. News and press articles are owned by the
(07:37):
respective copyright owners. Where possible, the appropriate accreditation or source
of the article is given on the same page. The
audio video files on the this site are for listening
purposes only. Downloading of these files to one's computer is
strictly prohibited. They are owned by the respective copyright owners.
If it is in the organization's belief that the usage
or specific content used on our site containing copyrighted knowledge,
conflicts with authorized use, and or does not comply with
(08:00):
fair use as described in the context. Contact us through
our contact page and we will remove the offending content immediately.
Thanks for listening to the Athens-Clarke County cast.
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 (00:15):
Hello and welcome to the Athens-Clarke County cast! When a
Feedspot top 20 Georgia News podcast. My name is Melissa Carter,
and here are your top stories brought to you by
Drake Realty. Athens Historic Bell Building, located downtown at 183
West Clayton Street, is undergoing renovations to become an exclusive
boutique hotel. The Bell Hotel will blend the building's rich
history with modern luxury, offering a unique lodging experience in
(00:39):
the heart of the classic city. Built in 1916 for
the Southern Bell Telephone and Telegraph Company, the Bell Hotel
will feature 12 elegantly appointed rooms once renovations are completed
later this year. For more information, follow at The Bell
Underscore Athens on Instagram and Facebook. This from the red
and black pedestrians, bikers and other users of Athens-Clarke County's
(01:00):
Firefly Trail may soon enjoy more open pavement. The Athens-Clarke
County government has opened the bidding process for a new
section of the Firefly Trail, spanning over two and a
half miles from Spring Valley Road to the city of Winterville.
This will be the final section of the Firefly Trail,
a multi-use recreation path funded by Tsplost revenue. Preliminary plans
for this segment were approved in 2020, with construction originally
(01:23):
scheduled for last summer. The project is expected to cost
between three and a half to $4 million. A Pre-bid
conference is set for 10 a.m. on July 16th at
City Hall, where officials will address questions related to the project.
This from WAGA. Starting this month, Athens-Clarke County residents may
notice an increase in their stormwater utility fee. On average,
(01:44):
property owners will see a $14 rise in their fee,
the first increase since 2005. These collected fees are dedicated
to stormwater programs across the country, such as replacing and
repairing culverts. The fee applies to both taxable and tax
exempt properties. The price hike was approved by the county's
Stormwater Advisory Committee last summer, citing the need for a
more sustainable pool of funds to maintain infrastructure to help
(02:07):
address stormwater issues, the county is offering erosion control assistance
for single family residences and within the Athens-Clarke County right
of way. This from WAGA.
S1 (02:17):
A new exciting podcast about dads for dads legacy makers.
A conversation for dads. Download now wherever you get your podcasts.
S3 (02:28):
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.
(02:49):
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
(03:10):
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 (03:23):
Achieve more with Athens Tech at Athens Technical College. Their
programs can connect you with in-demand and high paying careers.
S4 (03:31):
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 (03:42):
As 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 (03:53):
I've 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 (04:05):
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, whether that be Norfolk Southern or CSX.
S1 (04:19):
Achieve more with Athens Tech. Find out more at Athens Techedu.
S2 (04:26):
And known Athens street gang member Sherrod Porter, who was
acquitted last week of armed robbery, was arrested just hours
after his acquittal for allegedly attempting to break into an apartment.
The 20 year old, of Westchester Circle was charged with
first degree burglary and possession of a firearm during the
commission of a felony. Authorities have identified him as a
member of the 52 Hoover Gangster Crips street gang. LJ said.
(04:47):
We have an incompetent Da. Others have the same feeling.
Paul Buntz said not guilty. Exactly how did the Da
prosecute this case? An empty Colquitt said. Not surprising to me.
Criminals know the ACC Da has their backs. The University
of Georgia is teaming up with the US Army to
support military installations across the South. The Regional Intergovernmental Support Agreement,
(05:09):
or Riksa, was officially signed by Army representatives and UGA
President Jere Morehead on July 2nd at Fort Moore in Columbus.
The $100 million agreement spread over ten years, will be
administered by the UGA Carl Vinson Institute of Government. This
initiative aims to streamline the provision of services from UGA
and its partners to Army installations. This from the red
(05:30):
and black. In sports. From the red and black, Georgia
baseball hired former Kentucky assistant coach Nick Ammirati to the
same role. He will replace Josh Simpson, who rejoined LSU's
staff in June. And finally, a new business in Athens
is tapping into the Lego market in a big way.
Slab Dream Lab supplies Lego base plates to retail markets
(05:52):
across the country. The company has already sold over a
million units this year. These base plates are essential for
building Lego projects, providing a sturdy foundation with small nubs
to attach the bricks. Slab Dream Lab Located in the
former Georgia Square Mall, Sears has grown into the largest
and most creative Lego baseplate business globally. CEO Lyle Thompson
started the company after making a stronger baseplate for his son,
(06:15):
with innovative designs, including large base plates and customizable options.
Slab Dream Lab now supplies 3000 Walmart stores, and expects
to expand to 4500 retail outlets by summer's end. Slab
Dream Lab remains committed to staying in Athens, no matter
where their success takes them. This from the Athens Banner-herald.
S1 (06:33):
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 a.
S7 (06:51):
Production of BG ad Group. All rights reserved.
S1 (06:56):
This podcast aggregate content from other sources for informational purposes,
and is in no way trying to infringe on the
copyrights or businesses of any other entities. All content posted
up on the site is used under the Fair Use
Copyright Law 107. All audio media and articles are copyrighted
to the original owners. All audio in this podcast are
embedded from YouTube.com and are owned by the respective copyright owners.
(07:16):
No audio information are copyrighted or stored on our servers.
The court ruled that linking or embedding copyrighted videos is
not copyright infringement, even if the source video was uploaded
without permission. However, we will gladly remove any audio clip
upon valid request from respective copyright owners. Any owners also
have the option to disable embedding his YouTube videos on
other websites. News and press articles are owned by the
(07:37):
respective copyright owners. Where possible, the appropriate accreditation or source
of the article is given on the same page. The
audio video files on the this site are for listening
purposes only. Downloading of these files to one's computer is
strictly prohibited. They are owned by the respective copyright owners.
If it is in the organization's belief that the usage
or specific content used on our site containing copyrighted knowledge,
conflicts with authorized use, and or does not comply with
(08:00):
fair use as described in the context. Contact us through
our contact page and we will remove the offending content immediately.
Thanks for listening to the Athens-Clarke County cast.
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