Jefferson
GOVERNMENT
Stranger things in Georgia: Find our more about the tree that owns itself in Athens
There are plenty of trees near the intersection of Dearing and South Finley streets in Athens, but only one is a longtime local landmark. "The Tree that Owns Itself" is a large white oak circled by a chain for protection and marked by an old plaque that reads the following message from William H. Jackson written in 1832: "For and in consideration of the great love I bear this tree and the great desire I have for its protection for all time, I convey entire possession of itself and all land within eight feet of the tree on all sides."
Food Bank of Northeast Georgia cuts ribbon to new facility in Athens
The Food Bank of Northeast Georgia held a ceremonial ribbon cutting on Thursday to announce the completion of its new warehouse and headquarters in Athens. Erin Barger, president and CEO of the Food Bank, noted the new facility on Newton Bridge Road was necessary to provide food for those it serves in the region.
ACC Commission Votes to Change how TSPLOST funds are allocated
The Athens-Clarke County commissioners are changing how they fund transportation projects through the Transportation Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (TSPLOST). TSPLOST, a 1% sales tax, funds various transportation projects approved by county voters. The current TSPLOST 2023 is meeting its revenue goals ahead of schedule, so the next TSPLOST vote will be in May 2026 instead of November 2026.
UGA supports Georgia High School Students Through Science & Engineering Fair
Four high school students traveled to Los Angeles, California, to represent the state of Georgia at the 2024 Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) held May 11-17. Two won monetary prizes during the ISEF special awards ceremony. Daniel Williams of East Coweta High School won the Chief of Naval Research Scholarship Award of $15,000. Daniel was also awarded fourth place in the Robotics & Intelligent Machines category. Tatyana McVay of Paul Duke STEM High School in Gwinnett County won the $750 U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory Award.
Athens-Clarke County to Consider Polling Place Shift for Precinct 7A Voters in November Election
Voters of Precinct 7A in Athens-Clarke County should be prepared to cast their ballots at a new location come this November. The Athens-Clarke County Board of Elections and Voter Registration has proposed a shift for the precinct's polling site, moving it from the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Athens to Timothy Baptist Church, just a short distance away at 380 Timothy Road. The change, aimed to take effect from the General Election scheduled for November 5, will not alter voting districts or precincts but purely the physical place where Precinct 7A voters are to exercise their democracy in person on Election Day.
Andrew Saunders Appointed as Interim Assistant Manager
Acting Manager Niki Jones has named Andrew Saunders as Interim Assistant Manager for the Athens-Clarke County Unified Government (ACCGov). Saunders currently serves as the Central Services Director and will assume the Interim Assistant Manager position as of July 22, 2024. “Andrew has a tremendous amount of experience working in several...
Athens News Matters for July 20, 2024
ACC Commission Votes to Change how TSPLOST funds are allocated. Athens-Clarke County Commissioners moved ahead Tuesday night with a plan to revamp how the county funds some transportation projects. WUGA’s Martin Matheny sat down with Alexia Ridley to discuss this week’s meeting. ACC Board of Elections Seeks Legal...
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