Welcome to the Athens-Clarke County Cast, one of Feedspot’s Top 20 Georgia News Podcasts. I’m Melissa Carter. If you're looking to support local charities but aren't sure where to start, tune in as I interview Sarah McKinney, President and CEO of Athens Area Community Foundation, for expert guidance.

Plus, get the latest Athens news, including updates on a recent shooting on Hickman Drive, a court decision involving Rashard Blackshear, and upcoming pro-choice rallies. Brought to you by Drake Realty.

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Welcome to the Athens-Clarke County Cast, proudly named one of Feedspot’s Top 20 Georgia News Podcasts. I'm your host, Melissa Carter. In this episode, brought to you by Drake Realty, we cover the latest updates in Athens:

• Arrests in Rolling Ridge Homicide: Police have arrested 18-year-old Janiya Moore and 16-year-old Zyquavious Thomas in connection with last month's tragic shooting.

• Deadly Shooting on Nowhere Road: Heather McCall faces charges for the fatal shooting of Jeremy Howard. The investigation continues.

• New Acting County Manager: Deputy Manager Niki Jones steps in as acting county manager following Blaine Williams' resignation.

Stay informed on these critical developments in your community. Tune in now to get the full story!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hello and welcome to the Athens-Clarke County Cast, one of Feedspot’s Top 20 Georgia News Podcasts. I’m Melissa Carter. Heading to AthFest this month? Your attendance actually helps a good cause. Mary Joyce, Executive Director of AthFest Educates, will join us to explain the impact and importance of this local event.

Top Stories Brought to You by Drake Realty:

**Deadly Shooting in Athens:**

Athens-Clarke County Police have charged a woman in a deadly shooting that occurred Wednesday. Officers responded to the 100 block of Nowhere Road, finding 31-year-old Jeremy Howard with a gunshot wound. Despite being rushed to a local hospital, Howard succumbed to his injuries. After an investigation, police arrested 26-year-old Heather McCall, charging her with involuntary manslaughter and reckless conduct. The investigation is ongoing, and anyone with information is urged to contact detectives at (762) 400-7060.

**Federal Charges for Athens Woman:**

Gabryele "Gabby" Watson faces federal charges in Tennessee following multiple search warrants, including one at her home. The 26-year-old was indicted for two counts of cyberstalking and one count of interstate transmission of threats related to an alleged adoption scam targeting a Tennessee couple. If convicted, Watson could face up to five years in federal prison for each count.

**Fraud Ring Arrest:**

Athens-Clarke County Police arrested Anthony Phillips after he attempted a large purchase using a fraudulent account number at a business on Lexington Road. Phillips is linked to a multi-state fraud ring responsible for stealing millions of dollars in merchandise. During the arrest, officers recovered $1,800 in stolen goods and fentanyl. Phillips faces several charges, including theft by receiving stolen property, providing false information to law enforcement, and possession of a schedule II controlled substance. He also has outstanding warrants related to the fraud ring.

Join us for these stories and more on this episode of the Athens-Clarke County Cast!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to another episode of the Athens-Clarke County Cast, proudly listed as one of Feedspot’s Top 20 Georgia News Podcasts. I’m your host, Melissa Carter. In this episode, we bring you the latest news stories from around Athens, brought to you by Drake Realty.

**Athens News**

Embezzlement at Integrity Foods Inc.** A local company, Integrity Foods Inc., specializing in chicken products, has accused a former employee of embezzling over $3 million. The company discovered falsified records which the employee used to divert funds into personal accounts over six years. Following an internal investigation, the Athens police became involved on May 22nd. While the employee has been fired, it remains uncertain if they will be taken into custody or what charges might be filed.

**Kyron Zarco Day Declared**

The Athens-Clarke County Commission has designated June 18th as Kyron Zarco Day to honor the 3-year-old boy tragically killed in a gang-related shooting earlier this year. This resolution, adopted last week, addresses the root causes of gun violence and gang activity in the community. Four alleged gang members have been indicted in connection with his death, facing charges including malice murder and aggravated assault. The commission’s resolution commits to prioritizing gun and gang violence prevention in future budgets and calls for community collaboration to support at-risk youth.

**New Control Tower for Athens-Ben Epps Airport**

Athens-Ben Epps Airport has selected a site for its new control tower, set to begin construction within the next 18 months to two years. This project is part of a $500 million FAA initiative to replace aging towers at 31 smaller U.S. airports. Airport Director Mike Mathews announced the new tower, budgeted at $2.5 million, will be on a 1-acre site behind the current tower. The new structure will stand 90 to 95 feet tall, about 30 feet taller than the existing tower, and feature a larger control cab. Whether the new tower will display the University of Georgia's "Super G" emblem is still under discussion.

Tune in for more detailed coverage and insights on these stories, only on the Athens-Clarke County Cast!

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Hello and welcome to the Athens-Clarke County Cast, one of Feedspot’s Top 20 Georgia News Podcasts. I'm Melissa Carter. Here are your top stories brought to you by Drake Realty:

**Athens News

Real-Time Crime Center Initiative** In the wake of the tragic murder of nursing student Laken Riley, Athens-Clarke County Police are developing a real-time crime center. Lt. Jody Thompson emphasized that such tragedies necessitate community action. This new center will integrate surveillance footage from apartments, businesses, and body cameras, with plans to include University of Georgia’s campus. Impressively, it has already helped solve the murder of Cameron Manago in under 12 hours. The expansion continues, with more camera registrations needed from residents and businesses.

**Gang and Murder Charges in Toddler's Death** Four suspects have been indicted on gang and murder charges following the shooting death of 3-year-old Kyron Zarco in Athens. In what police describe as a gang-related incident, Kyron was killed on March 8th, and his 9-year-old brother was injured at a mobile home park. Julian Cubillos, Jayden Brown, Dakious Echols, and Desmontrez Mathis, members of the "Everybody Eats" gang, face multiple serious charges. Since July 2022, authorities have indicted at least 21 individuals in gang-related cases. Police Chief Jerry Saulters commended his department’s swift response and reaffirmed their commitment to fighting gun and gang violence.

**Body Found Near Homeless Camp** Authorities are working to identify a decomposed body found Sunday in a wooded area off North Avenue in Athens-Clarke County. Discovered near the former site of a homeless camp adjacent to the Georgia Division of Family Services, Coroner Sonny Wilson suggests the man may have been deceased for over a month. With no identification papers found, the cause of death remains unknown. The body has been sent to the State Crime Lab for further examination.

Join us as we delve into these stories and more on the latest episode of the Athens-Clarke County Cast. Stay informed and stay safe!

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Welcome to another episode of the Athens-Clarke County Cast, one of Feedspot’s Top 20 Georgia News Podcasts. I’m Melissa Carter, here to bring you the latest updates and in-depth coverage of top stories in Athens-Clarke County, brought to you by Drake Realty.

** Top Stories: **

1. Legal Developments in the Laken Riley Case:

The suspect in the fatal beating of University of Georgia student Laken Riley has entered a not guilty plea. Twenty-six-year-old Jose Ibarra appeared in Athens-Clarke County Superior Court facing charges including malice murder and aggravated assault. As a Venezuelan immigrant living in Athens illegally, Ibarra's case has drawn significant national attention. A status hearing is scheduled for August.

In a related update, the Western Judicial District Attorney’s Office has announced it will not seek the death penalty for Ibarra. District Attorney Deborah Gonzalez emphasized that justice and the victim’s family remain the priority.

2. Recall Effort Against Mayor Kelly Girtz:

James DePaola, who is leading a recall effort against Athens-Clarke County Mayor Kelly Girtz and other officials, has filed a legal response to Girtz’s petition to dismiss the recall. DePaola contends that Girtz missed the deadline to challenge the recall effort. The recall proceedings have been suspended pending a court decision.

Join us as we unpack these legal battles and discuss what they mean for the community and the quest for justice.

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Hello and welcome to the Athens-Clarke County Cast, one of Feedspot’s Top 20 Georgia News Podcasts. I’m your host, Melissa Carter. In this episode, we bring you the latest stories affecting Athens-Clarke County, brought to you by Drake Realty.

Top Stories:

1. Arrest in Deadly Shooting: Athens-Clarke County Police have arrested 16-year-old Zyquavious Thomas in connection to a deadly shooting at Rolling Ridge Apartments. The victim, 20-year-old Cameron Manago, was found with a gunshot wound and later pronounced dead at a local hospital. Thomas faces charges including Felony Murder and Attempted Armed Robbery. The investigation is ongoing, and anyone with information is urged to contact Detective Lister at 762-400-7333 or via email at Hovie.Lister@accgov.com.

2. Rise in Telephone Scams: Beware of telephone scams! A couple in Athens recently lost $20,000 to a scammer posing as a Vystar Credit Union representative. Financial institutions are increasing efforts to educate customers about these scams. Remember, banks will never ask for your debit or credit card information over the phone. Stay vigilant and protect your finances.

3. Fatal Motorcycle Accident: Tragic news from Dickinson County, Kansas, where 67-year-old William Anyan from Athens died in a motorcycle accident. Anyan rear-ended a stopped vehicle on Interstate 70. Despite wearing a helmet, he was pronounced dead at the scene.

4. Sundance Film Festival Bid: Athens-Clarke County is in the running to host the iconic Sundance Film Festival starting in 2027. Competing with cities like Atlanta and Savannah, Athens hopes to leverage its vibrant arts scene and walkable downtown. The Sundance Institute will select a location that promotes inclusivity and supports independent filmmakers.

Tune in to get the full details on these stories and more. Stay informed and stay safe, Athens!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to the Athens News Podcast, one of Feedspot’s Top 20 Georgia News Podcasts. I'm your host, Melissa Carter, and today we're diving into some of the most significant stories in our community, brought to you by Drake Realty.

In today's episode:

• **Major Drug and Gun Bust:** Athens-Clarke police, in collaboration with the FBI, Homeland Security, and various state and local law enforcement agencies, have arrested three Athens men in a significant drug and gun bust. Authorities seized approximately 77 pounds of cocaine, 5 pounds of methamphetamine, 2 pounds each of fentanyl and heroin, and 19 firearms. The suspects face serious charges and are being held without bond.
• - **Minister Denied Bond:** Bond has been denied for Reveckeyo Hill, a Georgia minister and car dealer accused of defrauding individuals through fraudulent vehicle loans. Facing 14 counts of fraud, Hill's case involves multiple jurisdictions and ongoing criminal activities.
• - **Workforce Development Initiative:** The coalition "Athens Achieves" is seeking nearly $2 million from Athens-Clarke County’s ARPA funds to kickstart a comprehensive workforce development program. The initiative aims to create a robust workforce, attract businesses with high-paying jobs, and alleviate poverty. This proposal is seen as a potential game changer for the local community.

Tune in for these stories and more as we keep you informed on the latest events in Athens-Clarke County.

Stay updated and join the conversation by subscribing to the Athens News Podcast.

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