🌱 Patch AM: How Athens firefighters pulled off a life-saving Christmas Eve rescue

Hi there, Athens! We've got your morning read ready! Read on to stay connected. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

• How Athens firefighters pulled off a life-saving Christmas Eve rescue
• What UGA’s Legion Pool demolition means for Athens neighbors and students
• What investigators say so far about a 2-year-old’s death in Athens

Also on today's calendar: KACCB Bring One for the Chipper Christmas Tree Recycling and 6 more events.

Today's riddle: I quit my job as a banker. 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

• Friday: Mostly cloudy, with a high of 60 and low of 51 degrees.
• Saturday: Rain and a thunderstorm, temps: high: 55, low: 40.
• Sunday: Mostly sunny and nice, with a high of 61 and low of 40 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Christmas Eve Structure Fire Results in Successful Rescue • Athens-Clarke County, GA (accgov.com) — A Christmas Eve house fire on North Avenue in Athens left one resident seriously injured but successfully rescued by Athens-Clarke County firefighters, who battled heavy flames in most of the home. Crews used thermal imaging to locate the occupant, coordinated with National EMS for transport to Piedmont Athens Regional, and the Fire Marshal’s Office is now investigating, asking anyone with information to contact the lead investigator.
   

2. UGA stands by decision to demolish Legion Pool (onlineathens.com) — UGA is moving forward with demolishing historic Legion Pool near South Lumpkin Street and replacing it with a 4,600-capacity outdoor recreation venue and more student parking. Officials cite high maintenance costs and low student use, while critics argue the 1930s-era pool has historic value for Athens and that county-run public pools aren’t a true replacement.
   

3. 2-year-old found dead in Athens (wsbtv.com) — Athens police are investigating the death of 2-year-old Westyn Wilkie, found unresponsive at a Georgetown Circle home early Dec. 26 and later taken to a local hospital. Officers noted possible marijuana and vape-related items in the residence but say it’s still unclear whether they are connected to the child’s condition as the investigation continues.
   

4. Metro Atlanta families welcome first bundles of joy on New Year's Day (fox5atlanta.com) — A New Year’s baby made her debut at Piedmont Athens just after midnight, giving local parents a joyful start to 2026. The story also highlights first births at several other Georgia hospitals, but Athens’ own New Year arrival stands out as a feel-good milestone for the community.
   

📸 Around Athens

Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!

🗓 Upcoming Events in Athens

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

Saturday January 3

• Bring One for the Chipper Christmas Tree Recycling Event
  Athens-Clarke County, GA Calendar Athens, GA 30601
  9:00 am
• KACCB Bring One for the Chipper Christmas Tree Recycling
  Various
  9:00 am

Monday January 5

• "Pickleball" at Heard Park
  Athens-Clarke County, GA Calendar , 400 McKinley Dr. , Athens
  8:00 am

Tuesday January 6

• Meet Us in the Lobby
  Athens-Clarke County, GA Calendar , 124 E Hancock Ave , Athens
  9:00 am
• HPC- Designation Committee
  Athens-Clarke County, GA Calendar , 120 West Dougherty Street , Athens
  12:00 pm
• "Get Fit" at Lay Park
  Athens-Clarke County, GA Calendar , 297 Hoyt St. , Athens
  1:00 pm
• "Get Fit" at Lay Park Begins
  Athens-Clarke County, GA Calendar , Lay Park 297 Hoyt St , Athens
  1:00 pm
• Mayor & Commission Regular Session
  City Hall , 301 College Avenue , Athens
  6:00 pm

Wednesday January 7

• "Pickleball" at Heard Park
  Athens-Clarke County, GA Calendar , 400 McKinley Dr. , Athens
  8:00 am

📣 Athens Shout Outs!

Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!

🗓 Events Nearby

Friday January 2

• Business over Breakfast
  Barrow County Chamber of Commerce , #6 Porter Street , Winder
  9:00 am
• Network Barrow
  Barrow County Chamber of Commerce , #6 Porter St. , Winder
  9:00 am
• Community Campfire & S'mores on the House!
  Fort Yargo State Park , 210 South Broad Street , Winder
  7:00 pm

Saturday January 3

• Loop Around the Lake
  Fort Yargo State Park , 210 South Broad Street , Winder
  9:00 am

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

Thank you 👏👏👏 to the local businesses for making Athens PatchAM possible:

• Mindsee.it — (646) 663-8317
  Teach your kids they can achieve the impossible!

Click here to show your appreciation! 💚

Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

• The new year doesn’t need grand promises.
  It’s an invitation to breathe, to begin again with a little more honesty and self respect. To let go of what no longer fits and make space for what… (Nextdoor Attica)
• Cancel Bolo, he was found safe!
  Thank you!! BOLO for Missing Person. Kenneth Montgomery 51 year old white male, blonde hair, green or blue eyes, 5'10" medium weight. Last seen… (Nextdoor Highland Park Dr)

• University of Georgia posted a job opening for Housekeeper in Athens. Apply here.
• Kroger posted a job opening for Grocery Clerk in Athens. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Athens here.

Ok Athens! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I just lost interest.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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