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🌱 Patch AM: How new countywide phone alerts will warn Athens residents in emergencies

Make time for Dr. Freds Karaoke 01/14/26 on the Athens Patch calendar

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Hey hey Athens! Your one-stop source for local news is here. Continue reading for all the updates. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • How new countywide phone alerts will warn Athens residents in emergencies
  • How could new zoning rules reshape affordable housing options in Athens?
  • Could your Athens home be hiding this invisible lung cancer risk?

Also on today's calendar: Shih Tzu Not Trivia and 5 more events.

Find out what's happening in Athensfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: What did the baby computer say to the mommy computer? 🤔 (Answer below!)

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Find out what's happening in Athensfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Weather forecast:

  • Wednesday: A couple of afternoon showers, with a high of 52 and low of 27 degrees.
  • Thursday: Decreasing clouds and windy, temps: high: 42, low: 22.
  • Friday: Partly to mostly sunny, with a high of 51 and low of 39 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Athens-Clarke County updates emergency alerting system with IPAWS (redandblack.com) — Athens-Clarke County’s 911 center can now send FEMA IPAWS emergency alerts directly to every mobile device in the county, expanding how quickly residents hear about life-threatening situations. UGA students will still get UGA Alert messages, but those warnings can now be amplified countywide so both campus and non-campus communities receive critical safety information at the same time.
   

2. Athens Mayor and Commission discuss housing affordability solutions, leasing policy updates at work session (redandblack.com) — Athens-Clarke County leaders are weighing major zoning and leasing policy changes that could open the door to more affordable housing options across Athens. Commissioners reviewed proposals to legalize smaller homes and accessory units, adjust nonprofit lease rates, and heard encouraging EMS response-time updates, including a new ladder truck coming online at Fire Station #1.
   

3. UGA Extension Ramps Up Radon Awareness (morningagclips.com) — Athens-area homeowners are being urged to test their houses for radon as UGA Extension, based in Athens, ramps up education on this invisible lung cancer risk. Radon educator Rebecca Cantrell explains that any Georgia home, even new construction or those outside high-risk zones, can have dangerous levels. She walks residents through test results, connects them with certified mitigators, and promotes simple steps like regular testing and radon‑resistant building features.
   

4. Why are thieves in Athens targeting air conditioners? Find out here. (onlineathens.com) — Several Athens businesses and rental properties have recently had outdoor air conditioning units stolen, with losses ranging from thousands to nearly ten thousand dollars. Police say the cases may be tied to scrap copper demand, but they have no firm evidence connecting the incidents yet and are still investigating the pattern of thefts across town.
   

5. UGA appoints Bester as associate dean for curriculum at the School of Medicine (wuga.org) — The University of Georgia has named Johan Bester as associate dean for curriculum at its School of Medicine, a role he began on January 1. Working from Athens, he’ll guide curriculum improvements aimed at better preparing future physicians to tackle healthcare challenges in Georgia and beyond, influencing how tomorrow’s doctors are trained right here in the community.
   

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

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    I haven’t personally seen anyone coming to or from but I’m also not looking in this direction all the time so I’m not sure. I happened to see a tan… (Nextdoor Rustwood Dr)
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  • Road Closure -Voyles Rd. closed at Hull Rd. All lanes shut down. (X: accgov)
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  • Piedmont Healthcare posted a job opening for Public Safety Officer 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 want my data.
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