Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: What to know about the long-awaited Tara Baker trial this month

Make time for "Pickleball" at Heard Park on the Athens Patch calendar

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Hello Athens! Stay connected with the latest updates from around town. Let's dive in! ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • What to know about the long-awaited Tara Baker trial this month
  • Why Athens’ famed Trial Gardens are raving about this tiny pink petunia
  • Meet the New Year’s babies welcomed first at Athens hospitals

Today's riddle: What did one volcano say to the other volcano? 🤔 (Answer below!)

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

Weather forecast:

  • Sunday: Fog in the a.m.; mostly sunny, with a high of 61 and low of 41 degrees.
  • Monday: Plenty of sun, temps: high: 64, low: 44.
  • Tuesday: Partly sunny, nice and warm, with a high of 69 and low of 56 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Major cases expected to go to trial in 2026 in metro Atlanta, North Georgia (fox5atlanta.com) — Athens-Clarke County residents will see a major development this month as the long-delayed murder case of UGA law student Tara Baker is scheduled for trial on January 26. The article also surveys other high-profile criminal trials across metro Atlanta and North Georgia, from school shootings to domestic violence homicides, that could shape courtroom calendars and community conversations throughout 2026.
   

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

2. Small, mighty and pink: A new petunia variety earns high praise (savannahnow.com) — Gardeners in Athens might be proud to know the University of Georgia Trial Gardens program in town has named the new Supertunia Mini Vista Pink Cloud petunia a Plant of Distinction. This compact, heat-tough pink variety is earning rave reviews across Georgia for containers and beds, and experts say it may sell out quickly when it hits shelves this spring.
   

3. Zahkari and Georgia arrive in Athens on New Year's Day (onlineathens.com) — Athens welcomed its first babies of 2026 at both local hospitals, with Georgia born at St. Mary’s Hospital and Zahkari arriving earlier at Piedmont Athens Regional. The story highlights their birth times, sizes, proud families, and the broader tradition of celebrating “Baby New Year” across communities.
   

4. Buddhist Monks' Walk for Peace Bypasses Athens (flagpole.com) — A long-distance peace walk by Buddhist monks has officially rerouted away from Athens, skipping a previously planned northeast path through the city and nearby communities. Organizers thanked local supporters for their interest, explained that safety and logistics forced the change, and noted the monks will instead head east toward Columbia, South Carolina.
   

5. ‘80s Hitmakers Join Forces for New Version of R.E.M. Classic: ‘Had to Be Cool to Revisit Those Chords' (parade.com) — R.E.M. guitarist Peter Buck has teamed with Icicle Works’ Ian McNabb on a new version of “So. Central Rain,” while former bandmates stay busy with fresh projects. For Athens fans, the story nods to Bill Berry’s Bad Ends work with local musician Mike Mantione and a recent all-member appearance at the 40 Watt Club downtown.
   

📸 Around Athens

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Athens

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📣 Athens Shout Outs!

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🗓 Events Nearby

    Tuesday January 6
  • Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting Johnny's New York Style Pizza
    Johnny's New York Style Pizza , 3955 Highway 53 , Hoschton
    10:30 am
    • Thursday January 8
  • Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting NuWave Health & Wellness
    NuWave Health & Wellness , 5391 Hwy 53 Suite 108 , Braselton
    3:00 pm
  • Historic Preservation Commission
    Jefferson, GA Calendar , Jefferson Station 1000 Washington Street , Jefferson
    6:00 pm
    • Friday January 9
  • Network Barrow
    Barrow County Chamber of Commerce , #6 Porter St. , 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.

 

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Is anyone missing this sweet girl?
    We found her with no collar on Mount Vermon Road off Monroe Hwy. She is not chipped. (Nextdoor Atl Hwy and 78)
  • I ran into a neighbor this morning who was walking a beautiful basset hound type of dog- not sure if it was purebred.
    It seemed very friendly and looked a little older to me ( not that I am an expert by any means). She said she found it yesterday roaming on Barnett… (Nextdoor Falling Shoals)
  • Merry Maids posted a job opening for Housekeeper / House Cleaner in Athens. Apply here.
  • Cardinal Group Companies posted a job opening for Housekeeper 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 lava you.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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