🌱 Patch AM: How a Watkinsville gas station murder ended in life without parole

Hi Watkinsville! We have the latest buzz right here. Let's keep you in the loop and get this morning started right! ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

• How a Watkinsville gas station murder ended in life without parole

Today's riddle: What did the balloon say to the doctor? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

• Sunday: Sun and clouds, with a high of 62 and low of 37 degrees.
• Monday: Partly sunny and cooler, temps: high: 56, low: 40.
• Tuesday: Warmer with clouds and sun, with a high of 64 and low of 51 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

• Former UGA football player found guilty in RaceTrac murder trial (wuga.org) — A former UGA football player has been sentenced to life without parole for the 2021 shooting death of Elijah Wood while he was working at a RaceTrac gas station in Watkinsville. A jury in Oconee County Superior Court found him guilty on six charges, including felony murder and firearm possession, adding five more years to his sentence beyond life without parole.
   

📸 Around Watkinsville

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📣 Watkinsville Shout Outs!

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🗓 Events Nearby

Sunday December 21

• The Nutcracker Ballet
  The Classic Center , 300 N Thomas St , Athens
  2:00 pm

Tuesday December 23

• JV/G Wrestling @ Walt Hennenbal Inv Mountain View -Time TBD
  Oglethorpe County Lexington, GA 30648
• HPC- Education Committee
  Athens-Clarke County, GA Calendar , 120 West Dougherty Street , Athens
  4:00 pm
• Corridor Design Commission Meeting
  Madison, GA Calendar , 160 N. Main Street High Street Entrance , Madison
  5:30 pm
• Corridor Design Commission Meeting - CANCELED
  Madison, GA Calendar
  5:30 pm
• Shih Tzu Not Trivia
  Wing House , 8727 US-29 , Hull
  7:00 pm

Wednesday December 24

• Public Safety Civilian Oversight Board Meeting - CANCELED
  Athens-Clarke County, GA Calendar , 120 West Dougherty Street , Athens
  5:30 pm

Thursday December 25

• Harvest Gala Fundraiser 2025
  138 Park Ave Business Suites , 138 Park Avenue , Winder
  5:00 pm
• Public Arts Commission Meeting
  Madison, GA Calendar , 160 N. Main Street High Street Entrance , Madison
  5:30 pm
• No Drill
  Madison, GA Calendar Madison, GA 30650
  6:30 pm

Friday December 26

• Community Campfire & S'mores on the House!
  Fort Yargo State Park , 210 South Broad Street , Winder
  7:00 pm

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

• Hello everyone,
  We got this new business going now Elite steer bobcat service, We do driveway grading, lot clean up, tree removals all kinds of bobcat work give us… (Nextdoor Harden Hill Rd)

• Burlington Coat Factory Corporation posted a job opening for Seasonal Retail Stocking Associate - Part Time in Athens. Apply here.
• Fladger Associates posted a job opening for Packaging and Labeling in Athens. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Watkinsville here.

🗞 Nearby News

Athens

• Athens News Matters: December 20th, 2025 (wuga.org)
• Bloodkin & Friends Featuring Domingo "Sunny" Ortiz, Kevn Kinney and More, Perform Tonight at Athens' 40 Watt Club (relix.com)
• Empty Stocking Fund: Referrals surge as families struggle with rent, utilities (onlineathens.com)

Monroe

Ok Watkinsville! 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 feel lightheaded!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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