Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: Confused by Athens’ new parking signs? Here’s every way to pay.

And on the Athens Patch calendar - "Music in the House" with the Slightly Less Famous Somebodies at Lyndon House Arts Center

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Thursday August 20th Patch AM
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Hello again Athens! We're bringing you the latest town highlights. Don't miss out, keep going! ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • Confused by Athens' new parking signs? Here's every way to pay.
  • Which Athens streets are first in line for safety upgrades?
  • Going Friday? See what St. Mary's is building on Baxter Street

Today's riddle: Why do fish live in salt water? 🤔 (Answer below!)

From our Partner
Today's Athens Patch AM is brought to you in part by T-Mobile. After investing billions to light up their network from big cities to small towns, T-Mobile is America's Best Mobile Network in the US according to Ookla Speedtest®. Based on analysis by Ookla® of Speedtest Intelligence® data 1H 2026. We thank T-Mobile for their support in helping to keep communities like ours connected and for making today's Athens Patch AM possible.
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Weather forecast:

  • Thursday: A t-storm around in the p.m., with a high of 98 and low of 73 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
  • Friday: A heavy t-storm in the p.m., temps: high: 93, low: 72.
  • Saturday: A t-storm around in the p.m., with a high of 93 and low of 67 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Parking in Downtown Athens? There's an App for That, but Other Options, Too (flagpole.com) — Downtown Athens drivers now pay for street parking mainly through the ParkMobile system, but you can still use text, browser, phone, or cash in decks if you'd rather skip the app. As officials deal with vandalized signs and a surprisingly smooth rollout, crews are also rushing to open the revamped College Square pedestrian plaza before UGA's first home game.
   

2. Athens in Motion Unveils Updated Street Safety Plan (flagpole.com) — Athens-Clarke County leaders are weighing an updated Athens in Motion plan that would add safety upgrades along 16 key corridors and tie improvements to routine repaving. With walkers and cyclists disproportionately hurt in crashes, consultants say better bike and pedestrian infrastructure will also calm traffic for drivers, though commissioners remain frustrated by slow project timelines and right-of-way hurdles.
   

3. New St. Mary's Center groundbreaking set for Friday morning (wuga.org) — St. Mary's is breaking ground Friday at 11 a.m. on a new $34.6 million Center for Heart, Vascular and Neurosciences at 1230 Baxter Street, a major investment in Athens-area healthcare. Residents are invited to the free ceremony, co-hosted by the Athens Area Chamber of Commerce, with food, giveaways, and remarks. The 15,000-square-foot facility is expected to open next October with advanced imaging and expanded stroke and heart services.
   

4. Ex-Georgia tag office employee arrested in fraud investigation (wsbtv.com) — Athens-Clarke County police have arrested a former tag office employee on multiple fraud-related charges tied to the Athens-Clarke County Tag Office. Investigators say the case involves alleged theft, forgery, identity fraud, and false statements, though details and amounts haven't been released. The investigation continues, and anyone with information is urged to contact the assigned detective.
   

5. Alyssa DiTomasso Leaves WNGC Morning Show (barrettmedia.com) — Morning show co-host Alyssa DiTomasso has left Athens-based WNGC, creating uncertainty for the station's flagship show and its local listeners. Management hasn't announced a new format, timeline, or Adam Bomb's status, leaving questions about how the station will keep its Athens audience engaged. Her move reflects a broader trend of radio talent shifting to digital platforms.
   

📸 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!

📣 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

    Thursday August 20
  • MBMS Volleyball @ Dove Creek MS (AWAY)
    Malcom Bridge Middle Dove Creek Middle School, 7915 Hog Mountain Rd, Statham, GA 30666, USA
    4:30 pm
  • Junior Varsity Girls Volleyball at Oglethorpe
    Oconee County High Watkinsville, GA 30677
    6:00 pm
  • Varsity Girls Volleyball at Oglethorpe
    Oconee County High Watkinsville, GA 30677
    6:00 pm
    • Friday August 21
  • OCAF Preview Reception for Perspectives: Georgia Pottery Invitational →
    Oconee Cultural Arts Foundation, 34 School St, Watkinsville
    6:00 pm

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

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

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Reunited!!
    Thanks everyone! Sharing for a friend- Found kitty- is this your sweet baby? Red collar with bell. (Nextdoor Briarcliff Woods)
  • Spotted just after 7:00 pm tonight on Idylwood Drive near Paisley Pl.
    As I got a little closer, it curled up and rattled. Needless to say, I didn't stick around. (Nextdoor Idylwood)
  • Caterpillar, Inc. posted a job opening for Assembler - 1st Shift in Athens. Apply here.
  • Captain D's Seafood Restaurant posted a job opening for Shift Leader 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: Pepper makes them sneeze (Thank you Karla H. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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