Blog posts by Blake Aued, Editor
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UGA Reschedules Commencement for Fall
Blog: In the Loop
Photo Credit: Dorothy Kozlowski/UGA
As long as it's safe to gather in large groups again, the University of Georgia will hold commencement ceremonies for spring 2020 graduates this fall.
Undergraduate commencement is scheduled for Oct. 16 at Sanford Stadium (the Dawgs have an away game that weekend). Graduate students' commencement will be held Dec. 18 at Stegeman Coliseum, in conjunction with the fall 2020 ceremony. The ceremonies will take place "only if it is deemed safe to do so at that time by the CDC and state health officials," UGA President Jere Morehead said.
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Gonzalez Again Urges Kemp to Appoint DA
Blog: In the Loop
Deborah Gonzalez.
Former state Rep. Deborah Gonzalez, a candidate for Western Circuit District Attorney, has hired an attorney to pressure Gov. Brian Kemp to appoint a DA to replace Ken Mauldin, thus giving voters a chance to choose their DA this November.
Mauldin retired in February, making his chief assistant, Brian Patterson, the acting DA. Patterson is also a candidate for the position.
Under an obscure 2018 state law, if Kemp waits until after May 3—180 days before the November election—the election for DA will be pushed back until 2022.
"Ms. Gonzalez does not want to litigate this matter, the likely constitutional infirmities of the statutory scheme notwithstanding," Adam Sparks of the Atlanta law firm Krevolin Horst wrote in a letter to Kemp and his executive counsel, David Dove, dated Apr. 10. "Even so, she reserves all options at her disposal should the anticipated election not occur due to delay in exercising the Governor’s vested appointment power. "
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Georgia Primaries Postponed Until June
Blog: In the Loop
Brad Raffensperger.
Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger has postponed the state's primaries from May 19 until June 9.
Raffensperger had previously resisted calls to move the election date back, saying he lacked the authority. But then Gov. Brian Kemp extended the state of emergency until May 13 and shelter-in-place order until Apr. 30. Early voting was set to begin Apr. 27.
“Due to the Governor’s extension of the state of emergency through a time period that includes almost every day of in-person voting for an election on May 19, and after careful consideration, I am now comfortable exercising the authority vested in me by Georgia law to postpone the primary election until June 9,” Raffensperger said in a news release. “This decision allows our office and county election officials to continue to put in place contingency plans to ensure that voting can be safe and secure when in-person voting begins and prioritizes the health and safety of voters, county election officials and poll workers.”
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Ten People Have Died of COVID-19 at One Athens Nursing Home
Blog: In the Loop
165 Winston Drive.
Ten residents have died of COVID-19 at PruittHealth Grandview nursing home in Athens, according to WSB-TV.
A nurse tipped off WSB to the deaths. They were later confirmed by PruittHealth, which said they occured over "the past few weeks." The Norcross-based company also told WSB that the facility is operating "at an alert code red status" and strictly following infectious disease protocols.
The nurse, Myesha Moore, also told WSB that she was fired because she didn't go to work while showing symptoms of COVID-19, an allegation PruittHealth denied.
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Campaigns Move Online in the Coronavirus Age
Blog: In the Loop
Mokah Jasmine Johnson.
Sheltering in place has pretty much shut down campaigning—who wants somebody showing up on their doorstep to hand them a germy pamphlet these days?—but as of right now there is still an election coming up on May 19.
The progressive group Athens for Everyone is hosting a series of debates via Zoom and streaming them on Facebook Live (facebook.com/AthensForEveryone). The first, on Wednesday, Apr. 8, will feature Commission District 6 incumbent Jerry NeSmith and challenger Jesse Houle. Friday, Apr. 10 will bring you District 4 Commissioner Allison Wright and challenger Michael Stapor. The following Wednesday, District 8 candidates Andrea Farnham and Carol Myers are up to bat (Kamau Hill had not confirmed at press time). On Apr. 22, check out District 10 incumbent Mike Hamby and challenger Knowa Johnson. All start at 5:30 p.m. except the District 4 debate, which will start at 5 p.m. They’ll be moderated by yours truly.
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UGA Hosts Webinar on Stimulus Funding
Blog: In the Loop
Photo Credit: Andrea Piacquadio/Pexels
The University of Georgia's Small Business Development Seminar will host a webinar Tuesday at 10 a.m. for Athens business owners to help them understand stimulus funding that is available and how to apply.
The Zoom link is https://zoom.us/j/276560811. The call-in number is +1 (646) 876-9923, and the meeting ID is 276 560 811.
The SBDC also has a website with more information about small business relief.
For more information, call 706-542-7436 or email [email protected].
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Kemp Closes K-12 Schools for Rest of School Year
Blog: In the Loop
Many probably saw this coming, with just four weeks between Gov. Brian Kemp's projected return date of Apr. 27 and the end of the Clarke County school year May 21, and no end to the coronavirus pandemic in sight, but Kemp announced today that he will keep public K-12 schools in Georgia closed for the rest of the 2019–2020 school year.
CCSD shifted to online learning three weeks ago and had planned to keep it up at least through the end of the month. The latest announcement, though, throws activities like proms and graduation ceremonies in doubt.
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Shelter in Place Ordinance Likely to Be Extended
Blog: In the Loop
Mayor Kelly Girtz said he will propose extending the current state of emergency for another month, keeping many businesses shuttered and requiring people to stay at home unless on essential business into May and possibly June.
"We think that, realistically, based on what epidemiologists and other similar scientists are saying, we’re looking at at least a June time frame before we get back to anything resembling normalcy," Girtz said at a commission work session Mar. 31.
One recent study projects that COVID-19 deaths in Georgia will peak around Apr. 23. But lifting social distancing measures too early could result in another spike of cases.
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CCSD Changes How to Pick Up Meals While Schools Are Closed
Blog: In the Loop
Interim superintendent Xernona Thomas.
Clarke County School District Officials are holding off on announcing a date for schools to reopen as they await further local, state and federal guidance about the coronavirus pandemic.
Last week, Gov. Brian Kemp ordered public K-12 schools to stay closed until at least Apr. 24. In the meantime, SAT and ACT testing dates have been postponed, Advanced Placement tests will move online, and Milestones tests have been canceled. The mid-spring break will take place as planned Apr. 10–13, with no assignments on those dates, according to communications manager Beth Moore.
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Earth Fare Will Reopen Under New Ownership
Blog: In the Loop
Photo Credit: Blake Aued
Earth Fare’s founder and a group of other Asheville, NC investors are buying some of the shuttered grocery stores and reopening them—including Athens’ Five Points location, according to the Asheville Citizen-Times.
Earth Fare abruptly announced the closure of all 50 stores in February and went into bankruptcy. The Asheville group—made up of former Earth Fare executives and other business owners—paid $1.9 million for stores in Athens, Asheville and Roanoke, VA, as well as the Earth Fare name and web address, the Citizen-Times reported. A similar chain, Whole Foods, bought several other locations.
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Athens Bars Can Now Sell Beer and Wine to Go
Blog: Grub Notes
Cheers!
Athens bars and restaurants can now sell unopened bottles and cans of beer and wine to go during the coronavirus emergency after Athens-Clarke County Manager Blaine Williams signed an order Friday suspending certain provisions of the local alcoholic beverage ordinance.
The ACC Commission essentially shut down bars and restaurant dining rooms when it limited public gatherings to less than 10 people on Mar. 16, then officially closed them to the publicon Mar. 19, although restaurants can still do take-out and delivery.
Ordinarily, businesses with a license to serve alcohol on the premises can't sell it for consumption off premises, and vice versa.
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Kemp Closes Schools Through Apr. 24
Blog: In the Loop
Gov. Brian Kemp has ordered all public K-12 schools in Georgia to remain closed through Friday, Apr. 24.
"I am deeply grateful to State School Superintendent Richard Woods, the Georgia Department of Education, superintendents, and parents for keeping us informed and helping us make the right decision for our students," Kemp said in a news release. "Throughout this process, we will continue to seek the advice of public health officials, school leaders, and families to ensure the health and safety of the educational community. As we approach April 24, 2020, we ask for continued patience and flexibility since circumstances may change, but we encourage families to stay strong and follow the guidance of federal, state, and local leaders in the weeks ahead."
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Gun Store Challenges Athens Shelter-in-Place Law
Blog: In the Loop
Athens gun store Clyde Armory filed a lawsuit Tuesday in Clarke County Superior Court seeking to overturn Athens-Clarke County's recently passed shelter-in-place ordinance.
The ordinance closes many businesses through Apr. 7 and orders residents to stay in their homes whenever possible, with exceptions like going to work, grocery shopping, outdoor recreation and seeking medical attention.
While gun stores are not specifically listed among the "essential businesses" that are allowed to stay open, county officials have said gun stores are exempt because closing them would violate the Second Amendment right to bear arms. But the lawsuit, filed by local attorneys Mo Wiltshire and Kevin Epps on behalf of Clyde Armory, says that such statements don't carry the force of law.
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First Coronavirus Death Reported in Athens as Oconee Residents Press for Restrictions
Blog: In the Loop
The Northeast Health District reported the first COVID-19 death in Athens today.
The victim was a 67-year-old man who had an underlying medical condition, according to public health officials. The elderly and people with pre-existing heart or lung disease or diabetes are most likely to die from COVID-19.
Overall, positive coronavirus tests in Georgia jumped to 1,026 today, with 32 deaths. Sixteen of those cases were reported in Clarke County and three in Oconee County.
Medical professionals and others are pressuring Oconee County commissioners to pass a "shelter in place" ordinance similar to the one Athens-Clarke County approved last week.
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Schools Closed Through Apr. 7 and More Coronavirus News
Blog: In the Loop
As coronavirus continues to spread in Georgia, Clarke County public schools will remain closed through Apr. 7, interim superintendent Xernona Thomas told parents and staff over the weekend.
Thomas cited Athens-Clarke County's shelter-in-place ordinance, which took effect Mar. 20 and requires residents to stay in their homes unless going out for essential business, like work or grocery shopping, although the ordinance specifically exempts schools.
CCSD had originally planned to close for the week of Mar. 16. Last week Gov. Brian Kemp closed all K-12 schools statewide until the end of the month.
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Commission Approves 'Shelter in Place' Ordinance
Blog: In the Loop
The Athens-Clarke County Commission unanimously approved an emergency measure Thursday night requiring residents to stay in their homes with some exceptions, hoping to reduce the number of COVID-19 cases spread in the county.
They also voted to spend at least $3 million to somewhat alleviate the economic impact of closing many businesses to the public, which will throw many local residents out of work.
But the public health threat of coronavirus was deemed so serious that it justified harsher measures to ensure people are practicing social distancing whenever possible.
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Commission Will Vote on Mandatory Shelter-in-Place Ordinance Tonight
Blog: In the Loop
After voting unanimously Monday to ask Athens residents to stay at home as much as possible, the Athens-Clarke County Commission will vote tonight on making that request mandatory—with certain exceptions.
First things first: This is not a reason to panic. You'll still be able to do most everything you need to do, such as go to work (if your employer is open), get food, groceries, medicine and other supplies, go to the doctor, walk your dog, take a jog or care for relatives.
Hospitals, health clinics, doctor's and dentist's offices, pharmacies and other health care-related facilities can remain open. So can grocery stories, convenience stores, produce stands, farmers markets, banks, hardware stores, auto supply and repair shops, gas stations, social services, shelters, electricians, plumbers, exterminators, delivery services, laundromats, dry cleaners, child care facilities, lawyers, real estate agents, accountants and media outles. Restaurants can continue to serve food for takeout and delivery.
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Athens Transit Reduces Service but Is Now Free
Blog: In the Loop
Photo Credit: Joshua L. Jones/file
To reduce transmissions of coronavirus, Athens Transit is switching to a weekend level of service and will stop collecting fares through Apr. 7.
Nine routes will operate from 7:30 a.m. until 9:45 p.m.: 1 (North Avenue), 2 (East Broad/Nellie B), 5 (Beechwood/Baxter Street), 6 (Hancock/Abbey West), 7 (Prince Avenue), 8 (Barber Street/Newton Bridge), 20 (West Broad/Atlanta Highway), 25 (Lexington/Gaines School) and 27 (Barnett Shoals/Gaines School).
Passengers can only enter and exit the bus through the rear door to ensure social distancing between the driver and riders. No youths under 18 are allowed to ride unless accompanied by an adult.
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UGA Closes Campus for the Semester
Blog: In the Loop
Photo Credit: UGA Grady College
The University of Georgia will move to online classes for the rest of the spring semester and reduce on-campus activities to a minimum, including canceling the May commencement ceremony, President Jere Morehead announced today.
The few students who remain in residence halls because they have nowhere to go can stay, and can get food to go from Bolton Hall. Other students who live on campus and meal plan subscribers will be given refunds on a pro-rated basis. All students will also receive pro-rated refunds on fees. Advising for the fall semester will happen remotely.
Classes will resume online Mar. 30. The deadline to withdraw has been extended until Apr. 17.
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Commission Restricts Public Gatherings, Calls for People to Stay at Home
Blog: In the Loop
Mayor Kelly Girtz. Photo credit: Chris Scredon
In an effort to slow the spread of coronavirus, the Athens-Clarke County Commission approved an emergency ban on assemblies larger than 10 people in many local gathering places at a called meeting Monday night.
But the commission opted against a proposed curfew, instead passing a "voluntary sheltering in place" policy asking residents to stay in their homes as much as possible.
The ban on gatherings of more than 10 people—based on a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendation issued today—applies to bars, restaurants, entertainment venues like movie theaters and bowling alleys, ACC-owned facilities and public property. Employees are exempted from the limit. It does not apply to retailers, such as grocery stores or pharmacies. Restaurants will still be allowed to serve food for take-out and delivery.
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latest stories
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In the Loop | April 17, 2020 3:18pm
UGA Reschedules Commencement for Fall
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In the Loop | April 13, 2020 4:48pm
Gonzalez Again Urges Kemp to Appoint DA
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In the Loop | April 9, 2020 4:17pm
Georgia Primaries Postponed Until June
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In the Loop | April 7, 2020 8:09pm
Ten People Have Died of COVID-19 at One Athens Nursing Home
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In the Loop | April 7, 2020 2:38pm
Campaigns Move Online in the Coronavirus Age
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In the Loop | April 6, 2020 4:48pm
UGA Hosts Webinar on Stimulus Funding
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In the Loop | April 1, 2020 9:44pm
Kemp Closes K-12 Schools for Rest of School Year
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In the Loop | April 1, 2020 1:33pm
Shelter in Place Ordinance Likely to Be Extended
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In the Loop | March 31, 2020 10:20am
CCSD Changes How to Pick Up Meals While Schools Are Closed
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In the Loop | March 30, 2020 4:18pm
Earth Fare Will Reopen Under New Ownership
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Grub Notes | March 28, 2020 2:47pm
Athens Bars Can Now Sell Beer and Wine to Go
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In the Loop | March 26, 2020 1:59pm
Kemp Closes Schools Through Apr. 24
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In the Loop | March 25, 2020 2:56pm
Gun Store Challenges Athens Shelter-in-Place Law
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In the Loop | March 24, 2020 2:06pm
First Coronavirus Death Reported in Athens as Oconee Residents Press for Restrictions
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In the Loop | March 23, 2020 11:04am
Schools Closed Through Apr. 7 and More Coronavirus News
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In the Loop | March 19, 2020 9:12pm
Commission Approves 'Shelter in Place' Ordinance
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In the Loop | March 19, 2020 12:27pm
Commission Will Vote on Mandatory Shelter-in-Place Ordinance Tonight
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In the Loop | March 18, 2020 11:20am
Athens Transit Reduces Service but Is Now Free
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In the Loop | March 17, 2020 7:43pm
UGA Closes Campus for the Semester
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In the Loop | March 16, 2020 8:54pm
Commission Restricts Public Gatherings, Calls for People to Stay at Home