Blog Topic: Breaking News

Homedrone: UPDATE: Indiegogo Campaign Set Up for Bren Mead

By Gabe Vodicka | April 3, 2014 3:13pm

Bren Mead via Facebook

The news came in this morning that Bren Mead, a former Athenian known for his work with groups like Still Flyin' and Masters of the Hemisphere, suffered a serious fall while hiking alone in New Mexico, where he now lives, and is currently in critical condition at the University of New Mexico Hospital in Albuquerque.

Close friend Kimberly Drew relays a message from Mead's father, who says that his son is currently undergoing a lengthy surgical procedure to address several broken bones, as well as wounds to his shoulder and chest areas. Despite the seriousness of the injuries, family members say, Mead's internal organs are intact and doctors expect him to recover.

Flagpole's thoughts and prayers are with Mead and his family. We will update as the situation progresses.

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Culture Briefs: Hugh and Carol Nourse, EcoFocus Film Festival Earn Alec Little Environmental Awards

By Larry B. Dendy | March 27, 2014 2:33pm

Hugh and Carol Nourse, who have chronicled Georgia wildflowers and other plants in stunning photographs, and the EcoFocus Film Festival, which has raised environmental consciousness in Athens through scores of high quality films, are recipients of the 2014 Alec Little Environmental Award.

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In the Loop: Another Student Housing Development Proposed for Armstrong & Dobbs Downtown

By Blake Aued | March 26, 2014 4:44pm

The Armstrong & Dobbs property as seen from Oconee Street.

Athens-based student-housing developers Landmark Properties is in the process of buying at least part of the former Armstrong & Dobbs property near downtown Athens.

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Grub Notes: Creature Comforts Starts Brewing, Finally

By Gabe Vodicka | March 21, 2014 5:41pm

Those looking for an update on the status of downtown brewery Creature Comforts, which has been in the works for over a year, got an encouraging one this afternoon, when the company posted the news to its Twitter and Facebook pages that it would officially begin brewing in the former Snow Tire space Monday, Mar. 24. This places the estimated opening date four to five weeks away.

More info after the jump.

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In the Loop: UGA May Install a Temporary Ramp at the Arch

By Blake Aued | March 21, 2014 4:46pm

From left, Khalid Alsafadi, Carden Wyckoff and Marquise Lane.

Last week, Flagpole published a column by three mobility-impaired University of Georgia students asking for a ramp at the iconic Arch so they can participate in the tradition of walking or rolling through it after graduation like other students.

Today, UGA announced that, while it will not install a permanent ramp, a temporary platform could be erected at graduation so that people in wheelchairs may pass through the Arch. From university spokesman Tom Jackson:

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In the Loop: Rep. Paul Broun Won't Be Punished for Campaign Fundraising Violations

By Blake Aued | March 19, 2014 1:46pm

U.S. Rep. Paul Broun improperly reported the source of $179,000 in campaign funds, but the Federal Election Commission is not punishing him because the statute of limitations has expired.

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In the Loop: Poll: Paul Broun Leads in Senate Race

By Blake Aued | March 10, 2014 1:39pm

Was it the gun giveaway? Whatever the reason, Rep. Paul Broun (R-Athens) has opened up a double-digit lead in the Republican U.S. Senate primary, according to a new poll conducted by the liberal groups Better Georgia and Public Policy Polling.

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In the Loop: Monday Qualifying: Broun, Deal, Denson, More

By Blake Aued | March 3, 2014 5:39pm

Qualifying for the May 20 and Nov. 4 elections started Monday morning. Here's a look at who's on the Athens ballot so far.

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In the Loop: Clarke Students Unlikely to Make Up Snow Days

By Blake Aued | February 24, 2014 5:39pm

Clarke County School District students will not make up five recent snow days, the district announced this afternoon, but employees will have to work two extra days, assuming the school board follows Superintendent Philip Lanoue's recommendation.

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In the Loop: UPDATE: Athens Cyclist Killed by Car

By Blake Aued | February 24, 2014 5:52pm

Tobias Smith. Photo credit: BikeAthens via Facebook.

Tobias Antwon Smith, 19, was killed on his bicycle Saturday, becoming the second cyclist in a little more than a week to be hit by a car.

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