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Athens News Matters for October 12, 2024

Today on Athens News Matters, a voice from Asheville, North Carolina describes the days after Hurricane Helene. Plus, how book bans brought a national organization to Athens.

In Treutlen County, Georgia, Hurricane Helene will affect farmers for generations

In Treutlen County, Georgia, just a few hours south of Clarke County, farmers are dealing with the fallout of Hurricane Helene.

Asheville mom escapes to Athens with newborn

Hurricane Helene left western North Carolina devastated, with towns swept away and a death toll that continues to climb. Molly Wardlaw, an Asheville resident, gave birth to her baby daughter and was released from the hospital as the storm approached.

The following days were both harrowing and heartwarming. Athens temporarily became home to Wardlaw and her family a few days after the hurricane hit.

She sat down with WUGA to tell their story, encouraging Athenians to reflect on their own preparedness for storms.

For ways to reach out and help those who have been affected by Hurricane Helene, check out these articles from CBS and Blue Ridge Public Radio.

Book Ban debate comes to Athens…in a big blue van

Avid Bookshop in Athens, Georgia, is known for stocking so-called “banned books.” So it should be no surprise that in mid-September, it hosted an author of banned publications for a community talk. WUGA’s Aimee Marcoux has more.

Fighting killer flu: Dr. Suzanne Lester on how to protect yourself

The flu is a killer.

In a bad year for the flu, over 50,000 Americans will die from the virus – more than the total number of traffic fatalities nationwide.

With flu season upon us, Dr. Suzanne Lester – an associate professor of family medicine in the Augusta University/University of Georgia medical partnership and medical director of the Athens Free Clinic and Clarke Middle Health Center – talks with WUGA’s Greg Trevor about the many ways people can protect themselves from the virus, starting with getting a flu shot.

It's the latest installment of WUGA’s series, “A Few Minutes With …” exploring UGA initiatives and their benefits to the public.

Since its launch in 2018, the clinic has provided nearly $900,000 worth of health care to thousands of patients across Clarke County while helping to train 370 medical students.

For more information about the clinic, contact 706-308-4092.

Alexia Ridley joined WUGA as Television and Radio News Anchor and Reporter in 2013. When WUGA TV concluded operations, she became the primary Reporter for WUGA Radio. Alexia came to Athens from Macon where she served as the News Director and show host for WGXA TV. She's a career journalist and Savannah native hailing from the University of Michigan. However, Alexia considers herself an honorary UGA DAWG!