Today on Athens News Matters, a new mural at the Morton Theatre will pay tribute to the rich history of downtown Athens. Plus, a look at the people who keep our roads from caving in.
Stormwater utility fee increase helps fund safe roads
If you own property in Athens, you might have noticed that your annual Stormwater Utility fee was higher than usual this year. For homeowners, it’s just another bill increase. Most people don’t know that it helps keep the roads from collapsing beneath our feet. WUGA’s Havivah Saltz visited Athens-Clarke County Streets and Drainage to find out more.
If you feel your utility fee is too high, you can ask about the possibility of lowering your fee or earning utility fee credits. Email stormwater@accgov.com, or talk to someone in person at the window in the Transportation and Public Works building. If you see stormwater problems or infrastructure failures, you can always call the Stormwater hotline at 706-614-1282.
New Morton Theatre mural will pay homage to local history
A new mural entitled “The Stage of Memory” by artist Alex Maksiov is coming to the lobby of the historic Morton Theatre in downtown Athens. Work on the mural will begin this week,
and other improvements will continue through September. Patrons can enjoy the mural when the first show of the season opens at the Morton in October. WUGA’s Havivah Saltz sat down with Lynn Battle Green, the theatre’s Managing Director, to learn more about the project and the history it represents.
UGA Lab turns jellyfish into sustainable food products
The Georgia coast is teeming with cannonball jellyfish. Researchers in the Food Science Department on UGA’s Griffin Campus are finding ways to turn those jellyfish into sustainable food products. WUGA’s Havivah Saltz sat down with Associate Professor Kevin Mis Soval, doctoral student Joinul Islam, and recent graduate Gina Fimiano to discuss jellyfish products and the future of sustainable food.
The lab’s research is supported by the Marine Extension and the Georgia Sea Grant. You can find more information and pictures at gacoast.uga.edu.
