Robbery suspect arrested, shooting suspects sought, body found in lake identified

Athens-Clarke County Police say a man they arrested on shoplifting charges is also a suspect in a string of automobile break-ins: 22 year-old Laderrick King was booked into the Clarke County jail after allegedly stealing from a clothing store on Atlanta Highway. Police say credit cards were the items he stolen in the automobile break-ins. Bond was set at $17,000.  Police in Gainesville have released the name of a shooting victim and were, at last report, still trying to track down a suspect in what’s being called a homicide: Nathanial Gray was 26 years old. He was shot and killed this past weekend at a home on Desota Street in Gainesville. We have this morning the name of the woman whose body was found in Lake Lanier: the Hall County Sheriff’s Office says Shannon Sancho (pictured above) was 31 years old, from Atlanta. Her body was found last Friday in the Lake off Lanier Islands. The remains have been taken to the state Crime Lab in Decatur for an autopsy.

Economic Development Dept has new Director

There is a new director for the Athens-Clarke County Economic Development Department: Michelle Nguyen has been appointed by Athens-Clarke County Manager Blaine Williams. From the Athens-Clarke Co Government website… Manager Blaine Williams has appointed Michelle Nguyen as the Director for the Athens-Clarke County Unified Government's Economic Development Department. Nguyen, who has served as Interim Director since September 1, begins in her new position immediately. 'Michelle's great enthusiasm and experience in working with state and local entrepreneurs, along with technology and innovation companies, will serve our community well,' said Williams. 'With her guidance, I have no doubt that the Economic Development Department will support bold efforts and ideas with the goal of keeping Athens-Clarke County a sought-after place to create and grow businesses.'  Nguyen served as a human resources professional in the Athens-Clarke County Unified Government (ACCGOV) Human Resources Department prior to joining the ACCGOV Economic Development Department staff in July 2017. She previously gained experience in managing the co-production of public and nonprofit services as a community liaison and special events coordinator with the City of Salisbury, NC, while also serving as a human relations specialist. She graduated from Duke University with a Bachelor’s degree in Public Policy from the Terry Sanford School of Public Policy and received her Master’s degree in Public Administration from The University of Georgia School of Public and International Affairs. 'It’s an exciting time to be in Athens-Clarke County with so much potential for new development, re-development, and job expansion,' says Nguyen. 'I am grateful to be a part of an experienced team of professionals at the Economic Development Department and I am looking forward to partnering with the business community to bring broad-based opportunity and growth to Athens.” The Athens-Clarke County Economic Development Department was established as a department of the Athens-Clarke County Unified Government by ordinance of the Mayor and Commission on February 5, 2013. The purpose is to be the primary point of contact for industries, large commercial developments, site location consultants, and state economic development organizations interested in developing, expanding, or locating new or expanded businesses in Athens-Clarke County.

Clarke BOE makes plans to replace Board member

The Clarke County Board of Education says there is a February 14 deadline to apply as a candidate to fill the School Board seat vacated by the resignation of District Board member Vernon Payne. The Board will appoint a replacement to finish his unexpired term. The 84 year-old Payne, on the Clarke County School Board since 1979, stepped down earlier this month, citing health reasons.  From the Clarke County School District… At the January 10, 2019 meeting of the Clarke County School District Board of Education, President Jared Bybee announced that Mr. Vernon Payne has formally submitted his letter of resignation from the board.   Mr. Payne has served on the CCSD Board of Education for more than 40 years, with his current term expiring in 2020. The vacancy will be filled by the Board pursuant to Georgia Laws 1993, Page 3514, Section (5)(f)(2).   The law requires that “The remaining members of the board shall appoint a qualified resident of the education district wherein the vacancy occurred to serve for the remainder of the unexpired term and until a successor is elected and qualified.'    Additionally, any qualified resident residing in District 2, Clarke County Board of Education, and desiring to serve on the Clarke County Board of Education for the remainder of the term through December 31, 2020, is invited to submit a letter of interest, biographical sketch, and up to two signed letters of support to: Jared Bybee, Board President Clarke County Board of Education 440-1 Dearing Extension Athens, Georgia 30606   Applicants must reside in District 2, and must meet the qualifications required by law. The letter and the accompanying biographical sketch must be signed by the applicant, and delivered to the Clarke County Board of Education Office, 440-1 Dearing Extension, Athens, Georgia 30606, personally or by U.S. Mail by 4:30 p.m., Thursday, February 14, 2019.   Applicants will be asked to make a three-minute presentation at the February 21, 2019 Board of Education meeting answering three questions:  1) Why are you interested in serving on the board of education? 2) What do you think the main priorities are for the board of education? 3) What skill set do you bring to this position?   Those wishing to show support for applicants may fill out a comment form on the district website.