Local briefs: Athens Senator on tax study committee, UGA Council meets

Athens Senator Bill Cowsert has been appointed to a legislative study committee that will take a look at all of the state’s tax credits, including the tax incentives aimed at luring movie and TV producers to Georgia. Also on the joint House-Senate study committee is state Rep Bruce Williamson, a Republican from Monroe.

The committee that is looking at transportation sales tax-funded enhancements to Athens’ busy Prince Avenue corridor meets at 3 o’clock this afternoon.

The University of Georgia’s University Council meets today, 3:30 this afternoon at UGA’s Tate Student Center. There are four new counts of child porn possession leveled at 21 year-old Austin Pope, the Oakwood man who was arrested earlier this month. He’s being held without bond in the Hall County jail.

11 suspects are facing drug trafficking and gang-related charges in Habersham County: suspects ranging in age from 29 to 50 are from Mount Airy, Demorest, Cornelia, and Clarkesville; also from Maysville, Alto, and Homer. Drug agents say they were caught with, among things, marijuana and methamphetamine.

Investigators say there are no indications of arson in a blaze that burned the pastorium of a church in Habersham County: there is extensive damage to the home that was the residence of the pastor of the Hollywood Baptist Church. He and his family escaped without serious injury. One person was treated for smoke inhalation.

©2023 Cox Media Group