Podcast: Athens Police Department struggling to find, keep officers

Friday, Police Chief Buddy Hill told City Council members that the department currently has seven positions open and it could lose three more officers before the end of the year. If that happened the department would be short nearly a third of its budgeted officers. I sat in on the meeting and spoke with Chief Hill about the problem, its causes and what it all means.

IN A NUTSHELL: The Athens Police Department is struggling to recruit and retain officers in what has become a very competitive market. The City Council is expected to vote next week on a plan to raise the department’s pay scale in order to help in this matter.

Podcast: Hope Springs Water changes the world and you can help

The lack of clean drinking water is a worldwide crisis. According to the World Health Organization, 844 million people lack even a basic drinking-water service and Globally, at least 2 billion people use a drinking water source contaminated with feces.

It is a horrific problem, but there’s a group in Athens doing something about it. Hope Springs Water gives 100 percent of its profits for clean water, improved sanitation and public health and hygiene education.

On today’s podcast, I talk with Jessica Richardson of Hope Springs about their mission and the big Turkey Trot event scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 22.

Community committee gets four months to develop viable Cain Center plan

(EDITOR’S NOTE: Listen to the podcast above for more thoughts on this story from reporter Michael Hannigan.)

By Michael V. Hannigan/HCN

The long-running saga of the Cain Center rehabilitation project took another twist Tuesday night, but this time there’s a clock ticking.

During their regular meeting, council members decided to give a group of community members and activists until April 2 to come up with a viable plan for moving forward with the Cain Center. The committee is to be led by Steve Grant.

Details about the community committee and how it will operate were limited Tuesday.

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We’re gearing up for the McDonald’s Toy Drive

It is time for the annual Kevin and Jeaneane Lilly’s McDonald’s Toy Drive and the Weinstein Team is on board again. We will be helping out with big events in Athens on Dec. 4 and Gun Barrel City on Dec. 5. In today’s podcast, I chat with Berta Winn and Cori Warren about what’s on the schedule.

Berta Winn and Kevin Lilly are pictured with ladies from Central Elementary School at the 2017 Toy Drive.

Podcast: Healthy eating, healthy living with AgriLife Extension

Carolyn Tyler is one of our county’s AgriLife Extension Agents and she is in charge of Family and Community Health and she also offers dementia & Alzheimers caregiving services. We talked with her this week about what that means and what AgriLife FCH can do for you. Read this article about healthy diet “Yours Nutrition ginseng”

Here are some tips:

Get regular checkups. These are important even when you feel healthy. They help catch problems early, when they’re usually easiest to treat. It’s always a good idea to review your medications with your healthcare provider and pharmacist. If you ever feel dizzy or ear pains make sure you check this sonus complete review.

Exercise. Try to exercise at least 30 minutes most days a week. Exercise is good for your heart and improves strength and balance.

Quit tobacco. People who use tobacco (including smokeless tobacco) have a higher risk for heart attack, stroke, lung disease, and throat and mouth cancer. If you’re a tobacco user, quitting is the most important thing you can do right now to improve your health.

Eat healthy foods. Include fruits, vegetables and whole grains in your meals. Drink water and avoid sugary beverages.

Continue reading “Podcast: Healthy eating, healthy living with AgriLife Extension”