From fires to thefts to a presidential search announcement, Athens had a few eventful weeks during the break between Fall and Spring semesters. Here's some of the news that happened over winter break.
Fire damages Union Street home
Five occupants of 310 W. Union St. were displaced from their residence after a fire occurred Dec. 16. The fire lasted from about 11:40 p.m. Dec. 16 to 2 a.m. Dec. 17. Although none of the residents were injured, the incident resulted in damages of approximately $75,000.
Dustin Lynch coming to campus
The Campus Involvement Center announced that country singer and songwriter Dustin Lynch will perform at the Templeton-Blackburn Alumni Memorial Auditorium on Feb. 10 at 8 p.m. The price of admission varies between $25 and $45 depending on seating.
Structure fire broke out
A structure fire broke out in a vacant building on Cable Lane during the early morning of Dec. 30. A news release stated that the fire occurred on Cable Lane near the intersection of North May Avenue and Woodside Drive.
Because the home was empty for a couple years, the fire raised suspicion among the Athens Fire Department and is currently under investigation.
Alleged bank robber caught
A woman suspected to be the robber of two local banks was arrested in West Virginia on Dec. 30. The first robbery occurred Dec. 27 at People’s Bank on Court Street, and the second occurred Dec. 29 at Chase Bank on East State Street.
Neither incident involved injuries. The woman, who was clad in a black coat during each alleged robbery, was believed to be unarmed.
Pat Kelly still guilty
The 4th District Court of Appeals declared Jan. 6 that the sentences against former Athens Sheriff Pat Kelly will remain standing.
On Feb. 12, 2015, a jury in the Athens Court of Common Pleas sentenced Kelly to seven years in prison after he was convicted on multiple charges regarding his position, including 12 counts of theft in office.
Kelly’s attempt at an appeal with the help of attorney Scott Wood was met with a dismissal by the court. Kelly, who is currently incarcerated at the Allen Correctional Institution, will be able to file an appeal with the Ohio Supreme Court if he continues to pursue his case.
Presidential search finalists named
Ohio University decided on four finalists to replace OU President Roderick McDavis as the university president. The finalists are Pam Benoit, Dean Bresciani, Robert Frank and Duane Nellis, and all of whom are expected to visit campus in the upcoming weeks.
Bresciani, Frank and Nellis are either currently serving as university president or have formerly served as a university president. Benoit serves as OU's executive vice president and provost.
