LOCAL

Supporters of water fluoridation speak out at council meeting

Counterfeit bills popping up around Athens

Money doesn’t grow on trees, but a series of counterfeit bills found in Athens seems to indicate some are trying to grow money in their basements.

Bucking The Trend

Nelsonville resident Chris VonBargen wanted to be a taxidermist since he was a small child. Last year, he decided to join Ohio’s almost $800 million hunting industry and opened Wildlife Reflections in Nelsonville.

Four local heroes to be honored for 'profound impact'

Though Athens mail carrier Charlie Rose defines firefighters, policemen and soldiers as true heroes, the Southeastern Ohio American Red Cross has distinguished Rose and three others as Hometown Heroes.

City Council: Supporters of water flouridation speak up

Although water fluoridation was once again a topic at Athens City Council, the silent camp of fluoride supporters finally voiced their opinion at last night’s committee meeting.

Lower profits loom in face of Q2S transition

With Ohio University’s classes ending 36 days earlier on the semester system, this May will be the last chance for local businesses to soak up the benefits of the most profitable warm month in Athens.  

County commissioner found not guilty of domestic violence

A tight, reassuring embrace between a 13-year-old and his worried grandmother highlighted the fear and uncertainty exuding from the front row of the Athens County Municipal Courtroom Friday.

Sullivan found not guilty

Athens County Commissioner Mark Sullivan was found not guilty today of domestic violence stemming from incident Jan. 10.

No last chance: Unanimous decision calls for elementary's closing

As each “yes” signaled the closing of their beloved elementary school, the only thought of Chauncey residents was “no.”

Statehouse to consider shortening school year

A proposed bill that could change Ohio class time calculation has some Athens educators double-checking the state’s math and motive.

Concern rises over inhumane dog killings

Calling the current method of euthanasia in Athens County “cruel and heartless,” about 80 people gathered in Walter Hall Tuesday to discuss the local campaign to stop gassing dogs.

Athens County poverty rate pushing high-school, college graduation rates down

Growing up, Kelli Schell’s father always emphasized the importance of education. But after a pregnancy forced her to drop out of Nelsonville-York High School in 2005, her plans to attend college were put on hold.

OU alumnus training others in practices of permaculture farms

Having never farmed or tended a garden in his life, Weston Lombard decided to turn his life upside down by leaving his job filled with neckties and conference calls for a life of torn denim and digging holes.

Meter collections contribute coins to city's coffers

Toothpicks, metal slugs, buttons and flattened bottle caps are the souvenirs of almost two decades of failed attempts to fool parking meters.

Uptown shops fly to Twitter

In the era of social media, Uptown shops are joining the flocks of businesses seeking new ways to spread the word to customers — in 140 characters or less.     

County ready to respond to fracking accidents

As the possibility of hydraulic fracturing coming to Athens County looms nearer, local officials have said emergency services are well prepared for a “fracking” accident, but residents are not as comfortable.

Athens County Engineer hopefuls share ideas in fiery forum

Two Democratic candidates vying for the seat as Athens County Engineer constructed defenses and demolished accusations during the first candidate forum Thursday night.

Buchtel Police Chief's preliminary hearing set for Feb. 24

Eyes sunk-in with scraggly blond hair, 29-year-old Jessica Willison stood up for her boyfriend, Buchtel Chief of Police Kelsie Lanning, Jr., in Athens County Municipal Court Thursday.

Falling profits force closing of family's junkyard

Dustin Wheatley scrambles to find parts and admit customers to his junkyard to scavenge what they can from the corpses of cars that line the path up the twisting hill.

Buchtel police chief nabbed in alleged drug sting

The Buchtel chief of police was arrested Wednesday afternoon after Athens County deputies allegedly sold him prescription pills in a controlled sale.