‘The next county commissioner is going to be a woman’
By Kaitlin Hogg | Apr. 21Democrat Autumn Brown and Republican Sarah Smith face off for Athens County Commissioner after the May primary election.
LOCAL
Proposed income tax increase to appear on primary ballot
By Kaitlin Hogg | Apr. 21Athens voters are deciding on a 0.20% income tax increase on their primary election ballot.
Athens mayor on Ukraine sister city as war intensifies
By Laynee Eslich | Apr. 21Athens Mayor Steve Patterson discussed the city’s partnership with its sister city Ostroh and support efforts as Russia continues its attacks in Ukraine.
Ohioans lead petition to prevent growth of data centers
By Finn Smith | Apr. 21A group of Ohioans is collecting signatures for a proposed constitutional amendment that would restrict the expansion of data centers across the state.
Synthetic cannabinoids trends in Ohio prisons
By Laynee Eslich | Apr. 20K2 is able to be dissolved and dried onto paper that is smuggled and smoked in Ohio correctional institutions. Several Ohio newspapers partnered to conduct an investigation of the drug markets.
Athens County Department of Job and Family Services executive director arrested
By Bridget Thomas | Apr. 16On April 3, Jean Demosky, the executive director of the Athens County Department of Job and Family Services, was arrested. Demosky is accused of misallocating funds through the Athens County Community Cares Fund, a non-profit she started.
Affordable Housing Commission surveys housing conditions
By Fiona Petticrew | Apr. 14The Affordable Housing Commission and Athens City Council are concerned with the rental conditions Athens residents endure. The Rental Inspection Process Subcommittee was created to analyze these conditions and make recommendations to improve inspection standards and housing conditions.
Parents United for Public Schools hosts town hall
By Bridget Thomas | Apr. 9Parents United for Public Schools hosted a town hall Tuesday at the Athens Public Library to discuss school funding issues in Ohio and Athens County and outline potential actions.
City council discusses infrastructure, new projects
By Mary Kate McNamee | Apr. 7Athens City Council discussed infrastructure upgrades, including utility work in Uptown, and advanced several ordinances Monday night.
Gas prices surge as Iran war continues
By Finn Smith | Apr. 6The war between Iran and the U.S. is now causing ripple effects across the global economy, with rising gas and diesel prices in the U.S.
Over 1,200 report Athens power outage
By Suzanne Piper | Apr. 3AEP Ohio is assessing over 1,200 power outages in Athens, stretching 10 miles.
Senate Bill 56 restricts public consumption, home growing
By Fiona Petticrew | Apr. 1Senate Bill 56, which went into effect March 20, bans the sale of intoxicating hemp without a dispensary license, as well as public consumption. The bill restricts home-growing, changes definitions and expunges those convicted of minor misdemeanors in relation to cannabis.
Bigfoot sighted at The Ridges
By Alexandra Hopkins | Apr. 1A Bigfoot sighting at The Ridges called professional hunters from across the region to gather in anticipation of a potential sighting.
Buddy’s announces closure, Senate Bill 56 impact
By Fiona Petticrew | Mar. 30Buddy’s Lounge announced its closure today on Instagram, after serving the Athens community for three years. Senate Bill 56 forced the storefront to close, as the sale of intoxicating hemp has been made illegal without a dispensary license.
Coalition of Ohio organizations to fight elder abuse
By Finn Smith | Mar. 27Attorney General Dave Yost, in partnership with the Ohio Bankers League and Ohio Pharmacists Association, is launching an initiative to combat elder abuse. Elder abuse is a rising issue in Ohio, with one in 10 Ohioans age 60 or older suffering from abuse.
Playa Bowls opens its Athens location, brings long lines
By Bridget Deshler and Maria Saunders | Mar. 23Playa Bowls in Athens opened Friday, with people lined up for special deals.
New federal funding policy to limit housing support programs
By Laynee Eslich | Mar. 19HUD refers to new ideologies for the CoC Program, presented by the Trump administration. Facilitating change from the Biden-era “slush fund” that prioritized housing-first, HUD Secretary is increasing regulations on the application process for organizations.
World’s largest natural gas generation facility planned for Ohio
By Finn Smith | Mar. 17Portsmouth is expected to be the site of the largest natural gas generation facility in the world, generating 9.2 gigawatts of power, as part of a Japan-U.S. trade deal.
Athens City Council declines to advance police drone grant
By Laynee Eslich | Mar. 17The Athens City Police Department was one of nine municipalities selected for grant technology to be used by first responders. Athens Police Chief Nick Magruder said emergencies could be viewed from these drones for a more effective response.
Workforce expands, diversifies in Southeast Ohio
By Finn Smith | Mar. 3Following the closure of Pixelle Specialty Solutions' paper mill, many lost their manufacturing jobs. Now that emerging manufacturing companies are moving to the region, workers and employers will have to deal with transferring skills.
