Bikeway to connect Athens to Chauncey, Baileys Trail System
By Alex Passero | Oct. 3ODOT is building a new bike path connecting Athens to Chauncey and the Baileys Trail System.
LOCAL
Nationwide Children's Hospital suspends gender affirming care
By Finn Smith | Sep. 30Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus has officially removed all gender affirming medication treatment for transgender patients. The decision was made to proactively plan for changing legislation. LGBTQIA+ advocates oppose the decision and cite this as another removal of important care for transgender individuals.
Safeguard Ohio app to report violent threats using AI
By Finn Smith | Sep. 30The Ohio Department of Homeland Security has officially launched a new suspicious activity reporting application that uses AI to gather reports of violent threats across the state. OHS hopes this new program will increase reports from Ohioans and help prevent serious crimes.
Police blotter: Goats on the loose, warrants of the week
By Kaitlin Hogg | Sep. 30Police blotter: The Athens County Sheriff’s Office responds to trees in the road, Halloween masks and a hit-and-run.
Weekender Briefs: Craft night, flea market and fair
By Ethan Herx | Sep. 29A mix of events will be going on in Athens this week, including multiple film screenings, sporting events and concerts.
Athena Grand’s closure brings customers to Athena Cinema
By Fiona Petticrew | Sep. 26With the closure of the Athena Grand, the Athena Cinema is seeing more business from the students at Ohio University and the community of Athens. The cinema is in the middle of their free Hispanic film series and have more events and movies to come.
City Council debates zoning change for temporary housing huts
By Laynee Eslich | Sep. 25At its Monday meeting, Athens City Council debated whether to approve a zoning change that would allow The Gathering Place, a peer support nonprofit, to install three temporary Conestoga Huts on its parking lot at 1, 5, 7 N. Congress St. The huts would provide overnight housing for people experiencing homelessness.
Teacher shortage continues, impacts schools statewide
By Finn Smith | Sep. 25A major teacher shortage continues to impact all regions of Ohio. Many teachers cite poor pay and a negative culture surrounding education as reasons for the decline. The lack of teachers often forces schools to hire individuals to teach subjects in which they are unqualified.
Climate change drives increase in Athens deer population
By Drew Roberts | Sep. 24The Athens deer population is on the rise as warmer temperatures extend mating cycles, threatening ecosystems.
Next Generation 911 program expands faster emergency relief
By Zoe Weyand | Sep. 23The Next Generation 911 program announces an expansion to 10 counties in Ohio, increasing technology to help first-responders receive emergency information quickly.
Miller’s Chicken fuels, nurtures rich history
By Austin Yau | Sep. 23What started as a meat market in Canaanville, transformed to a permanent restaurant and staple in Athens. Miller’s Chicken strives to serve fresh and delicious food for all.
Raising Cane’s to open Oct. 7
By Cameron Crego | Sep. 23Raising Cane’s is opening a new location in Athens on October 7, marking the chain’s first restaurant in the region.
AI poses questions for the future of digital literacy
By Annabelle Thomas | Sep. 23As artificial intelligence becomes part of day-to-day life, media literacy and academic integrity may need to change completely.
Police Blotter: Mystery knocker, storage wars
By Drew Hoffmaster | Sep. 23Police Blotter: Athens County Sheriff’s Office responds to reports of a mystery knocker, property disputes, kids refusing to go to school and more for the week of Sep. 12-18.
Owner confirms Artifacts Gallery not sold, Athens community split
By Alex Passero | Sep. 19Despite rumors that the controversial clothing shop had been sold, Artifacts Gallery will remain open under its longtime owner.
OU aims to expand broadband in Southeast Ohio
By Avery St. George | Sep. 19Rural areas are more difficult to construct broadband services because of economic underdevelopment and geographical spread.
New thrift store coming to Athens
By Finn Smith | Sep. 19Ohio Thrift is opening up a new thrift store in Athens. The store will be located on East State Street, and plans to open in October or early November.
Social media account 'ou.pisser' wreaks havoc
By Fiona Petticrew | Sep. 19Although some students say the account “ou.pisser” is harmless fun, law enforcement officials say public urination is a crime.
Maternity deserts spread across Ohio, deprive rural residents healthcare
By Finn Smith | Sep. 1713 counties in Ohio are labeled as maternity deserts, meaning they have no hospital or birth center offering obstetric care and have no obstetric clinician.
Bobcats return to Ohio, population booms
By Finn Smith | Sep. 17Following a complete extradition in Ohio, the bobcat population has been rising significantly in recent years. After European settlers deforested a significant portion of the state in the 19th century, reforestation efforts have brought back enough forest cover to support the bobcat’s return.
