Big Mama's appetite brings Chicago band to Athens
By Sarah Grothjan | Sep. 26, 2011Geronimo!, a Chicago-based fuzz/indie/rock band, will tread the brick streets this Saturday after driving a 15-passenger bus from Chicago to Casa Cantina.
MULTIMEDIA
Newly-appointed state senator named to three additional committees
By Pat Holmes | Sep. 26, 2011On Monday, state Senator Troy Balderson (R–94th) was named to four senate standing committees.
Post Editorial: Forgive and Forget: Absolving student loans could temporarily stimulate economy
Sep. 26, 2011Yesterday, the Rev. Jesse Jackson rallied Ohio University students and Athens residents alike. But one topic remained a hot issue and a crowd pleaser to most — student-loan forgiveness.
New law lessens felony sentences to cut jail costs
By Allan Smith | Sep. 26, 2011— A bill that will bring lesser penalties to fourth- and fifth-degree felons will go into effect this week with the intention of saving money on state prison costs. Despite these intentions, Athens County officials believe the change will only cause harm at the local level. House Bill 86 will take effect Friday, Sept. 30 and change felony sentencing laws to one year of community control for fourth- and fifth-degree felonies, fifth being the lowest degree. Prior to the change fourth-degree felonies could earn up to 18 months in prison and a $5,000 fine, and fifth-degree warranting up to 12 months and a $2,500 fine. The law could save the state $60 million in jail costs, said Athens County Prosecutor Keller Blackburn, adding the law could cause more harm than benefit. “The fallacy to the argument is that it will save money,” said Blackburn. “Now local government will have to provide more money. It’s like we are giving felonies away.” Though the law assumes money would be saved on the state level with the release of prisoners from state correctional facilities, Southeastern Ohio Regional Jail Warden Jeremy Tolson said this would simply put financial strain on both Athens County and local prisons. “A lot of people reoffend, as we tend to see a lot of people over again,” Tolson said. “There will be some of these guys back on the street.” Fourth- and fifth-degree felonies typically consist of theft, domestic crimes, possession and trafficking of illegal drugs, according to the Ohio Revised Code. Starting Friday, people committing these felonies will be sentenced to community control for a year, instead of state-run jails, said Tolson. Also, offenders currently in jail for these crimes will begin to be released back into society, taking power away from local judges, said Blackburn. “The new administration in Columbus is turning the state upside down,” said Athens County Sheriff Pat Kelly, adding he was displeased with the fact local sheriffs and police chiefs were not consulted before the change. Though Tolson said the offenders who do not have to serve prison terms will be funneled into community control programs, that will still not control the number of prisoners being added to the local jails, he said. In terms of the lenient change, Kelly said Athens County law enforcement will continue to do the job they’ve always done. “Criminals are criminals to begin with, and this won’t change that,” Kelly said. “Some may feel this is a free pass to commit a crime, but this will be dealt with as harshly as before. We will continue doing the job at the local level, and we will provide peace for our citizens,” said Kelly. “I encourage all citizens to contact our state senators,” he added. as299810@ohiou.edu
Class to ready area residents for college
By Pat Holmes | Sep. 26, 2011Area residents on the fence about college will have a chance to sharpen their skills and ready themselves for academia next month thanks to a new 13-week course.
Disabled Hispanic Iraq War veteran, LGBT advocate to speak at Walter Hall
By Elyse Freeman | Sep. 26, 2011In recognition of National Hispanic Heritage Month, Eric Alva, a disabled Iraq War veteran and member of the LGBT community, will deliver the keynote address tonight in the Walter Hall Rotunda.
Big Shot Barker: Tumble your way into looking, feeling alternative
Sep. 26, 2011The Comedy Central Roast of Charlie Sheen was last Monday, and the jokes were just as uncomfortable and cringe-worthy as the roast of David Hasselhoff. It was epic.
Jackson calls for LBJ statue, OU-based campaign to end poverty
By Olivia Young | Sep. 25, 2011The West Portico of the Templeton-Blackburn Alumni Memorial Auditorium was packed today as the Rev. Jesse Jackson stood between the American and Ohio flags rallying student support for a modernized War on Poverty campaign.
PHOTOS: Rev. Jesse Jackson speaks at OU
By Alex Stein, Wesley Lowery | Sep. 25, 2011The Rev. Jesse Jackson addressed a crowd outside Ohio University's Templeton-Blackburn Alumni Memorial Auditorium this morning, the same location where former President Lyndon B. Johnson first used the term "The Great Society" to describe his civil-, gender- and workers'-rights reform campaign.
Field Hockey: Bobcats snag 2 wins on Midwest trip
By Mark Emery | Sep. 25, 2011Instead of dwelling on back-to-back losses, the Bobcats came out swinging this weekend on their midwestern road trip, winning two games with a combined score of 12-1.
Football: Failed game plan leads to Bobcat loss against Rutgers
By Michael Stainbrook | Sep. 25, 2011PISCATAWAY, N.J. —
Veteran honored in memorial dedication
By Will Drabold | Sep. 25, 2011About 50 people, including local and state officials, gathered Saturday to remember an Alexander High School graduate who was killed while fighting for his country last year.
VIDEO: Interview with Nelsonville-York coach Dave Boston
By Mark Travis | Sep. 25, 2011Nelsonville-York football coach Dave Boston talks to The Post's Mark Travis after the Buckeyes' Friday win against the Logan Chieftains.
State felony dismissal request granted
By Marika Lee | Sep. 25, 2011The state of Ohio asked the Athens County Court of Common Pleas to deny the request of a former deputy to have one of his eight felony charges dismissed.
Rev. Jesse Jackson to deliver speech on poverty today
By Rebecca McKinsey | Sep. 25, 2011In the spirit of President Lyndon B. Johnson’s 1964 War on Poverty, Rev. Jesse Jackson will speak at Ohio University today to appeal for a White House Commission on poverty, malnutrition and human need.
Volleyball: Ohio volleyball opens up MAC play with a pair of victories
By Austin Stahl | Sep. 25, 2011The Bobcats clipped the wings of two fowl opponents and swept the opening weekend of conference play.
Elementary students treat OU students to free doughnuts
By Lucas Daprile | Sep. 25, 2011Students from West Elementary School were invited to campus to share free doughnuts with Ohio University students this afternoon.
