NEWS BLOGS

Emergency ringtones fall silent as switch to new system occurs

Ohio University students hoping to hear a ringtone in the case of an emergency will be unable to sign up for OU’s text messaging alerts for several weeks.

Students urge crowd at poverty rally to 'reject Jackson's ideas'

While Rev. Jesse Jackson mobilized a crowd yesterday outside Templeton-Blackburn Alumni Memorial Auditorium with his cry against poverty, an undercurrent rippled through the crowd as Ohio University students and Athens residents read literature urging them to reject Jackson’s ideas.

Zanesville residents invited to dive into aquatic-center plans

Zanesville residents will have the chance today to weigh in on the design of a new aquatic recreation center that will be located on Ohio University’s Zanesville Campus.

Humans vs. Zombies invitational brings out-of-state students to on-campus war

During the weekend, hundreds of students flooded Ohio University’s campus to participate in the Humans vs. Zombies “Athens Invitational.”

City Council: Locals speak out against fracking

A nearly full house of residents, students and local business owners packed last night’s Athens City Council meeting to speak out about hydraulic fracturing and help Council explore avenues to regulate the drilling method.

A Greater Society

Whether rallying for cheaper education opportunities or workers’ rights, Rev. Jesse Jackson is pleading with Ohio University students to get serious about social change.

Is Southeast Ohio getting new Statehouse districts?

If proposed state apportionment changes are approved, a new state senator would represent Athens County and the current house district would be drastically changed.

Newly-appointed state senator named to three additional committees

On Monday, state Senator Troy Balderson (R–94th) was named to four senate standing committees.

New law lessens felony sentences to cut jail costs

— 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

Area 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.

Jackson calls for LBJ statue, OU-based campaign to end poverty

The 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.

League of Women Voters declares against Issue 3

Veteran honored in memorial dedication

About 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.

State felony dismissal request granted

The 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

In 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.

Elementary students treat OU students to free doughnuts

Students from West Elementary School were invited to campus to share free doughnuts with Ohio University students this afternoon.

Students encourage anti-Jackson ideals at news conference

Moments before the Rev. Jesse Jackson took the podium at Ohio University to speak about poverty reform, representatives from several student organizations distributed literature asking audience members to reject the civil-rights leader's ideas.

USPS budget cuts could close Athens County processing center

The U.S. Postal Service has proposed changes that could eliminate up to 35,000 positions and close more than 250 processing centers nationwide, which could also mean 15 fewer jobs in Athens County.

Student Help Center is the new hub for Q2S questions

Students already seeking help about next year’s Quarters-to-Semesters transition now have a place to receive answers.

Woman accused of murder to undergo medical evaluation

A 25-year-old woman charged with killing her 4-year-old stepdaughter was transferred to Athens Behavioral Health Center for court-ordered treatment.