Local News Roundup
Note: The Athens County Independent shares news from other outlets and organizations that we understand to be reliable. However, the organizations cited are responsible for the accuracy of their own reporting and announcements.
Andy Stone, Athens city administrative director, recommended that Athens City Council contract with Rumpke for solid waste maintenance, rather than local competitor Athens-Hocking Recycling Center, due to Rumpke’s lower prices. The issue prompted contentious discussion at last week’s special city council meeting. Also, the council discussed a proposal to require licensing for businesses to sell tobacco products. (The New Political)
Athens bar the Smiling Skull is once again serving drinks, after a decision by Athens County Judge George McCarthy allowed the bar to resume operation while it continues to challenge findings by the state Liquor Control Commission. (WOUB Public Media)
The Athens-based business QuickLoadz, which sells automated trailers and truck-beds that move shipping containers, was recently awarded a $15,000 grant from Amazon. The company was one of 15 selected from more than 35,000 applicants for the grant. (The Post)
- Indy context: The company recently settled a sexual harassment lawsuit by former employee Brooke Cunningham. See WOUB’s initial story on the lawsuit’s allegations.
Trimble Local Schools, in conjunction with the Tri-County Career Center, has begun offering site-based driver’s education — something that hasn’t been available for decades. (Trimble Local Schools)
Athens Mayor Steve Patterson and county Commissioner Chris Chmiel — Pawpaw Festival organizer and Integration Acres co-owner — spoke with CBS News about pawpaws. Learn about efforts to spread love for and knowledge about the fruit. (CBS News)
State Senator Frank Hoagland announced he will retire effective Dec. 1. Hoagland represents Athens County as part of the state’s 30th senate district. (WOUB Public Media)
A Hocking County man faces 21 felony charges for shooting a sheriff’s deputy and a police K-9 officer during a July standoff in Logan. (Logan Daily News)
Dollar General will contribute $750,000 to Ohio food banks to settle a suit brought by Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost on charges that the company charged customers higher prices for goods than the price on the shelf label. (Ohio Capital Journal)
The Ohio House of Representatives is poised to take up proposed legislation that would broaden gun rights beyond current federal law or regulation. The proposal, created by a “no compromise” gun rights organization, is opposed by gun control advocates, prosecutors and law enforcement. (Ohio Capital Journal)
Ohio House Republicans hope to overturn Gov. Mike DeWine’s veto of ban on flavored tobacco products included in the biennial budget. (Statehouse News Bureau)
Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose missed a Nov. 14 deadline to file financial disclosures for his campaign to unseat Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH). LaRose had already received an extension on the disclosure, which is due within 30 days of a candidate’s filing for office. (Ohio Capital Journal)
Despite raucous protests and an ongoing investigation related to possible fraudulent activity by an industry group, the Ohio Oil and Gas Land Management Commission recently approved several parcels for fracking, including state parks and designated wildlife areas. (AP News)
Events
- Eclipse Company Store Trivia Night: 7–9 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 21, Eclipse Company Store, 11309 Jackson Drive, The Plains
- Donkey Coffee Designated Space: 9–11 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 21, Donkey Coffee, 17 W. Washington St., Athens
- Hocking College Bingo: 4–9 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 22, 185 W. Canal St. (formerly the site of LS), Nelsonville
- Paint & Pour Series Fall 2023: 7:30–9:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 29, Stuart’s Opera House, 52 Public Square, Nelsonville
For holiday events, see our roundup of activities around Athens County.
Have an event to promote? Add it to our online Calendar!
Announcements
Note: All information is current as of the Bulletin Board’s production on Monday morning. Click the links to find the most up-to-date information.
- Community Center closure: The Athens Community Center will be temporarily closed 12–1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 22, for a planned electrical outage.
- Help wanted for youth basketball: The city needs coaches, officials, and scorekeepers for the 2024 youth basketball season which will run from mid-January through March 2. Email Erin Helms at ehelms@ci.athens.oh.us or call 740-592-3325.
- Bids for Armory rehab: The Athens Community Improvement Corporation is accepting sealed bids for labor, materials and equipment for construction of the Athens Armory Rehabilitation project. Mandatory pre-bid meeting at 2 p.m. Nov. 28 at the Armory. Deadline: 2 p.m. Dec. 14.
- Loose leaf pickup this week: Area #3, which includes Southside, Old Coach, and Blackburn Hills neighborhoods. No pickup on Thursday or Friday.
- Curbside leaf pickup: Leaves will be collected on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday until Nov. 22, depending on weather. Rake leaves to the curbside; do not rake them into the street or pile them around fire hydrants, street signs or utility poles. Schedule leaf pick up by texting “Hi” to 740-265-3858 or calling 740-753-1314 weekdays between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.
ODOT projects in Athens County
- East State Street resurfacing: One lane of East State Street is closed at Della Drive. Traffic is being maintained with signals. Estimated completion: Nov. 24.
Opinion
Letter to the editor: Rumpke isn’t best choice for Athens
Obituaries
Public meetings
Note: Schedule is based on meeting notices published by public bodies and on regular meeting schedules of community organizations. This schedule may change after the Bulletin Board is posted — check our website for the most up-to-date information.
All meetings are in-person only unless otherwise noted.
Monday, Nov. 20
5 p.m.: Athens County Veteran Service Commission, OhioMeansJobs – Athens County, 510 W. Union St., Athens.
5 p.m.: Rome Township Board of Trustees, Rome Township Building, 8708 SR 144, Stewart.
6 p.m.: York Township Board of Trustees, York Township Fire Department, 15255 Elm Rock Rd., Nelsonville.
6:30 p.m.: Albany Rules Committee, Council Chambers, 5153 Alton St., Albany.
7 p.m.: Athens City Council, 8 E. Washington St., Athens. Streaming or in-person. Agenda.
Tuesday, Nov. 21
9 a.m.: Athens County Budget Commission, Athens County Courthouse, 15 S. Court St., 1st floor annex, auditor’s conference room, Athens.
9:30 a.m.: Athens County Board of County Commissioners, Athens County Courthouse, 15 S. Court St., 2nd floor annex, commissioners’ conference room, Athens, and over Zoom. Agenda
2 p.m.: Athens County Board of Revision, Athens County Courthouse, 15 S. Court St., 1st floor annex, auditor’s conference room, Athens.
3 p.m.: Athens Metropolitan Housing Authority Board of Commissioners, Prisley-Wells Commissioner Building, 10 Hope Drive, Athens.
3:30 p.m.: Athens County Board of Elections special meeting to certify official count of 2023 General Election and select precincts for audit of 2023 Special Election, Athens County Board of Elections Office, 15 S. Court St. Room 130, Athens.
4:45 p.m.: Federal Hocking Board of Education special board meeting to discuss district strategic plan, Amesville Elementary, 23 Main St., Amesville.
5 p.m.: Outdoor Recreation Council of Appalachia, Baileys Trail System mountain bike rental office, 23 Main St., Chauncey.
5:15 p.m.: United Campus Ministry Board of Directors, United Campus Ministry, 18 N. College St., basement, Athens.
6 p.m.: Athens Township Zoning Commission, Plains Public Library, 14 S. Plains Rd., The Plains.
6 p.m.: Federal Hocking Board of Education, Amesville Elementary, 23 Main St., Amesville.
6 p.m.: Tri-County Career Center Board of Education, Tri-County Career Center, 15676 SR 691, room 108, Nelsonville.
7 p.m.: Sunday Creek Valley Water District Board, Sunday Creek Valley Water District, 15945 Second St., Millfield.
Wednesday, Nov. 22
6 p.m.: Athens-Meigs Educational Service Center Governing Board, Athens-Meigs Educational Service Center, 21 Birge Drive, Chauncey.
6:30 p.m.: Federal Valley Resource Center Board, Federal Valley Resource Center, 8225 SR 329, Stewart.
Thursday, Nov. 23 (Thanksgiving Day)
No public meetings
Friday, Nov. 24
No public meetings
Monday, Nov. 27
11 a.m.: Hocking Athens Perry Community Action Board, Hocking Athens Perry Community Action, 3 Cardaras Drive, Glouster.
4 p.m.: Athens County Children Services Board, Athens County Children Services, 14 Stonybrook Drive, Athens.
6 p.m.: Athens-Hocking-Vinton Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health (317) Board, 7990 Dairy Lane, Athens, and over Zoom.
7 p.m.: Nelsonville City Council, Nelsonville City Hall, 211 Lake Hope Drive, Nelsonville, and over livestream.
