Local
At the third and final public public hearing, in Logan, for the Athens-Hocking Solid Waste District’s proposed parcel fee (as part of its next 15-year plan and budget), Director Jane Forrest Redfern said the district is considering lowering the annual fee — from $24 to $15 — and increasing landfill rates. (WOUB)
- Indy context: The district heard mixed feedback from the public at its two hearings in Athens County. The Athens County Commissioners are set to discuss solid waste at their meeting this Thursday, July 18 at 1:30 p.m.
A state appeals court heard oral arguments Thursday in former Hocking College employment supervisor Matthew Kmosko’s menacing conviction. According to former Hocking College football star Caden Cox, Kmosko pointed a knife at him, though the object was also described as a screwdriver. (WOUB)
- Indy context: Kmosko argued in court filings that the jury reached a “compromise verdict” — convicting him on a lesser charge — even though evidence either supported a conviction on a greater charge or no conviction at all.
A man serving eight years for the rape of a then-Ohio University student is appealing his conviction. He argues his attorney didn’t adequately communicate with him about a plea deal offered by the prosecutor’s office. (WOUB)
Confusion persists over Ohio’s marijuana laws. The Athens Home Grow Info Expo in June presented opportunities for patrons to purchase homegrown marijuana plants — even though purchasing or selling the home-grown plants is illegal under state law. (WOUB)
At the Community Colleges of Appalachia Conference, Hocking College was awarded for its Hospitality & Events Management and Culinary Arts programs. Hocking provides real world skills training to students, who work at its lodge and restaurant. (Hocking College)
A new nature preserve calls Athens County home: the 106-acre Lois Busch Winner Nature Preserve, aka Winner Woods, has opened near Stewart. (Athens Conservancy)
Alexander’s inclusive playground, at 6091 Ayers Road in Albany, opened Wednesday, July 10. A ribbon cutting is slated for next month. (Alexander Inclusive Playground Project)
Hocking College received the Workforce Development Award at the annual Community Colleges of Appalachia Conference, held last month in Asheville, North Carolina. (Hocking College)
State
Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump selected U.S. Sen. J.D. Vance (R-Ohio) as his running mate for vice president. (Ohio Capital Journal)
An initiative to change the state’s redistricting process may be the only statewide issue on this November’s extremely contested ballot. (Statehouse News Bureau)
