All information is current as of The Scoop’s production on Tuesday morning. Click the links for the most up-to-date information. The Athens County Independent believes the cited sources of information are reliable; however, these sources are responsible for the accuracy of their own reporting.
Submit news and information to info@athensindependent.com by noon on Mondays for inclusion in Tuesday’s issue of The Scoop.
Local
The Fourth District Court of Appeals upheld the conviction of Justin Anthony Pennington for multiple felonies, including murder and assault, resulting in a sentence of nearly 28 years to life in prison. (Athens County Prosecutors Office)
My Sister’s Place domestic violence shelter will expand services into Hocking County with a $33,594 grant from the Athens-Hocking-Vinton Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services (317) Board. (Athens County 317 Board)
Several Athens County programs and individuals will be among those honored at the 13th annual Appalachia Heritage luncheon at the Ohio Statehouse on Dec. 17. Honorees include the Invisible Ground historical multimedia project; Jane Cavarozzi and Dirty Girl Coffee, Glouster; Athens musician Steve Zarate; and the Blue Eagle Music Store in Athens. (Ohio’s Hill Country Heritage Area and Heritage Ohio)
- Indy context: Learn more about Invisible Ground
Regional
Hocking College’s Rescue Kitchen is addressing food insecurity in Southeast Ohio by rescuing surplus food from the college’s culinary program to provide meals to those in need. (WOUB)
- Indy context: Check out photos from the kitchen’s groundbreaking ceremony.
State
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine signed the state’s “bathroom bill” into law, despite significant controversy and concern among LGBTQ+ advocates and allies. The bill restricts transgender individuals from using bathrooms that align with their gender. (Buckeye Flame)
Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost appealed a court decision that invalidated the state’s six-week abortion ban. This legal move aims to reinstate the restrictive abortion law, which has faced significant, statewide opposition. (Ohio Capital Journal)
After years of effort, a group advocating to end qualified immunity in Ohio, a legal shield for government officials and police officers, can proceed to gathering signatures for the amendment. This milestone followed a decision by the Ohio Attorney General’s Office, which was prompted by a recent state Supreme Court order. (Statehouse News Bureau)
Republican lawmakers have been working on a bill to enhance accountability for the state’s private schools that receive state voucher funds — but recently removed key provisions related to funding transparency and standardized testing. (Ohio Capital Journal)
Ohio Rep. Elliot Forhan (D-South Euclid) sued Statehouse leaders, alleging they made false and damaging statements about him in what he called a “political hit job.” (Ohio Capital Journal)
