The Scoop Announcements Jan. 14–19, 2025

Note: All information is current as of The Scoop’s production on Tuesday morning. Click the links for the most up-to-date information.

Nelsonville water loss abatement program: The City of Nelsonville is offering a two-tier water loss abatement program this year to help customers who are experiencing water leak emergencies.
Nurse wanted: The Meigs County Health Department seeks a licensed practical nurse or registered nurse for a full-time position in public health.
Nominees wanted: Buckeye Hills Regional Council is accepting nominations for individuals to serve a three-year term on the District 18 Natural Resources Assistance Council. Nominations are due by 4 p.m. Feb. 28, 2025.
Audits released: Athens-Hocking Solid Waste District financial audit, (Jan. 1, 2022 to Dec. 31, 2023); Village of Albany agreed-upon procedures (Jan. 1, 2022 to Dec. 31, 2023).
Scholarships available: The Foundation for Appalachian Ohio is accepting applications for scholarship programs it administers, including seven for students in Athens County. Applications are due by Feb. 14.
Online maps updated: Maps on the Athens County Auditor’s website now feature new aerial imagery collected in March 2024.

Commission meeting canceled: The meeting of the City of Athens Planning Commission scheduled for Jan. 15 has been canceled.
City of Athens Pedestrian Accessibility and Bicycle Task Force: 9:30 a.m. Friday, Jan. 17, in the Berry Conference Room, Athens City Hall, 8 E. Washington St.
Albany Village Council: The regular Jan. 15 meeting will take place at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 22. That meeting will be preceded by a public hearing of the Albany Board of Zoning Appeals concerning a zoning variance request from Goodin Building LLC. requesting an Area Variance from A.V.C. § 155.724, Existing Lots of Record in Residential Zones, seeking a variance from the required side yard setback in an R-2 District. Documents will be available for examination in the office of the Clerk of Council.
Athens Town Hall: Grassroots Ohioans invites residents and business owners to a town hall meeting at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 22, at the Athens Community Center, 701 E. State St.. The meeting is to discuss challenges for small businesses and sustainable development in the city of Athens.

Free carbon monoxide detectors: The Athens Fire Department is distributing free carbon monoxide detectors 9 a.m. through 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, while supplies last. Limit one per household.
Free health screening: Ohio University Community Health Programs will offer free health screening Wednesday, Jan. 15, between 9:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. at Dollar Tree in The Plains. Others are scheduled throughout Southeast Ohio this month.
Free potatoes: The SE Ohio Foodbank will distribute potatoes to qualifying households between 10 a.m. and noon Friday, Jan. 17, at its office at 1005 CIC Drive in Logan.

Local fire departments collect resources for WNC: The Waterloo Township Volunteer Fire Department and the Nelsonville Division of Fire are collecting donations of “rolled insulation and insulation boards to help keep those displaced” from Hurricane Helene in Western North Carolina and Tennessee. Contact the stations to make a donation.
Raffle donations: The Birth Circle is seeking donations for its Valentine’s Day raffle and Pregnancy and Baby Fair.

City of Athens: Free pickup of live trees throughout January. Place trees at the curb and call the city’s yard waste pickup line at 740-592-3343 to schedule.
Tree upcycling: Athens-Hocking Solid Waste District has three drop-off locations that will accept cut holiday trees until Wednesday, Jan. 22. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources will use the trees to create local habitat for regional wildlife. Please remove all decorations and lights and place the trees at the designated location at the sites; trees may be dropped off anytime on any day of the week. No dumping other materials. For more information contact the district at 740-753-6885. Drop off sites:
- Sutton Road Recycling Center, 33845 Sutton Road, Logan.
- Southeast Ohio Recycling Terminal (formerly AHRC), 5991 Industrial Way, The Plains. Contact 740-594-5312 for information.
- Rural Action Zero Waste/Upcycle, 751 W. Union St., Athens.

The council adopted these ordinances on Dec. 16, 2024:

Ordinance 0-132-24: Amends Athens City Code Title 3, Administrative Provisions, chapter 3.07, administrative departments; Boards and Commissions, section 3.07.01, City Planning Commission, to create a “public member” of the commission who is not a resident of the city.
Ordinance 0-133-24: Amends Athens City Code Title 23, Zoning Code, chapter 23.07, Board of Zoning Appeals, section 23.07.01, Appointment, to clarify that members of the board can be reappointed by the mayor.
Ordinance 0-134-24: Amends Athens City Code Title 33, Shade Tree Commission, section 33.01.01 (A)(2), Commission Membership, to clarify that members of the commission may be reappointed by the mayor.