Local
Athens County Department of Job and Family Services announced on Monday that Tami Collins has been appointed its new Executive Director. Collins exited retirement to take the position. (Athens County Department of Job and Family Services)
Owners of The Mine Tavern said repairs are moving forward months after a structural collapse. Crews are expected to lower the building back onto its foundation after masonry work is completed. The next phase of construction will focus on rebuilding the interior. (The Mine Tavern)
Athens officials decided this week that the city will not create special zoning rules for recovery homes, opting instead to regulate them under its existing rental housing code. (WOUB)
A man killed in an apartment fire in The Plains has been identified by the Athens County Coroner’s Office as 65-year-old James W. Martin. The cause of the fire, which displaced multiple residents, is still under investigation. (WOUB)
State
About two dozen climate activists participated in the two-week “Great Ohio Climate March,” traveling 100 miles from Athens to Salt Fork State Park and then the Statehouse in Columbus. Activists called attention to issues such as oil and gas drilling at state parks. (Statehouse News Bureau)
Gov. Mike DeWine last week froze a controversial data center tax break, which had exempted 100% of sales taxes on materials for data center construction. (Statehouse News Bureau)
Ohio lawmakers began hearings on data centers this week, focusing on their impact on electricity costs, water use, and local communities as the industry continues to rapidly expand in the state. (Ohio Capital Journal)
