Author

Corinne Colbert

Corinne Colbert (she/her) worked for newspapers in Wheeling, West Virginia, and Martins Ferry, Marietta and Marysville, Ohio, before leaving journalism to work in nonprofit and freelance communications. She returned to the newsroom in June 2021 as editor of the Athens News but was suddenly fired in February 2022 for warning readers about deceptive advertising in the publication. Her tweets about her firing went viral and inspired a crowdfunding campaign that earned more than $18,000 to launch an independent nonprofit newsroom in Athens County.

A permanent resident of Athens County since 1996, Corinne served on the board of the Athens County Humane Society and led the West Elementary PTO for three years. She lives in Canaan Township with her husband, a graduate of Alexander High School and a U.S. Air Force veteran.

Corinne's Latest Articles

Signage before a blue building

Athens County rolls out the red, white and blue carpet for veterans (Updated)

By Al Maloney & Corinne Colbert ● Community ● November 6, 2025

We’ve put together a list of events celebrating veterans plus discounts and freebies for those who served.

Brothers facing charges in Athens County handed over to ICE

By Corinne Colbert & Dani Kington ● Policing & Courts ● November 3, 2025

It was not immediately clear how events unfolded locally or whether local officials cooperated with federal immigration agents.

Athens council confirms Conestoga hut support over law director advice

By Corinne Colbert ● Government and Politics ● September 25, 2025

Athens Law Director Lisa Eliason said an ordinance allowing temporary shelters at The Gathering Place constitutes spot zoning.

Worthy organizations and inspiring leaders need scrutiny, too

By Corinne Colbert ● Letter from the Editor ● August 7, 2025

Our story on a controversial firing at Passion Works might make you mad. That’s OK — it means we’re doing the unflinching journalism you expect from us.

David Wesley Dubbs

By Corinne Colbert ● Obituaries ● August 4, 2025

A graveside service will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday August 7, 2025, at the Biram-Hayman Cemetery in Lebanon Township, Meigs County.

Photo of Federal Hocking High School, with signage that reads "Federal Hocking High School / Home of the Lancers".

Fed Hock board reinstates teacher contracts

By Corinne Colbert ● K–12 Education ● May 22, 2025

Community speakers praised high school principal Jake Amlin, who was fired last month, and criticized Superintendent Jason Spencer.

ORCA dues, shared-use path questioned following income tax failure

By Corinne Colbert & Larry Di Giovanni ● Government and Politics ● May 15, 2025

Athens City Council member Alan Swank brought up the failure in discussions of the city’s support for ORCA and a project on Columbus Road.

Doing the right thing has a cost

By Corinne Colbert ● Letter from the Editor ● May 9, 2025

We hired our AmeriCorps member because losing them wasn’t an option. We’re asking for your help to ensure they can stick around.

Athens voters reject income tax hike proposal

By Corinne Colbert ● Local elections ● May 6, 2025

Citing increased costs, the city asked voters to increase the municipal income tax from 1.95% to 2.25%. Voters resoundingly rejected that request.

Fact-checking the proposed Athens city income tax hike

By Corinne Colbert ● Government ● May 2, 2025

Officials have given a number of reasons why voters should approve hiking the tax to 2.25% during Tuesday’s primary election.