Author

Eric Boll

Eric Boll (he/him) is a journalist from Mansfield, Ohio, with many familial connections to Southeast Ohio. A third-generation bobcat, he studied News and Information Ohio University’s E.W. Scripps School of Journalism. As an undergrad, Eric worked for MileSplit Ohio as a reporter and editor covering cross country and track and field. Eric returned to Ohio University in 2022 to get his masters in Journalism with a focus on science and environmental communication. Outside of journalism Eric can be found working on stained glass art, cooking or riding his bike.

Eric’s work with the Independent is supported by a grant from the Sugar Bush Foundation.

Eric's Latest Articles

Property tax reform bills offer relief, local officials express concern

By Eric Boll ● Government ● January 22, 2026

he Ohio legislature is working to lower property taxes as multiple citizen groups call for the abolishment of property taxes.

Ohio Senator Brian Chavez faces ethics complaint over industry ties

By Dani Kington & Eric Boll ● Environment ● January 22, 2026

A Washington County group argues Chavez failed to disclose financial interests and has used his position for personal gain.

H2Ohio grants help city, county, state address road salting

By Eric Boll ● Government ● January 15, 2026

The city continues to reduce use of road salt after receiving a grant last year from H2Ohio.

Photo gallery: Stop War Crimes protest

By Eric Boll ● Government and Politics ● January 10, 2026

Protestors gathered at the Athens Community Center to protest the US government’s actions in Venezuela and the ICE killing of Renee Good.

PAL guitarist mid-jump during their performance.

Athens County 2025 in pictures

By Eric Boll ● Culture ● December 18, 2025

Our top photos from 2025.

Local internet provider in conflict with AEP over service disruptions

By Eric Boll ● Infrastructure ● December 3, 2025

New Era Broadband, a Meigs County ISP, said that AEP’s smart meters have been causing internet service disruptions.

Image of a gavel and scales.

ODNR faces multiple legal challenges to injection well approvals (Updated)

By Dani Kington & Eric Boll ● Environment ● November 13, 2025

The ODNR granted the fracking waste injection well permits at issue under outdated rules earlier this year.

Albany man seeks to bridge food access gap with grocery store

By Eric Boll ● Infrastructure ● November 13, 2025

Gregg Montella plans to utilize the strong farming community that surrounds Albany to supply the store.

Federal, state spending cuts force tough local choices

By Eric Boll ● Government ● October 29, 2025

Area organizations worry about their ability to maintain vital services following funding cutbacks and clawbacks.

Spotted lanternfly on the move in Southeast Ohio

By Eric Boll ● Environment ● October 23, 2025

The invasive species, first spotted in Pennsylvania, could soon be found in Athens County.