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Outdoor rec council moves forward after Athens’ withdrawal
At their first meeting since Athens’ withdrawal, ORCA board members expressed optimism for the council of government’s future.
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Washington County injection well opponents face setbacks
The Ohio Oil and Gas Commission dismissed one legal challenge, and a Franklin County magistrate recommended dismissal of another.
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Austin Powder accident could have been ‘catastrophic’
An OSHA investigation found that known safety issues at the Vinton County plant led to the June 2025 chemical release.
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Baileys Trail System visitor center aims for 2026 completion
The visitor center will host upkeep facilities and commercial tenants.
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Athens mayor resigns from outdoor rec council
Mayor Steve Patterson resigned immediately; the city will withdraw from the council of governments in late June.
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Longtime family farm changing hands
Shew Family Farm will wind down its operations and sell land and cattle to MoSo Farm this year.
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State: Housing projects won’t harm The Plains earthworks
The State Historic Preservation Office concluded that the housing projects posed no risk to nearby mound sites.
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Fighting wildfire with controlled fire
Professionally managed prescribed burns can reduce wildfires and improve forest health — but climate change may dampen the practice.
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New Baileys trailhead under construction
The Buchtel trailhead and a new connector trail are expected to open this year.
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Lawsuit: Fracking waste company should pay for 2021 disaster
Wells with ties to an Ohio senator leaked in 2021, contaminating Noble County land and waterways and killing hundreds of animals.
