News Roundup

Local Three Athens County residents have been indicted on murder, arson and related charges in the death of 20-year-old Ethan Vernon, whose body was found inside a burned pickup truck on Hemlock Grove Road in Meigs County last year. Investigators believe the fire was intentionally set to conceal the homicide. (WOUB)  Ohio University secured $10…

Note: This is a combined Bulletin Board and Scoop. This issue of the Scoop is abbreviated as it was prepared earlier than usual, June 25–26. The Athens County Independent will be closed all week, June 29–July 3, for summer break. We’ll be back in the office Monday, July 6!  Dates and times may change after…

Local Richland Avenue restaurant Purple Chopstix is closed indefinitely following flood damage last week, owners announced. (Purple Chopstix) Ohio University’s Board of Trustees approved tuition, housing and meal-plan increases for incoming students beginning this fall. Undergraduate tuition for new Athens-campus students will rise 3% for Ohio residents and 5% for nonresidents, while room and board…

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…

Local Trimble Local Schools’ financial situation is improving, following a successful levy that will bring new revenue to the district. The district had cut several teaching positions amid a fiscal crisis. Kristi Sadler Barker will take over as superintendent as the district moves forward, bringing 34 years of experience in public education. (Athens Messenger) Alexander…

Local The Sunset Shelter Project will move forward with a contract now secured for renovations, Hocking Athens Perry Community Action announced this week. The announcement follows delays on the project due to multiple rounds of unsuccessful contract bidding. (Hocking Athens Perry Community Action) Former Ohio University head football coach Brian Smith has filed a wrongful…

Local The Nelsonville Aquatic Center has been closed due to structural deficiencies, according to city officials. (The Athens Messenger) Heather Rockwell, fiscal officer for the Village of Jacksonville, has been recognized for her work managing the village’s financial systems and supporting local government operations. (Mayor’s Partnership for Progress) Republic of Athens Records in Athens is…

Local Athens Bread Company is for sale and until new ownership is in place, the East State Street business will reduce its hours of operation and offerings. (Athens Bread Company) Strouds Run is set to become the first park in the region to make rock climbing available to visitors. (WOUB)  Over 50 workers at Wayne…

Local Nelsonville Music Festival’s production costs have skyrocketed in the last six years, with the price of some equipment rising up to 153%, according to founder and artistic director Tim Peacock. The event celebrates its 20th anniversary this summer. (Nelsonville Music Festival) Indy context: The Independent captured snapshots and interviewed attendees at last year’s festival,…

Local The 53rd Athens International Film and Video Festival will be held this week at Athena Cinema on Court Street, featuring 200 films from nearly 60 countries. (WOUB) An Ohio University professor is researching cheaper and safer ways to remove decaying pipes and other aging infrastructure from under roadways, which could help avoid traffic closures…