News Roundup

Local Ohio University researchers filed a patent after discovering how a growth hormone drug works at the atomic level by using advanced computer modeling. (Ohio University) Regional The Ohio Controlling Board approved $1 million in funding to help 16 Vinton County children removed from their home in June. The costs associated with the 16 simultaneous…

Local Executive Director Tami Collins said Athens County Job and Family Services is seeing early financial progress after reducing costs and selling one agency building. (Athens Messenger) A group in Nelsonville wants to develop a pocket park at the current site of Athens County Community Cares Resource Center. Bidding for the building is currently underway;…

Local Several area residents spoke about environmental and health concerns regarding a plastic manufacturing plant planned for The Plains at last week’s Athens County Commissioners meeting. (WOUB) Greg Corn of Athens is among the latest graduates of the Ohio Fire Academy. (Ohio Fire Academy) Purple Chopstix will reopen July 15 after it closed due to…

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…