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Athens plastic bag ban is officially dead
Given the political make-up of the Republican-dominated Ohio Supreme Court, Athens will not appeal a court decision that blocked the city from implementing a ban on single-use plastic bags.
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Environmental group weighing another challenge to fracking in the Wayne
The Bureau of Land Management issued a decision in April that would allow fracking in the Wayne National Forest’s Marietta Unit. No new oil and gas leases have yet been approved.
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Athens vendors may continue providing plastic bags after city loses legal fight
The Fourth District Court of Appeals upheld a lower court’s decision that the city’s bag ban is unconstitutional. The city is considering whether to appeal to the Ohio Supreme Court.
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Meigs County pays $60k for former deputies’ alleged misconduct
A Pomeroy man and his son said the Meigs County Sheriff’s Office violated their civil rights in a December 2022 incident.
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Nelsonville police racism lawsuit ends in $60k settlement
The lawsuit argued that the city of Nelsonville and former city employees violated the civil rights of a Black resident and his family.
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Wrongful death lawsuit against ex-Hocking College officer dismissed
A settlement agreement was likely reached in the lawsuit against former officer Cecil Morrison, who shot and killed Nelsonville resident Michael Whitmer in 2021.
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Ohio University appeals state decision certifying faculty union (Updated)
Organizers continue to warn that a decision in OU’s favor could hinder organized labor across the state.
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Judge rules default judgement against church on most Bellar claims
A federal judge has mostly granted a motion of default judgment against a Waverly, Ohio, church in a case brought by an Amesville woman formerly known as Serah Bellar.
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Former auditor’s office employee pleads guilty to felony charges
A former Athens County Auditor’s office employee has pleaded guilty to two third-degree felony charges as part of an agreement with the Athens County Prosecutor’s Office.
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Nelsonville council membership fight goes back to appeals court
The Ohio Supreme Court said the appeals court erred in dismissing the case on grounds that the plaintiffs waited too long to file suit.
