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State tries to stop Athens’ plastic bag ban, now in effect
The Ohio Attorney General’s Office says the city overstepped in passing the ban, which the AG says conflicts with state law.
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Former OUPD officer ordered to pay $768,000 for sexual abuse
“I feel like finally justice is served — better late than never,” Alison Arocho told the Independent. “He’s finally held accountable.”
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Arguments heard in injection well suspension case
The case revolves around whether three fracking waste injection wells in Athens County could contaminate drinking water.
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Settlement reached in SEORJ detainee death lawsuit
The tentative settlement would end a lawsuit over the death of Southeast Ohio Regional Jail pretrial detainee Jennifer Ohlinger.
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Lawsuit against ex-Hocking College officer moves forward
Cecil Morrison shot and killed Nelsonville resident Michael Whitmer in 2021. He faces a wrongful death lawsuit.
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Southeast Ohio Legal Services addresses federal housing discrimination case
SEOLS addresses the Independent’s questions about fair housing and the sexual harassment lawsuit against local landlord Joseph Earl Lucas.
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Athens County landlord faces federal sexual harassment suit
The lawsuit says Joseph Earl Lucas of Amesville sexually harassed female tenants since at least 2004.
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Defense lays out arguments in appeal of Caden Cox menacing case
Matthew Kmosko supervised Cox at the Hocking College Student Center when he allegedly pointed a knife at Cox, causing him to fear for his life.
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Former Ohio University police officer found liable for abuse of Alison Arocho
Several claims in the case are heading to a jury trial. Meanwhile, Arocho’s appeal of a related case against OU remains pending.
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Class action lawsuit against Bob Evans settles (Updated)
The case includes plaintiffs who worked at Bob Evans in Athens and other locations throughout the country.
