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Ohio University loses appeal regarding former officer’s abuse of a minor
The Ohio Court of Claims will again consider whether Ohio University is liable for its former police officer’s 2005 abuse of Alison Arocho, then 15.
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Athens responds to lawsuit over plastic bag ban
The city estimates 85 to 90% of Athens stores and vendors have complied with its ban on single-use plastic bags.
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Chauncey mayor takes county commissioner candidacy to state supreme court
The Athens County Board of Elections rejected Amy Renner’s petition to challenge an incumbent county commissioner in the Democratic primary.
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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.
