The Indy Bulletin Board: Athens County Events, Announcements, Public Meetings, & Local News Roundup 9/11–18

Local news roundup

Note: The Athens County Independent shares news from other outlets and organizations that we understand to be accurate and relevant to the community. The organizations cited are ultimately responsible for their own news coverage and announcements. 

The city of Athens is once again accepting bids for its trash contract. (City of Athens)

• Indy context: This past spring, the city rejected both bids for hauling contracts after a contentious, months-long process. The city ultimately extended its contract with Athens-Hocking Recycling Centers temporarily.

Cases of COVID-19 have increased with the start of fall semester at Ohio University. (The Post)

Former Meigs County Sheriff Keith Wood pleaded guilty to theft in office, following allegations that he used public funds for personal use. He was sentenced to 100 hours of community service, three years community control and $5,000 in restitution. (Ohio Auditor of State)

• Indy context: Wood’s replacement as Meigs County Sheriff, Scott Fitch, previously served as Nelsonville police chief. In 2019, he was fired from the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation after an investigation into, among other things, a litany of his racist and bigoted Facebook interactions and his falsification of inspection records. Fitch also faces an ongoing civil suit alleging he violated the civil rights of a Black Nelsonville resident and his family.

The Ohio Supreme Court dismissed a challenge to Ohio’s congressional maps, which it previously deemed unconstitutionally gerrymandered to benefit Republicans. The groups that submitted the lawsuit requested that it be dismissed, to provide stability for Ohio voters. The unconstitutional maps will be used again next year. (Statehouse News Bureau)

A Maine-based neo-Nazi group claims to have established a chapter in Ohio. “Blood Tribe Ohio” encompasses a 10-state area from Illinois to the East Coast and Michigan to Kentucky. The organization has protested at LGBTQ+ events in several Ohio cities. (Columbus Dispatch)

• Indy context: Representatives of another neo-Nazi group, Patriot Front, have posted propaganda around Uptown Athens. Experts said that the “small, fringe” group may not have active members in Athens County.

Police in the Columbus suburb of Blendon Township fatally shot Ta’Kiya Young, a 21-year-old pregnant mother, on Aug. 24. The shooting has prompted concerns about police shooting at moving vehicles. (Associated Press)

• Indy context: In 2021, then-Hocking College Police Officer Cecil Morrison killed Nelsonville resident Michael Whitmer after firing into his moving vehicle. Morrison faces an ongoing civil lawsuit related to the incident. 

A handy guide to dealing with roadkill in the country. (The Daily Yonder)

An invasive tree pest new to Ohio, the elm zigzag sawfly, has been discovered in Delaware and Franklin counties. The overall impact of the species, which harms elm trees, is not known. (Ohio Department of Natural Resources)

Ohio Senator JD Vance has introduced a bill to ban federal mask mandates. (Cleveland.com)

Two proposals to create Appalachian Ohio hydrogen hubs — energy production facilities that would create hydrogen from fossil fuels — are vying for a share of $7 billion in grant funding under the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Critics say the hubs are likely to benefit oil and gas companies more than the environment. (Ohio Capital Journal)

A new bill would change Ohio’s voter registration process, including closing Ohio’s primaries. (Statehouse News Bureau)

---

Events

• Doggie Swim: 4–7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 11, Nelsonville Aquatic Center, 40 W. Canal St., Nelsonville
• Caregiver Support Group: 5:30–6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 12, Athens Community Center, 701 E. State St., Athens
• Jazz Night at Rhapsody: 6–8 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 13, Rhapsody, 18 Public Square, Nelsonville
• Sustainability Film Series: “This Changes Everything”: 7–9 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 13, The Ridges Auditorium, 135 Ridges Circle, Athens
• College Lunch Thursdays: 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 14, First Presbyterian Church, 2 N. Court St., Athens
• Come On Come Ons at Eclipse: 6–8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 14, Eclipse Company Store, 11309 Jackson Drive, The Plains
• From the Hills and Hollers: “Harlan County USA” with Jack Wright: 7–8:45 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 14, The Ridges Auditorium, 135 Ridges Circle, Athens
• Lyceum Lunch: Victoria Smalls, Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Area: 12–1 p.m. Friday, Sept. 15, Southeast Ohio History Center, 24 W. State St., Athens
• Free Hot Meal: 4:30–7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 15, Good Works Inc., 7857 Luhrig Rd., Athens
• Exhibit Opening: The Cartoon Art of Sandy Plunkett: 5:30–7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 15, Southeast Ohio History Center, 24 W. State St., Athens
• Live music at Donkey Coffee – Top’d Off: 8-9:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 15, Donkey Coffee, 17 W. Washington St., Athens
• Live Music at Donkey Coffee – Plastic Lemonade: 8-9:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16, Donkey Coffee, 17 W. Washington St., Athens
• Athens Farmers Market: 9 a.m.–noon Saturday, Sept. 16, Athens Community Center, 701 E. State St., Athens
• Asian Vegetable Workshop: 4–6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16, Jefferson Marketplace, 101 E. Union St., Athens
• Mighty Poplar: 7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 17, Stuart’s Opera House, 52 Public Square, Nelsonville

Have an event to promote? Add it to our online Calendar!

---

Announcements

Note: All information is current as of the Bulletin Board’s production on Monday morning. Click the links to find the most up-to-date information. 

Bike path closure: The ~2-mile long, county portion of the Hock Hocking Adena Bikeway, beginning at Holzer Health System extending the length of the bikeway east, will be closed from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 14 and Friday, Sept. 15 for maintenance work. The county, in partnership with Glouster Village, will be mowing vegetation along the length of the bikeway.

Water bill assistance: Hocking Athens Perry Community Action (HAPCAP) can help low-income eligible residents restore disconnected water or wastewater service, prevent disconnection, establish new service or transfer service. To apply, call HAPCAP at (740) 767-4500 or (800) 282-0880; hearing impaired clients may dial 711 for assistance. 

Preparing for emergencies: September is National Preparedness Month. The Ohio Emergency Management Agency offers a variety of resources to help residents be ready to cope with natural or manmade disasters. The Ohio Department of Aging has resources specifically for older residents.

City of Athens

• Leaf pickup schedule and map: Loose leaf pickup will begin the week of October 16. 
• Public Comment
  • Athens County Active Transportation Survey: deadline, Sept. 30.
• Engineering & Public Works
  • Hydrant flushing: 8 a.m.–4 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 12, on Kurtz Street, Mill Street, Putnam Drive, Oak Street, Hocking Street and Elliot Street. You may experience discolored water due to iron sediments stirred up from increased flow, but the water remains safe.  No boil order will be issued, but the city recommends you do not wash laundry during this time.
  • Stimson Avenue water line extension: Expected completion: September 2023.
  • Dairy Lane sewer and water line project: Expected completion: Sewer portion, fall 2023; entire project, 2024. 

City of Nelsonville

• 9/11 Observance: Nelsonville Public Square will be closed 8 a.m.–noon Monday, Sept. 11, for a 9/11 memorial service. 
• Street closure: Pleasantview Avenue from Woodlane Drive to Diamond Street will remain closed until at least Monday, Sept. 25. Crews are having difficulty boring through rock to replace the broken 8-inch water line under Pleasantview Avenue. Please avoid this area and use an alternate route.

Athens County Engineer

• Mowing: McDougal Road (CR 28), Salem Road (CR 9) and Fisher Road (CR 17)
• Brush removal: Long Run Road (CR 25), Angel Ridge Road (CR 98) and Ireland Road (CR 59)
• Prep for chip and seal: Coolville Ridge Road (CR 75)
• Grading: Long Run Road (CR 25) and Chase Road (CR 69)

ODOT projects in Athens County 

• US 33/US 50 interchange: The ramp from US 33 east to Stimson Avenue/Rock Riffle Road is closed until approximately Sept. 30. Expected project completion: November. 
• Resurfacing: SR 377 from the SR 550 intersection to the Morgan County line; expected completion: Oct. 15. US 50 between Della Drive and River Road and between Vanderhoof Road and SR 144; expected completion Nov. 1.

---

Public meetings

Note: Meeting schedule is based on meeting notices published by public bodies and on regular meeting schedules of community organizations. Meeting information may change after this is posted. Check our website for the most up-to-date information.

Monday, Sept. 11

4:30 p.m.: Le-Ax Water District Board of Directors, Le-Ax Water Office, 6000 Industrial Dr., Athens. In-person only.

5:30 p.m.: Athens City Historic Preservation Commission, Athens City Building, 8 E. Washington St., Athens. In-person only.

6:30 p.m.: Lodi Township Board of Trustees, Lodi Township Building, 15525 Fossil Rock Rd., Athens. In-person only.

7 p.m.: Little Hocking Water Association Board, Little Hocking Water Association, 3998 Newbury Rd., Little Hocking. In-person only.

7 p.m.: Nelsonville City Council, Nelsonville City Hall, 211 Lake Hope Drive, Nelsonville, and over livestream.

7 p.m.: Trimble Village Council, Trimble Village Hall, 19549 Congress St., Trimble. In-person only.

7:30 p.m.: Tuppers Plains Chester Water District Board of Directors, Tuppers Plains Chester Water District, 39561 Bar 30 Rd., Reedsville. In-person only.

Tuesday, Sept. 12

9:30 a.m.: Athens County Board of Commissioners, Athens County Courthouse annex, second floor, 15 S. Court St., Athens. In-person and livestream. Agenda

10 a.m.: Athens County Budget Commission, Athens County Courthouse annex, first floor, 15 S. Court St., Athens. In-person only.

5 p.m.: Outdoor Recreation Council of Appalachia, 23 Main St., Chauncey. In-person; masks required. Agenda

5:30 p.m.: Athens City Commission on Disabilities Outreach and Communications Committee, Berry Conference Room, Athens City Building, 8 W. Washington St., Athens. In-person only.

5:30 p.m.: Athens Township Board of Trustees, 313 W. Union St., Athens. In -person only.

7 p.m.: Burr Oak Regional Water District, Tom Jenkins Dam Water Office, 23560 Tom Jenkins Dam Rd., Glouster. In-person only.

7 p.m.: Coolville Village Council, Coolville Village Hall, 26319 Main St., Coolville. In-person only.

7 p.m.: Lee Township Board of Trustees, Lee Township Office, 2013 Mill St., Albany. In-person only.

Wednesday, Sept. 13

9:30 a.m.: Southeast Regional Jail Board of Directors,  16677 Riverside Drive, Nelsonville. In-person only.

10 a.m.: Ohio Area 14 Workforce Development Board, Ohio University Inn & Conference Center, 331 Richland Ave., Athens. In-person only.

10 a.m.: Hocking Valley Community Residential Center, 111 W. 29 Drive, Nelsonville. In-person only.

10:30 a.m.: Hocking Conservancy District, district office, 560 W. Union St., Athens. In-person only. 

Noon: Athens Affordable Housing Commission, Athens City Building, 8 E. Washington St., Athens. In-person only.

2 p.m.: City of Athens Mayor’s Weekly Update, city council chambers, Athens City Building third floor, 8 W. Washington St., Athens.

3:30 p.m.: Athens County Board of Elections, board office, 15 S. Court St. #130, Athens. In-person only. 

5:30 p.m.: Alexander Township Board of Trustees, 8711 Harner Rd., Athens. In-person only.

5:30 p.m.: Athens Municipal Arts Commission, ARTS/West, 132 W. State St., Athens. In-person only.

6 p.m.: Athens-Meigs Educational Service Center Governing Board, 21 Birge Drive, Chauncey. In-person only.

6 p.m.: Hockhocking Adena Bikeway Advisory Committee, Athens Community Center, 701 E. State St., Athens. In-person and livestream. 

6 p.m.: Nelsonville-York City School District Board of Education, Nelsonville-York Middle School, 2 Buckeye Drive, Nelsonville. In-person only.

6 p.m.: Trimble Township Wastewater Treatment District, 18551 Jacksonville Rd., Glouster. In-person only.

6:30 p.m.: Amesville Village Council, 21 Maple St., Amesville. In-person only.

7 p.m.: Alexander Local School District Board of Education, Alexander High School library, 6125 School Rd., Albany. In-person and livestream.

Thursday, Sept. 14

Noon: Athens County Creating Healthy Communities Coalition, Zoom (password 786447).

5:30 p.m.: Chauncey Village Council, Chauncey Village Hall, 42 Converse St., Chauncey. In-person and livestream.

6 p.m.: Bern Township Board of Trustees, Bern Township Office, 16877 Joy Rd., Sharpsburg. In person only.

6:30 p.m.: Albany Planning Commission, discussion of proposed planned unit development on Hamill Road, Albany Village Hall, 5153 Alton St., Albany. In-person only.

Friday, Sept. 15

10:30 a.m.: Athens City-County Transportation Meeting, Glouster Public Library, 20 Toledo St., Glouster. In-person only.

Monday, Sept. 18

11 a.m.: Sustainable Ohio Public Energy Council, Finance Committee, Ohio University Innovation Center room 133, 340 W. State St., Athens. In-person or email support@sopec-oh.gov for virtual access.

Noon: Sustainable Ohio Public Energy Council, Personnel Committee, Ohio University Innovation Center room 133, 340 W. State St., Athens. In-person or email support@sopec-oh.gov for virtual access.

5 p.m.: Athens County Veteran Service Commission, OhioMeansJobs – Athens County, 510 W. Union St., Athens. In-person only.

5 p.m.: Rome Township Board of Trustees, Rome Township Building, 8708 SR 144, Stewart. In-person only.

5:30 p.m.: Athens City Historic Preservation Commission, Athens City Building, 8 E. Washington St., Athens. In-person only. 

6 p.m.: York Township Board of Trustees, York Township Fire Department, 15255 Elm Rock Rd., Nelsonville. In-person only.

CORRECTION: This issue of the Bulletin Board initially stated that “Columbus police” fatally shot Ta’Kiya Young. The text has been updated to clarify that police in the Columbus suburb Blendon Township shot Young.