The Indy Bulletin Board: Athens County Public Meetings & Local News Roundup 3/27–3/31

Local news roundup

Three of the first four projects funded by the state’s $500 million Appalachian Community Grant Program are based in part in Athens County, with $17.6 million going to the rehabilitation of the Athens Armory into a coworking space; $26 million to an initiative of the Survivor Advocacy Outreach Program to create a mental health drop-in center and advocacy trauma center, and expand its New Leaf Recovery Village program; and $4 million to a workforce development program led by the Outdoor Recreation Council of Appalachia, which oversees the Baileys Trail System. (Ohio Department of Development)

A proposal from the Athens County Creating Healthy Communities Coalition would create an accessible path at the beach at Strouds Run State Park. (Athens Messenger)

Some neighbors believe that sewer development and deforestation have led to the potential for a landslide at the University Heights development south of Athens city limits. (Athens Messenger)

Kiser’s Barbecue will reopen on East State Street in Athens on March 28. (Athens Messenger)

A profile of the work of Equitas Health Institute, an LGBTQ+ healthcare provider with a location on Stimson Ave. in Athens. (The Post)

A new collaborative effort spearheaded by Rural Action will “support selective breeding of thriving and resilient white oak trees in Athens County.” (RA)

Ohio University selected Lori Stewart Gonzalez, a native of Appalachian Kentucky and the executive vice president and university provost of the University of Louisville, to replace outgoing university president Hugh Sherman. She will be OU’s first woman president. (OU)

An investigation found that pro-Russia Twitter accounts spread misinformation about the East Palestine train derailment, using the new verification system created by Elon Musk. (Associated Press)

AEP customers can expect to see a 30% rate hike this summer. The company is blaming “global demand, global supply chain issues, economic uncertainty and the war in Ukraine.” (WBNS)

• Unrelatedly, AEP was served with a second subpoena by SEC investigators looking into its role in the HB6 corruption scandal in October. (Statehouse News Bureau, Columbus Dispatch, Ohio Capital Journal)

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Public meetings

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, 3/27:

11 a.m.: Hocking Athens Perry Community Action Board has a regular bimonthly meeting at Hocking Athens Perry Community Action, 3 Cardaras Drive, Glouster. In-person only. Board packet

6 p.m.: Albany Village Council’s Facility & Maintenance Committee has a meeting at the Albany City Building, 5153 Alton St., Albany. In-person only.

6:30 p.m.: Albany Planning Commission has a meeting at the Albany City Building, 5153 Alton St., Albany. In-person only.

6 p.m.: Athens-Hocking-Vinton Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health (317) Board has a regular monthly meeting at the Athens-Hocking-Vinton Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services (317) Board, 7990 Dairy Lane, Athens, and over Zoom. Agenda

7 p.m.: Athens City Council has a regular biweekly committee meeting and will meet in special session at the Athens City Building, 8 E. Washington St., 3rd floor, Athens, and over livestream. Agenda

7 p.m.: Nelsonville City Council has a regular biweekly meeting at the Nelsonville City Hall, 211 Lake Hope Drive, Nelsonville, and over livestream.

Tuesday, 3/28:

9 a.m.: Athens County Budget Commission has a regular weekly meeting at the Athens County Courthouse, 15 S. Court St., 1st floor annex, auditor’s conference room, Athens. In-person only.

9:30 a.m.: Athens County Commission has a regular weekly meeting at the Athens County Courthouse, 15 S. Court St., 2nd floor annex, commissioners’ conference room, Athens, and over Zoom. 

5:30 p.m.: Athens Township Board of Trustees has a regular biweekly meeting at the Athens Township Hall, 313 W. Union St., Athens. In-person only.

6 p.m.: Chauncey Village Council’s Personnel and Finance committee has a meeting at the Chauncey Village Hall, 42 Converse St., Chauncey. In-person only.

6 p.m.: Athens County Board of Developmental Disabilities has a regular monthly meeting at the Beacon School, 801 W. Union St., Athens. In-person only. Board packet

Wednesday, 3/29:

6:30 p.m.: Federal Valley Resource Center Board has a regular monthly meeting at the Federal Valley Resource Center, 8225 SR 329, Stewart. In-person only.

Thursday, 3/30:

4:30 p.m.: Age-Friendly Athens County has a community discussion at the Coolville Public Library, 26401 Main St., Coolville. In-person only.

6 p.m.: Nelsonville City Council Street Committee has a meeting at the Nelsonville City Hall, 211 Lake Hope Drive, Nelsonville, and over livestream.

Friday, 3/31:

No public meetings