Local news roundup
Note: The Athens County Independent shares news from other outlets and organizations that we understand to be reliable. However, the organizations cited are responsible for the accuracy of their own reporting and announcements.
Kevin Brown spoke about the devastating fire that took the lives of his family members on Thanksgiving Day in Athens County. (WSAZ)
- Indy context: Thanksgiving Day fire victims identified.
Ohio University launched a master’s in school counseling program to meet a growing need for school-based counseling. The program is the first of its kind offered by a public university in Ohio. (Ohio University)
After operating near Uptown Athens for nearly two decades, Zoe Fine Dining has closed. (The Post)
The state of Ohio secured a $110 million settlement with DuPont, Chemours and Corteva to address the company’s environmental damage to southeast Ohio. Chemicals used to produce Teflon at the company’s Parkersburg-based facility contaminated Ohio’s environment for seven decades. Known as forever chemicals for their long-term persistence and in human bodies, the chemicals DuPont released are linked to cancers and other serious health problems. (Statehouse News Bureau)
Stakeholders in Athens’ cannabis industry — such as medical marijuana dispensary Harvest of Ohio and Buddy’s Bud Co on Court Street — are preparing for the statewide legalization of recreational marijuana. Both Harvest and Buddy’s hope to begin offering recreational products, though it could take a while. (The Post)
The Federal Valley Resource Center was awarded nearly $40,000 by the Appalachian Regional Commission to explore creating a network of folk centers in Athens, Perry and Meigs counties. (United Plant Savers)
The Foundation for Appalachian Ohio named Ohio University molecular biology professor Dr. John Kopchick as its 2023 Child of Appalachia honoree in recognition of a scientific breakthrough that led to a new life-saving medical treatment. (Foundation for Appalachian Ohio)
The Athens Kroger recently wrapped up a seven-month renovation. During an official unveiling this Friday, the store will offer various perks to customers. (Kroger)
The Ohio Supreme Court dismissed a challenge to the state’s redistricting process, leaving intact the redistricting commission’s most recently developed maps. Critics say the maps give Republicans an unfair advantage. (Ohio Capital Journal)
- Indy context: The new statehouse maps will split Athens County between House District 94, represented by Jay Edwards (R-Nelsonville), and House District 95, represented by Don Jones (R-Freeport).
More than 342,000 Ohioans have lost Medicaid coverage since pandemic protections ended in April. (Ohio Capital Journal)
Food insecurity is also increasing in Ohio, with 11.5% of Ohio households designated as food insecure according to new USDA data. That’s slightly higher than the national average. (Axios Columbus)
Several prominent out-of-state anti-transgender advocates spoke at the Ohio Statehouse to support House Bill 68 last week. The bill, which contradicts medical consensus on care for trans people, is modeled directly on policy drafted by hate groups, variations of which have been passed through the country. (Buckeye Flame)
Local news has collapsed across the country since the early 2000s, with one third of newspapers operating in 2005 expected to have closed by the end of next year. Ohio has been hit even harder than the country as a whole. (Axios Columbus)
- Indy context: Southeast Ohio doesn’t look particularly hard-hit on the map linked above. However, this data set includes ghost newspapers — outlets with so few staff that they cannot effectively report news to their community. Newspaper employment in Athens County has dropped by over 85% since 2007. Reader-supported nonprofits like the Athens County Independent are beginning to reverse the trend.
Events
- Eclipse Company Store Trivia Night: 7–9 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 5, Eclipse Company Store, 11309 Jackson Drive, The Plains
- Donkey Coffee Designated Space: 9–11 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 5, Donkey Coffee, 17 W. Washington St., Athens
- UCM Center Community Lunch: 12–1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 6, United Campus Ministry, 18 N. College St., Athens
- Hocking College Bingo: 4–9 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 6, 185 W. Canal St., Nelsonville
- Climate-Friendly Building and Appalachian Opportunity: 6:30–7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 6, Athens Public Library, 30 Home St., Athens
- UCM Center Community Supper: 5–6:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 7, United Campus Ministry, 18 N. College St., Athens
- ACEnet Holiday Open House: 5–8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 7, 94 Columbus Rd., Athens
- Herbs for Liver Health: 6–8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 7, online and Arts West, 132 W. St. Street, Athens
- Navigating the Holidays: 1–3 p.m. Friday, Dec. 8, Multipurpose Rooms B and C, Athens Community Center, 701 E. State St., Athens
- Stuart’s Record Sale: 12–5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10, Stuart’s Opera House, 52 Public Square, Nelsonville
For holiday events, see our roundup of activities around Athens County.
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.
Athens County
- Dog licenses for sale: 2024 dog licenses are available now. Renewal notices have been mailed to current owners. State law requires all dog owners and kennel operators to purchase licenses. Buy or renew your dog’s license in person at the Athens County Dog Shelter on SR 13 outside Chauncey or at the auditor’s office (15 S. Court St., Room 330, Athens). You also can pay online or download a mail-in application. New licenses for unaltered dogs cost $28. Renewal licenses may be discounted by $10 for dogs that have been spayed or neutered or that cannot be spayed or neutered.
Athens Township Trustees
- Street closure in The Plains: South Clinton Street from E. 2nd Street to E. 3rd Street will be closed on the morning of Tuesday, Dec. 5, behind the old Plains School gymnasium so the Athens County Water and Sewer District can install a water service lateral to the Hopewell Health Center. The work is anticipated to be completed the same day and the road reopened in the afternoon. Please use caution if traveling in the area.
- Loose leaf pickup this week: Area #2 includes the Westside, Highland/Congress Area, University Estates and Uptown.
- Special council meeting: Nelsonville City Council will hold a special meeting at 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 4, to swear in new members, elect officers, discuss committee and administrative appointments and discuss an appropriation for the fire department.
- Utilities office closed: The City of Nelsonville Utilities Office walk-in area will be closed through Wednesday, Dec. 6, due to COVID illnesses. Residents can still call the office at 740-753-2151. Payments may be left in the payment box at City Hall.
- Christmas food baskets: Residents of Nelsonville or York Township can apply online for Christmas food baskets until Saturday, Dec. 9. Application does not guarantee a basket. Baskets will be delivered starting at 8 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 23.
Public meetings
Note: Schedule is based on meeting notices published by public bodies and on regular meeting schedules of community organizations. This schedule may change after the Bulletin Board is posted — check our website for the most up-to-date information.
All meetings are in-person only unless otherwise noted.
Monday, Dec. 4
Noon: Athens Planning Commission, third floor of the Athens City Building, 8 E. Washington St., Athens. In-person and livestream.
5 p.m.: Athens City-County Board of Health, Athens City-County Health Department, 278 W. Union St., Athens.
5 p.m.: Athens County Veteran Service Commission, OhioMeansJobs–Athens County, 510 W. Union St., Athens.
5 p.m.: Glouster Village Council, Glouster Depot, 51 High St., Glouster.
5 p.m.: Rome Township Board of Trustees, Rome Township Building, 8708 SR 144, Stewart.
6:30 p.m.: Carthage Township Board of Trustees, Carthage Township Office, 2741 Lottridge Rd., Guysville.
7 p.m.: Athens City Council, third floor of the Athens City Building, 8 E. Washington St., Athens. In person and livestream. Agenda.
7 p.m.: Canaan Township Board of Trustees, Canaan Township Building, 16167 S. Canaan Rd., Canaanville.
7 p.m.: Nelsonville City Council, special meeting to swear in new members, elect officers, discuss committee and administrative appointments and discuss an appropriation for the fire department; City Hall, 211 Lake Hope Drive, Nelsonville.
Tuesday, Dec. 5
9 a.m.: Athens County Budget Commission, Athens County Courthouse, 15 S. Court St., 1st floor annex, auditor’s conference room, Athens.
9:30 a.m.: Athens County Board of County Commissioners, Athens County Courthouse, 15 S. Court St., 2nd floor annex, commissioners’ conference room, Athens, and over Zoom. Agenda
7 p.m.: Ames Township Board of Trustees, Ames Township Garage, 15900 Henry Rd., Amesville.
Wednesday, Dec. 6
11 a.m.: Buckeye Hills Regional Council Regional Advisory Committee, Buckeye Hills Regional Council, 1400 Pike St., Marietta.
5:30 p.m.: Albany Village Council Grants Committee, Albany Village Hall, 5153 Alton St., Albany.
6 p.m.: Albany Village Council Finance Committee, Albany Village Hall, 5153 Alton St., Albany.
6 p.m.: Athens Environment and Sustainability Commission, Athens City Building, 8 E. Washington St., 1st floor conference room, Athens. Agenda.
6 p.m.: Waterloo Township Board of Trustees, Waterloo Fire Department, 8224 Hawk Rd., New Marshfield.
6:30 p.m.: Albany Village Council, Albany Village Hall, 5153 Alton St., Albany.
Thursday, Dec. 7
9 a.m.: Athens County Budget Commission, Athens County Courthouse, 15 S. Court St., 1st floor annex, auditor’s conference room, Athens.
9:30 a.m.: Athens County Board of County Commissioners, Athens County Courthouse, 15 S. Court St., 2nd floor annex, commissioners’ conference room, Athens, and over Zoom.
12 p.m.: Athens Planning Commission, Athens City Building, 8 E. Washington St., 3rd floor, Athens, and over livestream.
6 p.m.: Buchtel Village Council, Buchtel Village Hall, 17710 N. Akron Ave., Buchtel.
6 p.m.: Dover Township Board of Trustees, Dover Township Garage, 15947 Main St., Millfield.
Friday, Dec. 8
11:30 a.m.: Buckeye Hills Regional Council, Buckeye Hills Regional Council, 1400 Pike St., Marietta.
Noon: Athens City Commission on Disabilities Accessibility & Advocacy Committee, Athens City Building, 8 E. Washington St., Berry Conference Room, first floor, Athens. Agenda.
Monday, Dec. 11
4:30 p.m.: Le-Ax Water District Board of Directors, Le-Ax Water Office, 6000 Industrial Drive, Athens.
5:30 p.m.: Athens City Historic Preservation Commission, Athens City Building, 8 E. Washington St., Athens.
6:30 p.m.: Lodi Township Board of Trustees, Lodi Township Building, 15525 Fossil Rock Rd., Athens.
7 p.m.: Little Hocking Water Association Board, Little Hocking Water Association, 3998 Newbury Rd., Little Hocking.
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.
7:30 p.m.: Tuppers Plains Chester Water District Board of Directors, Tuppers Plains Chester Water District, 39561 Bar 30 Rd., Reedsville.
