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.
Are you prepared to vote in tomorrow’s general election? The Athens County Independent’s voter guide compiles League of Women Voters of Athens County candidate questionnaires, league candidate forum videos, and our independent reporting.
The Soldiers and Sailors Monument on Ohio University’s College Green is a prominent feature of Athens. Learn about the monument and Athens County Union Army soldier Milton M. Holland. (Invisible Ground)
Dr. James Gaskell retired from his role as health commissioner and medical director with the Athens City County Health Department on Oct. 31. Gaskell had worked for the health department since 1999. Athens Mayor Steve Patterson proclaimed Oct. 31, 2023, as “James R. Gaskell Day.” (City of Athens)
Parents in the Alexander Local School District were frustrated that they were not notified of a weekend bomb threat before sending kids to school last Monday. The school determined the threat was not credible, but students arriving Monday waited on buses as police searched the building. Some students who arrived by car were directed to wait inside the school while the search was ongoing, parents reported. (Athens Messenger)
Economically disadvantaged students from Southeast Ohio may be able to attend Ohio University tuition-free under a new, renewable scholarship. Beginning next fall, regional students who qualify for Pell Grants and maintain a 3.0 GPA will be eligible for the President’s Opportunity Promise Award, which will cover tuition and fees remaining after other financial aid is applied. The scholarship was announced during Lori Stewart Gonzalez’s investiture as university president on Oct. 18. (Ohio University)
The Smiling Skull Saloon in Athens is appealing the revocation of its liquor license, but the state argues the appeal should be dismissed because it was filed too late. (WOUB)
Ohio University’s soccer team won its first-ever MAC championship Sunday. The Bobcats, seeded sixth in the tournament, overcame a 1–0 halftime deficit to upset fourth seeded Kent State by 2–1. (The Post)
Ohio spent $18 million to conduct the August 2023 special election — well above initial estimates. (Statehouse News Bureau)
Ohio House Bill 68, which would ban gender-affirming healthcare for transgender youth and prohibit transgender girls from playing on girls’ school sports teams, is part of a national wave of legislation driven by Southern Poverty Law Center-designated hate groups. (Buckeye Flame)
Events
- Eclipse Company Store Trivia Night: 7–9 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 7, Eclipse Company Store, 11309 Jackson Drive, The Plains
- Donkey Coffee Designated Space – An Evening of Spoken Word: 9–11 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 7, Donkey Coffee, 17 W. Washington St., Athens
- Hocking College Bingo: 4–9 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 8, 185 W. Canal St. (formerly the site of LS) Nelsonville
- Words & Wine on Wednesday: 6:30–8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 8, Athens Uncorked, 14 Station St., Athens
- Southeast Ohio History Center Presents: Origins of the Comic Book with Sandy Plunkett: 4:30–5:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 9, Southeast Ohio History Center, 24 W. State St., Athens
- Stuart’s Opera House Presents: Old Time Jam Nights Fall 2023: 6:30–8:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 9, Stuart’s Opera House, 52 Public Square, Nelsonille
- From the Hills and hollers: “Matewan” with Christy Zempter: 7–9:15 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 9, The Ridges Auditorium, 135 Ridges Circle, Athens
- Donkey Coffee Open Stage: 8–10:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 9, Donkey Coffee, 17 W. Washington St., Athens
- Stuart’s Opera House Presents: S.G. Goodman: 8–10 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 11, 52 Public Square, Nelsonville
- Scottish Country Dance Class: 2–4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 12, Athens Community Center, 701 E. State St., Athens
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.
- Nov. 7 general election: Absentee and early in-person voting is underway. More information is available via the Ohio Secretary of State. Check out the Independent’s interactive voters guide, featuring nonpartisan analysis from the League of Women Voters of Athens County and video of LWV-sponsored candidate forums.
- Loose leaf pickup this week: Area #1, which includes the Northside, Near Eastside and Far Eastside neighborhoods. See map for details.
- Free CO2 detectors: The Athens Fire Department will distribute free carbon monoxide detectors from the station at 61 Columbus Rd. between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. Monday, Nov. 6, through Friday, Nov. 10. One per household.
- Curbside leaf pickup: Leaves will be collected on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday until Nov. 22, depending on weather. Rake leaves to the curbside; do not rake them into the street or pile them around fire hydrants, street signs or utility poles. Schedule leaf pick up by texting “Hi” to 740-265-3858 or calling 740-753-1314 weekdays between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.
ODOT projects in Athens County
- East State Street resurfacing: One lane of East State Street is closed at Della Drive. Traffic is being maintained with signals. Estimated completion: Nov. 24.
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, Nov. 6
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.
5:30 p.m.: Athens Township Trustees special meeting to discuss road damage, estimated cost of repairs and possibly award a contract, Athens Township Hall, 313 W. Union St., Athens.
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.
Tuesday, Nov. 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. Agenda.
7 p.m.: Ames Township Board of Trustees, Ames Township Garage, 15900 Henry Rd., Amesville.
Wednesday, Nov. 8
10 a.m.: Ohio Area 14 Workforce Development Board, Ohio University Inn & Conference Center, 331 Richland Ave., Athens.
10 a.m.: Hocking Valley Community Residential Center, 111 W. 29 Drive, Nelsonville.
10:30 a.m.: Hocking Conservancy District, district office, 560 W. Union St., Athens.
Noon: Athens Affordable Housing Commission, Athens City Building, 8 E. Washington St., Athens.
3:30 p.m.: Athens County Board of Elections, board office, 15 S. Court St. #130, Athens.
5:30 p.m.: Alexander Township Board of Trustees, 8711 Harner Rd., Athens.
5:30 p.m.: Athens Municipal Arts Commission, ARTS/West, 132 W. State St., Athens. Agenda.
6 p.m.: Athens-Meigs Educational Service Center, 21 Birge Drive, Chauncey.
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.
6 p.m.: Trimble Township Wastewater Treatment District, 18551 Jacksonville Rd., Glouster.
6:30 p.m.: Amesville Village Council, 21 Maple St., Amesville.
6:30 p.m.: Albany Planning Commission, Albany Village Hall, 5153 Alton St., Albany.
7 p.m.: Alexander Local School District Board of Education, Alexander High School library, 6125 School Rd., Albany. In-person and livestream.
Thursday, Nov. 9
8 a.m.: Athens County Regional Planning Commission, Athens County Emergency Medical Services, 21 Kenny Drive, Athens. In person only.
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.
7 p.m.: Athens Shade Tree Commission, 8 E. Washington St., Athens. Agenda.
Friday, Nov. 10
Noon: Athens Disabilities Commission Accessibility & Advocacy Committee, Berry Conference Room, 8 E. Washington St., Athens. Agenda.
