The Scoop Announcements Jan. 13, 2026

Note: All information is current as of The Scoop’s production on Tuesday morning. Click the links for the most up-to-date information. 

Traffic

• Ohio Department of Transportation
  • U.S. 33 Athens-Meigs expansion: A two-lane to four-lane expansion project is taking place on U.S. 33 from Athens to Darwin and Five Points to Ravenswood. Lane closures will be in place in both directions on U.S. 33 between Pleasant Hill Road and Oxley Road. Rolling roadblocks will be in place during rock blasts. Flaggers will maintain traffic at side roads intermittently. Estimated completion: 2028.

• Albany
  • Hebbardsville Road bridge: Athens County EMS announced Sept. 12 that unforeseen structural issues will cause a potential six-month closure of the bridge at Hebbardsville Road (CR 17A) at the Fisher Road intersection (CR 17). 

General

• NAMI training: Undergo training to work with National Alliance on Mental Illness Athens and its multiple community groups, 8 a.m.–4 p.m. Jan. 16 and 17. The Ridges, 118 Ridges Circle, Athens.
• Athens transient guest tax: Property owners of short-term rentals (less than 30 consecutive days per occupant) in the City of Athens must assess a Transient Guest Tax at a rate of 3% by Jan. 20.
• Nelsonville city rental registration: The City of Nelsonville’s property fee deadline has been extended until the end of business Friday, Jan. 30. Any rental property fees received on or after Monday, Feb. 2, will receive a $100 penalty for each dwelling unit.
• Dog license for 2026: Dog licenses for the new year are for sale; fees remain unchanged from last year. See link for costs and purchase locations. The deadline to purchase without penalty is Jan. 31.
• CAUV renewal applications: The Athens County Auditor’s Office has mailed approximately 1,200 applications to property owners currently enrolled in the Current Agricultural Use Valuation tax savings program. Return to the auditor’s office no later than Monday, March 2.
• Nelsonville city auditor position: The City of Nelsonville is accepting letters of interest and resumes for the paid position of city auditor; duties listed through link. Send to administration@cityofnelsonville.com or City Manager’s Office, 211 Lake Hope Drive, Nelsonville.