Note: All information is current as of The Scoop’s production on Tuesday morning. Click the links for the most up-to-date information.
City of Athens
- Bids:
- Strouds Run Drive and Richland Avenue Bridge Improvements, City Project # 381: Includes the installation of a proposed vandal protection fence, sealing existing parapets and “City of Athens” signage; surface preparation and resealing on existing parapets on the Richland Avenue bridge over the Hocking River. Accepted by the City of Athens until 10 a.m. July 17.
- Transient guest tax: The city of Athens assesses a Transient Guest Tax at a rate of 3% in accordance with the Ohio Revised Code, Section 5739.09 (B)(1). The tax applies to property owners of short-term rentals (less than 30 consecutive days per occupant), and the next quarterly payments are due July 20.
County-wide
- The Athens County Auditor and Athens County Engineer have adopted revised Transfer and Conveyance Standards, which went into effect June 30, in accordance with Ohio Revised Code 319.203.
Traffic
- Ohio Department of Transportation:
- U.S. 33 expansion project: 25 miles of U.S. 33 in Athens and Meigs counties will be converted from a two-lane highway to a four-lane, divided highway. This includes Pleasant Hill, Pleasanton Road, Rainbow Lake Road, and SR 681. Estimated completion: 2028.
- U.S. 33 and SR 682 roundabout: Traffic maintained by flaggers on SR 682. Right shoulder closed on U.S. 33 westbound. SR 682 ramp to U.S. 33 westbound closed April 1 through Aug. 1. Estimated completion: Oct. 31.
- U.S. 50 reduced collision U-turn construction: Taking place on SR. 50 at Coolville. Lane closures are in place in both directions. Estimated Completion: Oct. 31.
- SR 7 resurfacing: Meigs County line to Church Road. Traffic will be maintained by flaggers. Estimated completion: July 15.
- Nelsonville:
- Canal Street work: Paving project began Monday, July 7. The first section will be from West Washington to Madison Street. The second section will be from Watkins Street to Second Street. Affected portions of Canal Street will be closed to all traffic; follow detour signs.
- Riverside Drive: Paving on Monday, July 7, and Tuesday, July 8. Traffic is reduced to one lane and controlled by flaggers. Avoid the area and use an alternate route.
- Scott Street: Closed Tuesday, July 8, and Wednesday, July 9, for tree work along the street. Traffic will be detoured to Pleasantview Avenue and controlled by lights on Fort Street and Pleasantview Avenue. Avoid this area and use an alternate route.
Athens County communities
- Review school vision statement: Athens City School District invites the public to compare its 2015 vision statement with its proposed revision for 2025, featuring revised language regarding its mission and strategic goals.
- Six weeks of free yoga: Community members are invited to join Ohio University employees and students for OU’s returning six-week Yoga Under the Elms series. Noon–1 p.m., Thursdays, beginning July 10. Soldiers and Sailors Monument on Ohio University College Green, Athens.
- Annual speedway event: Skyline Speedway invites locals to its 3rd Annual $5 Athens County Community Night at 4 p.m. Sunday, July 12. Low general admission cost is with a canned food item. 7274 Quiggly Road, Guysville.
- Youth fishing tournament: Athens County Bassmasters hosts its annual free Kids Fishing Derby 10 a.m.–noon Sunday, July 20. Registration at 9 a.m.; food and prizes after competition. Age brackets: 1–4, 5–8, 9–12, 13–15 years old. Lake Snowden, 5900 SR 50, Albany.
- Teen technology camp: Ohio Valley Museum of Discovery will host its Teen Tech Camp focused on animatronics July 11–14. Spots limited; register here.
Southeastern Ohio
- Cemetery grant funding: Details for the Nonprofit Cemetery Grant are available, inviting properly registered non-profit cemeteries to apply for funding to defray the costs of exceptional maintenance or training of cemetery personnel. The application window closes July 31.
- Conservation grants: Details for Round 20 of the Clean Ohio Green Space Conservation Program are now available, offering funding to support acquisition of green space and the protection and enhancement of river and stream corridors.
- Summer electric bill aid: The Ohio Department of Development’s Home Energy Assistance Summer Crisis Program runs July 1 through Sept. 30 for income-elegible Ohioans to receive assistance in paying their electric bill, purchasing an air conditioner or fan, or making repairs to their central air conditioning unit. Call 740-868-1908 or walk in at HAPCAP during business hours to apply.
