All information is current as of The Scoop’s production on Tuesday morning. Click the links for the most up-to-date information. The Athens County Independent believes the cited sources of information are reliable; however, these sources are responsible for the accuracy of their own reporting.
Submit news and information to info@athensindependent.com by noon on Mondays for inclusion in Tuesday’s issue of The Scoop.
Local
Ohio University professor Natalie Kruse Daniel presented at the first meeting of the Appalachian Flood Resilience Coalition, a multi-state group of advocates working to secure federal funding and other resources for Appalachia to prepare for major flooding events. (Ohio Capital Journal)
Next month’s Pasadena, California-based Tournament of Roses Parade parade will feature local band directors Terry Robb, retired from the Nelsonville-York City School District, and Aaron Backes, with the Athens City School District. Their float will include marching band members and a football player playing the trumpet. (WOUB)
With support from a $1.25 million grant, NAMI Athens will bring a community mental health community resource center to the area. The center’s location and the timeline for the project have yet to be determined. (WOUB)
The Athens Area Chamber of Commerce announced its 2025 award winners, which include Adele Hanson of Athens Food Rescue, Carly Ferguson of Athens CASA/GAL, and Big Run Kava Bar. (Athens Area Chamber of Commerce)
A Nov. 4 grease fire that damaged the kitchen of Jackie O’s Public House Restaurant is still under investigation. The restaurant remains closed as water, smoke and fire damage is assessed by the company’s insurance provider, according to owner Art Oestrike. (Athens Messenger)
In June 2024, Ohio University spent $400,000 to settle a lawsuit from Yusuf Kalyango, a former journalism professor who was fired in 2021 after two female students claimed he sexually harassed them. Kalyango claimed he experienced discrimination and faced retaliation for pushing back. The settlement granted him money for lost wages and noneconomic injuries. (WOUB)
Regional
Meigs County Sheriff’s Office said an investigation is underway after responders found a body in a burned vehicle in the Hemlock Grove area. (WSAZ)
Former Pike County law enforcement officer Mark Anglemyer Jr. was sentenced to a decade in prison for leading a drug trafficking operation. (WOUB)
Norfolk Southern said it has completed its stream cleanup and mitigation efforts in East Palestine to address its 2023 railroad crash. The company also submitted a final report to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (Norfolk Southern)
State
Gov. Mike DeWine has renewed his request to the Ohio Board of Pharmacy to immediately ban synthetically modified kratom, and to look at banning all kratom further down the line. Kratom is an Asian herb sold at gas stations and convenience stores throughout the state. (Statehouse News Bureau)
Legislation to change recreational cannabis laws in Ohio hit DeWine’s desk this week after years of back-and-forth between legislative chambers. (Statehouse News Bureau)
Sen. John Husted filed to officially run for U.S. Senate in 2026. He was appointed by the governor to fill Vice President JD Vance’s vacated seat and currently serves. (Statehouse News Bureau)
Ohio electric bills are expected to rise after a temporary cap on electricity prices expires, with energy analysts warning that growing demand from data centers will further drive up costs for consumers. (Ohio Capital Journal)
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