All information is current as of The Scoop’s production on Wednesday 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.
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Local
The Ohio Supreme Court declined an appeal by the City of Nelsonville challenging Issue 23, a 2024 ballot initiative to abolish the city charter. The issue passed in November with 70% of votes cast. The city placed an issue on the May primary ballot that would retain the charter but amend it to establish a new form of government. (WOUB)
Former Nelsonville City Council President Greg Smith dropped a recent lawsuit against Nelsonville City Council just a week after filing it. Smith sought to block the city’s May ballot issue to amend the city charter. Smith’s attorney says Smith will pursue other legal strategies. (WOUB)
Athens County first-generation farmers Molly Sowash and CJ Morgan of MoSo Farm received the 2025 Beginning Farmer award by the Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association for their commitment to regenerative land work and sustainable pork and beef production practices. (OEFFA)
After filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy for the second time in 12 months, fabric and craft retailer Joann announced this week it will shutter stores, including the establishment in Athens on East State Street. (10tv)
Regional
At least 13 people have died amid devastating floods in Kentucky, West Virginia and throughout the Appalachian region this week, with warnings extended to additional states on Monday. (WSAZ3)
More than 400 acres of forested land in the Shawnee National Forest and the Edge of Appalachia Preserve System in Adams County will be protected through Forest Legacy Program funding, the Ohio Division of Natural Resources’s Division of Forestry announced. (ODNR)
A former fire department administrator and police officer in Gallia County was sentenced to 18 months in prison this week for using a lighter to intentionally set 26 arson fires in Wayne National Forest in 2022. Over 100 firefighters from multiple states were deployed to fight the blazes, which consumed 1,300 acres of federal and state land. (U.S. Attorney’s Office, Southern District of Ohio)
The head of the Southern Ohio Port Authority has been indicted in Scioto County after allegedly taking bribes through a shell company owned by his wife. Robert Horton faces 15 charges and his wife, Lioubov Horton, faces a dozen charges; including engaging in a pattern of corrupt activities, aggravated theft and money laundering. (WSAZ3)
State
Gov. Mike DeWine postponed three executions because the state cannot obtain the lethal drugs required. Pharmaceutical companies have become unwilling to supply the drugs; the Trump Administration has made solving the issue a priority. DeWine said he does not anticipate an execution in the state before his term ends in 2026. (WOUB)
A Hamilton County judge has ruled that an Ohio law requiring fetal or embryonic remains from surgical abortions to be cremated or buried violates the state’s 2023 constitutional amendment protecting reproductive rights. (AP)
