Local
The Athens County Land Reutilization Corporation received funding to enhance affordable housing, as part of the Welcome Home Ohio Program. The land bank will utilize the funding to create 13 owner-occupied, single-family homes in Athens County. (Athens County Land Bank)
Two years ago, John Diles decided to launch Albert’s Taxi because Lyft did not allow him to bring his collie, Albert, in the car. Now, serving the Athens area, the taxi service has garnered enthusiastic ridership, with some customers thrilled to share a ride with Albert. (WOUB)
Spring often poses a challenging dilemma for high school student athletes: choosing between participating in their sport or attending spring commencement. For Athens High School student Bella Sutton, this decision became particularly difficult when her graduation coincided with the Ohio High School Athletic Association Regional Championship. (The Athens Messenger)
In a recent legal filing, former Nelsonville City Council member Greg Smith alleges that city officials engaged in private discussions regarding public matters and calls for the disclosure of their conversations. (WOUB)
Five months after a complaint against Ohio University’s Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine alleged the college breached the racial discrimination section of the Civil Rights Act due to a program which paired students from marginalized backgrounds with mentors, Ohio University expunged all references to race from the program and omitted the term “diversity” from its title. (WOUB)
Business owners along West Union Street attribute declines in their businesses to disruptions caused by ongoing road construction. A primary grievance is the obstruction of entrances, which hampers customer access. Additionally, they express frustration over a lack of clarity regarding to whom to address their complaints. (WOUB)
Boogie on the Bricks is back in Athens this Saturday, June 15. This vibrant music and arts festival promises another year of fun, music, and camaraderie. Attendees can look forward to live performances, a diverse array of food from local food trucks, and plenty more to enjoy. (Boogie on the Bricks)
Regional
A former deputy of the Washington County Sheriff’s Office – and Nelsonville Police Department – has been apprehended for soliciting prostitution in exchange for drugs. Investigators say he was serving as a police officer at Hocking College during the period of the offense. (WTAP)
- Indy context: Chris Jones also served as the NPD’s sole K-9 officer.
State
Ohio Republican lawmakers have introduced House Bill 622 that would defund public libraries unless they comply with guidelines to “remove or hide” materials considered harmful to juveniles. Civil rights organizations raised concerns about the impact on books involving LGBTQ+ issues, among other issues.. (News 5 Cleveland)
Ohio nurses and doctors are advocating for legislation aimed at reducing violence in healthcare environments. Ohio House Bill 452 seeks to mandate that hospitals across the state implement workplace security plans and establish a mechanism for reporting violent encounters. (Ohio Capital Journal)
