The Athens County Independent believes the cited sources of information are reliable; however, these sources are responsible for the accuracy of their own reporting.
Local
The Athens County Board of Elections made an error in the March 19 primary ballot language for the Alexander Local School District levy. While the BOE will post notices about the mistake, noting that the 1% tax will apply to “earned income of individuals residing in the school district,” voters will see incorrect language on their ballots. The issue may prompt lawsuits, and the election is likely to be close, with high stakes for the school district. (WOUB)
As a result of harsh work limits and public transit limitations, many Ohio University international students face food insecurity. (WOUB)
The Athens County Sheriff’s Office received certification by the Ohio Collaborative Community-Police Advisory Board for implementing board standards, including on use of force and hiring and recruitment. (Ohio Department of Public Safety)
- Indy context: The Athens City Police Department, Hocking College Police Department, Nelsonville Police Department and Ohio University Police Department previously received board certification.
Dr. May’s Thai Kitchen has served food in Athens for two years and will soon open a new storefront, with a grand opening on April 12 from 5 to 8 p.m. (Dr. May’s Thai Kitchen)
The Ohio News Photographers Association awarded OU student Loriene Perera the 2023 Chuck Scott Student Photographer of the Year Award. (Ohio News Photographers Association)
- Indy context: Much of Perera’s photography highlights Athens County communities and organizations, including the Mount Zion Baptist Church and Riffle Run Pottery.
State
Ohio didn’t need to blow open train cars and burn toxic chemicals after a train derailment in East Palestine, the National Transportation Safety Board recently told Congress. At the time, experts told the company, Norfolks Southern, that the only action needed was to wait for the derailed train cars to cool down. However, the company didn’t pass along that information to state decision makers. (Associated Press)
OU is among at least seven Ohio universities reviewing race-based scholarship awards after comments from the Ohio Attorney General’s Office. OU has 130 gift agreements under review for possible scholarships totaling $450,000. (Ohio Capital Journal)
The OneOhio Recovery Foundation will begin distributing millions in opioid settlement money to Ohio communities and organizations through a request for proposals. The foundation will award up to $51 million in 2024. (Associated Press)
Candidates for the Republican Ohio U.S. Senate nomination to challenge Democratic Senator Sherrod Brown are relying on different sources for funding. Secretary of State Frank LaRose has relied on millions in super PAC funding, and Bernie Moreno attracted the most individual contributions, while loaning over a million in personal wealth to his campaign — but Matt Dolan poured the most personal and family wealth into his campaign. (Ohio Capital Journal)
Amid Republican infighting, just a few shake-ups in the March primary could result in a more conservative GOP leadership and statehouse. (News5Cleveland)
A union representing workers at 38 Kroger stores in the region, including four in southern Ohio, reached a tentative contract deal with the grocery chain afterthreatening a strike. (Associated Press)
