Local
The Athens Planning Commission voted to amend the zoning code to restrict locations for cannabis and tobacco shops. Under the new code, tobacco and cannabis shops must be at least 500 feet away from libraries, schools and parks. Existing tobacco shops will be exempt. Local cannabis dispensaries will be licensed for recreational sales in June. (The Post)
Starting in July, Ohio University will offer a free 5G Readiness Certificate training program for students on the Athens, Lancaster, Southern and Eastern campuses. The program, intended to prepare workers for implementation of federal funding expanding broadband access, is supported by a grant from the Ohio Department of Higher Education. (Ohio University)
Athens County received an award for Outstanding Achievement in Popular Annual Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association for the 2022 fiscal year. (GFOA)
Emma Lucas, a senior at Federal Hocking High School, received a STAR scholarship from the P.E.O. Sisterhood, one of the oldest women’s organizations in North America. She also received a scholarship from the state P.E.O. Sisterhood. (P.E.O. Sisterhood)
Region
The Ohio Oil and Gas Commission awarded fracking leases on land in Noble and Monroe counties to companies from Colorado and Texas, but denied nomination of land in the Egypt Valley Wildlife Area for leases. The wildlife area covers former mining lands in Belmont, Guernsey and Noble counties. (Ohio Capital Journal)
State
Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost is suing to remove two members of the State Teachers Retirement System board, alleging that they plan to direct the majority of STRS assets to a company they have ties with. (News5 Cleveland)
More electric vehicle chargers will be installed along Ohio’s highways. State and federal funds are being used to install 22 electric vehicle fast-charging stations along Interstates 270, 275, 675, 680, 71, 76, and 77 as well as state Routes 23, 30 and 33. (Statehouse News Bureau)
Under a new law signed by Gov. Mike DeWine, schools will be required to develop cell phone policies for students. The new policy was added to House Bill 250, which started as a bill to change the military seal that high school students can earn for graduation. (Statehouse News Bureau)
A proposed bill in the Ohio House would create grants to improve security for student organizations at risk of racial, religious or ethnic harassment or intimidation. The bill is a response to recent pro-Palestinian protests on state university campuses. (Statehouse News Bureau)
