Students celebrate last Fest weekend of the year
By Avery St. George and Suzanne Piper | Apr. 21OU students and guests took their celebratory last week of classes to Palmer Street for the last fest of the 2024 season.
LOCAL
AHRC faces financial strain
By Maggie Amacher | Apr. 17Athens-Hocking Recycling Center Inc., or AHRC, is facing financial difficulties following the loss of its service contract with the City of Athens.
City Council discusses DORA extension, membership fees
By Elizabeth Talaga | Apr. 16Athens City Council met Monday to discuss outdoor refreshment areas and paying the 2024 membership fee for the Outdoor Recreation Council of Appalachia.
Weather dampens second Fest weekend
By Olivia Gilliand , Paige Fisher , Maggie Amacher and Jack Solon | Apr. 14The second Fest weekend kicks off in wet and cold conditions to start, but Saturday was sunny yet windy. Despite that, students and party-goers still went out to celebrate.
Cornwell Properties limits attendance to Palmer Place Fest
By Gabrielle Cabanes and Donovan Hunt | Apr. 12Cornwell Properties, which owns the Palmer Place apartment complex, said it is changing the event’s typical festivities because it could be a liability issue for the company and its insurance could be taken away if someone were to get hurt.
City council hears from AHRC advocates on formation of Council of Governments
By Harshita Singhania | Apr. 11In November, Athens City Council discontinued the not-for-profit AHRC’s contract and opted for the Cincinnati-based Rumpke. Attendees urged council members to dissolve the city’s solid waste collection contract with Rumpke to support local sustainability efforts that AHRC would uphold.
Businesses concern rises with street construction
By Paige Fisher | Apr. 10Businesses on West Union Street are losing customers and employees because of limited road access.
Mount Zion Baptist Church to become Black Cultural Center
By Avery St. George | Apr. 10Mount Zion Baptist Church is currently undergoing renovations to transition into the Mount Zion Black Cultural Center. The new building will feature a coffee shop, performance space, soul food catering and a digital museum.
Athens Public Library to add adult changing stations to restrooms
By Olivia Gilliand | Apr. 10In partnership with the Athens County Board of Developmental Disabilities, the Athens County Public Library system is implementing adult changing stations into their renovation plans to create more accessible facilities for Athens County residents with disabilities.
New Leaf Justice Enterprise offers Athens County residents affordable housing options
By Olivia Gilliand | Apr. 9Athens County’s newest housing nonprofit, New Leaf Justice Enterprise, strives to provide economic justice for Appalachian regions with 3D-printed, affordable and sustainable housing opportunities.
Total solar eclipse to soar through Athens
By Suzanne Piper | Apr. 4All things solar eclipse: what it is, how to stay safe, where to get glasses and the possibility of excused absences for students.
Know your rights; navigating fest season, underage consumption
By Alison Patton | Apr. 3Walking around with an open container is one thing that we've noticed, and that also the Department of Liquor Control (has noticed), Athens City Police Chief Nick Magruder said.
Athens County has limited attainable, affordable housing options for elderly residents
By Olivia Gilliand | Apr. 2Despite efforts from local officials and housing organizations, Southeast Ohio faces socioeconomic challenges that have stunted progress toward creating fully accessible and affordable housing for elderly residents.
Mayor Patterson builds connections while visiting Ukraine sister city
By Paige Fisher | Mar. 27Mayor Steve Patterson recently visited Athens’ sister city in Ostroh, Ukraine, to further develop, strengthen and build relationships between the cities. He wants to start implementing ideas and creating plans to continue the two city’s bond.
Taylor Sappington is Athens County's next treasurer
By Paige Fisher | Mar. 20Taylor Sappington won county treasurer against City Councilmember Beth Clodfelter, D-At Large, by 207 votes.
Tax levy 7 passes, provides nutritional services for senior programs
By Emily Stokes | Mar. 19Tax Levy 7 passes, which provides increased funding for senior services, including nutritional services.
OU provides free transportation by showing OHIO ID
By Paige Fisher | Mar. 17OU was enrolled in the Bobcat Pass Program with Athens Public Transportation for approximately $55,185 in fiscal year 2023, Dan Pittman, a university spokesperson, said.
Athens Green Card offers benefits to local business
By Olivia Gilliand | Mar. 17The card aims to bolster support and revenue for small businesses in rural communities as opposed to corporate companies.
Ohio judge dismissed appeal, moves forward with fracking on public lands
By Maggie Amacher | Mar. 6An Ohio judge dismissed environmental groups’ appeal for an emergency stay to delay the Ohio Oil and Gas Land Management Commission's decision to award bids to frack under Ohio's state parks and public lands. Now, fracking is allowed under 1,004 parcels of publicly owned land.
The redevelopment of Athens Armory creates more community engagment
By Jack Solon | Mar. 6Renovations to the Athens Armory are scheduled to be completed by this time next year.
