MULTIMEDIA

Letter: Athens Farmers Market not to be funded by taxes

To the Editor,The Oct. 15 edition of The Post printed an article headlined, “Farmers Market asks city for millions.” The article stated the Athens Farmers Market (AFM) is lobbying the city to spend millions of taxpayers’ money “to expand its operations but that city officials were not buying it.” The AFM moved from the City Recreation Area on State Street in 1998 to the parking lot of the Market on State (then the University Mall) where we are still located. This has been an ideal location and the market has grown steadily. Changes at Market on State last year reduced the space available for the market. This year, the AFM board has been considering other possible sites for the market. In the process, we have consulted with the city to see what, if anything, they could do to help. Recent meetings with city officials have made it clear the city supports the market and can assist in some ways, but they cannot use city funds to develop a new site for the market. The AFM board recognizes the city’s financial limitations and does not expect them to spend millions on a new site. The Market’s new arrangement at the Market on State has worked out well this year. Indications are we can stay at the present site for the foreseeable future. We heartily thank the Mall owners for continuing to accommodate the AFM. The Market will continue its efforts to secure a permanent site with the help of local organizations. It will be with funds raised through grants, private fundraising (not taxpayers money,) and any other kinds of assistance the city can provide.This letter was written by the Executive Committee of the Athens Farmer’s Market

Post Streetview: Do you think anyone will ever be arrested for the gunshots fired on Court Street Saturday?

Student Senate to reform senate elections at Ohio University

With midterm elections rapidly approaching for candidates across the county, Ohio University Student Senate will focus on preparations for next spring’s senate elections at their Wednesday meeting.

Red, Blue & You: Young voters must overcome apathy

With the midterm elections taking place next week, voter turnout could play a major role in impacting the outcomes of the different elections.  Since the start of the school year, multiple Ohio University clubs have made an effort to register students to vote and encourage out of state students to apply for absentee ballots. Their efforts are especially important considering how low of a turnout college-aged voters have at the polls each year.In the 2010 midterm elections, 24 percent of adults aged 18-29 voted, according to the Center for Information & Research on Civic Learning and Engagement. For comparison, 51.4 percent of adults aged 30 and older voted in the same election.A lack of participation from younger voters is not new. Although people like to claim our generation is lazy when it comes to voting, the younger demographic consistently has a low voter turnout rate. The New York Times reported, “In 1976, when boomers were between 18 and 30 years old, their turnout rate was 50 percent. In 2008, 51 percent of millennials — ages 18 to 28 at the time — voted.”Although much of the blame is placed on voter apathy, there are multiple factors that have lead to such low numbers in this demographic year after year.Between classes, jobs and extracurricular activities, some college students find it difficult to find the time to make it out to the polls or research the candidates.Another factor to consider is the absentee ballot for out-of-state students. Though the actual act of acquiring an absentee ballot is not difficult, it can be enough of a hassle to deter a student from voting.One of the biggest factors influencing voter turnout is whether a presidential election or midterm election is taking place. According to fairvote.org, “In the U.S., about 60% of the voting eligible population votes during presidential election years and about 40% votes during midterm elections.”Midterm elections might not seem as important to students because they are not covered as thoroughly as presidential elections. The press coverage for the presidential elections basically starts a year after the previous election, and rumors are constantly being discussed about whether someone will run or not, and what will help or hurt a candidate.But in reality, midterm elections are just as important as presidential elections, and even though they don’t receive as much press, it’s still important for voters — especially young voters — to show their support for the country and vote.It’s easy for college students to brush off elections with the mindset that one person will not make an impact. But in order for democracy to work, the people must have a say. We are given our voice through the power of voting and although it seems like something that has been emphasized since the beginning of time, every vote counts, and it is important to exercise our right as Americans to make an impact on our country.gm573913@ohio.edu

Letter: Faculty insurance plan fails to cover transgender health care

To the Editor,We were delighted to read the well-written story in The Post on Oct. 1 about the lives of students who identify as transgender, the struggles and challenges they face, as well as the joy of being able to step fully into their identity.One of the exciting developments is that Ohio University’s Campus Care is now staffed with physicians and counselors knowledgeable about issues experienced by transgender students. Another important issue noted in the article is that OU’s student health insurance plan covers the cost of transgender care, including hormone therapy and various types of gender affirmation surgeries.We feel it significant to bring to the attention of the university community that although the student insurance plan covers health care costs for transgender services, the faculty and staff insurance plan is carried by a different insurance company and does not cover transgender health care services.When we point out this disparity to students and others, they are astounded. The cost of such services would be minimal indeed, in comparison to all the other services that are covered by our faculty/staff Anthem Blue Cross health care. Currently, OU’s Human Resources department is surveying faculty and staff about the health care issues that are of importance to them with regard to insurance coverage. The survey will help them determine other services that should be covered in order to provide full and equitable healthcare for all members of the university community. One of the core values of OU is our commitment to diversity and just treatment of all members of the university community. Based on this value, we encourage faculty and staff to consider advocating for coverage of transgender healthcare for faculty and staff as they complete the Human Resources survey.We feel this represents an inequity that should be addressed, and that OU could distinguish itself as truly being an ally to their faculty and staff who are transgender and an LGBT welcoming campus community.Jaylynne N. Hutchinson is an Ohio University professor of Critical/Cultural Studies in Education. Dr. Katy Kropf is a physician providing transgender health services at University Medical Associates. Delfin Bautista is the director of Ohio University’s LGBT Center.

City officials right to reconsider Halloween safety

But that doesn’t mean you can’t have a good time, experts say.

In The Know With Meg O: Exciting new media outlets hint at what’s to come

A question often discussed by journalists is, “What is the future of media?” Though I really can’t answer that question, I recently discovered two media entities that I think could be a glimpse of what’s to come.

Editorial: Asexual Awareness Week is a chance for education

The Post published a story on Tuesday highlighting Asexual Awareness Week. Before reading the story, we admittedly didn’t know much about asexuality. We suspect many of you might be in the same boat.We urge you to track down the story and learn a thing or two about the small segment of our campus population that doesn’t experience sexual attraction. The student featured in our Tuesday story likened his attraction to viewing art or listening to music — he recognizes others for their beauty but doesn’t feel sexually attracted to it.Ohio University’s LGBT Center is welcoming of individuals who identify as asexual and is hosting a series of events about the sexual orientation this week. Wednesday’s event, a Consent in Ace and Aromantic Relationships workshop, begins at noon in the LGBT Center (354 Baker University Center.)We urge you to attend and learn a little bit more about asexuality and the people who identify with it.The phrase “Bobcat Family” is often tossed out to describe the close-knit community we pride ourselves in here. But we should take every available opportunity to learn more about each other.Editorials represent the majority opinion of The Post’s executive editors.

Walter Fieldhouse used by more than just athletics

Athletics only accounts for 16 percent of Walter Fieldhouse usage

East State Street to receive makeover

The East State St and U.S. 33 interchange will become the home of Ohio’s second diverging diamond interchange.

Guest Column: Gunfire scare brings out Bobcat pride

HallOUween really lived up to its reputation this year. What a blast Saturday (and by extension, the entire weekend) was! The Block Party was as rich with great bands, creative costumes, splendid merriment and entertaining people-watching opportunities as ever.

'Haunted Hocking' paranormal thrill-seekers share ghost-hunting strategies with students

Pat Quakenbush of Haunted Hocking encourages Athens residents to get involved with ghost-hunting tours just in time for Halloween.

CFI surpasses its food donation goal

The organization has raised more than 60,000 pounds of food to surpass their yearly goal early. 

Editorial: The college experience includes out-of-classroom settings also

The out-of-classroom setting is just as important as the classroom setting

Amplified Observations: Playlists at Ping should get pumped up

Not much can compare to the feeling of getting a good workout in. Whether it’s dead-lift day, leg day, triceps/chest day or the ever-popular elliptical day, knowing that you’re doing a good job to keep strong and healthy leads one to feeling at least a bit happier, coupled with the fact that you can pretty much eat whatever you want for the rest of that day and get away with it.

Hecht and Thompson go head to head for county auditor

A county auditor’s occupation might not be the most glamorous — but it’s one worth about $52 million in funding, with $12 million of that coming from taxpayer dollars.

IFC hosts ‘Pink Tie Affair’ for breast cancer

Ohio University’s Interfraternity Council hosted their first annual “Pink Tie Affair” Monday night in an effort to raise money for breast cancer research and to assist those affected by the disease.

Students experience heat both indoor and outdoor

Athens experienced a high temperature of nearly 80 degrees on Monday. It’s expected to be in the high 70s again on Tuesday. This could cause some stress for students, especially considering they cannot always escape the heat by moving indoors. 

Athletics officials claim the Sook Center is necessary for Ohio University’s student athletes to advance academically.

Some faculty members have challenged the need for an academic center exclusively for student athletes, but athletics officials argue they need more space to help student athletes achieve good grades.

Food truck plans to take over during Boyd renovations

For all you hungry Bobcats out there, Culinary Services is rolling out a variety of service extensions to look for this spring.