You are viewing the June 30, 2014 daily archives

Doctors Hospital Nelsonville Will Close
By: Steve Robb - Athens Messenger staff reporter
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Doctors Hospital Nelsonville will be closing, OhioHealth announced Monday, but it won't happen until a new outpatient facility is constructed. However, the hospital will begin immediately to limit admissions, and will cease inpatient services before the end of the year. "…With only 20 percent of people in Nelsonville coming to Doctors Hospital Nelsonville for inpatient… Read More

Why One Ohio University Trustee Opposed The 1.5 Percent Tuition Increase
By: WOUB Staff Writer
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During Friday's Ohio University Board of Trustees meeting, a 1.5 percent tuition increase was passed. The vote was nearly unanimous, with Janetta King being the only "no" vote of the panel. This is what King said to the board about why she opposes the increase: I would like to comment on the proposed increase and… Read More

DeWine Is Pleased To Have Led AGs In Hobby Lobby Case
By: Karen Kasler | Statehouse News Bureau
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The US Supreme Court’s ruling in the Hobby Lobby case was a win for those who objected to the federal health care law’s requirement that the companyoffer insurance that covers contraceptives for women – and that includes Ohio’s Attorney General. Mike DeWine is an avowed opponent of the Affordable Care Act and wrote a brief… Read More

New Fiscal Year Brings New Tax Breaks
By: Andy Chow | Statehouse News Bureau
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The end of June and the beginning of July means the state is ringing in a new fiscal year. One group is calling attention to some so-called special interest policies taking effect. Many changes in Gov. John Kasich’s budget update will now begin – including $400 million in tax cuts. But the liberal-leaning research group… Read More

Kasich Claims Medicaid Expansion Is Paying Off
By: Jo Ingles | Statehouse News Bureau
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Ohio Governor John Kasich said his push to expand Medicaid is paying off. He defended his decision in an address to judges, law enforcement officials and drug treatment program leaders Monday (6/30/14) afternoon in Columbus. "To me it’s a lay down hand. If you can bring millions of dollars back to treat the mentally ill,… Read More

Common Core, Tests, Safety Expected To Dominate National Education Conference
By: M.L. Schultze | Ohio Public Radio • WKSU
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The nation’s largest teachers’ union is meeting this week in Denver to focus on three main issues: Common core, standardized testing and school safety. Becky Higgins spent 19 years as a first-grade teacher with Copley-Fairlawn schools. She’s seen the state adopt the national Common Core standards with little controversy. And she’s seen the second-guessing begin…. Read More

Senegal Calls Ndour For FIBA World Championships
By: Michael Drapcho
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The Ohio Bobcats will be represented at the FIBA World Cup this summer, as senior forward Maurice Ndour will compete with the Senegal National Team in the tournament. The 24-team tournament will be held in Spain in late August. The teams will be split into six-team pools. Senegal will be in Group B, which includes… Read More

Asbestos Found In Freedom Industries’ Water Tanks
By: Associated Press
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The West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection said asbestos has been discovered at Freedom Industries during the tank removal process. A DEP spokesperson tells WSAZ that after a required asbestos inspection prior to tank demolition revealed the presence of asbestos. Asbestos abatement by a contractor was expected to get underway Monday. The tanks at the… Read More

Drake Begins Ohio State Presidency
By: Associated Press
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Ohio State University's new president is ready to start his first day on the job. A seven-month search ended in January with the selection of University of California-Irvine chancellor Michael Drake as the 15th president of Ohio State. Drake, the university's first black president, was scheduled to begin work Monday. He replaces former president Gordon… Read More

Ohio Homeowners Are Choosing To Remodel
By: Mandie Trimble | Ohio Public Radio • WOSU
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Home renovation is a billion dollar business nationwide, and Ohioans are some of the nation’s top spenders. Some real estate experts predict homeowners will invest more in their current property in the coming years, rather than buy a new one.

Athens County Is Ready To Light Up For Independence Day
By: Sara Brumfield | Athens Messenger
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Athens County is preparing to ring in Independence Day with a bang. The festivities begin with the Athens Fabulous Fourth celebration on Thursday, which is organized by The Plains Lions Club. Returning for the second year will be the Fabulous Fourth Senior King and Queen contest at the Athens Community Center at 3 p.m. The… Read More

Conferences Examine Ohio’s Anti-Drug Programs
By: Associated Press
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Ohio's judges, county and state officials, and drug experts are examining treatment programs and other ways to fight opiate abuse in upcoming conferences in Columbus. Judges from across the state have been invited to an Ohio Judicial Symposium on Opiate Addiction Monday. On Tuesday, the Ohio Association of County Behavioral Health Authorities hosts an anti-addictions… Read More

Going Digital Will Be Costly For Public Safety Agencies
By: Steve Robb - Athens Messenger staff reporter
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With a federal requirement that public safety agencies switch to digital communication by 2020, Athens County is trying to figure out how best to accomplish it. Whatever’s decided will be costly, according County 911 Director Dan Pfeiffer. The decision is whether the county should develop its own digital system — which Pfeiffer said could cost… Read More

Group Wants To Encourage Local Shopping
By: Sara Brumfield | Athens Messenger
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A group of Athens residents and business owners have put their heads together to come up with ways to promote shopping locally to support Athens businesses and keep money in the community. Wendy Jakmas, president of the Athens Area Chamber of Commerce, said a focus group of 13 people was formed to think of ways… Read More

Sheriff’s Office Owes Thousands Of Dollars To Ammunition Company
By: Susan Tebben | The Athens Messenger
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The Athens County Sheriff’s Office is working to pay off thousands of dollars in debt that is owed to an ammunition company, according to county officials. Interim Sheriff Rodney Smith said the sheriff’s office owes “in the area of $20,000” to Vance’s Law Enforcement, a Columbus company that sells ammunition and other equipment to agencies…. Read More