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Ohio Leaders Say Jobs Key In Presidential Election
By: Alyssa Hansen
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The November election is now less than six months away and the attention turns to Ohio. The Buckeye state is known for being a key battleground for presidential hopefuls. When it comes to winning Ohio voters, those who have already done it say it comes down to one thing. "Jobs and jobs and jobs…. Read More
Medical Marijuana Measure Possible On November Ballot
By: Alyssa Hansen
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The November election may be months away, but Ohioans are already preparing to cast their votes on many issues — including whether to legalize a form of medical treatment that's used in more than a dozen states and Washington D.C. "I couldn't sleep. I couldn't stand. I couldn't sit. There's no position you… Read More
Ohio Gay Rights Group Against Initiative To Repeal Same-Sex Marriage Ban
By: Alyssa Hansen
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An Ohio gay rights group says it will not support a ballot initiative that would overturn the state's ban on same-sex marriage. Equality Ohio Executive Director Ed Mullen says that broader community support needs to be secured before the issue can proceed. The Ohio Freedom to Marry coalition… Read More
Ceremony Honors Ohio Civil War Soldiers
By: Alyssa Hansen
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The Ohio National Guard honored 19 Ohio soldiers for their role in a raid 150 years ago. The men took part in Andrews' Raid to capture a train traveling from Atlanta to Chattanooga. They were captured during the process. "Most of all, like many Civil War stories,… Read More
OH State Senate Working On Texting Ban Wording
By: Alyssa Hansen
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A statewide ban on texting while driving is caught up in senate committee. The proposal would ban drivers from texting while behind the wheel anywhere in Ohio. The bill has already passed the house with rules similar to those many central Ohio cities already have. The state Senate is still working on… Read More
Fmr. Ohio Senate President Faces Criticism For Memorial Remarks
By: Alyssa Hansen
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The head of the organization that oversees the Ohio Statehouse is facing criticism from the Ohio Jewish community for remarks he made earlier this week about a Holocaust memorial at the Statehouse. Richard Finan, former Ohio Senate president, expressed his disappointment Tuesday with Governor John Kasich's decision to… Read More
Former Senate President Upset About Holocaust Memorial
By: Alyssa Hansen
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The president of the group that oversees the Ohio Statehouse and surrounding area says he's disappointed by Governor John Kasich's decision to build a Holocaust memorial on the Statehouse grounds without consultation. The monument could be built on the east side of the Statehouse where Ohio soldiers are memorialized. Richard Finan, former… Read More
Chardon Leaders, First Responders Reflect On Healing Process
By: Alyssa Hansen
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Just over a month ago, a northeast Ohio school was rocked by a deadly shooting. But just days ago, those who were among the first on the scene at Chardon High School the morning of February 27 were honored by state lawmakers. Donning red ribbons in memory of the three students killed, dozens… Read More
Ohio Grapples With “Stand Your Ground Law”
By: Alyssa Hansen
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In the aftermath of Florida teen Trayvon Martin's death, the focus turns to whether or not other states will adopt their own versions of the "Stand Your Ground Law" and Ohio is one of them. This would allow a person to use deadly force is he or she feels threatened outside the home. … Read More
Drug Investigation Now Part Of Job For A State Trooper
By: Alyssa Hansen
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The State Highway Patrol is usually thought of as the regulators of the speed limit on highways. But now, state troopers are now being used to fight the war on drugs, especially on Route 33. Lieutenant George Harlow is with the Athens post of the Ohio Highway Patrol. He says that troopers haven't made… Read More
Athens Planning Commission Considers Zoning Language Change
By: Alyssa Hansen
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The Athens City Planning Commission will wait to decide what recommendations to make to City Council regarding zoning code language. The group made its decision at a meeting this afternoon. The Athens Board of Zoning Appeals is waiting for City Council to change the code language as a result of the debate caused… Read More
In Focus: Combating Poverty through Education
By: Alyssa Hansen, Rachel Hoops
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The importance of a quality education is stressed everywhere, but what happens when economic conditions in an area aren’t up to par? This is the problem in southeast Ohio, situated in the heart of Appalachia. Just like schools across the state of Ohio, four years of high school in Appalachia doesn’t necessarily lead to four… Read More
Chauncey Elementary School Will Close At End Of School Year
By: Alyssa Hansen
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Chauncey Elementary School will close its doors at the end of the school year. The Athens City School Board voted unanimously last night to close the school as a way to reduce its budget deficit. Nearly 75 people filled the Athens High School auditorium to speak out about the closing of the school. Those… Read More
Athens Joint Police Services Council Holds Inaugural Meeting
By: Alyssa Hansen
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The city of Athens and the Ohio University community now have a collaborative group of Athens residents and police officers looking out for their safety. Law enforcement and community members came together last night at the first meeting of the Joint Police Services Council. Held at the Athens Community Center, the members of… Read More
Update: Police Believe Suspect No Longer In Athens Area
By: Alyssa Hansen, Cheri Russo
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Update 10:55 a.m Ohio University has notified staff and students via emergency text message they no longer believe bank robbery suspect Billy Caudill to be in the Athens area. "As of 8:30 a.m. on Jan. 27, we believe any threat to the campus and community has passed," said OU Police Chief Andrew Powers in an email… Read More
Athens Mayor Reacts To Logan Solid Waste Decision
By: Alyssa Hansen
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Athens Mayor Paul Wiehl says he's disappointed by the failure of a new management plan for the Athens Hocking Joint Solid Waste District. This is the third time Logan City Council has shot down a waste management plan. It's now up to the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency to step in and develop a… Read More
Historical Society Director Takes Different Tack To Save Bella Vino Building
By: Alyssa Hansen
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Athens County Historical Society Director Ron Luce is trying a new strategy in an effort to save a historic Athens building. At the Athens City Planning Commission meeting today, Luce asked that Athens businessman Ric Wasserman act as a humanitarian, give up the property on West Stimson Avenue, and let it be sold… Read More
Athens County Prosecutor Selected For Jury Duty
By: Alyssa Hansen
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Some people might dread the thought of jury duty, but one Athens County official is looking forward to performing his civic duty. County Prosecutor Keller Blackburn received a questionnaire recently that he'll fill out before his official summons arrives. Although Blackburn wouldn't serve on a jury for a criminal case involving the state of… Read More
Update: No Evidence Of Criminal Intent In Morgan Co. Explosion
By: Alyssa Hansen
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Update 2:26 p.m. The Morgan County Sheriff's Office says yesterday's explosion in Homer Township was the result of the ignition of natural gas following an over-pressurization or failure in the pipe or pipe weld. Officials say investigators cannot determine the exact source of ignition, but believe a spark from debris, static electricity or nearby power… Read More
UPDATE: OU Student Was Drinking Before She Died
By: Alyssa Hansen, Cheri Russo
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Update Friday 10:43 a.m. The Athens County Coroner says an Ohio University student was reportedly drinking before she died. Dr. Harold C. Thompson says a preliminary autopsy report found the cause of Yaara Mashmoor's death as "undetermined." The 21-year-old Junior psychology major from Pepper Pike was found unresponsive by her boyfriend around 3 a.m. Thursday… Read More
Lawrence County Health Ranks Last In Survey
By: Alyssa Hansen
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Lawrence County is ranked dead last in terms of the region's health. That's according to a recent survey by Health Outcomes of the state's 88 counties. That figure drew the attention of David Lucas of Ohio University-Southern. He says there are several reasons why Lawrence County ranks so poorly. "We have low access to… Read More
VIDEO: Residents Speak Out Against Proposed Athens Co. Mining Project
By: Alyssa Hansen
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Some Athens County residents made it clear yesterday that they are against a proposed coal strip-mining project in Bern Township. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources hosted a public conference yesterday afternoon to hear input on the project. A company has submitted an application for a state mining permit near Amesville. Nearly 50… Read More
Athens Mayoral Candidates Talk Leadership
By: Alyssa Hansen
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As the election on November 8 quickly approaches, voters in the city of Athens have many decisions to make. One of those decisions includes choosing who will serve as mayor. The two candidates running in the race are Republican Randy Morris and Democratic incumbent Paul Wiehl. Morris says strong leadership qualities are needed in a mayor. “Well, I think… Read More