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In Guernsey County, local leaders work to address housing challenges
By: Amanda Pirani
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CAMBRIDGE, Ohio (WOUB/Report for America) — Chris Gilreath said finding housing in Cambridge was like winning the lottery. “It’s big. Like I have a home, I have somewhere to go,”… Read More
![Spectrum workers oversee construction as the company works to expand broadband access in Ohio. [Wes Shirley | Charter Communications]](https://woub.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Broadband-Expansion_03-2-1-900x422.jpg)
A local broadband expert warns the BEAD program may not bring expected progress
By: Amanda Pirani
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ATHENS, Ohio (WOUB/Report for America) — Bill Sigmon keeps his modem on the front porch. It’s the only way he can watch TV or make a phone call in his… Read More
Guernsey County is now the 11th in the region to see a proposal for a data center
By: Amanda Pirani
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ATHENS, Ohio (WOUB/Report for America) — Guernsey County could join nearly a dozen other counties in the region expecting a data center development. But if a development moves forward, it’ll… Read More
A program that gives seniors vouchers for the farmers markets will see fewer recipients this season
By: Amanda Pirani
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ATHENS, Ohio (WOUB/Report for America) — Farmers markets around the region will see fewer senior vouchers this season after the expiration of American Rescue Plan Act funds (ARPA). The law… Read More
An affordable housing project in Athens Township will go before the city for review
By: Amanda Pirani
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ATHENS, Ohio (WOUB/Report for America) — Athens Township could see 60 units of new low-income housing tax credit (LIHTC) housing next year, but some residents already have concerns. The affordable… Read More
In Appalachian Ohio, the Southeast Ohio Fibershed imagines a local textile economy
By: Amanda Pirani
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BUCHTEL, Ohio (WOUB/Report for America) — Sweat drips down Gavyn Shumard’s forehead as he leans over a Hampshire Down sheep. He does his best to keep the animal calm, despite… Read More
Facing a proposed data center, a township in Jackson County moves forward with zoning
By: Amanda Pirani
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SCIOTO TOWNSHIP, Ohio (WOUB/Report for America) — On a sweltering May evening, Trustee Aaron LeMaster warns a newly formed zoning commission they’ve got their work cut out for them. “The… Read More
Waterford resident calls for a trustee to step down in light of a data center development
By: Amanda Pirani
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WASHINGTON COUNTY, Ohio (WOUB/Report for America) — Karl Bogard was never one to get involved in local politics. He did his part reading the newspaper, staying informed on issues and… Read More
Sunset Motel emergency shelter project in Athens is moving forward after securing a contractor this week
By: Amanda Pirani
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ATHENS, Ohio (WOUB/Report for America) — The Sunset Motel shelter project is expected to break ground this week after three rounds of unsuccessful bids delayed its original timeline. Hocking Athens… Read More
Previously unmarked underground railroad sites are recognized thanks to a tri-state initiative
By: Amanda Pirani
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RIPLEY, Ohio (WOUB/Report for America) — Red Oak Presbyterian Church is one of the oldest structures in Brown County, built in 1817. It’s a small, unassuming stone building tucked behind… Read More
The McArthur Research Station could shut down as part of national Forest Service reorganization
By: Amanda Pirani
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ATHENS, Ohio (WOUB/Report for America) — A U.S. Forest Service research station in McArthur is one of 57 “under evaluation” for possible closure as part of a national reorganization announced… Read More
Southeast Ohio state park to offer new opportunities for local climbers
By: Amanda Pirani
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ATHENS, Ohio (WOUB/Report for America) — On a sunny Thursday afternoon, Ohio University freshman Alex Beasley hangs upside down from a rock formation in Strouds Run State Park. She’s tackling… Read More
Could data centers boost Appalachian Ohio? Experts say it’s complicated
By: Amanda Pirani
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ATHENS, Ohio (WOUB/Report for America) — Last month, what could become the country’s largest data center was announced with great fanfare in Pike County. Hundreds gathered under a tent filled… Read More
An Athens apartment complex is under foreclosure after its owner was sentenced in mortgage fraud case
By: Amanda Pirani
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ATHENS, Ohio (WOUB/Report for America) — An Athens apartment complex providing student rentals and low-income housing is under foreclosure after its owner was caught up in a multimillion dollar loan… Read More
In Ohio’s rural areas, zoning is sometimes a four letter word. Data centers could change that.
By: Amanda Pirani
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SCIOTO TOWNSHIP (WOUB/Report for America) — On a snowy March evening, over 200 people packed into the Scioto Township Volunteer Fire Department. From Amish farmers to public officials, they were… Read More
A proposed constitutional amendment banning large scale data centers statewide is moving forward
By: Amanda Pirani
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ATHENS, Ohio (WOUB/Report for America) — A constitutional amendment banning large scale data centers statewide is one step closer to making it on the November ballot. According to an announcement… Read More
The Paw Paw Festival is moving to Nelsonville after challenges negotiating a venue agreement
By: Amanda Pirani
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ATHENS, Ohio (WOUB/Report for America) — After 25 years at Lake Snowden, the Ohio Paw Paw Festival will see a new venue this summer at Snow Fork Events Center in… Read More
A local startup in southeast Ohio helps engage young people in the trades
By: Amanda Pirani
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ATHENS, Ohio (WOUB/Report for America) — In the back of an Athens warehouse, Southern Local High School students spend their Friday afternoon operating a 3D printer known as the Scorpion. … Read More
A new Hocking County tourism grant hopes to address strains on emergency services
By: Amanda Pirani
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ATHENS, Ohio (WOUB/Report for America) — A new grant will help give Hocking County’s emergency services a boost in an effort to help address tourism strains. Distributed for the first… Read More
New Ohio laws claim property tax relief. But school officials warn the situation is more complicated
By: Amanda Pirani
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ATHENS, Ohio (WOUB/Report for America) — School districts are warning constituents that changes to local property tax passed at the end of last year could cause some major budgeting challenges. … Read More
With a shortage of shelters, community leaders step up to support the homeless during a record-setting winter
By: Amanda Pirani
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ATHENS, Ohio (WOUB/Report for America) — Ohio saw one of the harshest winters in decades this year, with eight consecutive days below 20 degrees and several bouts of heavy snowfall. … Read More
Hotel McArthur historic renovation to continue thanks to $5 million in new grant funds
By: Amanda Pirani
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MCARTHUR, Ohio (WOUB/Report for America) — After a fire caused severe damage to Hotel McArthur in July, the historic building is now back on track for a renovation. That’s thanks… Read More
The Trump Administration says Japan will provide funds for a $33 billion natural gas plant in southeast Ohio
By: Amanda Pirani
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ATHENS, Ohio (WOUB/Report for America) — Southeast Ohio is set to receive an investment from Japan for a projected $33 billion natural gas plant, according to an announcement by the… Read More
A movement to abolish property taxes is gaining momentum. What could that mean for local governments and services?
By: Amanda Pirani
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ATHENS, Ohio (WOUB/Report for America) — In 2024, Beth Blackmarr saw her Lakewood home value jump from $182,000 to $299,000. “It was a 51.9% increase,” she said. “I nearly hit… Read More
A proposed solar farm receives mixed reactions from Vinton County residents
By: Amanda Pirani
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MCARTHUR, Ohio (WOUB/Report for America) — On a snowy Tuesday evening, over 30 people squeeze into a small corner room of the Vinton County Courthouse, lining the walls and doorway. … Read More