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OHIO Community Has Mixed Reaction To Phased Return; University Assures It Has Safe Plans In Place
By: Michelle Rotuno-Johnson
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ATHENS, Ohio (WOUB) — Members of the Ohio University community have mixed reactions to the university’s announcement that students will return to the Athens campus this fall in phases, as the university assures it has plans in place to keep everyone safe. On Friday, University President M. Duane Nellis released some details about the new… Read More
New Wastewater Treatment Plant Construction Underway in Nelsonville
By: Michelle Rotuno-Johnson
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NELSONVILLE, Ohio (WOUB) — The city of Nelsonville received help for a project to improve its water system. The Appalachian Regional Commission has awarded a $250,000 grant to the city of Nelsonville for a new wastewater treatment plant. This brings the total funding to more than $16.5 million for a project that will operate as… Read More
Back-To-School Plans Taking Shape For Athens County Districts
By: Michelle Rotuno-Johnson
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ATHENS, Ohio (WOUB) — As COVID-19 cases continue to rise in Athens County, K-12 school administrators and county school boards are deciding how to proceed with the upcoming fall semester. Athens City Schools superintendent Dr. Tom Gibbs is recommending the district conduct its fall semester online. The Athens City School Board will vote on this… Read More
Athens City Council Unanimously Passes Face Mask Ordinance
By: Michelle Rotuno-Johnson
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ATHENS, Ohio (WOUB) — Face coverings are now required in most public places in Athens after City Council unanimously approved an ordinance Monday night during a special online meeting. The ordinance will go into effect as soon as Mayor Steve Patterson, Council President Chris Knisely, and Clerk of Council Debbie Walker sign it. Patterson said… Read More
Four Athens County School Districts Suspend Student Activities Due To COVID-19
By: Michelle Rotuno-Johnson
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ATHENS COUNTY, Ohio (WOUB) — Four Athens County school districts have suspended extracurricular and/or athletic activities temporarily due to the rise of COVID-19 in the county. Athens City School District superintendent Dr. Thomas Gibbs ordered all athletic and extracurricular practices and programs suspended until at least July 27, according to an email to district families…. Read More
Athens City Council Considering Ordinance Requiring Face Coverings In Public
By: Michelle Rotuno-Johnson
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ATHENS, Ohio (WOUB) — Athens City Council is one step closer to approving an ordinance requiring face masks in public places. Council members, the mayor, and community members discussed the merits of the current draft during at a committee of the whole emergency meeting on Friday evening conducted via video conference. Athens County has seen a spike… Read More
Some Athens Businesses Close (Again) Due To COVID-19
By: Michelle Rotuno-Johnson
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ATHENS, Ohio (WOUB) — Some restaurants, bars, and coffee shops in uptown Athens have closed again after the steady rise of COVID-19 cases in the county. Several of these establishments reported on social media that at least one employee tested positive for the virus. Casa Nueva Restaurant and Cantina announced its closure on its Facebook… Read More
Athens Restaurant Closes Temporarily After Employee Tests Positive For COVID-19
By: Michelle Rotuno-Johnson
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ATHENS, Ohio (WOUB) — Casa Nueva and Cantina has closed temporarily after an employee tested positive for COVID-19, the restaurant announced on its Facebook page Wednesday. Grace Corbin, the marketing coordinator for Casa and one of its worker-owners, said the restaurant is working closely with the Athens City-County Health Department and having daily conference calls… Read More
Ohio University Reopens Voluntary Separation or Retirement Program
By: Michelle Rotuno-Johnson
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ATHENS, Ohio (WOUB) — Ohio University has reopened a voluntary separation or retirement program (VSRP) for eligible faculty, executive vice president and provost Elizabeth Sayrs said in an email Wednesday. When the university offered this same program earlier in spring semester, 74 faculty members agreed to leave. Sayrs said several faculty members have since contacted… Read More
Eight Ohio University Student-Athletes Test Positive For COVID-19
By: Michelle Rotuno-Johnson
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ATHENS, Ohio (WOUB) — Eight Ohio University student-athletes have tested positive for COVID-19, the university announced Tuesday. These students have been asked to return to their permanent residences to isolate and follow health guidelines. The Athens City-County Health Department is working to notify potentially exposed individuals who had interactions with these students before the positive… Read More
Where To View Fireworks On Independence Day Weekend In Southeast Ohio
By: Michelle Rotuno-Johnson
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ATHENS, Ohio (WOUB) — Many fireworks celebrations and festivals have been cancelled this year due to COVID-19, but a number of communities still have fireworks shows on the schedule for this weekend or next weekend. Here is a list of fireworks shows we found across southern and eastern Ohio: Athens County ATHENS The City of… Read More
Dozens Rally On State Street After Most Recent Job Cuts At Ohio University
By: Michelle Rotuno-Johnson
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ATHENS, Ohio (WOUB) — In the wake of another round of job cuts at Ohio University, more than 50 people stood on East State Street to support those whose positions were cut and express dissatisfaction with administrators’ decisions. This was the fourth major rally since May 1 announcement that 140 AFSCME union worker jobs had… Read More
Uncertainty, Frustration Remain For Union Workers In Absence Of Contract With University
By: Michelle Rotuno-Johnson
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ATHENS, Ohio (WOUB) — Local union leaders say they are still working with Ohio University to agree on a new contract and address wrongful termination grievances, though the process is taking longer than they had hoped. John Johnson, Athens regional director for AFSCME Region 8, said the union and the university had a labor management… Read More
Watch: Fond Memories With Ohio University’s Former President Alden
By: Michelle Rotuno-Johnson
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ATHENS, Ohio (WOUB) — Vernon R. Alden, the 15th president of Ohio University, died Monday at the age of 97 from complications of pneumonia. He was living in Boston. Alden, for whom the main university library is named, was president of OHIO from 1962-1969. He and his administration expanded research and academic programs, established the… Read More
New Historical Marker Memorializes Man Lynched In Athens
By: Michelle Rotuno-Johnson
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ATHENS, Ohio (WOUB) — A new historical marker has been dedicated to a Black man from Athens County who was lynched in 1881. The marker sits on Mulberry Street in Athens, near the old South Bridge. It was installed Wednesday morning. A mob of approximately 30 White men lynched Davis the day before he was… Read More
Athens County Law Enforcement Emphasizes Repeated Training On Use Of Force
By: Michelle Rotuno-Johnson
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ATHENS, Ohio (WOUB) — As law enforcement officers’ use of force is again in national news after the death of George Floyd, the heads of three Athens County agencies say they emphasize communication and repeated training for their officers. Since Floyd’s death on Memorial Day, people have protested across the United States and in several… Read More
Sam’s Gym Owner Looks Forward To Welcoming Glouster Kids Back To Ring
By: Michelle Rotuno-Johnson
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GLOUSTER, Ohio (WOUB) — Sam Jones has been all around the world as a boxing professional and coach, but his biggest focus for many years has been educating and encouraging the kids in Glouster. Last Monday, he opened the front door at Sam’s Gym again for adults to train. Like every gym in Ohio, Sam’s… Read More
Two Local Movie Theatres Prepare To Reopen June 19
By: Michelle Rotuno-Johnson
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ATHENS, Ohio (WOUB) — Two movie theatres in Athens County are reopening Friday after being closed for three months due to COVID-19. Under guidelines from the state of Ohio, theatre employees must wear face coverings and perform a daily symptom assessment. Theatres must also ensure a minimum of 6 feet of distance between customers and… Read More
People Line Up On East State Street To Support Black Lives Matter Movement
By: Michelle Rotuno-Johnson
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ATHENS, Ohio (WOUB) — Athens residents lined up on East State Street Friday to show support for the Black Lives Matter movement and stand in solidarity with protesters across the United States. Participants were asked to wear masks and stand six feet apart on the sidewalk. They allowed space for vehicles to go in and… Read More
Hundreds In Athens Join Nationwide Day Of Protest
By: Michelle Rotuno-Johnson
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ATHENS, Ohio (WOUB) — A crowd of at least 500 people lined the streets in Athens for a peaceful protest on Tuesday, joining a day of demonstrations across the United States after the death of George Floyd. Throughout the afternoon, various people spoke from the steps of the county courthouse. Ohio University student KeShawn Mellon… Read More
‘We Will Fight For What’s Right:’ People March For George Floyd In Athens
By: Michelle Rotuno-Johnson
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ATHENS, Ohio (WOUB) — Twice in as many days, more than 100 people rallied their voices and handmade signs in Athens on Sunday to protest the deaths of George Floyd and other black Americans. The group met on Ohio University’s College Green at 5p.m. and walked down College Street, past the Athens Police department, before turning… Read More
Athens Spreads Messages Of Love And Calls For Justice Uptown During Sidewalk Chalk Event
By: Michelle Rotuno-Johnson
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ATHENS, Ohio (WOUB) — Athenians of all ages met uptown on Sunday afternoon to chalk the sidewalks with messages, affirming support of the black community and calling for justice after the death of George Floyd. Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter days after the release of a… Read More
Athens County Libraries Reopen, With Some Changes
By: Michelle Rotuno-Johnson
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ATHENS, Ohio (WOUB) — Athens County Public Libraries reopened on Tuesday, with some changes in place to meet state and local guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Visitors are asked to keep at least six feet of distance between other patrons and library staff, and not to visit the library if they are feeling… Read More
ODOT Proposes Removing Johnson Road Connection To U.S. 33
By: Michelle Rotuno-Johnson
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ATHENS, Ohio (WOUB) — The Ohio Department of Transportation has proposed closing the Johnson Road connection to U.S. 33 in spring 2021 to reduce the chance of serious vehicle crashes. ODOT is seeking public comment on the proposal. The proposed project would include closing the median at the Johnson Road intersection, removing the existing left… Read More
Salon And Barbershop Owners Look Forward To Seeing Customers Again, Even If From Behind A Mask
By: Michelle Rotuno-Johnson
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ATHENS, Ohio (WOUB) — Everyone who steps into Smart Barber Shop receives a hearty hello from owner Dave Smart, whose grin shines right through his face mask. Last Friday, Smart reopened his shop on West Washington Street in Athens. It was closed for about two months under orders from the state of Ohio to slow… Read More