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1 month ago | 
athensindependent.com | Keri Johnson
GLOUSTER, Ohio — Amid an ongoing financial crisis at Trimble Local School District, a spirit of resilience and generosity is palpable among the community. But that spirit is nothing new for Trimble. Since 2002, the Trimble Local Textbook & Supplies Foundation has provided nearly $1 million in educational materials to the district. This year, it’s providing $85,343.78 in school supplies — its largest award project yet, said board member Lois Dugan.
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1 month ago | 
athensindependent.com | Keri Johnson
TRIMBLE, Ohio — After getting rid of over 30 positions amid its financial crisis, the Trimble Local Board of Education voted 3-1 last week against cutting another five teaching positions for now. The board agreed to cut three non-teaching positions.
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1 month ago | 
athensindependent.com | Keri Johnson
ATHENS, Ohio — Fostering community and facilitating connection, Porchfest returns this Sunday, May 18, to Athens’ Near East Side neighborhood. “It is bigger and better this year,” organizer and Near East Side resident Rob Delach said. Last year, the first Porchfest showcased 20 bands at 14 homes and local businesses. This year, that figure has doubled: Around 44 bands will perform from around 30 house porches and nine businesses.
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1 month ago | 
athensindependent.com | Keri Johnson |Shiloh Antonuccio
ATHENS, Ohio — With three incumbents — Jeff Risner, Solveig Spjeldnes and Sam Crowl — declining to run for new terms, Tuesday’s primary for Athens City Council will lead to some fresh faces on the November ballot. Athens City Council members are elected in odd-numbered years and serve two-year terms. Primary winners will continue to the Nov. 4 election.
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1 month ago | 
athensindependent.com | Keri Johnson
ATHENS, Ohio — Nelsonville voters rejected a measure on Tuesday’s primary ballot that would have amended the city charter to adopt a new form of government. Around 54% of those who cast ballots voted against Issue 4, according to unofficial results from the Athens County Board of Elections. Last November, 70% of Nelsonville voters who cast ballots decided they wanted to abolish the Nelsonville City Charter and return to a statutory form of government.
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1 month ago | 
athensindependent.com | Keri Johnson
NELSONVILLE, Ohio — Nelsonville voters are once again deciding their city’s fate this primary Election Day — this time via Issue 4, a proposed amendment to the Nelsonville City Charter. While around 70% of Nelsonville voters passed Issue 23 to abolish the city charter in November 2024, Issue 4 amends the charter to adopt a new form of government based upon statutory provisions.
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2 months ago | 
athensindependent.com | Dani Kington |Keri Johnson |Keri worked
ATHENS, Ohio — After Ohio University abruptly cancelled its triennial Black Alumni Reunion amid state and policy changes, community organizations banded together through the leadership of the Racial Equity Coalition of Appalachia to make the event happen anyway.
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2 months ago | 
athensindependent.com | Keri Johnson |Keri worked
GLOUSTER, Ohio — The Ohio Auditor of State formally declared the Trimble Local School District to be in fiscal emergency on Tuesday, April 8. According to the declaration, the state auditor has certified the district’s $2.9+ million deficit for this fiscal year — $1.3 million more than initially projected. The declaration comes after the district approved more than 20 layoffs in March, effective June 30.
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2 months ago | 
athensindependent.com | Keri Johnson |Keri worked
ATHENS, Ohio — Athens City Council 1st Ward candidates Megan Almeida and Anthony Jacobs, both Democrats, talked West Side pride, housing and other city issues at a forum held by League of Women Voters at the Athens Community Center on Monday, March 31. Athens City Council consists of a president, four ward reps and three at-large reps. This year’s 1st Ward electee will replace current councilwoman Solveig Spjeldnes, who has served two terms on the council and declined to seek a third.
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Mar 27, 2025 | 
athensindependent.com | Keri Johnson |Keri worked
GLOUSTER, Ohio — The Trimble Local School District Board of Education held a special meeting Monday night to certify the abolition and suspension of faculty positions, as the district’s estimated deficit grows. Originally estimated at a $1.6 million deficit this fiscal year, board treasurer Ashley Miller now sets the projected deficit at $2.5 million to $2.7 million.
