Athens County Independent

We are a nonprofit news organization that is independently run and focused on Athens County. By providing consistent coverage of all the communities within Athens County, we aim to unite residents, boost civic involvement, and encourage conversations about local matters, as well as highlight the positive aspects of our area.

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Second annual Porchfest brings bands back home – Athens County Independent

2 days 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.
Doing the right thing has a cost – Athens County Independent

1 week ago | athensindependent.com | Corinne Colbert

This is Al Maloney. Since last October, they’ve been a part of the Indy team as an AmeriCorps service member. On April 25, DOGE gutted the AmeriCorps program. On May 1, Al joined the Independent as our full-time production manager. Hiring Al was an easy decision: In just seven months, they’ve become indispensable to our operations. Losing them would put a serious strain on our ability to maintain our current level of productivity.
Home, Cooking: Crisper-Clearing Green Cabbage Slaw With Dill

1 week ago | athensindependent.com | Rebecca Onion

We’re getting so close: Three weeks left of school; three weeks until the opening of the pool. (Actually, it’s three weeks and a day, and three weeks and two days, respectively; the child in this house insists on accuracy on these important matters.) And while some new offerings are filling in around the edges, we still have a few weeks until the full glory of local produce hits.
State tosses out Ohio University’s objections to faculty union election – Athens County Independent

1 week ago | athensindependent.com | Dani Kington

ATHENS, Ohio — The State Employee Relations Board on Wednesday officially certified the Ohio University faculty union, dismissing OU’s objections to the recent decision of its faculty. OU has 15 days from the order to appeal the decision. Based upon an investigation by an administrative law judge, the SERB found “insufficient evidence” to justify setting aside the union election results.
Incumbents, new faces contend for Athens City Council – Athens County Independent

1 week 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.
Nelsonville votes down Issue 4 – Athens County Independent

1 week 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.
Athens voters reject income tax hike proposal – Athens County Independent

1 week ago | athensindependent.com | Corinne Colbert

ATHENS, Ohio — Athens voters rejected a proposed .03% addition to the city’s income tax that would have brought the rate to 2.25%. The issue failed by 14%, with 835 votes against the tax and 625 in favor, according to unofficial results. Only 17 residents cast ballots in the primary without voting on the tax issue. Just over 11% of the city’s 15,620 registered voters cast ballots in the primary election.
Nelsonville voters seek change through Issue 4 – Athens County Independent

1 week 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.
Fact-checking the proposed Athens city income tax hike – Athens County Independent

2 weeks ago | athensindependent.com | Corinne Colbert

ATHENS, Ohio — In two press conferences and a town hall sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Athens County held earlier this month, the public had opportunities to hear City of Athens officials explain why they want voters to increase the city income tax from 1.95% to 2.25%, beginning next year. In December 2024, Athens City Council passed an ordinance to seek voter approval to raise the city income tax from The .3% represents a 15% increase overall.
Athens City School District retains controversial athletic director – Athens County Independent

2 weeks ago | athensindependent.com | Matt Hendrickson

ATHENS, Ohio — At its Thursday, April 17 meeting, the Athens City Schools Board of Education approved a new two-year contract for Athletic Director Eric Sholtis, despite continued opposition to Sholtis’ tenure by parents of school athletes, mainly pertaining to girls’ sports. Among other complaints, parents say Sholtis was negligent in confirming with the Ohio High School Athletic Association an Athens High School volleyball player’s eligibility to compete.