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Athens County Independent
@athensindy.bsky.social
Southeast Ohio’s only locally owned, community-driven independent news source. We empower community engagement through accessible public service journalism. Read/subscribe for free at athensindependent.com.
Firefighters from the city of Athens and The Plains and Richland Area volunteer fire departments responded to a fire at Jackie O's Public House restaurant this evening. The fire apparently started in the kitchen and was contained fairly quickly. Photos by Eric Boll.
November 5, 2025 at 12:47 AM
The brothers — one of whom has Down syndrome — are asylum seekers from Venezuela. Arrested in a sting operation last month, they say they didn't know their courier job was with a criminal enterprise. Their case was still open in Athens County when ICE took them from the Southeast Ohio Regional Jail.
Brothers facing charges in Athens County handed over to ICE – Athens County Independent
It was not immediately clear how events unfolded locally or whether local officials cooperated with federal immigration agents.
athensindependent.com
November 3, 2025 at 9:31 PM
Proud to introduce a new community resource: a weather forecast video column ❄️☀️🌧️🌪️.

If planning a family trip to the park, or just want to know when you can get outside to wrench the truck, Radar with Rachel has your back.

➡️ Check it out! youtu.be/2FXh2jWTLOs?...
Radar With Rachel: Athens County weather for the Halloween weekend
YouTube video by Athens County Independent
youtu.be
October 31, 2025 at 3:13 PM
3D-printed homes are popping up in Chauncey as a result of a partnership between Survivor Advocacy Outreach Program and Vitruvian, who are working to provide affordable housing options in the village. athensindependent.com/vitruvian-3d...
October 20, 2025 at 3:20 PM
Job alert! Enjoy a worker-centered, life-friendly culture while making a difference for residents of southeast Ohio. We're on a mission to empower civic engagement through accessible public service journalism. Come join us! #jobs #journalism #fundraising
Athens County Independent hiring an Advertising & Development Manager
The Athens County Independent seeks a full-time Advertising & Development Manager to lead revenue development, through both fundraising and earned revenue.
athensindependent.com
February 10, 2025 at 6:49 PM
Hello, Bluesky!
November 18, 2024 at 4:46 PM
Join us Friday to learn more about your First Amendment rights! @CWRU1stAmClinic will be hosting a FREE 1st Amendment training for journalists, students and the public. Co-hosted by @ThePost. Register and find more info here https://ohio.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bmv1rRCOkAtxdVc
November 22, 2024 at 10:47 AM
In today's Indy: Athens County has lost three local radio DJs in recent months, amid changes following Total Media’s purchase of local radio stations WXTQ and WATH https://athensindependent.com/wath-wxtq-barticus-radio-changes/
Radio station changes continue as Athens loses third DJ –...
DJ Barticus’s departure marks the third loss of a local D...
athensindependent.com
November 22, 2024 at 10:47 AM
Parties reached a tentative settlement agreement in a lawsuit over the 2018 death of Southeast Ohio Regional Jail pretrial detainee Jennifer Ohlinger https://athensindependent.com/jennifer-ohlinger-tentative-lawsuit-settlement/
November 22, 2024 at 10:47 AM
ELECTION RESULTS: Athens County saw one of its highest off-year election turnouts in the 21st century on Tuesday, with 47.03% of registered voters participating https://athensindependent.com/athens-county-complete-election-results-2023/
November 22, 2024 at 10:47 AM
ELECTION RESULTS: Athens County approved both issues with among the widest margins in the state https://athensindependent.com/athens-county-approves-state-issues-2023/
Athens County overwhelmingly approves state abortion, mar...
Athens County approved both issues with among the widest ...
athensindependent.com
November 22, 2024 at 10:54 AM
ELECTION RESULTS: The levy passed with 62% of votes cast for the tax levy, according to unofficial results from the Athens County Board of Elections Tuesday night https://athensindependent.com/acems-levy-2023/
Athens County passes emergency medical services levy – At...
The levy passed with 62% of votes cast for the tax levy, ...
athensindependent.com
November 22, 2024 at 10:54 AM
ELECTION RESULTS: Newcomer Rita Nguyen and incumbents Nancy Sonick and Justin Booth defeated incumbents Tony Dunee, Doug Childs and Dan Sherman in the city’s contested race https://athensindependent.com/nelsonville-city-council-results/
Incumbents ousted, newcomers elected in Nelsonville City ...
Newcomer Rita Nguyen and incumbents Nancy Sonick and Just...
athensindependent.com
November 22, 2024 at 10:54 AM
ELECTION RESULTS: The bond issue passed with 58% of voters in favor. This follows a $60.5 million bond issue voters passed for the district in 2018 https://athensindependent.com/athens-bond-issue-passes-2023/
Athens City Schools voters pass $24 million bond issue fo...
The bond issue passed with 58% of voters in favor. This f...
athensindependent.com
November 22, 2024 at 10:54 AM
We're partnering with @ThePost on this FREE #FirstAmendment training for #journalists, featuring presentations by @CWRU1stAmClinic. Register today! #journalism
November 22, 2024 at 10:54 AM
An intergenerational, multiracial crowd of about 250 students and community members showed support for Palestine outside the Athens County Courthouse on Thursday, Oct. 26

https://athensindependent.com/palestine-solidarity-demonstration-october-2023/
November 22, 2024 at 11:01 AM
📢 Stay in the loop with your community! Don't miss out on what's happening this week in Athens County. Follow the link in bio to read today's Indy Bulletin Board https://athensindependent.com/the-indy-bulletin-board-nov-6-12/
 The Indy Bulletin Board: Athens County Events, Announcem...
Our digest of top headlines from other outlets plus a lis...
athensindependent.com
November 22, 2024 at 11:01 AM
Do you know what today is? (Other than the day we rush to the store for discounted Halloween treats 🍫.)

Starting today, we are raising support for our independent journalism with #NewsMatch! They will match every dollar you give from now until Dec. 31!...
November 22, 2024 at 11:01 AM
Election Day is one week away, on Tuesday, Nov. 7. Have you decided how to vote? Check out our voter guide, which compiles candidate interviews and forums from the League of Women Voters of Athens County and our original reporting. https://athensindependent.com/2023-voters-guide/
2023 General Election Voters Guide – Athens County Indepe...
Your complete, interactive guide to the Nov. 7 ballot.
athensindependent.com
November 22, 2024 at 11:01 AM
Athens County voters will decide this November whether to levy an additional tax to support Athens County Emergency Medical Services. https://athensindependent.com/ems-levy/
Athens County voters to decide on emergency medical servi...
Athens County Emergency Medical Services says it needs fu...
athensindependent.com
November 22, 2024 at 11:01 AM
For the second time in six years, Athens and The Plains residents will decide whether to pass a multimillion-dollar bond issue for Athens City Schools. https://athensindependent.com/athens-city-schools-bond-issue-2023/
Voters to decide on $24 million Athens City Schools bond ...
For the second time in six years, district residents will...
athensindependent.com
November 22, 2024 at 11:08 AM
At its Oct. 9 meeting, Nelsonville City Council heard the first reading of an ordinance that would establish an official policy for processing public records requests https://athensindependent.com/nelsonville-city-council-records/
November 22, 2024 at 11:08 AM
New legislative district maps approved last month scoop out the city of Athens and three townships from Athens County’s center, splitting the county between two Ohio House districts

Read more: https://athensindependent.com/new-district-maps/
November 22, 2024 at 11:08 AM
Candidates for Nelsonville City Council in the upcoming general election largely agreed on key city issues during a League of Women Voters of Athens County election forum on Oct. 10
https://athensindependent.com/nelsonville-city-council-member-forum-2023/
November 22, 2024 at 11:08 AM
Around 50 people attended a public meeting Wednesday night to learn more about and comment on the Ohio Department of Transportation’s plans to install two roundabouts at the intersection of on U.S. 33 and State Route 682 in The Plains...
November 22, 2024 at 11:17 AM