I wrote for Ohio University's student newspaper, The Post, for about eight months as a local staff stringer.
SUMMER 2013
City plans park area for purchased land (8/28/13): Follow up to the last summer 2013 story... Legal formalities will be out of the way this week, and City Planner Paul Logue has a plan for the area.
Athens City Council approves land purchase, puts electrical aggregation on ballot (8/23/13): From injection wells to purchasing property, members of the Athens City Council had a busy summer. (recap)
Council might front $25k for south side property (7/1/13): The 15-acre property, which is currently owned by a family that no longer lives in Athens, is valued at $58,000. But the owners are looking to sell the land to the city for $40,000, Athens City Planner Paul Logue said. Factor in a $15,000 donation from the family and the city would only be paying about $25,000 for the land, according to the proposal on the table.
Members discuss new room layout, technology updates (6/13/13): The Athens City Council chambers could soon be the recipient of a makeover. From updating technology to purchasing new chairs, ideas were thrown around at Monday night’s committee meeting.
Council allows Gator Guys to keep balcony (5/22/13): After several months of discussion, an ordinance granting a revocable license to 63 N. Court Street was passed after previously not passing.
Council supports push for statewide injection well ban (5/7/13): Athens City Council members passed a resolution in support of state lawmakers’ proposal for a statewide ban on underground injection wells at the May 6 meeting.
SPRING 2013
Recommendations could bring technology improvements to Athens (4/23/13): Tom Reid, president and founder of Reid Consulting Group LCC, presented an IT assessment report at Monday’s Athens City Council meeting. The report offered an overview of Reid’s company’s assessment, as well as prioritized recommendations of what the city can improve.
Council session drives edict on city affairs (3/26/13): Members of the Athens City Council met for a special session of ordinances and committee meetings last night, at which a wide range of topics were discussed.
Putting a Price on Property (3/22/13): The Local Staff at the Post worked together on a project about property values in Athens County.
City Council initiative brings energy conservation to Athens (3/18/13): More than 15 ordinances were heard by members of the Athens City Council at their March 18 meeting, ranging from increases in sewer payment rates to Athens’ upcoming participation in an Earth Hour event.
Council unanimously passes resolution against House Bill 5, citing city's potential revenue loss (3/12/13): The Athens City Council unanimously passed a resolution opposing House Bill 5 last Monday.
Council to consider opposing HB5, demolition of Ridges (3/6/13): While many students are relaxing on spring break, members of the Athens City Council discussed OU’s demolition plans for the Ridges and opposing House bill 5 last Monday.
Wastewater treatment plant to receive upgrades (3/1/13): The Athens Wastewater Treatment Plant will be upgraded if funding can be secured.
Former councilman joins race for at-large seat (2/24/13): Michael McSteen, owner of Athens Media Pros, is running for City Council. McSteen served at 1st Ward representative from 1999-2001.
Council works toward making Athens eco-friendly (2/19/13): Athens City Council members work to make the city more eco-friendly and plans are introduced to create a historical preservation board.
Housing assistance provided to those afflicted with HIV/AIDS (2/15/13): Grants totaling more than $1.2 million to address housing needs of Ohioans living with AIDS or HIV-related diseases have been approved by the Ohio Development Services Agency for four organizations across Ohio. Though the AIDS Resource Center in Athens did not directly receive finances, Athens residents who meet the qualifications for this assistance will also be able to receive financial help.
Revocable license needed for former Blue Gator balcony (2/12/13): The former Blue Gator building (63 N. Court St.) has requested a revocable license to build a balcony.
Athens City Council distributes funds, introduces construction plan (2/5/13): Thirteen ordinances and two resolutions were heard at the Feb. 4 Athens City Council Meeting, ranging from inter-fund transfers to refurbishing the Wastewater Treatment Plant on State Street.
Urban Chickens (2/4/13): 166 cities in the United States allow residents to keep chickens in their backyards. Will Athens be next? A duo of Athens fowl aficionados launch city council crusade to loosen restrictions on hen-ownership.
OU grad creates promise project after father's death (2/1/13): For a 2008 graduate of Ohio University, the eulogy he gave at his father’s funeral was more than just a speech; it was the beginning of a social movement.
Several buildings converted into housing for homeless (1/25/13): A former children’s home near Athens is in the process of being renovated to serve as permanent supportive housing units for homeless families.
City Council introduces sidewalk repair project (1/23/13): An ordinance was introduced to apply for grants to help fund the Safe Routes to School project, a sidewalk improvement project.
Council talks rezoning, income taxes (1/15/13): Members of the Athens City Council came back from a winter hiatus to a large agenda. Among the to-do list was the proposal for east side rezoning, income tax collection and financing of a future overhaul of Richland Ave.
SUMMER 2013
City plans park area for purchased land (8/28/13): Follow up to the last summer 2013 story... Legal formalities will be out of the way this week, and City Planner Paul Logue has a plan for the area.
Athens City Council approves land purchase, puts electrical aggregation on ballot (8/23/13): From injection wells to purchasing property, members of the Athens City Council had a busy summer. (recap)
Council might front $25k for south side property (7/1/13): The 15-acre property, which is currently owned by a family that no longer lives in Athens, is valued at $58,000. But the owners are looking to sell the land to the city for $40,000, Athens City Planner Paul Logue said. Factor in a $15,000 donation from the family and the city would only be paying about $25,000 for the land, according to the proposal on the table.
Members discuss new room layout, technology updates (6/13/13): The Athens City Council chambers could soon be the recipient of a makeover. From updating technology to purchasing new chairs, ideas were thrown around at Monday night’s committee meeting.
Council allows Gator Guys to keep balcony (5/22/13): After several months of discussion, an ordinance granting a revocable license to 63 N. Court Street was passed after previously not passing.
Council supports push for statewide injection well ban (5/7/13): Athens City Council members passed a resolution in support of state lawmakers’ proposal for a statewide ban on underground injection wells at the May 6 meeting.
SPRING 2013
Recommendations could bring technology improvements to Athens (4/23/13): Tom Reid, president and founder of Reid Consulting Group LCC, presented an IT assessment report at Monday’s Athens City Council meeting. The report offered an overview of Reid’s company’s assessment, as well as prioritized recommendations of what the city can improve.
Council session drives edict on city affairs (3/26/13): Members of the Athens City Council met for a special session of ordinances and committee meetings last night, at which a wide range of topics were discussed.
Putting a Price on Property (3/22/13): The Local Staff at the Post worked together on a project about property values in Athens County.
City Council initiative brings energy conservation to Athens (3/18/13): More than 15 ordinances were heard by members of the Athens City Council at their March 18 meeting, ranging from increases in sewer payment rates to Athens’ upcoming participation in an Earth Hour event.
Council unanimously passes resolution against House Bill 5, citing city's potential revenue loss (3/12/13): The Athens City Council unanimously passed a resolution opposing House Bill 5 last Monday.
Council to consider opposing HB5, demolition of Ridges (3/6/13): While many students are relaxing on spring break, members of the Athens City Council discussed OU’s demolition plans for the Ridges and opposing House bill 5 last Monday.
Wastewater treatment plant to receive upgrades (3/1/13): The Athens Wastewater Treatment Plant will be upgraded if funding can be secured.
Former councilman joins race for at-large seat (2/24/13): Michael McSteen, owner of Athens Media Pros, is running for City Council. McSteen served at 1st Ward representative from 1999-2001.
Council works toward making Athens eco-friendly (2/19/13): Athens City Council members work to make the city more eco-friendly and plans are introduced to create a historical preservation board.
Housing assistance provided to those afflicted with HIV/AIDS (2/15/13): Grants totaling more than $1.2 million to address housing needs of Ohioans living with AIDS or HIV-related diseases have been approved by the Ohio Development Services Agency for four organizations across Ohio. Though the AIDS Resource Center in Athens did not directly receive finances, Athens residents who meet the qualifications for this assistance will also be able to receive financial help.
Revocable license needed for former Blue Gator balcony (2/12/13): The former Blue Gator building (63 N. Court St.) has requested a revocable license to build a balcony.
Athens City Council distributes funds, introduces construction plan (2/5/13): Thirteen ordinances and two resolutions were heard at the Feb. 4 Athens City Council Meeting, ranging from inter-fund transfers to refurbishing the Wastewater Treatment Plant on State Street.
Urban Chickens (2/4/13): 166 cities in the United States allow residents to keep chickens in their backyards. Will Athens be next? A duo of Athens fowl aficionados launch city council crusade to loosen restrictions on hen-ownership.
OU grad creates promise project after father's death (2/1/13): For a 2008 graduate of Ohio University, the eulogy he gave at his father’s funeral was more than just a speech; it was the beginning of a social movement.
Several buildings converted into housing for homeless (1/25/13): A former children’s home near Athens is in the process of being renovated to serve as permanent supportive housing units for homeless families.
City Council introduces sidewalk repair project (1/23/13): An ordinance was introduced to apply for grants to help fund the Safe Routes to School project, a sidewalk improvement project.
Council talks rezoning, income taxes (1/15/13): Members of the Athens City Council came back from a winter hiatus to a large agenda. Among the to-do list was the proposal for east side rezoning, income tax collection and financing of a future overhaul of Richland Ave.