Since 2011, local governments across the state of Ohio have experienced sharply shrinking funds from the state, but state Sen. Lou Gentile has now proposed a modest restoration of those monies.

Due to major construction and repair projects on the Ohio University campus this summer, OU has closed off some parking areas. However, the university has replaced the lost parking spots with other spaces in campus parking garages and elsewhere.

Alleged missing or disorganized records at the Athens County Engineer's Office have led to a sheriff's investigation into possible destruction of records and questions about how much the department will be reimbursed for nearly $350,000 in Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) work.

Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine (OU-HCOM) announced Friday that it has received approval from the Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA), the accrediting agency for osteopathic medical schools, for its northeast Ohio extension campus.

The owner of a Nelsonville towing company reported last week that he found a large stash of the illegal drug methamphetamine in a salvaged vehicle he had bought at an auction.

Local pet owners now have another option for buying food, toys and bedding for their beloved furry creatures. PetSmart, Inc., opened the doors Saturday on its new location on 743 E. State St.

Though Ohio University President Roderick McDavis is one of the lower-paid presidents of public universities in the state, he – like most of Ohio's public college presidents – is above the median for presidential pay nationwide.

Deadlines for letters are noon on Tuesday for Thursday's edition, and noon on Friday for Monday's edition. Sometimes we will consider late letters if we know ahead of time when the letter will arrive and how much space it will require. Remember, send them to news@athensnews.com.

Read on for other information about submitting letters: