Anti-poverty effort good for everybody

Commentary

Perhaps more disturbingly askew than the distribution of wealth in the United States is most Americans' perception of the actual size of the gap between the rich and poor.

Churches, pantries lead in fight against poverty

While numerous government services offer a variety of support to those facing poverty in Athens County, churches and food pantries often stand at the forefront in the struggle to feed and otherwise help those in need to get through the month.

Is attacking poverty a political priority?

In the aftermath of U.S. Census figures released last week showing that one in seven Americans are living in poverty, local anti-poverty advocates are renewing their call on political leaders to help these Americans who are falling into despair.

Legislative candidates’ full answers to questions about poverty

In response to The Athens NEWS' series on poverty in Athens County, several questions about the issue were sent to various local politicians and candidates for office. Below are the questions along with their full responses.

Poverty: Usually it's not their fault

A common conception of poor people these days is that many citizens are "gaming the system" for various forms of assistance, too lazy or unmotivated to pick themselves up by the bootstraps and fend for themselves.

Educators and poverty advocates fight over the same pool of money

Policy advocates across the spectrum usually agree that the only way to alleviate generational poverty is to both promote education and provide direct assistance to struggling families. But often these two necessary components find themselves competing for the same money.

Center addresses deteriorating conditions in area

When the Nelsonville Community Center began giving away clothes and food and providing resources to those who need help in this area, most of the people who showed up at the door were those director Rhonda Bentley calls the "chronically poor."

Staffer to help address growing need for kinship childcare

After years of seeing the need for more help for family members who have been caring for the children of their relatives, Athens County Children Services has now created a Kinship Care caseworker position to provide consultation and assistance.

County leads state in people working, but still poor

Athens County truly is the “working poor” capital of Ohio. The latest available U.S. Census figures show that Athens has the highest percentage in the state of employed civilians working in service occupations and the lowest percentage of those employed in manufacturing. With service-industry jobs paying minimum wage or only slightly above it, the financial hardships of many living in this area are severe.

Grandparents pick up child-rearing burdens

Many taking low-wage jobs to care for their kids’ kids

This is the first article in a series focused on working people facing financial hardship in Athens County.

Our Trick or Treat Gallery has been posted

Our annual photo gallery of kids at the Athens Uptown Business Association's annual uptown trick-or-treat celebration has now been posted. You can link from here, or click on the icon for the trick-or-treat gallery (the one at the top of the list) after clicking on "Galleries" at the top of this page.

Hallelujah – our print edition is being distributed

Apologies for the delay

The Athens NEWS' print edition for this morning (Monday, Aug. 27) is finally being distributed this (Monday) afternoon, after a several-hour delay due to technical issues at our printing plant in Columbus. Your patience will be rewarded by our second jumbo back-to-school issue, chock full of news and features.

Supreme Court upholds Affordable Care Act; reactions pour in

The U.S. Supreme Court upheld the Affordable Care Act Thursday morning by a vote of 5-4, with Chief Justice John Roberts casting the decisive vote and authoring the opinion of the majority.

OU scientists make primate evolution discovery

Two fossil discoveries from the East African Rift reveal new information about the evolution of primates, according to a study published online in Nature recently led by Ohio University scientists.

Construction means parking changes on campus

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.

Med school gets approval for extension campus

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.

Former OU footballer to do prison time for random assault

Victim recounts serious medical impacts

A former Ohio University football player will serve at least six months in prison on a felonious assault charge, stemming from what both he and his victim, another OU student, seem to agree was a senseless, unprovoked attack.

Former student may plead in felonious assault on fellow student

It appears that a former Ohio University student may take a plea bargain today (Thursday) in a case in which he's accused of having assaulted another student.

Survey: McDavis pay low for Ohio, but not for U.S.

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.

OU to pay $11,000 to settle nursing student’s suit

Ohio University has reached a settlement with a former nursing student who sued OU after it denied her a degree because of her low grade on a national preparatory test.

OU concerned about utility tunnels creating safety hazard

Ohio University has a network of underground utility tunnels, one of which started to give way recently, leading to a potential sinkhole situation on University Terrace, an OU official confirmed Monday.

Athens-based prof does his part to help rebels in his native Syria

At a time when Washington is debating what role America should play in the civil war in Syria, one Athens resident – professor Amr Al-Azm –believes it's time for the U.S. to do more to help the rebels.

Squabbling over use of OU’s Ridges nothing new

In March, Ohio University announced plans to resurrect a long-mothballed advisory committee, to offer input on how the university should use the Ridges property it took over from the state Department of Mental Health 25 years ago.

Independent city candidate thinks voters need a choice

City of Athens voters will get some options this November after all. With the filing of independent candidate Troy Gregorino last Monday, the race for the three at-large City Council seats will now be contested.

Council primary had one missing ingredient – students

A majority of Ohio University students left town by last Tuesday's primary election, and numbers from the Athens County Board of Elections reflect the low turnout that resulted.

Incumbents, challenger to advance to general election ballot in Nov.

Independent candidate throws name into ring

The winners of Tuesday's Athens Democratic Primary election on Wednesday morning expressed gratitude for voter support, graciousness to their opponents and anticipation of a now-contested November general election.

Patterson, Knisely and Cochran win Dem nod for Athens City Council

Trimble levy fails by 16 votes

The night went to the incumbents, with Athens City Council members Christine Knisely and Steve Patterson, both Democrats, winning their party's nomination for re-election Tuesday night. Challenger Jennifer Cochran took the party's third nod in unofficial results posted by the Athens County Board of Elections around 9:15 p.m.

Departing council member endorses challenger

At-large City Council Democratic primary candidate Michael Bart this week secured himself the Elahu Gosney bump, for whatever it's worth, taking the endorsement of the outgoing council member.

Dem gov hopeful slams GOP state budgeting

Democratic Ohio gubernatorial candidate Ed FitzGerald didn't mince words about incumbent Republican Gov. John Kasich during a visit to Athens Saturday.

Council candidates weigh in on city infrastructure projects

The city of Athens has some major infrastructure projects lined up for the near future, with massive renovations to its wastewater treatment plant, repairs to Columbus Road and a rehabilitation of Richland Avenue south.

Former councilman tries again

The at-large Democratic primary for Athens City Council has one new candidate in Michael McSteen, whose petitions were recently certified by the Athens County Board of Elections.

When it comes to frack ban, candidates agree

All five at-large Athens candidates support ban

All five candidates in the Democratic primary for City Council's three at-large seats expressed support over the weekend for the efforts of the local Bill of Rights Committee to ban horizontal hydraulic fracturing in Athens and potentially in the watershed that supplies drinking water to Athens.

Still just one new candidate for council

Though the filing deadline is fast approaching, only one new candidate for Athens City Council has emerged, local DJ and manager at Avalanche Pizza Michael Bart.

New biz center offers hope for regional economic development

Nelsonville has been in a tricky position as of late. With the U.S. Rt. 33 bypass of the small city expected to be completed this summer, it's certain that some kind of change looms on the town's horizon. Whether that change will be positive or negative remains unclear.

Area's state rep named assistant minority leader for Dem caucus

State Rep. Debbie Phillips has a new role in the Ohio House of Representatives as assistant minority leader for the Democratic caucus.

East-side hotel closer to becoming a reality

A local developer is looking to move forward with plans to bring a Marriot Fairfield Inn & Suites to East State Street after being rejected by the Athens Board of Zoning Appeals for a variance request in November.

Council approves controversial apartment balcony

In a split decision Monday night, Athens City Council approved a balcony on the second floor of 63 N. Court St., the former home of the Blue Gator bar and restaurant that has now been converted into apartments.

Head of county’s 911 call center stepping down

The director of Athens County's 911 Call Center, Scott Warner, resigned from that position Tuesday afternoon in a letter to the Athens County Commissioners.

Farmers Market protester considering plea deal

An Athens man who was arrested for staging a free-speech protest at the Athens Farmers Market May 4 indicated Tuesday that he's likely to accept a plea bargain offered him by the Athens city prosecutor's office.

Planning effort seeks to define essence of Athens

What makes Athens special to you? Is it the Georgian-style architecture of the picturesque Ohio University campus? Is it the red Athens bricks that line Court Street, or the view of the Appalachian foothills from the treasured bike path, or the old asylum and grounds at The Ridges?

Athens Foundation announces grant recipients

The Athens Foundation has announced the award of 22 grants to nonprofits in the region totaling over $53,000.

File under 'garbage'

Prosecutor says he never asked sheriff to dump his old records

Reportedly due to a mix-up at the Athens County Sheriff's Office, hundreds of felony case and investigative files belonging to the Athens County Prosecutor are now buried at the Athens-Hocking Reclamation Center, the landfill just northwest of Nelsonville.

Area group wins grants for Wayne beautification

Keep Southeast Ohio Beautiful has announced that it has been awarded a Waste Management Think Green Grant for $4,000 as part of the environmental services company's nationwide effort to improve community environments through cleanups, beautification, recycling and educational programs.

Report: U.S. needs to pay more attention to 'clean energy' market

The global clean energy marketplace is expanding rapidly, but the competitive position of American industry is at risk because of increased competition abroad and uncertain policies at home, according to a report released earlier this week by the Pew Charitable Trusts.

Both new area reps vote for 'cliff' deal

Both U.S. congressmen now representing Athens County voted in favor of H.R. 8, the 11th hour legislation designed to stop the nation from tumbling over the so-called fiscal cliff. Both U.S. senators representing Ohio also favored the deal.

County’s congressmen march unflinchingly toward fiscal cliff

As the United States begins a final month of negotiations before the looming Jan. 1 "fiscal cliff" deadline, this area's Republican members of Congress are more or less sticking to the party line of shunning tax increases on the top 2 percent of wage earners and instead calling for spending cuts.

GOP ambitions beneath the Mitt Romney facade: A report from the Republican National Convention

From San Diego CityBeat

I had a decision to make. I'd been in Tampa for all of 15 minutes, and I was already late for something, anything, everything — a white rabbit with OCD, searching for Mad Hatters.

Komen reversal allows sighs of relief

GOP presidential candidates slam decision, citing Planned Parenthood and abortions

Women's health advocates in southeast and central Ohio are hoping that the flap over breast-screening grants to Planned Parenthood don't set back their cause.

Rep. Gibbs, in first 7 months, attacks regulation, taxes

U.S. Rep. Bob Gibbs displaced incumbent Zack Space in 2010 during the race for Ohio's 18th Congressional district seat. Now with seven months in office under his belt, Gibbs claims he's on his way t

Both area's congressmen vote for debt compromise

Both U.S. Rep. Bob Gibbs, R-Lakeville, and U.S. Rep. Bill Johnson, R-Marietta, voted in favor of the debt ceiling compromise that was signed by President Barack Obama on Tuesday, the deadline for the

Two local congressmen not budging on debt, taxes

As Washington careens toward the Aug. 2 deadline to raise the national debt ceiling and avoid an unprecedented default that could lower the United States' credit rating, this area's two members of Congress reiterated national Republican calls for deep spending cuts.

Tax myths and tall tales

Nine tax facts that hardly anyone knows

Editor's note: In this piece, prepared for members of the Association of Alternative Newsweeklies, Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist David Cay Johnston reviews nine tax myths that hardly anyone knows about, including the ideas that poor people don't pay taxes and that rich people are overtaxed.

New rep: Repealing ‘Obamacare’ a top priority

With the new Republican-controlled U.S. House of Representatives, lawmakers are looking to make good on campaign promises to “repeal and replace” the health-care reform legislation that Democrats passed in 2010.

Youngstown voters shoot down anti-fracking ballot measure

A proposed anti-fracking amendment on the ballot in Youngstown got turned down decisively by voters in Tuesday's primary election. The proposal was based on the same template that an Athens anti-fracking group is using to propose a ban on drilling and related activities in Athens.

Ohio GOP continues its war on moderation

Ohio Republicans continue targeting of sex education, women’s rights and health care for the poor

In the early 1960s, Roe v. Wade had yet to legalize abortion, Medicaid didn't exist, and educating teenagers on issues related to women's health and sex was still considered taboo. Progressives often argue that society has made great strides on these issues since that time.

Pittsburgh taco man got inspiration from Athens

When looking back on the ol' college days, James Rich, 41, Ohio University Class of 1993, remembers little about the classes he took. He was always "more of a man of leisure than studies," spending most of his Athens days playing pool in the basement of old Baker Center, going on long hilly bike rides and most importantly working at the Burrito Buggy.

Was church fire set by LGBT haters?

In Hocking Hills, authorities probe church fire that pastor calls hate crime

The Rev. Scott Davis says he has no doubt that the destruction of his Hocking Hills area church early last Friday was a malicious act related to the fact that the church welcomes gays and lesbians.

State’s school chief resigns after report on conflicts

Political candidates used to be known for holding a whistle-stop train tour. Perhaps state Rep. Debbie Phillips can hold a whistleblower tour.

ODNR records shine light on state geologist's removal

Redrawn Utica map cited as one reason, close ties to shale industry another

Ohio's top geologist got sacked at least partly because he publicly released a game-changing Utica deep-shale map and study without vetting his higher-ups, records obtained from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources confirm.

Regional report shows illegal drugs ‘highly available’

The latest state report on substance abuse released on Friday shows that crack cocaine, bath salts, heroin, marijuana, prescription opioids, sedative-hypnotics and a drug used to treat heroin addiction all remain “highly available in the Athens region.”

Study projects eventual economic benefits from shale drilling boom

But says many of the initial benefits will flow out of state

A new study has concluded that, as many people have long suspected, the state of Ohio is poised on the brink of a huge expansion in its oil-and-gas drilling industry, based on exploitation of shale be

Meigs judge cites health reasons for exit, despite high court probe

Since The Athens NEWS reported on its website Monday that long-time Meigs County Common Pleas Judge Fred W. Crow III had resigned under a cloud, local and regional news outlets have jumped on the stor

Local state rep proposes ban on private ownership of large exotic animals

Move comes in wake of animal slaughter in Muskingum County

State Rep. Debbie Phillips, D-Athens, has proposed legislation that would ban private ownership of large, exotic animals in Ohio. The proposed legislation comes in the wake of the incident in Muskingum County Wednesday Wednesday in which a collector of exotic animals killed himself after releasing 56 of the animals at his farm near Zanesville.

NBA prospect D.J. Cooper shines at invitational

Ohio University senior guard D.J. Cooper continued his string of impressive performances in preparation for the NBA Draft last week at the prestigious Portsmouth Invitational in Portsmouth, Va., according to a news release from Ohio Athletic Media Relations.

Spring training puts some of OU football team’s bench in spotlight

After a year where the Ohio Bobcat football team saw a special season derailed by injuries, they didn't take any chances during the 2013 spring practice schedule.

Kentucky man wins Athens Marathon

Thomas Chaillou, 28, of Lexington, Ky., placed first in the 2013 Athens Marathon, with a time of 2:35:07, crossing the finish line Sunday morning at Pruitt Field.

Coaches’ salaries show wide gender disparity in MAC

It’s all about money... or is it?

Pat Summitt, the former head women's basketball coach at the University of Tennessee, won eight national championships and 16 Southeastern Conference Championships in her 38 years with the Lady Vols. She finished her career with 1,048 wins, a .841 winning percentage and the honor of being a member of the Basketball Hall of Fame.

With senior studs departing, what now for the ’Cats?

The Ohio Bobcat men's basketball team's 2012-13 season came to a close March 19 with a 61-57 loss to the Denver Pioneers in the first round of the National Invitation Tournament. That defeat also marked the end of an illustrious era of Bobcat men's basketball with the departures of seniors D.J. Cooper, Walter Offutt, Reggie Keely and Ivo Baltic.

Departing OU footballers put everything into Pro Day

The Peden Stadium weight room was packed, but no one made a sound. Teammates, friends and family gathered as senior linebacker Jelani Woseley stepped up to the vertical jump station.

Ohio men end season with loss to Denver in NIT first round

In their first National Invitation Tournament appearance since 1995, the sixth-seeded Ohio Bobcat men's basketball team fell 61-57 to the Denver Pioneers in a down-to-the-wire game during the tournam

Bobcats get stopped cold in effort to reach NCAA big dance

Cats snag invite to NIT, will face Denver Tuesday night

What was a mostly impressive season for the Ohio Bobcat men's basketball team came to a humiliating end at the hands of none other than the Akron Zips in Saturday night's Mid-American Conference Championship game, with the all-important automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament on the line.

Zips dominate Bobcats in MAC men's championship game

Akron pulls off season trifecta against ice-cold Ohio

In a rematch of last season's thrilling 64-63 Ohio defeat of Akron in the Mid-American Conference Championship game Saturday night, the top-seeded Zips earned the automatic NCAA Tournament bid this time around.

Cats pass the test in MAC semifinal, face rival Akron for conference ring

Cooper hits double-double in victory over WMU

Next up a rematch Saturday night with Akron for the MAC championship. The Ohio Bobcat men's basketball team assured the rematch with the Zips after beating the Western Michigan Broncos Friday night in Cleveland.

OU VisCom grad in jail in Cambodia; disputes charge

An Ohio University photojournalism graduate has been arrested in Cambodia after taking pictures of a married couple for a project while participating in the Angkor Photo Workshop. He reportedly has been accused of — and has denied — producing pornographic content.