Athens Voice 5-16-13

Let's see here, we've got a little bit of barking dogs, a dash of political bias, a pinch of Cleveland Indians, a smidgen of Farmers Market, and a sconch of global warming. This is your voice, Athens, cherish it.

Athens Voice 5-13-13

Come with me, and you'll see, a world of pure imagination: Tea parties, parking, artistry, maybe incompetency, chill pills, and time marches on. This is your voice, Athens, cherish it.

Athens Voice 5-9-13

Bark like a dog for me. You beast. You animal. I will teach you the meaning of the word respect. OK, enough Caddyshack quotes. And, also: Detours, enunciate, and OU students are missing! This is your voice, Athens, cherish it.

Athens Voice 5-6-2013

What are your favorite pastimes? Somebody else shared their's. Walk about safe walking? Or street parties? OK, let's just cut our losses and talk about taxi cabs. This is your voice, Athens, cherish it.

Athens Voice 5-2-13

Tuition hikes are a real drag. The sheriff did a good job handling a dangerous situation. Plus, gay athletes, jail beds and dogs. This is your voice, Athens, cherish it.

Athens Voice 4-29-13

Every day is Earth Day. And Sunday is pizza day. Plus, y'know, from my cold, dead hands; somebody's making a paint mess on Carpenter Street; the university keeps being a university; and if it's a party you want it's a watered-down, lame-o party you'll get. This is your voice, Athens, cherish it.

Athens Voice 4-25-13

People are stealing signs! People are doing the Hula Hoop! People use computers and the intertoobz! And some other stuff about guns and international street fairs. This is your voice, Athens, cherish it.

Athens Voice 4-22-13

I want it all; money, fast cars, diamond rings, gold chains and champagne. Shoot, every darned thing. I want it all; houses, expenses, my own business, a truck, hmm, and a couple o' Benz's. I want it all; brand new socks and draw's. And I'm ballin everytime I stop and talk to y'all. Some to none of that and more covered in this issue's Athens Voice! Talk back to us, y'all, we want to hear your voice, Athens.

Athens Voice 4-18-13

Racist Cleveland, boring sports, festivals, fracking and other fun. This is your voice, Athens, cherish it.

Athens Voice 4-15-13

Structural dinosaurs, coaches' pay, cell phone searches, what-have-you, we like to provide variety here, Athens. It's your voice and it, well, varies. Viva Variety! Check out this issue's latest Athens Voice!

Addressing the epidemic of military sexual assault

Breaking the Sound Barrier

Rape is center stage this week after the dramatic rescue of three women from close to a decade of imprisonment in a house on a quiet street in Cleveland. The suspect, Ariel Castro, has been charged with kidnap and rape.

Make no mistake; Israel is taking sides over Syria

After making two major air strikes in and near Damascus in three days, Israel informed the Assad regime on Monday that it is not taking sides in the Syrian civil war. But of course it is.

Mission accomplished: Pregnant anti-war soldier imprisoned

Breaking the Sound Barrier

"Ultimately, the success of the nation depends on the character of its citizens." So said George W. Bush in his speech at the dedication of his presidential library in Texas last week.

Different terror busts loose in the West, Texas, night

Breaking the Sound Barrier

The Boston Marathon bombing and its aftermath has dominated the nation's headlines. Yet, another series of explosions that happened two days later and took four times the number of lives, has gotten a fraction of the coverage.

With climate change, most likely option is the worst

There are, we are told, only two options. Either we stop burning fossil fuels before our carbon dioxide emissions drive the planet's average temperature up a full 3.6 degrees F, in which c

Peace activists & patriots at the Boston Marathon bombing

Breaking the Sound Barrier

Monday was Patriots' Day in Massachusetts, celebrating the day the American Revolutionary War began in 1775, at the Battles of Lexington and Concord.

WikiLeaks’ new release: Kissinger cables & Bradley Manning

Breaking the Sound Barrier

WikiLeaks has released a new trove of documents, more than 1.7 million U.S. State Department cables dating from 1973-1976, which they have dubbed "The Kissinger Cables," after Henry Kissinger, who in those years served as secretary of state and assistant to the president for national security affairs.

Gun control in the U.S.: It’s time for the majority to move

Breaking the Sound Barrier

New federal gun-control legislation has been declared all but dead on arrival this week. Gridlock in the U.S. Senate, where a supermajority of 60 votes is needed to move most legislation these days, is proving to be an insuperable barrier to any meaningful change in the wake of the Newtown, Conn. massacre.

Another war in on Korean Peninsula? We had better hope not

The U.S.-South Korean military exercises will continue until the end of this month, and the North Korean threats to do something terrible if they do not stop grow more hysterical by the day. Last week the Great Successor, Kim Jong-un, was shown signing a decree that ordered North Korea's long-range missile forces to be ready to launch against the United States, while senior military officers looked on approvingly.

Edie Windsor finally gets her day in court in marriage case

Breaking the Sound Barrier

The U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments about same-sex marriage this week. On Tuesday, it was about the controversial California ballot initiative known as Prop 8, which has banned same-sex marriages in that state.

Correction

The Athens NEWS article in Monday's issue about the Ratha Con comic/sci-fi/fantasy convention incorrectly identified Sam Berlin as the event "organizer."

Correction

A story about a protest at the Athens Farmers Market that ran in Thursday's edition included quoted remarks incorrectly attributed to Angie Starline of Starline Organics, a vendor at the market.

Don’t believe us about the sheriff? Read the transcript

From the Athens NEWS Editorial Board

Since The Athens NEWS ran its endorsement of Republican sheriff's candidate Steve Kane in our Oct. 18 issue, we have become even more convinced of our choice (despite getting chewed up quite a bit over it by supporters of Sheriff Kelly).

McSteen, Bart and Cochran for at-large City Council

In the May 7 Democratic primary election for three Athens City Council at-large seats, we recommend the election of three challengers, Michael McSteen, Michael Bart and Jennifer Cochran. All three will bring thoughtful and fresh perspectives to City Council.

Endorsement Wrap-up 2012

Here's a rundown of all of our endorsements in the Nov. 6 General Election. The original, full versions of these endorsements can be found at www.athensnews.com. Pull down the "Editorial" menu to find "Endorsements."

Elect three Democrats to GOP-lopsided Supreme Court

In the three races for the Ohio Supreme Court, we urge Athens County voters to lend support to the three Democrats running for election on the overwhelmingly Republican court.

Hoover will provide energy, experience as appeals judge

We support the election of Marie Hoover, a Portsmouth Democrat, to the Fourth District Court of Appeals. This district includes Athens and 13 other southeast Ohio counties.

Issue 1 is unnecessary; vote no

For the Ohio ballot issue that hardly anyone knows anything about, State Issue 1, we urge a no vote. It's probably enough reason to reject something as important as this if you're unsure of its meaning or consequence. But in this case, there are good reasons to say no.

Chmiel has the edge in county commissioner race

The Athens NEWS supports Democrat Chris Chmiel in his campaign for Athens County commissioner. The seat is now held by Mark Sullivan, whom Chmiel defeated in the Democratic primary in March.

Vote Pat Lang for a moderate, energetic voice in Congress

We support Democrat Pat Lang's election to the 15^th Congressional District, a convoluted and far-flung district that includes Athens County. Lang, the city of Athens law director, echoes many of the policy positions of our president, which is just fine with us.

Reward City Schools for cutting costs; yes on #20

We strongly recommend that Athens City School District voters vote yes on Issue 20, an emergency operating levy renewal that provides essential funding for school district operations and staff.

Obama gives us the best shot at solving nation’s problems

We believe it's imperative for President Barack Obama to be re-elected, and here's three compelling reasons why:

Sheriff Kelly’s legal, ethical issues disqualify him

We support Steve Kane in the election for Athens County Sheriff, though our endorsement decision wasn't easy. While we are impressed with aspects of incumbent Sheriff Pat Kelly's performance during his first term in office, we feel he's a polarizing figure who plays fast and loose with ethical standards.

Speech controversy at Market may be over, but issue sure isn’t

To the Editor:

Thomas Parfitt and Brent Hayes, owners of The Market on State where the Athens Farmers Market currently resides, have declared that political advocacy and business are incompatible. Speaking on behalf of both, Parfitt defines political advocacy as "business suicide" (The NEWS, April 14).

Village may finally become accountable for its actions

To the Editor:

The article appearing in The Athens NEWS Monday, May 13, concerning Chauncey's partial win in the public records lawsuit may turn out to be but a shallow victory unless the Wise Old Owl can prove to the court that the village did lawfully dispose of those public records legally, something he could not do in the Baggs public records lawsuit.

Local man explains his reasons for one-man protest at Market

To the Editor:

First, I would like to thank everyone who has supported my act of civil disobedience. For those of you who may be confused as to the purpose of my demonstration, allow me to clarify:

This is the month to celebrate foster parents and familes

To the Editor:

May is the month we set aside to celebrate National Foster Care Month. This provides an excellent opportunity to recognize the hard work and commitment of Athens County Children Services foster parents, who so willingly open their hearts and their homes to make a difference in the lifetime of the children entrusted to their care.

Protester was a distraction from real issue about nature of Farmers Market

To the Editor: The Athens Farmers Market is not only a gathering place for people to buy healthy products and support artisans and craftspeople, it is also an ongoing civic and social

Friends Meeting affirms its welcome of LGBT worshippers

To the Editor:

News media seem to have a bias when it comes to tea party

To the Editor:

Yesterday, the IRS apologized for its practice (utilized during the last presidential election cycle) of singling out any organizations with "tea party" in the title and subjecting them for further review, auditing, etc.

Shelter Friends could use help

To the Editor:

Withholding vital sex info from teens shows poor judgment, bad policy

To the Editor:

(This letter was inspired after The Athens NEWS ran the lengthy Cincinnati CityBeat feature about Republican leaders in Columbus, "The Chastity Bunch," in its May 2 edition.)

Don’t lose track of the fundamental mission of the Athens Farmers Market – local food

To the Editor:

I'd like to appeal to the vocal citizens of Athens County to "chill" when it comes to the free speech issue at the Farmer's Market. Don't get me wrong… I agree with those who feel that anyone trying to squelch free speech is un-American.

Future of solar and wind energy on an ever-hotter planet

Environmentalists of all stripes support policies to expand solar energy and wind energy, among other "renewables." Indeed, solar and wind are viewed across the spectrum of environmental groups as a principal method for reducing carbon dioxide emissions and other greenhouse gas emissions that are causing increasingly catastrophic climate change.

Township in error about decision to abandon B&O land

The Athens Conservancy has been working on the re-acquisition of the former B&O Railroad grade now for three years. It is an immense challenge to try to re-assemble a usable corridor, which was largely broken up into small pieces.

Your input is needed to save education in state of Ohio

Disappointment, anger, even outrage is what I feel over what is happening to public education in the State of Ohio. Maybe you are not aware of the lack of political will in our Ohio General Assembly to properly fund public education.

Local firm had hands full — literally — with post-fest cleanup

This is a follow-up to the recent Joshua Tree Lawn & Landscape 11 Fest "baptism by fire" recycling extravaganza.

If only OU could return to its former management style

Every town and university has its folklore. For example, there's the oft-repeated belief that Ohio University, in its administrative capacity, was responsible for the demolition of one of two near-mirror-image cow barns on Dairy Lane that once complemented the Athens State Hospital, now known as the Ridges.

City Council shouldn’t use riders to bunch unrelated laws

In recent weeks, our Athens city government has engaged in some questionable practices. Specifically, City Council attached a rider to an appropriations ordinance and went out of its way to adopt it as quickly as possible.

Village of Albany can’t waive its water policy on a whim

To the Editor:

I'm writing this in response to a letter published March 25 concerning the village of Albany and its Water and Sewer Department policies, as well as the actions of its Village Council concerning an incident brought before it on March 20. Before I proceed, please understand that even though I am a member of Village Council, I am writing this as a private citizen.

State on verge of forgetting Appalachian, urban schools

The state of Ohio has financially squeezed public education beyond its breaking point, and cracks are starting to show at the state's most fragile areas.

Time for Obama & OU students to rise to climate challenge

On Feb.17, 40,000 people descended upon the National Mall in Washington, D.C. – despite frigid weather – to take part in a historic rally aimed at preventing a global climate catastrophe. Over 100 buses from 28 states (including one from Athens) contributed to a turn-out far exceeding the expectations of organizers.

A fracking truck accident we hope will never happen

As citizens in 21st century America, we assume that our national and state laws protect us and our children. They do, in many cases, but NOT went it comes to health and safety regulations concerning the fracking of natural gas and oil. In Ohio, there are so many holes in the oil and gas regulations that the loopholes are big enough to drive a bus through.

Let Farmers Market get back to core function, local food

It's three weeks since my column suggesting that the Athens Farmers Market board say adios to The Market on State and move somewhere else, in reaction to the mall owners' new directive banning political advocacy at the twice-weekly open-air market.

Alex history teacher and taxpayers getting a raw deal

Let's hope that the Ohio Department of Education examiner who heard the case against an Athens area high-school history teacher earlier this month will recommend dismissal of complaints against the teacher for improper "touching" in the classroom.

If I were market, I’d move rather than obey political ban

The other day, Brent Hayes and Tom Parfitt, owners of the old University Mall (now The Market on State) told the Athens Farmers Market that they don't want any more politicking or advocacy at the market, which for much of the year takes place twice a week in the mall's front parking lot.

Term limits don’t work; nyah, nyah, nyah, I told you so!

21 years after Ohio voters OKed them 2-1, the apple has lost its luster

Is it a sign of defective character to want to climb atop the tallest building and scream, "I told you so!!" when events and history confirms you were correct about an important matter?

New student fest enforcement policy a big success... so far

The arson-caused house fire that ultimately led Athens and its police department to aggressively shut down Palmer Fest on April 28 of last year also may have lit a fuse on the end of violent and destructive block parties in Athens' student neighborhoods.

If OU won’t answer the easy questions, what about the hard ones?

A running theme to criticism of Ohio University's management of the Ridges has been a lack of community involvement and openness to the public and news media. That's why it's so fit

Don’t cry crocodile tears for Steubenville teen rapists

While I've got mixed emotions about the Steubenville teen rape case, I don't harbor much sympathy for the two male teens convicted of sexually assaulting an intoxicated female peer during a series of drunken parties last August.

Don’t ever get as loaded as questions in tea party poll

When I saw the headline on the news release, my jaw dropped, and in the next moment, I was calling my Canadian in-laws to ask if they had any extra room for my wife and me.

As an honorary friend of the Ridges, here’s my 2 cents

Ridges building demolition has started

In the photo with this story, a contractor for Ohio University works at tearing down Building 26 at the Ridges. The decision to tear down the old "T.B. ward" has been the focus of ample controversy in Athens, but even so the university started the demolition work without making any public announcement, other than a general timetable of the next "couple weeks." This column was written before the work started earlier this week.

Fracking ban fine for Athens but reckless and illegal otherwise

There seems to be ample confusion about the local Bill of Rights Committee's proposal to ban deep-shale drilling and related activities. The confusion, to a great extent, results from the wording of the proposed ordinance itself, but also from statements by its proponents.