Athens police recommends city discontinue Flock camera contract amid community scrutiny

📷 Athens police want to pull the plug on its surveillance cameras. Athens City Police Chief Nick Magruder recommended the city discontinue its contract with Flock Safety, a license plate reader company, following months of community pushback over privacy concerns. Mayor Steve Patterson read the department's recommendation to City Council on Monday, expressing support for the decision. The city currently holds a two-year contract for two cameras costing $12,300, set to expire in February 2027, leaving it unclear whether the cameras will go dark immediately or simply not be renewed. The move reflects a growing national backlash against Flock Safety's surveillance technology. Read more

Weeks after severe storms, southeast Ohio communities are recovering from floods

🌊 Southeast Ohio families are being hit by floods twice over. Severe storms in August damaged or destroyed more than 850 homes and businesses across 23 Ohio counties, and a second wave of storms struck southeast Ohio around Sept. 10, prompting a state of emergency in 19 counties. In Morgan County, some residents who spent over $10,000 repairing damage from the first storms watched their homes flood again weeks later. Emergency management director Steve Redrup described homes filled with mud, one hanging over a riverbank, and displaced families with nowhere to turn. Three counties are now coordinating a joint long-term recovery effort, with the most urgent need being stable shelter for displaced residents. Read more

Thomas, Pero run wild in Bulldogs' 35-7 win at Meigs

🏈 Athens' ground game was simply unstoppable in a 35-7 blowout. The Bulldogs rushed for nearly 400 yards against Meigs, with quarterback Briar Thomas and running back Luke Pero combining for 342 of those yards. Thomas was the standout performer, carrying 15 times for 191 yards and two touchdowns while also throwing for 102 yards and another score. Pero added 141 yards and a touchdown on 22 carries, continuing his dominant rushing season. Athens, now 6-1 overall and 3-0 in the TVC-Ohio, returns home to face winless Wellston next. Read more

Fully furnished student condo near campus — 15 S Shafer St Apt 2002 — $121,000

4 bed · 2 bath · Fully furnished w/ pool & fitness center

Fully furnished and move-in ready, this spacious 4-bed condo at University Commons offers Athens students the ultimate convenience — private campus bus, pool, gym, and all utilities wired in!

Updated Athens duplex near Ohio University — 79 W Union St — $253,800

4 bed · 2 bath · Updated duplex with tenants in place

This charming 1910 duplex sits just steps from Ohio University in walkable Athens, offering two updated units with tenants already in place — perfect for savvy investors or future Bobcat parents!

Wooded lodge retreat near state park — 11777 Peach Ridge Rd — $429,000

3 bed · 3.5 bath · 3,364 sqft on 13 wooded acres

Tucked along coveted Peach Ridge Road, this stunning lodge-style retreat sits on 13 wooded acres bordering state park land — offering rare Athens privacy, nature trails at your doorstep, and effortless access to town!