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Good morning, Athens County. Around 80 Ohio cities already run their own electric utilities — and Athens is eyeing a spot on that list. After Ohio Power Company kept raising rates despite a cost-saving LED upgrade, city leaders are exploring whether to take the power lines into their own hands and put that $160,000 annual streetlight bill to better use. Bold move, but the roadmap exists. On a heavier note, a lawsuit against Ohio University alleges years of ignored sexual harassment complaints at campus broadcaster WOUB, raising serious questions about how the university handles misconduct reports. Need a palate cleanser? Cirque Kalabante's acrobatic show rolls into town October 13th — the perfect antidote to a heavy news week. Local sports scores and fresh real estate listings are waiting inside too. ☕️ What's Brewing Locally  City considers municipal electric utility to help residents save 💡 Athens may ditch its power company — and save residents money. The Ohio city is exploring a municipal electric utility after Ohio Power Company refused to sell its streetlight infrastructure and continued raising rates despite an LED upgrade that was supposed to cut costs. Athens currently spends $160,000 annually on streetlight electricity, with transmission and distribution costs skyrocketing under the for-profit utility. Around 80 Ohio cities already run municipal electric utilities, giving Athens a roadmap to potentially take over local power lines entirely. The city plans to pursue enabling legislation before commissioning a full feasibility study. Read more OU sued for failure to address sexual assault allegations ⚖️ Ohio University is being sued over years of ignored sexual harassment. Caitlin Mohler, an employee at campus public broadcaster WOUB, alleges former General Manager Mark Brewer subjected her to repeated unwanted advances beginning in summer 2023, including kissing her against her will and trapping her in a car until she complied. Despite a report filed by a WOUB director on June 2, 2025, the university's Office of Civil Rights Compliance closed the matter without investigating or contacting Brewer. Brewer resigned on the second day of a disciplinary hearing in March 2026, after which OU dismissed the complaint entirely. Mohler's lawsuit seeks compensatory and punitive damages under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. Read more Candidate roundtable brings Athens County voters face-to-face with local contenders 🗳️ Six candidates joined a League of Women Voters forum at the Athens Community Center, discussing local, state and federal races with area voters. The event came ahead of the Nov. 3 election, with early voting and absentee voting scheduled to begin soon. Read more 🏆 SCOREBOARD | Date | Sport | Matchup |
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| 10/9 | 🏈 Football | Alexander Spartans 7@ Nelsonville-York 49 | | 10/10 | 🏐 G. Volleyball | Athens Bulldogs 1vs Unioto 3 |
🏡 Real Estate Reveals  Spacious ranch with oversized garage — 9311 Hooper Rd — $199,900 3 bed · 2 bath · 24x24 detached garage This charming turn-key ranch in Athens's Valleyview Estates neighborhood sits on a spacious half-acre lot, offering single-story living, a walk-out basement, and an oversized detached garage — move-in ready and full of pride! 🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla 🎪 Oct. 13 - Cirque Kalabante Acrobatic Show 📍 Templeton-Blackburn Alumni Memorial Auditorium, Ohio University · 🕒 7:30 PM Get ready to be amazed as Cirque Kalabante brings jaw-dropping acrobatics and electrifying circus artistry to Templeton-Blackburn Alumni Memorial Auditorium at Ohio University on October 13! 🎵 Oct. 14 - Sprouting Melodies Music Class 📍 The Plains Public Library, The Plains, OH · 🕒 11:00 AM Little ones discover the joy of rhythm and song at Sprouting Melodies, an early childhood music class at The Plains Public Library on Oct. 14 — a perfect way to nurture your tiny musician! 🎨 Oct. 20 - Adult Crafting Workshop 📍 Ohio Valley Museum Of Discovery, Athens, OH · 🕒 2:00 PM Unleash your inner artist at the Ohio Valley Museum of Discovery in Athens this Oct. 20! Join fellow adults for a fun-filled Crafternoon workshop where creativity takes center stage. 🚵 Oct. 24 - Bailey's Dirt Fondo 📍 Baileys Trail System, Millfield, OH · 🕒 1:00 PM Gear up and hit the trails at Bailey's Dirt Fondo on Oct. 24! This mountain bike festival at the Baileys Trail System in Millfield, OH promises an epic ride through stunning terrain. 🎃 Oct. 24 - Halloween Night Market 📍 Athens Art Guild Headquarters, Athens, OH · 🕒 4:00 PM Get ready for a spooky good time at the Athens Art Guild's Halloween Night Market on Oct. 24! Head to their headquarters in Athens, OH for a festive evening of art, community, and Halloween fun. 🎸 Oct. 24 - Angela Perley Acoustic Show 📍 Eclipse Company Store, The Plains, OH · 🕒 6:00 PM Catch Angela Perley's captivating acoustic sounds live at Eclipse Company Store in The Plains, OH on October 24! It's an intimate evening of music you won't want to miss. ⚽ Oct. 29 - Rockets vs Bobcats Women's Soccer 📍 Chessa Field - Soccer Facility, Ohio University · 🕒 3:00 PM Cheer on the Ohio Bobcats as they take on the Toledo Rockets in exciting women's college soccer action on October 29 at Chessa Field on the Ohio University campus! 🖤 Nov. 06 - Poe Dinner Theater Show 📍 Southeast Ohio History Center, Athens, OH · 🕒 5:15 PM Quoth the raven, "Nevermore... skip this dinner!" Join us November 6 at the Southeast Ohio History Center for a spine-tingling Poe-themed dinner theater experience with the Dennis James Dinner Show. 🌎 What Else Is Brewing Donald Trump announced an immediate Russia-Ukraine “energy ceasefire,” though Moscow’s response remained unclear and strikes reportedly continued. Russia faced bipartisan Senate demands to reverse its diesel deal with Washington, which lawmakers said violated a ban on Russian energy imports. Jennifer Rochon ordered the administration to cancel taxpayer-funded television ads promoting Trump’s political message, calling the campaign potentially unlawful. Hurricane Isaias disrupted Gulf energy production, prompting the Energy Department to approve an emergency release of up to four million strategic-reserve barrels. Seven senators urged Trump to scrap the Russian diesel arrangement, arguing the administration ignored Congress and federal restrictions. Trump administration faced a Justice Department investigation into five television networks over alleged antitrust violations tied to White House press coverage. 🍞 Daily Bread Crumb "Cast your burdens on the LORD, and He will sustain you; He will never permit the righteous to be shaken." — Psalm 55:22 When you hand over your worries to God, you’ll find steady support that steadies your heart each day. |
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