Good morning, Jackson County. Justice has finally arrived after nearly four decades of horror as 62-year-old Robert Collins faces a potential life sentence following his conviction on multiple rape charges. His crimes spanned an almost unimaginable 39-year period, leaving a trail of child victims that continued until just last month. The September 30 sentencing will close a chapter on one of the area's most disturbing criminal cases.
Nature is writing its own dramatic storyline as Athens County's deer population surges by 13.3% over three years, with climate change potentially enabling multiple breeding cycles annually. The environmental impact threatens forest ecosystems just as Rio Grande University celebrates its own population boom – an 11% enrollment increase that defies national trends. The institution now serves 2,641 students, its highest number since 2004, with spring enrollment already open across all five campus locations.
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☕️ What's Brewing Locally
⚖️ Decades of child abuse end with guilty verdict for Ohio man. Robert Collins, 62, was convicted on five counts of rape after sexually abusing at least six minors over a 39-year period. The Glouster resident, who had previous convictions for similar crimes in 1987 and 1994, faces a potential life sentence for his most severe charge. Collins' criminal behavior spanned from 1985 until October 2024, victimizing both male and female children. His sentencing is scheduled for September 30.
🦌 Athens deer population surges amid warming temperatures. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources reports a 13.3% increase in Athens County deer over the past three years, with unusual numbers of fawns appearing on Ohio University's campus. Experts believe climate change is extending deer mating cycles and reducing environmental stress, potentially enabling multiple reproductive cycles annually. The deer boom threatens forest ecosystems as overbrowsing limits tree regeneration and reduces plant diversity critical for local bird habitats. Wildlife officials note deer are increasingly acclimating to human presence, further amplifying their numbers in urban areas.
🎓 Rio Grande University shatters enrollment records with 11% surge. The Ohio institution now serves 2,641 students, exceeding its previous high from 2004. This growth defies national post-pandemic enrollment trends, with Rio's student population expanding 42% since implementing a 2021 affordability plan that cut tuition by 25%. President Ryan Smith credits the university's commitment to exceptional student experiences, which recently produced the largest graduating class in Rio's 149-year history. Spring enrollment is now open at all five campus locations.
🏡 Real Estate Reveals
Tenant income dream home plot: This 1.5-acre property priced at $163,500 offers investors or homeowners a mobile home with current tenant paying $950 monthly, plus space to build a dream home with utilities already in place.
Budget cottage near everything: For $99,500, this quaint 2-bed, 1-bath home offers a generous 70' x 180' lot, spacious living room, dining area, and nice kitchen cabinets, all conveniently located near schools and shopping.
Historic gem needs budget: Charming character home on Portsmouth Street, with 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, crown molding, hardwood floors, and multiple fireplaces is listed at $309,900. The property includes recent upgrades, a fenced yard, hot tub, and detached garage.🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla
🍞 Daily Bread Crumb
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves
-Philippians 2:3
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