Good morning, Meigs County. Academic freedom is making headlines at Ohio University, where a new communications policy requiring faculty to notify administrators before speaking with media has ignited significant pushback. Several professors have raised First Amendment concerns, with journalism professor Nerissa Young declaring herself a "conscientious objector" to the controversial directive. Meanwhile, in a remarkable real estate bargain, a Tennessee company snagged an abandoned health department building for just $500, rescuing Wood County from potential demolition costs that could have reached hundreds of thousands.
As November approaches, Athens County voters will face critical decisions on three essential levies. The ballot includes renewals for the Board of Developmental Disabilities, which hasn't requested additional funding in two decades, and the 911 Sales and Use Tax for emergency communications. Additionally, a replacement levy would boost Emergency Medical Services funding from 1 mill to 1.5 mills to maintain countywide ambulance operations. All three measures appear on the November 4th General Election ballot.
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87%☕️ What's Brewing Locally
🔍 Ohio University's communications policy sparks faculty free speech fears. The interim policy, introduced by the Vice President of University Communications and Marketing, requires faculty to notify administrators when speaking to media about their expertise. Several professors have voiced concerns that the policy violates First Amendment rights and creates an "atmosphere of fear." Journalism professor Nerissa Young declared herself a "conscientious objector" to the policy, refusing to follow it. University spokesperson Dan Pittman countered that faculty remain free to engage with media on topics related to their academic expertise without prior approval.
🏢 Tennessee company buys abandoned health department for just $500. Rocky Rocco LLC purchased the former Mid-Ohio Valley Health Department building at auction in Parkersburg, saving Wood County from potential demolition costs estimated in the hundreds of thousands. The building at 211 Sixth Street had been vacant since May 2024, when a waterline break forced health department operations to relocate. County officials had initially worried no buyers would appear, but the Tennessee-based company submitted its offer just as officials were considering demolition options. No details about the buyer's plans for the property have been revealed.
🗳️ Athens County voters face three crucial levies this November. The ballot includes a renewal levy for the Athens County Board of Developmental Disabilities, which serves over 800 individuals without requesting a funding increase in 20 years. A second measure would renew the 911 Sales and Use Tax for another five years, generating approximately $10.5 million for emergency communications systems. The third issue is a replacement levy for Emergency Medical Services, increasing from 1 mill to 1.5 mills to support countywide ambulance operations. All three measures will appear on ballots for the November 4th General Election.
🏡 Real Estate Reveals
Affordable bright space potential update: This 1975 split-level home is offered at $160,000, featuring skylights, updated kitchen from 2018, four potential bedrooms, and a newer AC unit on a quarter-acre lot in Southern Local School District.
Spacious country retreat with upgrades: For $119,000, this Meigs County home on 4.25 acres comes with a 3-bedroom mobile home, 5-stable barn, and small storage buildings, plus recent upgrades including a new metal roof and updated HVAC system, all just 15 minutes from Alexander Local Schools. Rural gem barn included: This $119,000 rural paradise in Meigs County offers a move-in ready mobile home on 4.25 acres with a 5-stable barn, featuring a new metal roof, updated HVAC, and a serene covered porch just 15 minutes from Alexander Local Schools.🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla
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