Farm taxes dramatically rise because of flawed calculations A decades-old formula intended to benefit farmers come tax season is revealing its flaws as farmers’ property tax rates increase —and in some cases double — compared to those of past years. The Current Agricultural Use Value, or CAUV, was designed by the Ohio Department of Taxation as a method of taxing farmers in a way that reflects the farming … Read More
Athens City Council approves several big projects Funds were approved by Athens City Council Monday night to continue several projects. An ordinance authorizing the city to go ahead with purchasing new perimeter lighting was adopted. As previously reported, the city is working on replacing all the perimeter lighting in the uptown area. The lights are more than 20 years old and are in desperate need of replacement. … Read More
County Auditor Jill Thompson talks about her time since taking office Fourteen years ago, at this time, county officials were relying on cardstock to organize financial information. As one might imagine, that is no longer the case behind the doors of 15 S. Court St. This is thanks, in part, to Athens County Auditor Jill Thompson, who has been a proponent of advancing technology in her office to realize what she … Read More
Proposed changes to the trash ordinance sparks debate between mayor and city council Concerned community members as well as local authorities have noticed a growing problem with sanitation standards in residential areas, and, as a result, talk has continued among city council members and the mayor on how to go about addressing the issue. A recently proposed change to the current Athens City code by At-Large Rep. Steve Patterson and Fourth Ward Rep. … Read More
City Council discusses holiday parking and updating street lighting Athens City Council discussed changes to the 24-hour long-term parking rule at their meeting Monday night. The changes would allow for storage parking during the holiday season, free parking in Athens for holiday shopping and would suspend the current rule of having to move your vehicle at least every 24 hours. The citywide ordinance would go into effect on Monday, … Read More
Legislation aims to diminish opioid abuse, reform prescription prevalence The State House Opiate Addiction, Treatment and Reform subcommittee heard testimony Tuesday on a bundle of bills taking exclusive aim at the issue of opioid and prescription drug abuse in Ohio. According to the House Committee schedule, five bills — H.B. 332, H.B. 341, H.B. 366, H.B. 378 and H.B. 359 — each received discussion time on the House floor … Read More
Opinion: The rainbow herring New legislation was passed this spring in Russia where it is now a criminal offense to promote non-traditional sexuality to minors, or those who appear to be “pro-gay.”This has led to a climate in Russia where members of the LGBT community are beaten, tortured and killed without any response from law enforcement. Vladimir Putin, the current president of Russia, pushed … Read More
Concussions Hitting Ohio Students, Legislators “I was playing basketball and one of my teammates stole the ball. I sprinted down the court and was thrown the ball. I caught it and this really big girl of the opposing team thought it would be amazing to elbow me hard enough in the ribs for me to go flying towards the bleachers. I hit the bleachers real … Read More
