Athens, Ohio is currently addressing a series of local issues ranging from infrastructure projects to public health advisories, alongside broader concerns regarding legal proceedings and safety within the state. City officials announced a closure of Franklin Avenue from Spring Street to Madison Avenue, and a lane closure on Madison Avenue southbound from Spring Street to State Street, beginning at , at 8:30 A.M. This temporary disruption is intended to facilitate necessary roadwork.
Residents are also reminded that the deadline to file their 2025 Athens City income tax return is , according to City Auditor Kathy Hecht. The city has also recently adopted new ordinances and resolutions, details of which are available on the city website, updated through .
Beyond these municipal matters, Athens County is grappling with legal cases processed through the Common Pleas Court. The court, located at the Athens County Courthouse, operates Monday through Friday from 8:00 A.M. To 4:00 P.M. Judges George P. McCarthy and Patrick Lang preside over both criminal and civil cases. The court handles a significant volume of criminal cases, including felonies such as murder, burglary, and drug trafficking, with the county prosecuting attorney representing the community and defendants having the right to legal representation, potentially through a public defender if they cannot afford counsel. The court emphasizes that it cannot provide legal advice to individuals.
On a statewide level, , brought news of a major operation targeting the demand for commercial sexual acts in Ohio. Operation END-OHHT resulted in the arrest of 132 individuals across the state, according to the Ohio Attorney General’s office. This operation highlights ongoing efforts to combat human trafficking and related offenses within the state.
The city of Athens utilizes Nixle, a trusted notification service, to communicate with citizens via SMS, email, web, and mobile applications. This system is employed by over 4,600 government agencies across the United States to disseminate important information to the public.
Local recreational activities are also underway. The Wee Wigglers program, designed for children aged 18 months to 4 years, is currently accepting registrations at a cost of $5 per child. The city is offering tumbling and cheerleading programs for various levels, with sessions scheduled on and . Belly dance and karate classes are also available, with discounts offered to members.
Recent news reports, though originating outside of Athens, underscore the severity of offenses involving vulnerable individuals. A Parma dance teacher was recently sentenced to 15 years in prison for sexually assaulting multiple former students, as reported by the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office. This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safeguarding children and holding perpetrators accountable.
The Athens County Clerk of Courts provides access to the Common Pleas Court docket and index through an online system, requiring users to access the CourtView image for eFiling, docket viewing, and payment of court costs. The Clerk of Courts office, headed by Candy S. Russell, is located at 1 S. Court Street, 4th Floor, Athens, OH 45701. The Title Office, also under the Clerk of Courts, handles titling services and operates with specific hours, including Saturday hours and closures on official holidays.
The Title Office provides a checklist for titling by mail, outlining required documentation such as the original Ohio title, buyer and seller acknowledgements, lien releases (if applicable), and the appropriate fees. The office also maintains a public records policy and provides access to various forms and amendments to local rules.
The city also assesses a Transient Guest Tax at a rate of 3% in accordance with Ohio Revised Code, impacting businesses providing short-term lodging.
