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Alleged Stabbing Causes Lockdown In The Plains

Susan_Tebben — Mon, 11 May 2015 21:07:32 +0000

A man is in custody and a elementary school lockdown has been lifted after an an alleged stabbing this afternoon.

The Plains Elementary was placed on precautionary lockdown at about 1:30 p.m. after being notified by the Athens County Sheriff's Office that an "altercation" had occurred near the school, according to school principal Heather Skinner.

The "altercation" was an alleged stabbing that investigators said occurred at 7116 LeMaster Road, less than a mile from the school.

James E. Waggner, 41, of Roy Avenue in The Plains was arrested and charged with felonious assault and aggravated burglary, according to Acting Sheriff Rodney Smith.

The name of the victim has not been released, but Smith said the victim was taken to OhioHealth O'Bleness Hospital where he is in stable condition. The nature of his injuries was also not released.

Waggner was apprehended at the LeMaster Road residence without further incident, Smith said.

The school was put on lockdown though there was no immediate danger to the school.

"Any time there is something like this, where we think there is any reason to secure the school just to be safe, we're going to do it," Smith said.

Skinner said the lockdown would not affect dismissal or bus routes. As of 3:15 p.m., an early bus had already picked up some students and the school planned to dismiss as normal.

Byline:

Susan Tebben

Type:

News

Dateline:

The Plains, OH

Deck:

Suspect taken into custody without incident, charged with two counts

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Photo by Susan Tebben - WOUB News

Students and staff stand outside The Plains Elementary during dismissal of classes on Monday. The school was placed on lockdown for about 2 hours after an alleged stabbing incident was reported on Lemaster Road.

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Attempted Robbery Reported In The Plains

Susan_Tebben — Mon, 11 May 2015 18:48:43 +0000

Store employees stopped a robbery attempt late Saturday night at the Valero gas station in The Plains.

Deputies with the Athens County Sheriff's Office were dispatched to the station at 139 N. Plains Road at 11:24 p.m. Saturday.

According to Athens County Sheriff Rodney Smith, a male subject entered the gas station in an attempt to rob it. The suspect was detained by employees until law enforcement arrived at the scene.
A device used in the attempted robbery was taken into evidence by deputies.

The suspect was transported to the hospital for injuries sustained during the incident. Valero staff also sustained minor injuries.

Charges against the suspect, who has not been named, are pending, according to Smith. The investigation remains open.

Byline:

Athens Messenger staff reports

Type:

News

Dateline:

The Plains, OH

Deck:

Employees help stop alleged crime

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Former Sheriff Denied Release From Prison While Appealing Conviction

Atish_Baidya — Mon, 11 May 2015 17:55:46 +0000

Former Athens County sheriff Patrick Kelly will have to remain in prison while his appeal of his conviction on 18 criminal charges works its way through the court system. The decision was made by the 4th District Court of Appeals, but was not unanimous.

Kelly, 64, is appealing a seven-year prison sentence after being found guilty March 20 in Athens County Common Pleas Court of 12 counts of theft in office, as well as perjury, failure to keep a cash book, engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity and two counts of theft, all felonies. He also was convicted of a misdemeanor theft charge. He is currently incarcerated in Lorain Correctional Institution.

Upon his conviction, Kelly asked Judge Patricia Cosgrove, who presided over his trial, to stay the execution of the sentence while his appeal is pending. Cosgrove, however, deemed Kelly a flight risk and denied the request.

Kelly then took his request to the 4th District Court of Appeals, and on Friday the judges ruled 2-1 to keep the former sheriff in prison during the appeal.

In support of his motion to be released, Kelly noted that he has lived in the area for most of his life, is married with family in the area as well, and that while out on bond during the course of his criminal trial he was in attendance at every court appearance necessary. He also noted that he has no record of "flight or failure to appear for court."

The Ohio Attorney General's Office opposed the stay, citing the nature and the circumstances of the charges, that Kelly was deemed a flight risk by Cosgrove, that Kelly had been held in contempt for not following the trial court's orders already and that Kelly could not be trusted as is apparent by his conviction of perjury for lying to the trial court.

Fourth District Court of Appeals Judge Matthew McFarland decided a stay of Kelly's sentence is not warranted, and Judge William Harsha agreed.

McFarland noted that Kelly has not made any arguments as to why he might be successful on appeal and also noted that the trial court had "serious reservations about staying the execution of Kelly's sentence." McFarland pointed out that Kelly was deemed a flight risk by Cosgrove, that there is a pattern of corrupt activity and that the "weight of the evidence against Kelly was overwhelming." He wrote that "(Kelly's) past conduct demonstrated he would not abide by the orders and conditions set by the court."

McFarland added that Kelly's likelihood of being a flight risk has increased with the conviction and the imposed seven-year prison sentence, and concluded that "based on Kelly's conduct in the trial court" that Kelly would not comply with any terms of release the appeal court would impose.

Judge Marie Hoover disagreed with her fellow judges.

In considering the motion for a stay, Hoover noted that she has yet to read the record and unable to assess the evidence for or against Kelly. She considered the fact that Kelly has lived in Athens County for so long, is married with family in the area, was out on bond for a year with no issues and appeared for every hearing and has no record of being a flight risk as reasons that Kelly should be allowed a stay of execution of his sentence.

Byline:

Joe Higgins - Athens Messenger Editor

Type:

News

Dateline:

Athens, OH

Deck:

Appeal court issues ruling in a 2-1 decision

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Tags:

Athens County Sheriff Pat Kelly

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Memorial Day Travel Anticipated To Rise

Susan_Tebben — Mon, 11 May 2015 16:42:23 +0000

Auto club AAA anticipates the number of Ohioans traveling during the Memorial Day holiday weekend will be higher this year than last year because of several factors, including lower gas prices and economic factors that boost disposable income.

The travel organization forecasts an estimated 1.45 million Ohioans will travel at least 50 miles from home between May 21 and May 25. That would be up 4.7 percent from last year.

It estimates there will be a similar increase nationwide, with 37.2 million people taking such trips.

Most of those people are expected to hit the road, with a much smaller percentage traveling by air for the long weekend.

Byline:

Associated Press

Type:

News

Dateline:

Columbus, OH

Deck:

Lower gas prices, economic factors could help Ohio travel

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Courtesy of Flickr user K2D2vaca

The road more traveled.

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Historic Inn Reopened After $9 Million Renovations

Susan_Tebben — Mon, 11 May 2015 16:34:19 +0000

A 91-year-old inn located just outside of Columbus has reopened after undergoing eight months of $9 million renovations.

The Granville Inn has new heating and cooling systems, nine additional guest rooms, a new bar, kitchens and an elevator.

It also has an open-air patio and a new tavern space with local craft beer on tap. The former garage has been turned into a meeting space big enough for 65 people.

Denison University bought the inn out of receivership in 2013 and then closed it in August for repairs. The president of Columbus Hospitality Management says the company will run the inn for the university.

Byline:

Associated Press

Type:

News

Dateline:

Granville, OH

Deck:

Inn bought out of receivership by Denison University

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Mixed Opinions Expressed to Board Over President's Hiring

Susan_Tebben — Mon, 11 May 2015 13:26:17 +0000

Letters submitted to the Hocking College Board of Trustees during the process of the search for the college’s new president show a divide among stakeholders when it came to who should lead the college into the future. There seems to be little divide among faculty however.

Dr. Betty Young had served as interim president since October before being hired to the permanent position on April 30.

Apparently, the hiring of Young shook the union to the point that talk of a vote of “no confidence” in the Board was had.

In an email to Hocking College Education Association President Mark Yanko following Young being name president, Chairman of the Board of Trustees Andy Stone asked Yanko not to pursue a no confidence vote against the Board. Stone stated that the Board was informed of the possible vote during the deliberations.

“I fully recognize that you likely do not agree with the decision the Board made this evening. I hope you believe me when I tell you that it was an extremely difficult one,” stated Stone.

“I know you feel very strongly about this situation, but I respectfully request you do not take such drastic action,” Stone stated. “I just believe such action would be detrimental to the school in the long run and will come up again and again in Google searches and such for years.”

In an email to the Messenger, Yanko stated, “We are still talking it over, but the Board knew that it was a possibility if they hired Dr. Young.”

Over the past several weeks the Board received approximately three dozen letters which were obtained by the Messenger through a public record request. Those letters show an almost even distribution of support for the hiring of Young and against her hiring.

Much of the support for Young comes from the administrators at the college, members of the Hocking College Foundation Board and leaders in the Nelsonville and Athens communities.

In supporting Young, Nelsonville resident Miki Brooks stated, “I believe to make Hocking College strong again it will take someone living within our community who sees the connection between the college and the community. I think Dr. Young is that person.” Brooks goes on to note that Young has been an active presence in the community.

“She was given a job that made her unpopular with many. And she has done that job well. It is my hope that she will have the opportunity to build the college back up since she is the one who had to do the unpleasant task of paring it down,” Brooks continued.

“She is energetic. She is visionary. She is a strong leader. She is a tireless worker. She has relevant experience. She is committed to Hocking College’s success. And, most important, she is passionate and personally engaged in the role and mission of Hocking College,” wrote Lamar Wyse, Foundation Board member.

Being a Southeastern Ohio native is also something that many saw as a positive for Young.

“The fact that Betty is from this area of Southeastern Ohio and understands the daily challenges and difficulties that we have in our area is an advantage to not only the college, but the entire community. Her willingness to face those challenges head on without hesitation speaks volumes about her character and manner,” wrote Nelsonville residents Stuart and Denise Brooks.

“In my observation, Mrs. Young has been quite active in attempting to bridge the gap between Nelsonville and Hocking College and has shown a keen understanding of the need that our city and the college have for each other,” wrote Steve Cox, president of Nelsonville Home and Savings Bank and a member of the search committee.

Noting his financial background, Cox stated, “I applaud the budgetary turnaround that Mrs. Young and her staff have accomplished in such a short time, also knowing that all parties do not come away with positive feelings during a time such as this.”

It was Young’s business background that made an impression on others after the decisions she made as the interim president.

“Dr. Young did what was necessary to do and she did quickly and efficiently. She is what Hocking needs, a business minded driven individual,” stated community member Jim Rogers in an email to Board member Mike Brooks. “When things get tough, she has the experience to know what needs to be done to turn around the situation. We need an executive with strong business direction that understands students and education.”

“Dr. Young recognizes the value and potential Hocking has and will work with the willing to create a world-class institution,” Rogers concludes.

In an email response dated April 29 to fellow Trustee Mike Brooks after seeing the letter from Rodgers, Trustee Keith Taulbee stated, “Having an important foundation leader support her is very comforting. Let’s do this.”

While the support for Young appears to be widespread among many community leaders, the opposite is true among faculty from Hocking College and other community members.

“She (Young) has generated so much bad press for Hocking College that it will be difficult to recover. Our ship is sinking quickly, and can only be saved by a new captain,” wrote Hocking College graduate and faculty member Jeanie Faulker to the Board. “I feel as if I am watching my alma mater quickly spiral into something unrecognizable. If she (Young) continues, and is elected as president, I am sure it will be to the detriment of the college, our amazing students and the community we love.”

“I must say I have worked for Hocking College for nearly 30 years, and I have seen us go through a few tough times. However, I have never seen a time when morale has been so low,” stated retiring faculty member Gail Jordan in a letter. “That is why I believe it is imperative that the next president be someone other than the current interim president. People will not easily let go of their negative feelings, and without a new person as president it will be a slow process restoring morale.”

An email from Hocking College Education Association representative Tracey Conrad to the Board addressed a poll taken by union members regarding the president hiring. The poll asked members to rank the three candidates.

“The responses were overwhelmingly in favor of Dr. (Ryan) McCall,” noted Conrad. McCall was reportedly ranked first by all but one who completed the poll, with that individual ranking Col. Chad Breeden first.

“Dr. Young was universally ranked last, with some respondents commenting that she should not have been considered for the position,” Conrad wrote.

She also noted that the process of the forums and decision moved too quickly, with the faculty not having enough time to give input on the matter.

“Many on the campus feel that the Board is unaware of the tensions on campus, and most people seem to feel that a decision in favor of Dr. Young has already been made or is inevitable,” Conrad stated in her email dated April 28.

Young’s professional history prior to joining Hocking College was continually noted by those who did not support her hiring, noting the history of discord among Young and the faculty at her previous institutions, including a vote of no confidence from the faculty senate at Houston Community Colleges, Coleman College for Health Sciences.

The emails and letters did not stop following the hiring, with faculty continuing to express their disappointment in the decision.

“I am in disbelief that you have chosen Betty Young as the permanent president of Hocking College, especially in light of the two excellent candidates you had to choose from,” wrote faculty member Mary Chambers to the Board following their selection.

“You have convinced me that the search process and open forums were a sham, wasting money, and the time and resources of the other candidates. Why ask for input from faculty, staff and the community, and then make a decision that flies in the face of that input? I have learned that those who work at Hocking College have no voice. Thank you for clarifying that for me,” Chambers continued.

Trustee Mike Brooks responded to Chambers’ email, simply stating “Get a life.”

In a separate email, Chambers thanked Trustee Robert Troxel for voting against the hiring of Young.

Byline:

Sarah Hawley - Athens Messenger staff reporter

Type:

News

Dateline:

Nelsonville, OH

Deck:

A 'no confidence' vote is being considered by Hocking College Education Association

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Hocking College Celebrates Newest Graduates

Susan_Tebben — Mon, 11 May 2015 13:18:31 +0000

Graduates were led out of Oakley Hall and into the Student Center Multiplex by Giles Lee where they turned their tassels and became official Hocking College alumni. Between three ceremonies, the college graduated 850 this year.

Dr. Betty Young, Hocking College's newly established president, implored the graduates to make the most of their lives.

"As you leave these halls and navigate the rest of your life, seek the good in others and give your best in all that you do. Time is limited. Don’t waste it on living someone else’s life, live your own."

Her reception at the commencement ceremony was well-received with the exception of one graduate. The new alumnus refused to shake Young's hand as he walked across the stage and protested her being named college president after presiding over a number of faculty cuts to attempt to balance the school's budget.

Brittany Johnson, who studied GeoEnvironmental Science, was the commencement's keynote speaker.

While a student at Hocking College, Johnson had a place in the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency internship where she worked alongside government officials. She used her speech to credit staff and faculty of the School of Natural Resources for this opportunity.

"If I would have attended a larger university, I would have never had this experience," she said. "One of the reasons I chose to come here is because of the small class sizes and the hands-on experience you receive in your program."

Among the graduates, Murtadha Al-Bahrani, and Badar Al-Mashaitary, both of Omar, studied Farrier Science and Business and will both go on to return to their home country and work for the royal family established there, working and training the king's horses.

"My experience at Hocking College has been awesome," Al-Bahrani said.

Joanna Van Dette, who received her Associate Degree in Natural and Historical Interpretation, said she already has a job secured in Chillicothe as a tour guide.

"I’m so excited," she said. "Fortunately, I’ve been able to work in my field my entire time while at college, but now it’s like I’m official now. I know what I’m doing already, but this is a little cherry on top."

Byline:

Sarah Guinn - Athens Messenger staff reporter

Type:

News

Dateline:

Nelsonville, OH

Deck:

Ceremony honors 850 graduates

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Mother And Daughters Serve Community As Volunteer Firefighters

Susan_Tebben — Sun, 10 May 2015 17:05:15 +0000

In a primarily male dominated field it can be rare to find a female firefighter, let alone four in the same family, but for one Athens County family the tradition of serving as volunteer firefighters continues in the women as well as the men.

With Mother’s Day, and many other holidays, it is difficult for the family to plan a celebration as they are always on call.

“We’ve all grown up knowing when the tones go off you go,” said Jessie Donahue. Thanksgiving, Mother’s Day, birthday celebrations, whenever they are needed the volunteers drop what they have planned and respond to help those in need. We don’t make plans anymore, she added.

“It’s a family thing,” explained Diane Sinclair of becoming a volunteer firefighter. Diane and two of her daughters, Katie and Rachel Rodgers, along with step-daughter Jessie Donahue, are all members of volunteer fire departments in Athens County.

Diane, Katie and Rachel are all members of the Richland Area Volunteer Fire Department, with Katie also a member of the Chauncey-Dover Volunteer Fire Department. Jessie was previously a member of Richland Area and is now a member of the Jacksonville Volunteer Fire Department along with her husband, Travis. They also have several other family members who are also firefighters.

For the girls, being a firefighter was something they grew up around. Katie and Rachel’s late father was a firefighter with 23 years of service. Jessie’s dad (who is now married to Diane) is Dale Sinclair, the assistant chief at Richland Area. Katie and Jessie were the first to join the local departments, starting as junior firefighters. Diane and Rachel joined following Diane’s marriage to Dale.

“Even our non-firefighter family members understand,” said Katie when the tones go off in the middle of a family event. “They have all been around it. It’s completely normal.”

Some holidays, such as Halloween, are even spend with the fire department family rather than their personal families as they are on call and stationed at the department.

“We all have the morals and ethics to want to serve and give back,” said Diane of the family’s desire to volunteer.

“We grew up wanting to do the right thing,” said Rachel of being around the fire department for much of her life.

While the firefighting roots may have come from their dads, it has helped to bring the women in the family closer together.

“We run into burning buildings together,” explained Jessie.

“When it gets real we have each other’s back,” added Katie. “It’s a big bonding moment.”

“We wouldn’t have been as close without the fire department,” stated Jessie of having her step-sisters and step-mother alongside her at the fire department.

“I know my sister is dependable after seeing her in training. I can trust her in that situation,” said Rachel, who completed fire training with Katie and the help of Dale. “Even though our dad couldn’t be there it was nice to have one of our dads there,” the girls commented of their training.

While it can be like a “family reunion” at some of the scenes, you have to take that out of it when doing the job.

“Most sisters (or mothers and daughters) don’t go through fire training together and have to depend on each other in those situations. You know you have a job to do and you take the personal out of it and do the job,” said Rachel.

One of the hardest things is not always knowing what happens after the call is completed, commented Rachel. It can also be hard if you know the people involved in the accident or who are victims of a fire.

Having family in the field with you can also have benefits after the scene is cleared as well noted Katie. “Having a big family in the same field, when something bad happens you have each other.”

And although they may be spread out on different departments throughout the county, the women do still see each other on some mutual aid calls and other events where multiple departments are involved. The family connections have also helped to build a closer relationship between their respective department explained the ladies.

Firefighters are family no matter the blood relation. All four women spoke to the connections made with other fire departments and how you become brothers and sisters whether or not you are meeting for the first time or have known each other for many years.

“It truly is a brotherhood and sisterhood,” said Katie.

Byline:

Sarah Hawley - Athens Messenger staff reporter

Type:

News

Dateline:

Athens, OH

Deck:

Firefighting a family affair for the family

Main Photo:

Photo by Sarah Hawley - Athens Messenger Staff Reporter

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New Food Truck Brings 'Phresh' Take On Paninis

Susan_Tebben — Sun, 10 May 2015 17:00:21 +0000

A new food truck has come to town, offering panini sandwiches packed with local ingredients.

Phresh Press Paninis opened on April 28 and is owned and operated by Justin Berry and Daisy Carlson.

“I’ve always been fond of great sandwiches, especially paninis, and ever since Mistretta’s closed this town has been lacking in paninis,” said Berry.

For those not familiar with a panini, it’s a deli sandwich warmed with a pressing grill.

“We try to use as many local ingredients as we can,” Berry said. “We get most of our bread from Avalanche and Jackie O’s, we get our cheese from Laurel Valley Creamery, we get our beef, sausage, bacon, spring mix and some other produce from Dexter Run Farm, eggs from Brite Farms, mushrooms and microgreens from Green Edge/Mushroom Harvest and anything else that we can from the farmers market.”

The truck’s menu currently includes an Italian, turkey bacon, meatball, and mushroom panini as well as a veggie wrap.

“We will be rotating some new flavors in eventually,” Berry said.

As Berry is also the head chef at Fur Peace Ranch in Meigs County, Phresh Press Paninis’ schedule is a bit random at the moment. Berry said the truck should be at Quidel (Diagnostic Hybrids) every Tuesday. The truck will also be at the Color Dance Music Festival at Poston Lake in Stewart next weekend, and at Shade Winery during the first two weekends in June.

Phresh Press Paninis also has a vending location on East Union Street near the College Green when they aren’t at other locations.

“We’re available for events and if any other non food businesses want to have us provide food we can setup anywhere,” Berry said.

Berry said people can check the business’ Facebook page for updates. Search “Phresh Press Paninis” on Facebook for information.

Byline:

Sara Brumfield - Athens Messenger staff reporter

Type:

News

Dateline:

Athens, OH

Deck:

Head Chef at Fur Peace Ranch takes new approach to cooking

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Athens Photographic Project Juried Exhibit Opens At Dairy Barn

Susan_Tebben — Sun, 10 May 2015 16:52:29 +0000

The Athens Photographic Project’s annual juried exhibition, “Life in Focus,” opened at the Dairy Barn Arts Center on Friday, showcasing the work of 40 artists who are using photography as a means for mental health recovery.

Founded in 2000, the Athens Photographic Project is a nonprofit organization in Southeast Ohio that strengthens mental health recovery by providing individuals with the opportunity to engage in self-discovery, creative expression and community contribution through the arts.

Each year the APP provides 30 weeks of community-based photography classes at introductory and advanced levels; hosts an annual juried exhibition; promotes artwork in state and national exhibitions; and operates a member-run exhibit at The Market on State. By integrating the arts and mental health recovery, APP artists discover identity, confidence, and hope while contributing to mental health awareness and to the arts.

“The annual exhibition showcases the amazing creativity, skill, and insight of the Athens Photographic Project artists, and we are so grateful that the community appreciates their work and their lives, by attending exhibitions such as this. The artwork on view at the Dairy Barn Arts Center was created as part of our 30-week photography program that serves 40 participating artists each week,” said APP director Nate Thomson.

According to Thomson, each of the APP artists has two photographs in the exhibit. He said artists were asked to select their five favorite pieces. Juror Roger May, documentary photographer who recently started the “Looking at Appalachia: 50 Years after the War on Poverty,” then narrowed the selections down to two per artist.

The Athens Photographic Project, which is open to residents from Athens, Hocking and Vinton Counties, is popular and actually has a waiting list of 30 people to join. Thomson said the program hopes to expand to include 54 individuals this August.

The juried exhibition will be on display at the Dairy Barn Arts Center through Friday, May 15. The Athens Photographic Project also has a display in the main hallway of The Market on State. The photographs are changed quarterly.

For information about the Athens Photographic Project, visit www.athensphotoproject.org.

Byline:

Sara Brumfield - Athens Messenger staff reporter

Type:

News

Dateline:

Athens, OH

Deck:

"Life in Focus" features artists using photography as mental health recovery

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