THE PLAINS INDIAN MOUND FESTIVAL 2020 CANCELLED

*************************

The Plains Lions Club has announced that the 2020 Indian Mound Festival has been CANCELLED due to health and safety concerns regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.

  CLICK HERE for more details.

**********************************************************************************

ATHENS TOWNSHIP BOARD OF TRUSTEES FORWARD ZONING RESOLUTION TO ATHENS COUNTY BOARD OF ELECTIONS FOR INCLUSION ON NOVEMBER 3 GENERAL ELECTION BALLOT

*************************

The Athens Township Board of Trustees have voted 3-0 to forward the proposed Athens Township Zoning text as amended and the zoning map as presented by the Athens Township Zoning Commission to the Trustees on July 14, 2020 to Athens County Board of Elections for the electors residing in the unincorporated area of the township included in the proposed plan of zoning to approve or reject at the next general election on November 3, 2020.

*********************************************************************************

ATHENS COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARIES TEMPORARILY CLOSED

*************************

To ensure the health and safety of the staff and visitors of the Athens County Public Libraries, all buildings are being closed to the public effective Friday, July 17 until further notice (at least through the end of July). CLICK HERE to view the notice sent from MyACPL. Buildings will remain closed until the spread of the COVID-19 virus in Athens County lessens to the extent that the status on the Ohio Department of Health Advisory System downgrades Athens County to an “orange” or “yellow” status.

**********************************************************************************

ATHENS COUNTY PLACED UNDER LEVEL 3 (RED) STATUS AND APPROACHING LEVEL 4 (PURPLE)

*************************

2020 ATHENS COUNTY FAIR CANCELLED

*************************

The Athens County Agricultural Society Board of Directors met in an emergency meeting on July 15, 2020 and determined to cancel the 2020 Athens County Fair originally slated for Aug. 7-15.

“Due to restrictions and possible increase in restrictions/guidelines going forward from the State of Ohio and the Athens County Health Department, we feel that it would be very difficult to keep the health and safety of our fair participants and community safe,” the Society stated in a press release. The Society noted that safety was a “priority” in the decision-making process.

CLICK HERE to see the written press release/letter issued by the Board.

**********************************************************************************

ATHENS COUNTY OUTDOOR WARNING SIRENS

*************************

The Athens County Outdoor Warning Siren System consists of four outdoor warning sirens in the City of Nelsonville and The Plains. The sirens are meant to inform you of a possible emergency if you are outside. The sirens are activated simultaneously for an emergency.

The Outdoor Warning Sirens are part of an emergency system designed to provide immediate and valuable information to citizens. If you hear the sirens while you are outside, please go inside and seek shelter immediately; turn on your television or radio for further instructions.

Please do not call 9-1-1 or other emergency numbers for information; call only if you are reporting a life-threatening situation.

A 1 MINUTE SIREN TEST WILL OCCUR AT 12 NOON ON THE 1ST WEDNESDAY OF EACH MONTH. THE TEST WILL BE POSTPONED IF SEVERE WEATHER IS THREATENING

CLICK HERE for additional information regarding the Athens County Emergency Management Agency Warning Siren Program.

*********************************************************************************

ATHENS-HOCKING SOLID WASTE DISTRICT ANNOUNCES HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE COLLECTION DATE

*************************

The Athens-Hocking Solid Waste District has announced that it will be holding a HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE DROP OFF DAY on July 18th, 2020 from 9 AM to 1 PM in Nelsonville, Ohio at Hocking College parking lot #3. This event is for all residents of the Athens-Hocking Solid Waste District. For more information contact Roger Bail, AHSWD Operations Coordinator at (740) 753-6885.

*********************************************************************************

ATHENS TOWNSHIP BOARD OF TRUSTEES TO HOLD PUBLIC HEARING REGARDING A PROPOSED ZONING RESOLUTION FOR PORTIONS OF ATHENS TOWNSHIP

********************

In accordance with Ohio Revised Code §519.09, notice is hereby given that the Athens Township Board of Trustees will hold a public hearing on July 14, 2020 at 5:00 pm at the Athens Township Hall, 313 W. Union Street, Athens, Ohio.

The purpose of the hearing is to review responses from the Athens Township Zoning Commission to suggestions of the Athens Township Trustees for change in or departure from the text of a proposed zoning resolution for a portion of Athens Township as previously certified to the board of township trustees on May 14, 2020. The response from the Athens Township Zoning Commission was received by the Trustees on July 1, 2020. Ohio Revised Code §519.09   requires a notice of a public hearing by the Trustees to review the response of the Zoning Commission at least ten (10) days prior to such a hearing.

The public may attend the hearing in person. The wearing of facial masks and the practice of social distancing must/will be observed. If there is not sufficient room to accommodate the public or if the number of attendees exceeds ten (10) the meeting will be additionally conducted in a virtual format, accessible by the public at freeconferencecall.com, meeting ID bcox11.

********************************************************************************

ATHENS TOWNSHIP ZONING COMMISSION RESPONDS TO RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE ATHENS TOWNSHIP TRUSTEES REGARDING A PROPOSED ZONING RESOLUTION

*************************

In accordance with Ohio Revised Code Section 519.09, the Athens Township Zoning Commission meet in special session on July 1, 2020 at 7:00 pm to respond to comments of the Athens Township Trustees for approval, disapproval or suggestions toward a proposed zoning plan for a portion of Athens Township, Athens County, Ohio, including a text, maps, and a comprehensive plan representing the recommendations of the Athens Township Zoning Commission and the Athens County Regional Planning Commission for the carrying out by the Athens Township Board of Township Trustees of the powers, purposes, and provisions set forth in Ohio Revised Code Sections §519.01 to §519.99, inclusive.

The Zoning Commission approves/agrees with the Trustees recommendation to remove Article 14, Rental Permits and Inspections and remove sub-section 6.04 (f) (1), sentence 2, Home Occupations, but does not approve/recommend removal of a proposal sub-section 6.02 (5), Prohibited Uses.

In accordance with Ohio Revised Code §519.09, the Athens Township Board of Trustees will hold a public hearing on July 14, 2020 at 5:00 pm to consider the response of the Athens Township Zoning Commission.

*********************************************************************************

ATHENS TOWNSHIP BOARD OF TRUSTEES COMMENT TO ATHENS TOWNSHIP ZONING COMMISSION AT PUBLIC HEARING ON JULY 1, 2020

********************

In accordance with Ohio Revised Code §519.08, the Athens Township Board of Trustees held a public hearing on July 1, 2020 to allow examination of and comment toward a proposed zoning plan for a portion of Athens Township, Athens County, Ohio, including text, maps, and a comprehensive plan representing the recommendations of the Athens Township Zoning Commission and the Athens County Regional Planning Commission for the carrying out by the Athens Township Board of Township Trustees of the powers, purposes, and provisions set forth in Ohio Revised Code Sections §519.01 to §519.99, inclusive.

At the public hearing, on a motion by Trustee Pierson, seconded by Trustee Baker, and upon unanimous vote, the Trustees suggest/recommend to the Athens Township Zoning Commission the following:

1. Remove Article 14, Rental Permits and Inspections

2. Remove sub-section 6.04 (f) (1), sentence 2, Home Occupations

3. The Trustees also do not approve of a proposal to add a sub-section 6.02 (5), Prohibited Uses.

In accordance with Ohio Revised Code §519.09  the Trustees will call for a public hearing on July 14, 2020 to review/consider the Zoning Commission response to the suggestions/recommendations of the Trustees .

********************************************************************************

ODOT EXTENDS PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD ON MEDIAN CLOSURE AT US 33 AND JOHNSON ROAD 

 The Ohio Department of Transportation has extended the public comment period until July 15, 2020 regarding a proposed project to close the median on US 33 at Johnson Road.

CLICK HERE for a link to the ODOT website concerning the extension of the comment period.

ODOT states that the project “…is proposing closing the Johnson Road connection to U.S. 33 in the construction season of 2021. The median at the intersection would be closed and the existing left turn lanes would be removed. The River Road connection would remain as a right in-right out. Traffic formerly using the intersection would use the SR 682 interchange and the SR 682 corridor through The Plains…”.

The link says that a public meeting is now being planned. “…ODOT is currently unable to hold an in-person public meeting for this project due to the COVID-19 pandemic; however, it intends to do so sometime in the future…”. This is a slight change from notification previously given to the Athens County Engineer and the Athens County Commissioners stating that a public hearing was not required for the project (see paragraph 2 of the document link below). Please note that there is a different between a courtesy public MEETING and a mandatory/required public HEARING.

ODOT letter to Athens County Engineer and Commissioners

IF YOU COULD IN ANY WAY BE AFFECTED BY THE PROPOSAL PLEASE TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS EXTENDED COMMENT PERIOD!!!

*********************************************************************************

ATHENS TOWNSHIP ZONING COMMISSION CALL FOR SPECIAL MEETING

*************************

Notice is hereby given that in accordance with Ohio Revised Code Section 519.09, the Athens Township Zoning Commission will meet in special session on July 1, 2020 at 7:00 pm at The Plains Community Park (outdoor area), 65 Connett Road, The Plains, Ohio 45780 to respond to comments of the Athens Township Trustees for approval, disapproval or suggestions toward a proposed zoning plan for a portion of Athens Township, Athens County, Ohio, including a text, maps, and a comprehensive plan representing the recommendations of the Athens Township Zoning Commission and the Athens County Regional Planning Commission for the carrying out by the Athens Township Board of Township Trustees of the powers, purposes, and provisions set forth in Ohio Revised Code Sections §519.01 to §519.99, inclusive. The wearing of masks and and social distancing of six (6) feet or more will be observed.

********************************************************************************

ELLIOTTSVILLE ROAD CLOSURE

*************************

Elliottsville Road is tentatively scheduled to be closed at 8880 Elliottsville Road (just east of Shaw Road) starting Monday, July 6, 2020 in order to repair a land slip that is limiting use of the public road. The work will proceed (weather permitting) until the project is complete, approximately 3-4 days. Local traffic will be permitted from both the Dairy Lane/N. Blackburn Road area for residents east of the project site and from the W. Union Street/Gibson Road area for residents west of the project site. There will be no through traffic possible.

Please consider alternative routes such as SR 682 for travel between SR 56/W. Union Street and US 33/SR 50 and use caution if there is a necessity to travel Elliottsville Road on either end of the project.

STAY SAFE AND ALERT ATHENS TOWNSHIP!!!

********************************************************************************

ATHENS TOWNSHIP BOARD OF TRUSTEES TO HOLD PUBLIC HEARING

********************

In accordance with Ohio Revised Code §519.08, notice is hereby given that the Athens Township Board of Trustees will hold a public hearing on July 1, 2020 at 6:00 pm at The Plains Community Park (outdoor area), 65 Connett Road, The Plains, Ohio 45780. The purpose of the hearing is to allow examination of and comment toward a proposed zoning plan for a portion of Athens Township, Athens County, Ohio, including text, maps, and a comprehensive plan representing the recommendations of the Athens Township Zoning Commission and the Athens County Regional Planning Commission for the carrying out by the Athens Township Board of Township Trustees of the powers, purposes, and provisions set forth in Ohio Revised Code Sections §519.01 to §519.99, inclusive. As of this date of publication the meeting may be postponed if the number of participants exceeds ten (10) at any one time, if social distancing of six (6) feet or more cannot be observed, or if participants are not wearing face coverings. Gathering of a larger group or use of the enclosed building will depend upon any amendment to orders of the Director of the Ohio Department of Health and/or the Governor of Ohio that have been the basis to date of limited use of public lands and buildings previously adopted by the Board. The results of a citizen’s survey and all documents related to the recommendation are currently available for public examination at the Athens Township website, https://athenstwp.com, under the Zoning tab.

********************************************************************************

 ATHENS TOWNSHIP BOARD OF TRUSTEES TO MEET IN REGULAR SESSION    ********************    

The Athens Township Board of Trustees will meet in regular session on Tuesday, July 14, 2020 at 5:30 PM. The meeting will be held at the Athens Township Hall, 313 W. Union Street, Athens, Ohio. The public may attend the meeting in person. However, the wearing of facial masks and the practice of social distancing must/will be observed. If there is not sufficient room to accommodate the public or if the number of attendees exceeds ten (10) the meeting will be conducted additionally in a virtual format, accessible by the public at freeconferencecall.com, meeting ID bcox11.

********************************************************************************************

THERE’S STILL TIME TO COMPLETE THE U.S. CENSUS

*************************

Have you forgotten to respond to the 2020 Census because of the COVID-19 health crisis or for that matter any other reason? Because of the health emergency the online, by phone, or by mail final response date for the 2020 Census has been extended until Oct. 31.

The census provides critical data that lawmakers, business owners, teachers, and many others use to provide daily services, products, and support for you and the local community. Every year, billions of dollars in federal funding go to hospitals, fire departments, schools, roads, and other resources based on census data. The results of the census also determine the number of seats each state will have in the U.S. House of Representatives, and they are used to draw congressional and state legislative districts.

It’s simple, fast and easy!!!

CLICK HERE and you will be on your way to quickly and efficiently helping your community!!!!! 

**************************************************************

PLAINS COMMUNITY PARK BUILDING INTERIOR SPACE and PUBLIC USE OF PLAINS VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT BUILDING PROHIBITED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE

*************************

On Tuesday, June 9, 2020 at the regular meeting of the Athens Township Board of Trustees, the Board clarified conditions for use of the Plains Community Park and the Plains Volunteer Fire Department (PVFD) building.

The Trustees have been working very closely with the Athens City-County Health Department (ACCHD) in order to protect the health and safety of Athens Township residents. Without change, the restrictions issued on April 28, 2020 are still in effect but are here below clarified.

NO RESERVATIONS FOR USE OF THE INTERIOR PORTION OF THE PLAINS COMMUNITY PARK BUILDING ARE BEING TAKEN UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE!!!!!

USE OF THE PLAYGROUND IS NOT PERMITTED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE AND THEN UPON ADDITIONAL ADVICE FROM THE ATHENS CITY-COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT!!!!!

ALL OTHER AREAS OF THE PARK ARE OPEN FOR PUBLIC USE INCLUDING THE COVERED PORCH OF THE COMMUNITY BUILDING!!!!!

Except for family groups of ten (10) or fewer, social distancing of six (6) feet or more between individuals is required in the park and the wearing of protective masks is highly recommended.

The  PVFD building is open to volunteer firefighters for training and emergency response. Firefighters should when at all possible and practical maintain social distancing and wear masks. However, it is understood that many circumstances prohibit strict adherence to best practices.

THE PVFD BUILDING IS NOT OPEN FOR PUBLIC USE

as would otherwise be permitted by Ohio Revised Code Section 3313.76.

STAY SAFE AND HEALTHY ATHENS TOWNSHIP!!!!! 

*********************************************************************************************

 ATHENS TOWNSHIP BOARD OF TRUSTEES TO MEET IN REGULAR SESSION    ********************    

The Athens Township Board of Trustees will meet in regular session on Tuesday, June 23, 2020 at 5:30 PM. The meeting will be held at the Athens Township Hall, 313 W. Union Street, Athens, Ohio. The public may attend the meeting in person. However, the wearing of facial masks and the practice of social distancing must/will be observed. If there is not sufficient room to accommodate the public or if the number of attendees exceeds ten (10) the meeting will be conducted additionally in a virtual format, accessible by the public at freeconferencecall.com, meeting ID bcox11.

********************************************************************************************

ATHENS TOWNSHIP TRUSTEES CALL FOR SPECIAL MEETING

*************************

Notice is hereby given that the Board of Trustees of Athens Township, Athens County, Ohio will meet in special session at the township hall, 313 W. Union Street, Athens, Ohio 45701 on Friday, June 19, 2020 at 5:00 PM to consider complaints against real property valuation filed by the Athens City School District Board of Education.

********************************************************************************

ATHENS TOWNSHIP TRUSTEES PARTNER WITH GOOD WORKS FOR COMMUNITY FREE LUNCH PROGRAM

************************

At the regular meeting of the Athens Township Trustees held on Tuesday, June 9, 2020, the Trustees confirmed that use of outdoor areas of the Plains Community Park were permitted but in accordance with advisory notices from the Athens City-County Health Department (ACCHD). For use of the open areas of the park for programs related to community food initiatives or private parties ACCHD recommends that:

1. Those distributing food need to be masked, gloved, and kept separated by a minimum of six (6) feet.

2. Individuals receiving food need to be at least six (6) feet apart and wearing of masks is recommended.

3. Individuals may consume food onsite but off site consumption is recommended.

4. A “family unit” may consume food together as long as there are no more than ten (10) family members and they are at least six (6) feet from another group or individual not in that group.

On Monday June 15, Good Works will begin sponsorship of their our annual Summer Lunch Program at The Plains Community Park, Monday-Thursday, from 12:00 noon to 1:00 pm. The lunch will be prepared in the Hannah House at the Good Works property and brought to the site in individual containers each day. The program will continue through July 30th.

For more information about the mission of Good Works and their programs CLICK HERE

The Athens Township Trustees are supportive of the efforts of the Ohio Department of Health and the Athens City-County Health Department to fight the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

********************************************************************************

ODOT ANNOUNCES START OF 2 PROJECTS IN WESTERN ATHENS TOWNSHIP

********************

The Ohio Department of Transportation has announced the start of 2 projects on SR 56. Beginning June 15, one lane of SR 56 will be closed between Radford Road (County Road 19) and Windfall Ridge Road (Township Road 557) for a landslide repair project. Temporary traffic signals and a 10 foot width restriction will be in place. Estimated completion date is August 20, 2020. Also beginning June 15, SR 56 will be closed between Windfall Ridge Road (Township Road 557) and Kenny Drive for a bridge repair project. ODOT’s detour is SR 56 E to SR 682 S to US 50 W to SR 681 W to SR 356 N to SR 56 E. Estimated completion date is September 2, 2020.

Any drivers considering using Radford Road (CR 19) or in particular Lavelle Road (TR 241) during the time of closure are asked to exercise extreme caution. Lavelle Road is narrow in many locations and has several blind horizontal and vertical curves that limit sight distances.  Please be attentive and drive at a reasonable speed considering the large number of residential driveways that access the roadway and the multiple use of the road and berm by local residents, walkers, joggers, and bikers.

********************************************************************************

 ATHENS TOWNSHIP BOARD OF TRUSTEES TO MEET IN REGULAR SESSION    ********************    

The Athens Township Board of Trustees will meet in regular session on Tuesday, June 9, 2020 at 5:30 PM. The meeting will be held at the Athens Township Hall, 313 W. Union Street, Athens, Ohio. The public may attend the meeting in person. However, the wearing of facial masks and the practice of social distancing must/will be observed. If there is not sufficient room to accommodate the public or if the number of attendees exceeds ten (10) the meeting will be conducted additionally in a virtual format, accessible by the public at freeconferencecall.com, meeting ID bcox11.

********************************************************************************

ATHENS TOWNSHIP ZONING COMMISSION AND ATHENS COUNTY REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION CERTIFY PROPOSED ZONING TEXT AND MAP TO ATHENS TOWNSHIP TRUSTEES

********************

As required by the provisions contained in Ohio Revised Code Sections 519.06 and .07, the Athens Township Zoning Commission on April 29, 2020 and Athens County Regional Planning Commission on May 14, 2020 have held public hearings and subsequently forwarded to the Athens Township Trustees their recommendation for a zoning resolution text and map.

Proposed Athens Township Zoning Resolution Text and Map

ACRPC endorcement of Athens Township Zoning Resolution Text and Map

As required by the provisions contained in Ohio Revised Code Section 519.08, the next step toward placing the proposed text and map on the ballot for voter consideration is the scheduling of a public hearing by the Athens Township Trustees with notice advertised of the meeting time, place, and purpose no less than thirty (30) days prior to the date of the hearing. This matter will be considered at the next meeting of the Trustees, May 26, 2020.

********************************************************************************

ODOT ASKS FOR PUBLIC COMMENT ON MEDIAN CLOSURE

AT US 33 AND JOHNSON ROAD 

 The Ohio Department of Transportation is seeking public comment regarding a proposed project to close the median on US 33 at Johnson Road. The closure would eliminate the potential for accidents involving left turns from US 33 West to Johnson Road and right turns from Johnson Road to US 33 East.

CLICK HERE for a related news story

For information concerning the project CLICK HERE to visit the ODOT project website.

********************************************************************************

ATHENS CITY SWIMMING POOL WILL NOT OPEN FOR 2020 SEASON

The City of Athens Department of Arts, Parks and Recreation announces that after careful consideration the Athens City Swimming Pool will not open this summer. This decision is supported by the Athens City-County Health Department, the City Auditor, the City Administrators and the Arts, Parks and Recreation Advisory Board.

CLICK HERE to see media release for details

********************************************************************************

 ATHENS TOWNSHIP TRUSTEES TO MEET IN REGULAR SESSION       

The Athens Township Board of Trustees will meet in regular session on Tuesday, May 26, 2020 at 5:30 PM. The meeting will be held at the Athens Township Hall, 313 W. Union Street, Athens, Ohio. The public may attend the meeting in person. However, the wearing of facial masks and the practice of social distancing must/will be observed. If there is not sufficient room to accommodate the public or if the number of attendees exceeds ten (10) the meeting will be conducted additionally in a virtual format, accessible by the public at freeconferencecall.com, meeting ID bcox11.

********************************************************************************

On April 28, 2020, the Athens Township Board of Trustees continued until further notice the use prohibition by the public of the Plains Community Park building, the playground, and the Plains Volunteer Fire Department. The open areas of the community park are still available for public use so long as gatherings do not exceed ten (10) persons and social distancing is observed. The Trustees will be using  amended orders of the Ohio Department of Health and the Governor’s office for future re-opening guidance.

Meetings and training for the Plains Volunteer Fire Department will be permitted so long as social distancing and best practices are observed and this in order that emergency response for the community is maintained at its current level. The health and safety of residents, business owners and patrons, and property owners is the highest priority of the Athens Township Board of Trustees.

**************************************************************

4/29/2020 Public Hearing of the Athens Township Zoning Commission Video Now Available:

*******************************************************************************

THE TRUSTEES WANT TO MAKE ATHENS TOWNSHIP WORK FOR YOU!!!

The Athens Township Trustees meet in regular session on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of each month. The meetings are held at the Athens Township Hall, 313 W. Union Street, and start at 5:30 PM. In accordance with Ohio Revised Code Section 121.22 meetings that are called for a special purpose, cancelled or rescheduled must provide 24 hour notice by posting at this website, giving notice to local news media and/or publishing in the local newspaper.

We will make certain that the roads, ditches, and culverts are well maintained, traffic safety signage is in place, and snow is removed quickly so you can get to work and to school. We will meet regularly with the Plains Volunteer Fire Department and the Richland Area Fire Brigade to see that emergency personnel continue to be properly equipped and trained. We will use  “innovative” funding methods such as grants and low interest loans and pledge “cost effectiveness” as we strive to wisely use taxpayer dollars.