Athens County Independent

As negotiations to open a plastics plant in Athens County continue, residents are raising questions about the company and the terms of agreement.

The Athens County Port Authority is in talks with CCC Plastics, a Canadian manufacturer that wants to open its first location in the U.S. The company wants to lease the port authority’s spec building in the Bill Theisen Industrial Park outside The Plains, at 5885 Industrial Drive.

Learn about the plant's potential economic and health impacts, as well as what it may mean for local first responders, in our coverage. Link in comments ⬇️

"The Odyssey" is a buzzy blockbuster based on Greek mythology, but certainly not the first film adaptation of those old stories. Gordon Briggs has recs for other myth-inspired films, like "Black Orpheus."🎬️ Link in comments!

Athens can combat data center development by utilizing local economic options, tapping the area's "tradition of makership as a competitive advantage," Max Kortlander writes in this op-ed. "Building the tech that we want, on our terms, led by local people and supportive of our values." Link in comments.

Can't make it to our Summer Listening Series? We want to hear from you — please take our survey! Tell us about your community and what you need from local news. Great journalism starts with you!

Survey respondents will be entered into a drawing for a $50 gift card from Flour & Thyme, who provided the pies for our in-person events! Link in comments 🍦

*Survey results are anonymous; gift card drawing entry is optional.

It's that time of year! 🐔 🎡 The Athens County Fair starts this weekend and runs Aug. 7–15. We have details on what to expect this year — it's a blend of old and new, with something for everyone. Link in comments.

What caused tension between Mayor Steve Patterson and ORCA? At the center of back-and-forth were disagreements on whether to build – and how to pay for – cabins and short-term rentals near the Baileys Trail System. 🏕️ Read story three 3️⃣ of our investigative series through the link in comments.

This week's public meetings. Happy August, Athens County! 🌞

Hey Nelsonville, Buchtel and York Township area residents: We'd love to see you this Wednesday at the Nelsonville Public Library for our Summer Listening Series. Come tell us about what you need from local news over ice cream and pie (from Flour & Thyme). We'll have crafts for the kids, too! https://www.facebook.com/share/17KVPrDXTa/