Athens County Independent

Athens County Independent Empowering community engagement through accessible public service journalism.
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BREAKING: A man died Thursday evening following an hours-long standoff with police at Beasley Mill apartment complex on ...
08/07/2025

BREAKING: A man died Thursday evening following an hours-long standoff with police at Beasley Mill apartment complex on West Union Street. He allegedly shot a woman earlier in the day.

In a statement given to media around 5:30 p.m., Athens City Police Department Chief Nick Magruder said the man, whose identity has not been released, is “believed to have taken his own life, and he is deceased at this time.”

Law enforcement who responded to the scene included the Athens City Police Department, Ohio University Police Department, Athens County Sheriff's Office, and FBI. The Columbus Division of Fire bomb squad and paramedics and Richland Area Fire Department also responded.

Magruder said the woman who the suspect allegedly shot suffered a single gunshot wound and was transported by MedFlight to Columbus “where she’s getting the medical treatment.”

The Independent will release more information in the coming days. APD advised around 5:20 p.m. for the public to continue to avoid the area.

https://athensindependent.com/beasley-mill-standoff-death/

BREAKING: The police standoff at Beasley Mill apartments is entering its third hour. Law enforcement recently shot out t...
08/07/2025

BREAKING: The police standoff at Beasley Mill apartments is entering its third hour. Law enforcement recently shot out the suspects windows. The Columbus bomb squad just arrived on scene.

Police have evacuated apartments at the complex on West Union Street as they attempt to contact an individual who, according to Athens Police Department Chief Nick Magruder, barricaded himself in his apartment after allegedly shooting a woman.

The woman was conscious when transported for medical attention and suffered a single gunshot wound, Magruder said. The Independent will release more information in the coming days.

Law enforcement advises to avoid the area.

From this week's letter from Corinne Colbert, editor in chief of The Athens County Independent:"I expect that some of yo...
08/07/2025

From this week's letter from Corinne Colbert, editor in chief of The Athens County Independent:

"I expect that some of you will be upset about our story on Nancy Epling’s firing from Passion Works earlier this year. I understand. The fact is, we wouldn’t be doing our jobs if we’re not making people mad or uncomfortable sometimes.

Journalism shines a light on things the public often doesn’t see. Everyone likes it best when that spotlight hits something cheerful or inspiring, or that aligns with their personal views. If we opted to shield you from things that you may not like — even when it could make you withdraw support — this wouldn’t be a newsroom. It’d be a PR agency."

Read the full letter through the link. You can find a link to the full Passion Works reporting in that story, and on the website.

https://athensindependent.com/lfe-080625-passionworks/

Passion Works is an iconic Athens institution known for its ubiquitous colorful flowers and support for people with deve...
08/07/2025

Passion Works is an iconic Athens institution known for its ubiquitous colorful flowers and support for people with developmental differences. The studio has also created items that promote social justice, including "Good Trouble" and "Black Lives Matter" signs. ✌️🌸

But in January, longtime employee Nancy Epling was fired following accusations of religious discrimination apparently connected to her activism in support of Palestinian human rights and related statements.

Multiple former employees told the Independent that before Epling was terminated, the way in which the studio and its employees related to politics was murky and raised internal conversations among staff and executive director Patty Mitchell – who utilizes her own work in support of progressive political causes.

The allegations against Epling in her termination letter riled emotions of other former staff members, contributing to two other departures from the small organization.

We spent six months investigating the facts, and our report on Passion Works and Epling's firing can be read here: https://athensindependent.com/passion-works-palestine-activist-termination/

📅 SAVE THE DATE 📅 You’re invited to the Athens County Independent’s Staycation Auction! Saturday, Oct. 4 at the Zenner H...
08/07/2025

📅 SAVE THE DATE 📅 You’re invited to the Athens County Independent’s Staycation Auction!

Saturday, Oct. 4 at the Zenner House we'll host a live and silent auction, refreshments, and an evening of celebrating and supporting the Athens County Independent.

This auction will showcase the best of what our county has to offer. We all know how beautiful and bountiful our area is — and that there’s always more to discover. Plan your next staycation and support independent, local news!

Newsletter subscribers, be on the lookout 👀 in your inbox for an invitation.

Tickets are limited! Purchase now: https://tinyurl.com/indyauction

Sign up to volunteer: https://tinyurl.com/volunteerOct4

Interested in sponsoring the event or donating an auction item? Contact [email protected] by Sept. 5 to guarantee your spot.

Since the 1980s, David Cronenberg’s films have tapped into our primal fears about losing control of our bodies and the f...
08/07/2025

Since the 1980s, David Cronenberg’s films have tapped into our primal fears about losing control of our bodies and the fragility of our physical being. 💀

Gordon Briggs discusses three other films that exemplify body horror that’s unique to Cronenberg: https://athensindependent.com/reel-talk-david-cronenberg/

08/07/2025

Come join us grab your kids grandkids an let's have picnic in park. Chance to win "Door" prizes for the kids.

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