Federal cuts to social services would hurt Athens County, southeast Ohio

If the new federal budget calls for significant cuts to social service programs, Athens County and most of the counties in Ohio’s Sixth and 18th Congressional districts stand to be hurt much more by the cuts than other counties in Ohio.

Athens County Job and Family Services has put together a report examining the impact that federal funding has in Ohio's Sixth and 18th Congressional districts. The report clearly shows the strong benefits of government programs in the two districts and the need to support funding for these programs.

Athens County Child Support Enforcement Agency to no longer accept payments at its office

Due to budget cuts that have forced staff reductions, the Athens County Child Support Enforcement Agency will no longer be able to accept cash payments or any other payments for child support or spousal support at its office beginning on Sept. 1, 2011.

The agency is providing several payment options for area residents who previously paid at the Athens County Job and Family Services County Home Building.

Dateline NBC program that focused on Athens County nominated for an Emmy

A nationally-televised news program that focused on Athens County and aired in 2010 has now been nominated for a prestigious national award.

The Dateline NBC special, “America Now: Friends and Neighbors,” has been nominated for an Emmy Award by the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. The News & Documentary Emmy Awards will be presented during a ceremony in New York City on Monday, Sept. 26.

Job Corps to hold public meeting at The Work Station on August 10

All area residents between the ages of 16 and 24 who would like to learn more about different career opportunities may want to take part in an upcoming meeting at The Work Station in The Plains.

On Wednesday, Aug. 10, representatives from the Job Corps will be meeting with area residents at The Work Station from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. The Job Corps is a program that can help people earn their GEDs, learn about different career options and even begin training for different fields.

Athens County Reentry Program expands

The Athens County Reentry Program is expanding its services and personnel in order to help more ex-offenders live independently after serving their time in prison.

The Ohio Office of Criminal Justice Services recently awarded a grant to Athens County Job and Family Services and the Athens County Reentry Task Force to allow for the expansion of the program.