Author: Record Editors

Yellow Springs Says No to Coal

By Carl Reverts

If the proposed coal fired power plant that American Municipal Power-Ohio (or AMP-Ohio) is pushing for gets built, it would cause additional hardship to Meigs County, an area in Ohio already troubled by coal related problems, according to environmental advocate Elisa Young. Last week, Young met with the Antioch Environmental Group, who opposes the construction and its contract that requires a fifty-year commitment to buy power exclusively from the utility. AEG is looking to join the efforts of other groups that oppose the Power Plant.

Yellow Springs Council voted ‘no’ to the contract this week, following through on sentiment from a meeting last week, which seemed to say that ‘the moral and economic cost of coal is too great,’ according to the Yellow Springs News. The vote has been pushed forward from the March 1st deadline that AMP originally provided. With the aggressive push for yes answers and the continually shorter deadlines, Young says that the project might be in trouble. Other towns have begun to question the motives of the company in gunning for yes answers, with many saying that it curtails the public comment period. In reference to the shifting deadlines by AMP-Ohio, Kathy Lawson, a Martinsville City, VA Councilwoman said she feels “like there was a hidden agenda,” and added, “I’m definitely more cautious about them.”

The great myth about “clean coal” is that you still have to mine it. A common practice in Appalachia is that of mountain top removal, a process that literally moves mountains, and leaves an ugly scar to boot. The process also causes runoff and other environmental concerns. Continue reading Yellow Springs Says No to Coal

Collective Withdraws

By Erin-Aja Grant

The CG race that has been brewing for 2 months is at a standstill. The posters are the first clue. Looking around, only one collective welcomed the community back from break. Only one collective seemed to be actively running. This was a subtle hint, but now it is official. The “Not Business as Usual” collective of Julian Sharp, Sarah Buckingham, Micah Canal, and Nicole Bayani surprised the community today by withdrawing their candidacy (see ‘letter’). While citing that they are moving on, the collective sent its warmest regards to the new CG in resignation. The current CG, the community, and the other collective are receiving this information at the exact same time. There will be no business, they have stepped down, through a letter to the community in Antioch’s best, The Record.

The collective that is left standing is known as the “Fab Four”. As of now, no matter how the votes are cast, the new CG will be Fela Pierre-Louis, Meghan Pergram, Niko Kowell, and Jamila Hunter. This election process has been tumultuous at best. With the closing of the school looming over all the CG candidates’ heads, a fight for the fourth position, and just plain old drama, many are still left with questions. What does the LEG code say about this? How will there be a race with no competition? Unfortunately the LEG Code doesn’t say much, but the race will continue although there is no one left to contest it. For one, the work has just begun for the new CG. Antioch now has a concrete CG, with time to set up a game plan. That means the “Fab Four” will have to show what they are made of and step up to create real change. While Julian, Sarah, Micah, and Nicole are pursuing other ventures in life, the “Fab Four” are going to need to hit the ground running.

Up In Smoke: Antioch Bans Smoking

SmokerBy: Erin-Aja Grant

During community meeting, Events Manager, Rory Adams-Chetham preformed civic responsibility by announcing Ohio law, Code Chapter 3794. Rory announced the removal of all ashtrays in the Student Union, as well as the closing of the dance space and pool room if there are any violations. All the dorms have been decorated with the bright paper warnings of fines and punishment that is lurking around the corner for indoor smokers. North dormitory held a “mandatory” meeting last Wednesday that reminded residents about the newly instated rules of engagement. The Director of housing emailed all students on January 22, 2008 to remind all students of the cost of violations and the penalties that will incur if caught smoking in the dormitory residences. If the meetings, signs, and e-mails were not enough, it also happens to be a law. As of 2006 vote, the state of Ohio instated a “smoking ban” in all public spaces. In a recent interview Rory said that she will be asking people to “Take it outside”. From a few table discussions the outcome of this “Smoking Ban” is still up in the air. While students are still smoking indoors the issue remains, the fire department is not wanted here. Milt Thompson verified the fact that fire trucks coming to Antioch are indeed the main problem. The violations have been mounting for years and are no longer going to be taken lightly. For students still mystified about this “smoking ban”, when a fire alarm goes off, fire trucks come. Antioch is an educational institution. Fire trucks come because they do not want a school to burn down on their watch, it reflects poorly on them. That would be bad. Continue reading Up In Smoke: Antioch Bans Smoking