The outdoor emergency warning sirens in Nelsonville, The Plains and New Marshfield will be tested at 12 noon on Wednesday, July 1, 2015, with a one minute sounding of the sirens. Local residents are asked not to call local emergency agencies inquiring why the sirens are sounding.

The outdoor warning siren system is normally tested on the first Wednesday of every month at 12:00 p.m. The monthly test will be cancelled if severe weather is threatening. If severe weather cancels the test it will be postponed until the next month. There are three conditions that result in the warning sirens being activated in Athens County.

Severe Weather

• When the National Weather Service initiates a Tornado Warning for an area that includes areas of Athens County.
• When the National Weather Service initiates a Severe Thunderstorm Warning (winds 58+ mph, large hail, severe lightening and heavy rains), for an area that includes areas of Athens County.

When there is an actual enemy or terrorist attack against the United States has been detected and is threatening areas of Athens County and protective action should be taken immediately.

When a public safety emergency occurs the sirens will be used to alert the public of emergencies such as hazardous materials incidents and civil disturbances.

When the outdoor warning sirens are sounded for an emergency they will be activated for five minutes. When you hear the warning sirens you should do the following;

1. DO NOT CALL 9-1-1 to ask why the sirens are sounding as this can overload the 9-1-1 emergency response system.
2. Remember, outdoor warning sirens are just that, out-door warning. The sirens are meant to be heard outside to signal you to go indoors and tune your radio or television station to the local Emergency Alert System (EAS) Station. As homes continue to become more energy efficient and sound proofing enhanced, outdoor warning sirens that once could be heard decades ago inside of a home can no longer be heard. That’s why other means of warning are in place.
3. Go immediately to a safe area in your home or building, if high winds, severe thunder and lightning are present.
4. If you are outside away from possible shelter, lie flat on the ground away from trees until the storm passes. If in a vehicle, get out and find a more substantial structure.
5. Carry a battery operated radio or NOAA all hazard alert radio to your safe area. You will know when the storm or emergency has passed and when it is clear to leave your safe area.
6. The Athens County SIRENS DO NOT identify specific types of storms or emergencies, therefore you should immediately seek shelter and tune to local television or radio for further information.

The following incidents have been listed by Athens County Crime Solvers Anonymous as July 2015 Crimes of the Month.

The Athens Police Department is requesting your information pertaining to two separate criminal acts which occurred within the City of Athens.

The first incident occurred on May 4^th, 2015 at approximately 5:30 AM. On this date, residents of 117 E. State St, the Theta Chi fraternity, were awakened by the sound of smoke detectors sounding and the residence being filled with smoke. All residents and guests were able to exit the residence without anyone suffering injury. After the blaze was extinguished, officers and Firefighters surveilled the scene and noticed signs which made it appear suspicious in nature. Vehicles parked in the parking area to the rear of the residence were also damaged near the time of the blaze.

The next incident occurred on June 20^th, 2015 at approximately 2:00 AM. The victim was walking in the parking lot at the rear of 19 E. Carpenter St and shortly after traversing this lot, an unknown white male approached the victim from behind. While in the poorly lit area, the male attacker grabbed the victim and wrestled her to the ground. The attacker was then scared away by individuals approaching the area. The direction the attacker fled the scene is not known. The victim described her attacker as a white male in his early twenties, 5’8” to 5’9” tall, weighing approximately 160#, wearing dark clothing and a dark ball cap.

The Athens County Sheriff’s Office is requesting your information pertaining to a criminal act which occurred in Athens County.

This incident occurred on June 6^th, 2015 at approximately 3:30 AM. Sheriff Deputies were dispatched to 2370 Blizzard Ln, the Family Dollar store in Albany, after receiving a call of an activated intrusion alarm. Upon arrival, Deputies found damage to the building and it was apparent it had been illegally entered. The safe, containing an undisclosed amount of money, was forcibly removed from the interior of the building and the suspect(s) left with it.

Athens County Crime Solvers Anonymous is offering a $2,000.00 cash reward for information on the above crimes if that information leads to the arrest and/or indictment of the person or persons responsible. *Information on serious misdemeanors will be limited to a $1000.00 cash reward. **Any information that leads to the arrest of an individual responsible for graffiti, the board can authorize up to a $500.00 cash reward. If you have information on these crimes, please call (740) 594 – 3331.

Other cash rewards are available for your information regarding other crimes that have been committed in Athens County and if you have knowledge of other crimes, you are asked to call (740) 594 – 3331. Also visit our website at www.crimesolversofathens.org for information on previous crimes of the month.

Remember! Crime Solvers Anonymous needs your information and not your name so that your information can be passed onto the proper authorities.

Help us to help Athens County become a safer place.