The City of Nelsonville announces the Aquatic Center will be open, Saturday, May 23, 2015 from noon until 7:30pm for Memorial Day weekend.  On Thursday, May 21, 2015 the pool office will be open from noon until 7:30pm to purchase season passes only.  For the week beginning May 26, 2015 the pool will have limited hours from 4:00pm to 7:30pm and on Saturday, May 29, 2015 the pool will be fully operational for season.

May is Older Americans Month across the nation. Athens County is highlighting this celebration with Athens County Senior Safety Day on Thursday, May 21st at the Athens County Fairgrounds, 286 West Union Street in Athens, from 10:00AM to 2:00PM. Many groups from around Athens County have been working for months to plan a fun and informational event for everyone.

Information and services available at the event are;

• Door Prizes
• Free Give-A-Ways
• Medical Screenings
• Vehicle Safety Inspections
• Emergency Preparedness
• Special Needs & Mass Transportation
• Home Safety
• Crime Prevention
• Regional Senior Resources
• Lunch

Download a brochure – AC Senior Safety Day Brochure

For information visit our Web site: http://www.athensema.org or call (740) 594-2261

The outdoor emergency warning sirens in Nelsonville, The Plains and New Marshfield will be tested at 12 noon on Wednesday, May 6, 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. 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.