Educators leaving + a book fair that's basically a rom-com 📖
Good morning, Athens County. Four hundred days. That's how long Ohio University faculty have gone without a contract — and on Sept. 9, more than 250 people showed up to College Green to make sure that number didn't go unnoticed. Faculty salaries have slipped to second lowest among Ohio's public research institutions, and experienced educators are starting to vote with their feet. It's the kind of slow-moving crisis that deserves a lot more attention than it gets.
On a lighter note, fall is shaping up to be a great season for clearing out the garage — Athens-Hocking's recycling drop-off events in October will take everything from appliances to old mattresses. The week's calendar brings Adult Crafternoon, Euchre Night, and the Meet Cute Book Fair. Fresh real estate listings are inside too.
🌤 Sky Skoop
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Chauncey
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☕️ What's Brewing Locally
Over 250 OU professors protest 400+ days without a faculty contract
📚 Ohio University faculty hit 400 days without a contract. More than 250 faculty, students, and community members rallied on College Green on Sept. 9, 2026, demanding fair pay after two years without raises or cost-of-living adjustments. Faculty salaries, once ranked near third among Ohio's public research institutions, have fallen to second lowest in the state. The university took 301 days to respond to the union's compensation proposal, then eliminated its entire Office of Instructional Design just days after publicly promising continued support. Faculty warn that stagnant pay and shrinking support staff are driving experienced educators away and shortchanging students. Read more
Fall Recycling Day to be held in Athens Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026
♻️ Athens and Hocking County residents have a big recycling opportunity this fall. The Athens-Hocking Solid Waste District is hosting two drop-off events — on Oct. 10 at the Athens County Fairgrounds and Oct. 17 at the Hocking County Fairgrounds — both running from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Accepted items include appliances, e-waste, clothing, mattresses, scrap metal, and batteries, though TVs carry a $20–$40 fee and fluorescent bulbs cost 50 cents each, with only cash or checks accepted. The events are funded through an Ohio EPA Recycle Grant, with partners including Habitat for Humanity ReStore and Rumpke. For more details, visit athenshockingrecycling.org or call (740) 594-5312. Read more
Nestled in a charming corner of the Village of Chauncey, this cozy 2-bed, 1-bath fixer-upper sits on a gorgeous lot boasting a jaw-dropping mature tree — plus a garage full of possibilities!
This sunny ranch on Carol Lane checks all the boxes — bright open living spaces, a generous flat yard, and easy one-floor living just minutes from Ohio University's campus!
4 bed · 2.5 bath · Sunken family room w/ fireplace & fenced yard
This charming East Side gem sits on a corner lot and offers serious space for living and entertaining, featuring a sunken family room with fireplace, updated baths, and a beautifully fenced backyard retreat!
🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla
🎨 Sep. 15 - Adult Crafternoon
📍 Ohio Valley Museum Of Discovery, Athens, OH · 🕒 2:00 PM
Unleash your inner artist at the Ohio Valley Museum of Discovery in Athens this Sep 15! Join fellow adults for a creative Crafternoon and let your imagination run wild.
🃏 Sep. 16 - Euchre Night at Bar
📍 The Side Bar, Athens, OH · 🕒 6:00 PM
Shuffle up and deal at The Side Bar in Athens this Sep 16 for a fun-filled Euchre Night! Gather your crew and show off your card skills at this community favorite.
📚 Sep. 19 - Meet Cute Book Fair
📍 Central Avenue Church Uptown Location, Athens, OH · 🕒 12:00 PM
Book lovers, mark your calendars! The Meet Cute Market brings a charming book fair to Central Avenue Church Uptown in Athens, OH on September 19th — the perfect place to find your next favorite read!
🎵 Sep. 25 - Athens Summer Family Concert
📍 Athens Community Center, Athens, OH · 🕒 6:00 PM
Bring the whole family for a magical evening of live music under the open sky! The Athens City Summer Concert Series kicks off at Athens Community Center on Sep 25 — free fun for everyone!
🏳️⚧️ Sep. 25 - Gender-Affirming Fall Fest
📍 Athens Community Center, Athens, OH · 🕒 12:00 PM
Celebrate fall and community at the 4th Annual Gender-Affirming Fall Fest at Athens Community Center on September 25! Join neighbors for a joyful, inclusive festival honoring everyone's authentic self.
🎸 Oct. 09 - Late Show Live Jam Night
📍 Casa Nueva, Athens, OH · 🕒 10:00 PM
Get ready to groove at Casa Nueva on Oct. 9 as Big Shrimp, Shampoo for the Monks brings their infectious jam band energy to Athens! Don't miss this unforgettable live performance.
🚴 Oct. 24 - Bailey's Family Dirt Fondo
📍 Baileys Trail System, Millfield, OH · 🕒 1:00 PM
Saddle up for a fantastic family adventure at Bailey's Trail System in Millfield, OH! The Bailey's Dirt Fondo on Oct. 24 invites cyclists of all ages to hit the trails together.
⚽ Oct. 29 - Rockets vs Bobcats Soccer
📍 Chessa Field - Soccer Facility, Ohio University · 🕒 3:00 PM
Cheer on the Ohio Bobcats as they face the Toledo Rockets in women's soccer action at Chessa Field on October 29! Come out and support your local college athletes in what promises to be an exciting match.
🌎 What Else Is Brewing
The Supreme Court blocked Trump’s plan to limit mail-in voting in the midterms, handing the White House another courtroom buzzkill.
Bond market rebuked the US Treasury’s buyback plan and pushed borrowing costs higher, keeping Washington’s financing headaches very much alive.
Amazon paused operations with 21 Air after the cargo carrier’s Miami runway crash, as investigators keep digging through the wreckage.
Donald Trump said he’ll consider releasing more 9/11 records, adding another layer to the administration’s ever-growing archive drama.
Defense Production Act is being weighed by the White House to expand US oil refining capacity as Iran-related supply fears rattle markets.
10-Year Treasury touched 5 percent, sending a fresh jolt through Wall Street and reminding traders that bonds can still throw punches.
🍞 Daily Bread Crumb
"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves."
— Philippians 2:3
When we put others first and let go of pride, everyday interactions become more joyful and meaningful.
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