Bigfoot grants, plastic jobs & a city split in two 👀
Good morning, Athens County. Nelsonville now has two governments, one lawsuit, and somehow still found time to chase over $950,000 in grants — including funding for the Bigfoot Festival, which honestly deserves its own constitutional amendment. Closer to home, a Canadian manufacturer is eyeing The Plains for a new plastics facility, which could mean real jobs and industrial momentum for the area. And on a somber note, Ohio University student Mason Bohm was found dead in McDavis Hall Sunday — authorities say campus is not at risk, but the investigation continues.
When you need a breather from all that, the week delivers: the Meet Cute Book Fair hits September 19, followed by the Athens Summer Family Concert and Gender-Affirming Fall Fest on the 25th. Fresh real estate listings and local sports scores are waiting inside too.
🌤 Sky Skoop
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The Plains
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Albany
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Chauncey
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☕️ What's Brewing Locally
CCC Plastics to potentially build plastics facility in The Plains
🏭 A Canadian manufacturer could be bringing a plastics production facility to The Plains, with the Athens County Port Authority now in lease negotiations. If it moves forward, the project could mean new industrial activity and jobs for the area. Read more
Nelsonville appoints special counsel for ongoing legal battle
⚖️ Nelsonville now has two rival governments — and a legal fight brewing. The Ohio city hired attorney Jonathan Robe as special counsel to defend Nelsonville and its council members against a lawsuit filed by Andrea Nicole Thompson-Hashman. The dispute stems from conflicting ordinances: voters approved a return to statutory government in November 2024, but council later abolished that mandate, leaving two competing governmental structures operating simultaneously since Jan. 1, 2026. On a brighter note, the city is actively pursuing over $950,000 in grants for infrastructure, demolition of blighted properties, and community projects like the Nelsonville Bigfoot Festival. Read more
Ohio University police investigate student death on campus
🎓 A student was found dead inside an Ohio University residence hall. Mason Bohm died in McDavis Hall on the afternoon of Sep. 15, according to university police. Authorities say they do not believe his death poses a threat to the broader campus community. The investigation remains ongoing, and police have not released additional details. Read more
9.72 acres · Babbling creek · Open field + wooded mix
Nestled in the peaceful Albany countryside, this gorgeous 9.72-acre parcel features a babbling creek, open fields, and a wonderful mix of woods — the perfect canvas for your dream country home or hobby farm!
🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla
📚 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's Uptown Athens location on September 19th — the perfect spot to discover your next favorite read!
🎵 Sep. 25 - Athens Summer Family Concert
📍 Athens Community Center, Athens, OH · 🕒 6:00 PM
Grab your lawn chairs and head to Athens Community Center on Sep 25 for a free outdoor concert the whole family will love! Great music, fresh air, and good neighbors await.
🏳️⚧️ Sep. 25 - Gender-Affirming Fall Fest
📍 Athens Community Center, Athens, OH · 🕒 12:00 PM
Celebrate authenticity and community at the 4th Annual Gender-Affirming Fall Fest at Athens Community Center on September 25! This vibrant festival welcomes everyone to embrace identity, connection, and the joy of autumn together.
🎸 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 live music night.
🎪 Oct. 13 - Cirque Kalabante Circus Show
📍 Templeton-Blackburn Alumni Memorial Auditorium, Ohio University · 🕒 7:30 PM
Get ready to be dazzled! Cirque Kalabante brings breathtaking acrobatics and vibrant West African circus arts to Templeton-Blackburn Alumni Memorial Auditorium at Ohio University on October 13.
🚵 Oct. 24 - Bailey's Family Dirt Fondo
📍 Baileys Trail System, Millfield, OH · 🕒 1:00 PM
Grab your helmets and hit the trails at Bailey's Dirt Fondo on October 24th! This family cycling adventure at the Baileys Trail System in Millfield, OH promises a fantastic ride for all ages.
⚽ 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 an exciting women's soccer showdown at Chessa Field on October 29! Come out and support your local college athletes!
🎵 Nov. 14 - Music School Student Recital
📍 Athens Public Library, Athens, OH · 🕒 3:00 PM
Young musicians take center stage at Athens Public Library on Nov. 14, as Athens Community Music School students showcase their talents in a delightful recital that's sure to warm your heart!
🌎 What Else Is Brewing
Federal Reserve raised interest rates for the first time since 2023, nudging Wall Street and basically telling inflation to calm down already.
U.S. House of Representatives passed a sanctions bill targeting Russia and Iran, sending a geopolitical headache straight to President Trump’s desk.
Donald Trump called for lower interest rates after the Fed’s hike, proving once again he never met a monetary policy fight he liked.
Trump administration again denied Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas a visa to attend the UN assembly, turning diplomacy into a bureaucratic face-off.
Donald Trump prepared to host Xi Jinping amid low expectations, with AI and trade tensions looming over the summit.
Wall Street fell after the Fed’s hawkish rate hike, as investors suddenly remembered borrowing money is not free.
🍞 Daily Bread Crumb
"Let everything that has breath praise the LORD."
— Psalm 150:6
No matter what you’re doing, a simple breath of gratitude can lift your spirit and remind you of God’s presence.
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