Athens County Commission: Commissioners receive pitch for pocket park in Nelsonville, recognize local Boy Scout

🏅 A Boy Scout's cemetery cleanup earned him his own holiday. Chandus Hatcher, of Boy Scout Troop 364, organized volunteers to scrub 130 veteran gravestones and repaint a gazebo at Greenlawn Cemetery in Nelsonville, earning a county proclamation of "Chandus Hatcher Day" on July 17. Meanwhile, a local resident is pitching commissioners on converting unused land near the Athens County Community Cares Resource Center into a pocket park featuring a stage, kiosk, and benches. The park would serve as an outdoor extension of Stuart's Opera House's Afterschool Music Program, potentially boosting foot traffic in Nelsonville's historic downtown square. Read more

'Very unhealthy' air quality impacts public safety, city services

🌫️ Canadian wildfire smoke chokes Athens, Ohio to dangerous levels. Athens County's air quality index has hit 292, just below the hazardous threshold of 301, prompting officials to close the city pool and urge residents to stay indoors. The Athens County EMA recommends using air purifiers, limiting outdoor activity, and wearing masks when venturing outside. Even pets aren't safe — local businesses advise keeping animals indoors and cutting back on walks. Residents can sign up for air quality alerts at the city of Athens website. Read more

Tami Collins discusses progress made at Athens County DJFS

🏛️ A retired social worker returned to rescue a troubled Ohio agency. Tami Collins came out of retirement to lead Athens County's Department of Job and Family Services, an agency reeling from its former director's arrest and a $2.5 million debt to the state. Since taking charge on June 1, Collins has prioritized financial recovery, staff transparency, and rebuilding community trust through regular public updates. While some beloved community programs like Winterfest and Operation Full Belly have been discontinued, Collins reports early signs of fiscal improvement and is leaning on community partners to fill the gaps. Read more

Spacious fixer upper on pristine acreage — 30468 SR 143 — $284,000

8.3 acres · Detached garage/workshop · Metal roof & new windows

Nestled on 8+ open acres in the Alexander School District, this Albany gem offers a dream workshop, metal roof, new septic, and a blank-canvas interior just waiting for your personal touch!

Rugged Ohio woodland retreat awaits exploration — US Highway 50 Unit W — $399,000

80+ acres · Timberland & rock formations · Cabin + outbuilding

Nestled between Athens and Vinton County, this breathtaking 80+ acre woodland paradise near Hocking Hills offers ridges, valleys, rock formations, a cave, stream, and a cozy cabin — your ultimate outdoor adventure retreat!

Spacious country home with impressive pole barn — 4477 Coe Rd — $405,999

3 bed · 2.5 bath · 40x48 detached pole barn

Nestled on a peaceful scenic road in Albany, this move-in ready 3-bed gem sits on 1.4 acres with a massive pole barn, solar panels, and all the charm of relaxed rural living!

🐾 Jul. 20 - Little Bobcats Volleyball Camp

Young volleyball enthusiasts, get ready to level up your game at Little Bobcats 3! Head to the Convocation Center on July 20 at noon to master passing, attacking, serving, and setting with this all-skills camp.

🪨 Jul. 20 - Story Stones Rock Decorating

Rock on, little artists! Join librarians Deidra and Hallie at The Plains Public Library on July 20 to transform ordinary stones into adorable pet rocks using paint pens, googly eyes, and pure imagination!

🎨 Jul. 20 - Art Camp Full Day

Young storytellers unite at Dairy Barn Arts Center July 20-24! Kids explore myths and legends through morning creative activities, then bring those magical tales to life with puppetry in the afternoon.

🎉 Jul. 21 - Tuesday Social Night Mingler

Level up your Tuesday nights this summer at The Star Chamber Arcade! For just $10, enjoy unlimited play from 8-11 PM every Tuesday at 74 N Court St, Athens — the ultimate social mixer awaits!

🧘 Jul. 21 - Gentle Yoga Session

Find your calm at Serenity Roots Yoga and Wellness Center (8950 Lavelle Rd) on July 21 at 5:30 PM! This trauma-sensitive Gentle Yoga session blends soothing breathwork and mindful movement for a restorative evening.

🧵 Jul. 22 - Visible Mending with Kelly

Turn your worn clothes into wearable art on July 22! Join artist Kelly Lawrence at Community Makerspace (751 W Union St) to learn embroidery and visible mending techniques that celebrate—not hide—your repairs.

🧒 Jul. 23 - Toddler Museum Discovery Time

Little explorers, it's time to discover! Bring your toddlers to the Ohio Valley Museum of Discovery every Thursday morning from 10–11:30 AM for hands-on fun in the OhioHealth Community Classroom, starting November 13th.

🎱 Jul. 23 - Hickory Creek Bingo Night

Roll the daubers and shout "Bingo!" as you join the wonderful residents of Hickory Creek Nursing Center at 51 E 4th St in The Plains for a lively afternoon of bingo fun on July 23!