Free care for everyone + your neighbors' untold stories 👀
Good morning, Athens County. Mark your calendars: August 1-2, Heritage Hall on Ohio University's campus becomes a one-stop shop for free medical, dental, and vision care — no insurance, no appointments, no income limits required. GuardCare 2026 is the kind of event worth telling your neighbors about, so consider this your official heads-up to spread the word.
While you're planning ahead, Ohio families struggling with summer electric bills may qualify for HEAP cooling assistance through September — details inside. Local historian Brian Koscho is also making the rounds at Athens County Public Library branches, capturing residents' personal stories before they slip away. Plus, Ohio Brew Week kicks off July 10, the Tuesday Social Mingler is tonight, fresh real estate listings are ready for your scroll, and we've got national headlines rounding things out. Plenty to dig into.
🌤 Sky Skoop
Athens
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Nelsonville
69°89°
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The Plains
68°89°
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Albany
66°89°
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Chauncey
68°89°
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☕️ What's Brewing Locally
GuardCare 2026 to offer free health, dental and vision services in Athens
🏥 Free healthcare for all Ohioans — no insurance, no appointments needed. GuardCare 2026 will offer complimentary medical, dental, and vision services on August 1-2 at Heritage Hall on the Ohio University campus in Athens. Services include health screenings, lab work, immunizations, eye exams, and prescription glasses, all available on a first-come, first-served basis with no income restrictions. The event is a collaborative effort between the Athens City-County Health Department, the Ohio National Guard, and several other state organizations. Residents can call 740-592-4431 or visit athenspublichealth.org for more details. Read more
HEAP Summer Crisis Program available through Sept. 30, 2026
❄️ Ohio families can get help beating the summer heat. The HEAP Summer Crisis Program runs July 1 through September 30, offering income-eligible Ohioans assistance with electric bills, air conditioner purchases, or central AC repairs. Households with members aged 60 or older, those with qualifying medical conditions, or those facing utility disconnection are prioritized. A family of four must earn $57,750 or less annually to qualify. To apply, contact your local Community Action Agency and visit energyhelp.ohio.gov. Read more
Invisible Ground collecting oral histories from Athens County residents
🎙️ Athens County's stories are being saved before they're lost forever. Local historian Brian Koscho is touring all seven Athens County Public Library branches to record residents' personal histories for a podcast and Oral History Time Capsule. The project, part of Koscho's multimedia venture Invisible Ground, explores how public libraries shape communities and democracy. Residents can also share stories via email, voicemail, or borrowing recording equipment at any library branch. Read more
3 acre lot · Water & electric available · Alexander School district
A rare chance to own a peaceful 3-acre rural lot in the sought-after Alexander School district, just minutes from Albany with utilities already at the road — your dream home awaits!
10-acre lot · Farmhouse w/ sandstone foundation · Well & cistern on site
Tucked between Athens and The Plains, this nearly 10-acre slice of country charm features a grand old farmhouse with stunning sandstone foundations — perfect for those dreaming of gardens, animals, and wide-open spaces!
This charming 3-bed Athens home checks all the boxes — generous storage, a fully fenced backyard perfect for pets and gatherings, and an unbeatable location minutes from the pool, shopping, and easy highway access!
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 night out!
Find your flow and inner calm at Serenity Roots Yoga and Wellness Center (8950 Lavelle Rd)! Join the Trauma Sensitive Yoga Project for Gentle Yoga on July 7 at 5:30 PM EDT.
Raise a glass to craft beer culture at Ohio University in Athens! Ohio Brew Week returns July 10th, bringing together beer lovers for a celebrated week of local brews, community, and fun.
Discover the power of your own story at The Plains Public Library on July 10! Join Brian Koscho for an inspiring look at Invisible Ground and learn exciting ways to share your unique experiences with the community.
Batter up, Athens! The Sandlot 10u Bash Tourney brings youth baseball action to Athens West State Park July 10-12, 2026. Don't miss this exciting weekend of America's favorite pastime for the community's young sluggers!
Get ready to rock Jackie O's Taproom this summer! Heather Redman & The Reputation take the stage July 11 at 25 Campbell St, Athens, as part of Blackout and Jackie O's epic Summer Concert Series.
Celebrate 20 years of community care with Athens Birth Circle on July 11! Join the team at 217 Columbus Rd #103 for an open house and a special Blessing Box ribbon cutting ceremony.
Do the largemouth bass boogie at Creek Jam 2026! Join Rural Action's Watersheds team on July 11 at Eclipse Company Store in The Plains, OH, for a tree-planting fundraiser with live music from The JiMiller Band.
🌎 What Else Is Brewing
Meta Platforms faces four states seeking $1.4 trillion in penalties over accusations its platforms addict young users and mislead about safety.
Dominic announced the federal government seeded $1,000 Trump Accounts for over 500,000 children, marking the first wave of the new savings program.
Taylor Swift clears a federal lawsuit alleging she plagiarized phrases from a Florida woman's poems for more than a dozen songs.
US Men's National Team loses 4-1 to Belgium in the World Cup round of 16, ending their quarterfinal hopes for the first time in 24 years.
Tyler Robinson charged with manslaughter for killing conservative activist Charlie Kirk as prosecutors prepare to present their case this week in Seattle.
Anthropic sees the Trump administration lift export restrictions on its most advanced AI models, Fable and Mythos, after weeks of national security negotiations.
🙏 In Remembrance
Darrell W. Fowler
Darrell W. Fowler passed away on Saturday, July 4, 2026. The family is being cared for by Hall Funeral Home & Crematory.
Margaret Frances Thomas
Margaret Frances Thomas passed away on Saturday, June 6, 2026. The family is being cared for by Moser Funeral Home Inc..
Harold Ross
Harold Ross passed away on Sunday, July 5, 2026. The family is being cared for by Morrison Funeral Chapel - Glouster-Bishopville.
Raymond Vincent Ortyl
Raymond Vincent Ortyl, 86, passed away peacefully in his sleep at home, Saturday, July 4, 2026. He was born on February 29, 1940 in Manhattan, NY to John and Sophia (Giermanski) Ortyl. In 1942, Raymond along with his parents came to Toledo, where they made their home in the Polish Village area....
David Borowski
Athens David (Dave) R. Borowski, born in August 1956, died June 24th at OSU Medical Center in Columbus, Ohio surrounded by his loved ones. Dave was born in Newark, New Jersey to Loretta (Nee Boberick) and Stephen Joseph Borowski. He was preceded in death by his father (1992) and his maternal...
Larry L. Buell
Larry Lynn Buell, 89 of Athens, OH passed away peacefully on July 4, 2026, at Grant Medical Center in Columbus, OH. Larry was born October 11, 1936 in Hamilton, Butler County, Ohio Larry was the son of the late Paul W. and Lyda M. Buell. His childhood years were spent in Camden,...
Sara Murray
Sara was born on April 29, 1930, in Portsmouth, Ohio, to the late Mark and Sara Hannah. She graduated from St. Joseph High School in Ironton, Ohio, and attended Edgecliff College in Cincinnati, Ohio, as well as Ohio University Portsmouth. Before her marriage, she was employed by the National Cash...
Paul Alan Miller
Paul Alan Miller, born on May 9, 1939, passed away on the 6th of July. A proud 1957 graduate of New Concord High School, Paul dedicated his life to education, public service, and his community. He earned his bachelor's degree in education from Muskingum College and later completed his master's...
🍞 Daily Bread Crumb
"We love because he first loved us."
— 1 John 4:19
This reminder that God's love came first encourages us to respond with love and kindness towards others, creating a ripple effect of compassion and care in our daily lives. By acknowledging God's initiative, we're empowered to pay it forward and spread love wherever we go.
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