A murder indictment + the priciest 4th ever? We've got you covered 🎆
Good morning, Athens County. A serious legal case is making headlines close to home — three Athens County residents, including a 63-year-old woman facing nine counts, have been formally indicted on charges of murder, arson, and evidence tampering connected to a December death. Sheriff Scott Fitch confirmed the arrests Wednesday, and this one is worth following closely as details continue to emerge.
On a lighter note, the holiday weekend is almost here, and Athens has plenty going on — from a Patriotic Hocking River Float to a 12U Stars & Stripes baseball matchup. Fair warning though: economists are flagging this as potentially the priciest July 4th on record, so our Financial Friday tip on tax-advantaged retirement accounts couldn't come at a better time. All that and more inside.
🌤 Sky Skoop
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☕️ What's Brewing Locally
Three Athens County residents face murder, arson, and abuse of a corpse charges
🚨 Breaking news: A grand jury just indicted three Athens County residents on charges of murder, arson, and abusing a corpse following a case that started in Meigs County. This is a serious criminal development that has the community on edge. Read more
Beverly Haning, 63, of Athens Ohio, indicted for nine counts including obstructing justice
🚨 Another update on the same grim case: Beverly Haning, 63, from Athens, was indicted on nine counts, including four for obstructing justice by giving false info to authorities. This deepens the legal fallout for the family involved in the Ethan Vernon murder. Read more
Three indicted in Meigs County on murder charges for December 2025 incident
🚨 Official confirmation: Sarah, Randy, and Beverly Hanning—all Athens County residents—were formally indicted Wednesday for murder, arson, and tampering with evidence linked to a December 2025 death. Sheriff Scott Fitch announced their arrests. Read more
Batter up for Fourth of July weekend! Young baseball stars ages 11U-13U compete at Athens West State Park on July 3rd, with a 3-game guarantee for just $300 per team entry.
Kick off your 4th of July weekend early by floating the Hocking River with Adventure Pro Outdoors! Join their first-ever patriotic float on July 3rd at 1299 E Canal St, Nelsonville — it's going to be epic!
All aboard for a scenic Labor Day adventure! Hop on the Hocking Valley Scenic Railway (33 W Canal St, Nelsonville) for a narrated 2-hour ride—tickets start at $17 for kids and $22 for adults.
Celebrate Independence Day with a browse through Athens Art Guild's handcrafted treasures at the Athens Farmers Market! Shop juried arts and crafts Saturday from 9 AM to Noon at the Athens Community Center on E. State Street.
Calling all teens and tweens! Head to the Ohio Valley Museum of Discovery (67 Columbus Rd) this July 4th from 10 AM–noon for Discovery Lab Makerspace, where creativity and hands-on fun collide!
Don't miss Megan Bee live at Eclipse Company Store in The Plains, OH on July 5th at 12:00 PM! Grab your tickets now for what's sure to be an unforgettable afternoon.
Find your inner peace this July 4th weekend! Athens KTC Buddhist Center hosts Sunday morning meditation and dharma presentations at Serenity Roots Yoga and Wellness Center (8950 Lavelle Rd) from 10 to 11am.
🌎 What Else Is Brewing
Tesla smashed Wall Street forecasts by delivering a record 480,126 vehicles in Q2, fueled by a Europe rebound that hints at annual growth.
U.S. Labor Market added only 57,000 jobs in June, a slowdown that shocked economists and gave the Federal Reserve fresh room to pause rate hikes.
Trump Administration lifted export controls on Anthropic's advanced AI model, allowing the tech to reach select companies after earlier ordering a temporary export block.
Americans are bracing for their most expensive July 4 celebration ever as tariffs and the Iran war keep food and gas prices stubbornly high.
Tesla Driver got charged with manslaughter after driving an automated Tesla into a Texas home and killing a 76-year-old grandmother, court papers reveal.
Alan Greenspan passed away at age 99, the legendary former Fed chair once hailed as the best central banker but later tarnished by the 2008 crisis.
💰 Financial Friday
Consider taking advantage of tax-advantaged retirement accounts such as 401(k) or IRA, which can help your savings grow over time while reducing your taxable income. By contributing to these accounts consistently, you can build a nest egg for your future and potentially lower your tax liability.
🙏 In Remembrance
Melanie Sue Moore
Melanie Sue Moore, 68, of Palm Coast, Florida, passed away peacefully on June 28, 2026. Born on July 30, 1957, in Sedalia, Ohio, Melanie lived a life filled with love, kindness, and dedication to her family and passions. Melanie retired in March 2024 after a fulfilling career of over 28 years at...
Ernest Elliott
Palm Coast Ernest "Ernie" Ray Elliott, 76, of Palatka, Florida, passed from this life surrounded by the love of his family on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at Inverness Cottage Senior Living of Palm Coast, following extended medical complications. Born in Athens, Ohio, in 1950, he later relocated to...
James Powell
Nelsonville James (Rich) Powell, 94, of Nelsonville passed away unexpectedly on June 26 in Berea, Ohio. Born on January 15, 1932 in New Floodwood, Ohio he was the son of the late Joe and Marie (Warren) Powell. After graduating Buchtel High School, he proudly served his country during the Korean...
William Floyd Dye Jr
William Floyd Dye Jr., age 36, of Nelsonville, Ohio, passed away June 30, 2026 at O’Bleness Hospital, Athens, Ohio. William was born September 8, 1989 in Athens, Ohio to William Flioyd Dye Sr. and Carla Sue Boyd Dye. He graduated from Alexander High School; loved cooking, playing video games, and...
Nathan M Brookins
Nathan Brookins of Albany, Ohio, passed away on July 1, 2026, at the age of 47. Nathan was an outstanding outdoorsman and tracker. He was passionate about fishing and bowhunting and achieved several Pope and Young harvests. He was always grateful for his hunting and fishing brothers and friends:...
Holly Ann Short
Holly Short (Buckley), 66, passed away peacefully on June 26, 2026, at Riverside Methodist Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, surrounded by her family and friends. Born on March 3, 1960, in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, Holly always considered Pittsfield to be her hometown. She graduated from Indian River...
Timothy F. Hudson
Timothy F. Hudson, 68, of Streetsboro, OH passed away suddenly on June 28, 2026. He was born on December 11 in Detroit, MI to Mary (Buchheimer) and Thomas Hudson. Tim graduated from Hudson High School in 1975 and attended Ohio University. Preceded in death by his father, he is survived by his...
Kim Therese Dumble
Kim Therese Dumble, 68 years old and a long-time resident of Topeka, passed away peacefully on June 18, 2026, surrounded by loved ones. Born in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, Kim will be greatly missed by her dearest friend and adventure buddy, Carol Shannahan of Topeka, her sisters Joan and Lynn...
🍞 Daily Bread Crumb
"Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."
— 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
This verse reminds us to stay positive and grateful, even in tough times, and to always keep a prayerful spirit. By doing so, we align ourselves with God's will and find joy in the journey.
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