Good morning, Athens County. Ohio drivers are about to catch a break — state lawmakers voted overwhelmingly to suspend the state's gas and diesel taxes for 90 days, meaning relief at the pump could arrive as soon as this week. While budget hawks are raising an eyebrow at the $726 million price tag, your wallet might not mind the timing. On a warmer note, the Athens-Hocking-Vinton 317 Board honored some unsung local heroes at Lake Hope Lodge — advocates quietly doing the hard work of mental health and addiction recovery across three counties.
Meanwhile, Alexander volleyball is on a milestone tear, with two players hitting career landmarks and a hungry freshman leading the charge offensively. Fresh real estate listings, local scores, and this week's obituaries are all waiting inside.
🌤 Sky Skoop
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Nelsonville
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The Plains
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Albany
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Chauncey
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☕️ What's Brewing Locally
Ohio lawmakers overwhelmingly approve a three-month gas tax holiday
⛽ Ohio is about to get a 90-day break at the gas pump. State lawmakers voted overwhelmingly to suspend Ohio's 38.5-cent gasoline and 47-cent diesel taxes, with the House passing the bill 78-16 and the Senate 26-5. The $726 million holiday takes effect immediately upon Gov. Mike DeWine's signature, which was expected Oct. 1. While both major gubernatorial candidates had called for the relief, some Democrats criticized the rushed process, with critics calling it election-year "funny money" that could leave budget shortfalls down the road. Read more
317 Board honors behavioral health advocates at annual dinner
🧠 Local behavioral health heroes got their moment in the spotlight. The Athens-Hocking-Vinton 317 Board honored advocates from three Ohio counties at an annual dinner at Lake Hope Lodge. Awards were given to individuals dedicated to mental health and addiction recovery, including a school counselor serving middle and high school students and a Vinton County judge who has championed drug court support. Each recipient received framed photography from the Athens Photographic Project, created by artists using the medium as part of their own mental health recovery journeys. Read more
Spartans sweep Jackson and Wellston; Ohms records 1,000th dig
🏐 Alexander volleyball is on a milestone-filled hot streak. The Spartans swept both Jackson and Wellston in back-to-back days, improving to 5-10 overall while riding momentum from two major career achievements. Senior libero Abbi Ohms recorded her 1,000th career dig during the Jackson win, joining setter Laney Douglas — who hit 1,000 career assists less than two weeks prior — in the milestone club. Freshman outside hitter Aubriegh Gwinn has emerged as the team's offensive engine, posting 15 kills against Jackson and 12 against Wellston. Alexander now turns its attention to a home matchup against Nelsonville-York, a team that beat the Spartans last month but has since dropped six straight. Read more
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🌎 What Else Is Brewing
Federal Reserve signaled it may hold off on another rate move for now, and traders quickly started backing away from an October hike.
OpenAI fired three researchers over alleged mishandling of sensitive information, adding another awkward plot twist to the AI race.
U.S. Supreme Court agreed to review a Trump administration policy that denies bond hearings to immigrants during the crackdown, teeing up a major legal fight.
Boeing kept Wall Street in a decent mood as major U.S. indexes climbed, though the company itself wasn’t the day’s drama.
Nike saw shares drop nearly 9% after warning its turnaround will take time and its full-year outlook came in softer than hoped.
Pentagon is sending another aircraft carrier and 10,000 troops to the Middle East, sharpening the U.S. military posture around Iran.
💰 Financial Friday
Schedule an annual review of your credit report through the free government portal to catch inaccuracies early and keep your credit score healthy.
Sharon Sayre passed away on Wednesday, September 30, 2026. The family is being cared for by Morrison Funeral Chapel - Glouster-Bishopville. Read full obituary
Peter Abele passed away on Friday, September 25, 2026. The family is being cared for by Morrison Funeral Chapel - Glouster-Bishopville. Read full obituary
Athens - Mary Ann Riley, 68, of Athens, died peacefully Sunday, September 27, 2026, at her residence. Born November 19, 1957, in Washington Courthouse, Ohio, she was the daughter of the late Norbert and Mary Cook. Mary Ann grew up in Dayton, Ohio and was a graduate of Chaminade Julienne Catholic... Read full obituary
Long Bottom - Darrell Dwane Hawthorne, 90, left this earth on September 28, 2026, to worship at the feet of Jesus and sing a song the angels cannot sing. He was born on August 19, 1936, in Apple Grove, OH, to the late Minnie Sayre Hawthorne Cunningham. In addition to his mother, Darrell was... Read full obituary
Albany Mary R. Young, 86, Albany, passed away Friday September 25, 2026, at Four Winds Nursing Home, Jackson, Ohio. She was born December 30, 1939, in Vinton County, the daughter of the late Floyd and Myrtle Nickels Mitchell. She retired after 22 years at Athens County and Wells Library's. She... Read full obituary
The Plains Robert Earl Scott of The Plains passed away following a brief illness on Saturday, September 26, 2026 at O'Bleness Hospital, Athens. Surrounded by his loving family, Bob went home to his Lord and Savior. Born May 25, 1944, to Irene and Robert N. Scott in The Plains. Bob spent his early... Read full obituary
GUYSVILLE—Jerry Keith Sayre, 59, of Guysville, OH, passed away Friday, Sept. 25, 2026, at O’Bleness Hospital in Athens, OH. He was born July 24, 1967, in Athens, OH, son of the late Ralph and Betty Sayre. Jerry was a 1985 graduate of Federal Hocking High School and a retired tow truck... Read full obituary
🍞 Daily Bread Crumb
"You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."
— Jeremiah 29:13
When you truly focus on God, He promises to meet you right where you are, bringing hope and direction to your everyday steps.
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