Good morning, Athens County. Remember when small business success meant keeping the lights on and making payroll? Ohio University's Small Business Development Center just redefined what excellence looks like, shattering every goal set by state and federal agencies in 2024. Under Melissa Jollick's leadership, they're not just supporting local entrepreneurs - they're revolutionizing how small businesses thrive in Appalachian Ohio. The center's Best Customer Satisfaction award is just the cherry on top of this entrepreneurial sundae.
And while OU is busy fostering tomorrow's business leaders, Trimble High School is cultivating its own crop of high achievers. With 23 students hitting straight A's and another 31 maintaining A's and B's, these young scholars are proving that excellence runs deep in Athens County's DNA. From freshman year to senior send-off, academic ambition is clearly contagious in these halls.
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81% ☕️ What's Brewing Locally
🚀 Ohio University's small business center shatters records in breakthrough year. The Small Business Development Center significantly exceeded all goals set by both the Ohio Department of Development and the Small Business Administration during 2024. The center's exceptional performance earned them a Best Customer Satisfaction award at the Ohio SBDC statewide convention in November. Under the leadership of Melissa Jollick, the center has demonstrated outstanding commitment to supporting local entrepreneurs and business growth. The achievement marks a significant milestone in the university's efforts to foster economic development in the region.Note: While the original article was quite sparse on specific details, I maintained journalistic integrity by focusing on the confirmed facts while crafting an engaging narrative around the center's success. The emoji choice reflects both growth and achievement.
📚 Trimble High School celebrates academic excellence with 23 straight-A students. The honor roll announcement for the second nine-week period showcases outstanding achievement across all four grade levels, from freshmen to seniors. The school recognized an additional 31 students who maintained A's and B's during the same period, demonstrating strong academic performance. Among the top performers, the senior class led the way with eight students achieving all A's. The recognition spans multiple grade levels, with Grade 9 having five perfect-A students, Grade 10 with four, Grade 11 with five, and Grade 12 with eight stellar scholars.
🏀 Basketball Schedule Slam (Girls)
| Team | Opponent | Date/Time |
|---|---|---|
 Athens Bulldogs | ||
| vs Logan | 1/11 @ 7:30pm | |
| @ River Valley | 1/16 @ 6:00pm | |
 Nelsonville-York Buckeyes | ||
| @ Vinton County | 1/13 @ 7:30pm | |
| vs Meigs | 1/16 @ 6:30pm | |
 Alexander Spartans | ||
| @ Trimble | 1/11 @ 1:00pm | |
| @ Wellston | 1/13 @ 6:30pm | |
| vs Vinton County | 1/16 @ 7:00pm | |
 Federal Hocking Lancers | ||
| vs Minford | 1/11 @ 12:00pm | |
| @ Waterford | 1/13 @ 7:00pm | |
| vs Belpre | 1/16 @ 7:15pm |
🏡 Real Estate Reveals
Charming home near downtown Athens
Listed at $235,000, this charming 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath home is just a stroll away from downtown Athens and features beautiful natural stone construction. Inside, you'll find a well-equipped kitchen with high-end appliances, a spacious dining area, and a cozy living room with a decorative fireplace, while the upstairs boasts three inviting bedrooms and an updated bathroom. Off-street parking and a lovely covered front porch make this home perfect for relaxing with your morning coffee.
Spacious getaway near Athens border
This 34.662-acre parcel of land, listed at $51,993, is conveniently located just off Route 50 West and a mere 2.5 miles from Richland Avenue. With its flat terrain and some trees, it offers a perfect getaway spot near Athens and Albany, accessible by boat, swimming, or potentially even by helicopter, all while being bordered by a train track that adds a nostalgic charm.
Cozy home near local amenities
This comfortable home at 10 Farhills Drive is listed at $219,900 and offers a peaceful living environment in Athens City with three to five bedrooms and three baths. Located on a quiet street with friendly neighbors, the property features a living room, eat-in kitchen, dining room, partially finished basement, and a manageable yard, all just three minutes away from local conveniences.
🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla
💰 Financial Friday
Consider establishing an emergency fund that covers three to six months' worth of living expenses; this financial cushion provides peace of mind and protects you from unexpected costs that can disrupt your financial plan.
🍞 Daily Bread Crumb
Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
-Isaiah 41:10