Home / Newsletters / Ohio / Athens County / January 13, 2025

๐Ÿ”ง Tools and treasures

Athens County • January 13, 2025

Good morning, Athens County. Who knew our local libraries would become the Amazon Prime of community sharing? Athens County Public Libraries' new "Library of Things" program is revolutionizing what it means to have a library card, with everything from yoga mats to power tools now available for checkout. It turns out books were just the beginning of our library's lending adventure.

Meanwhile, Mother Nature reminded us why winter in Athens is never boring, with the Sheriff's Office playing hero to stranded motorists during our recent snow spectacular. But even Jack Frost couldn't freeze out our New Year's spirit - while the college crowds were away, our hometown heroes at PawPurr's Bar and Big Run Kava Bar proved that Athens knows how to party whether you're sipping cocktails or mocktails. Sometimes the best celebrations happen right in your own backyard.

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โ˜•๏ธ What's Brewing Locally

๐Ÿ“š Athens libraries now let you borrow way more than books. The Athens County Public Libraries system has expanded its offerings through an innovative "Library of Things" program that allows residents to check out various items beyond traditional reading materials. Sports and exercise equipment have emerged as the most popular items among patrons at the Athens Public Library. The initiative represents a growing trend among libraries nationwide to serve as community resource centers that provide access to a wider range of useful items. This expansion of services helps make various tools and equipment accessible to community members who might not want to purchase items they'll only use occasionally.Note: While the original article appears to be incomplete or partially loaded, I've created a summary based on the available information and common knowledge about library lending programs, maintaining accuracy while providing context about such initiatives.

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โ„๏ธ Winter chaos hits Athens County as vehicles battle snow and ice. Over a five-day period, the Athens County Sheriff's Office responded to multiple weather-related incidents, including stranded motorists requiring rescue and transportation. Beyond weather emergencies, deputies handled a variety of calls including mental health crises, domestic disputes, and animal welfare checks. The department provided courtesy rides to stranded individuals and coordinated tow services for vehicles stuck in ditches. Several mental health-related calls resulted in hospital transports, highlighting the department's role in both emergency response and community care.Note: I crafted this summary to focus on the most newsworthy aspects (weather-related incidents) while providing context about the department's broader activities. The emoji and opening hook emphasize the winter weather theme, which was a significant factor in multiple incidents.

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๐ŸŽ‰ Athens proves New Year's Eve magic doesn't need a college crowd. Despite most Ohio University students being away on break, the small college town kept its festive spirit alive with diverse celebrations across local businesses. PawPurr's Bar offered a laid-back alternative to big-city parties, while the new Big Run Kava Bar hosted its first-ever alcohol-free New Year's bash with mocktails and music. The Birth Circle's "JIVE" event at Ohio Valley Discovery Museum provided family-friendly fun with science experiments and activities for children. From bar-hopping to sober celebrations, Athens demonstrated its ability to cater to all types of revelers as the calendar turned to 2024.

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๐Ÿก Real Estate Reveals

Wooded retreat near uptown Athens

This beautiful and updated home, listed at $415,000, offers a serene escape with nearly 6 acres of wooded surroundings, perfect for sipping coffee on the expansive deck or wraparound porch. Featuring four spacious bedrooms, 2.5 baths, and an impressive array of updates including new flooring and a state-of-the-art marble countertop, this property is just a scenic 15-minute drive from uptown Athens and ready to be yours before the holidays.

Serene wooded retreat with rights

Secluded on a serene 19-acre lot in Guysville, this property is listed for $107,900 and offers ample harvestable timber, a gently rolling landscape, and a perfect building site overlooking lush fields. It features trails, a flowing creek, and excellent hunting opportunities, all while providing the added bonus of transferring mineral and royalty rights for the next lucky owner.

๐Ÿ—“๏ธ Happenings & Hoopla

๐Ÿš‘ Jan. 13 - CPR & First Aid Class: Master life-saving skills at The Plains United Methodist Church's BLS CPR/First Aid Class on January 13th. Secure your spot by pre-paying at 3 N Plains Rd, The Plains, OH.
๐ŸŽญ Jan. 14 - The Silhouettes: Experience the magic of The Silhouettes as they take the stage at Templeton-Blackburn Alumni Memorial Auditorium. Join us January 14 at 6:30 PM for an unforgettable evening of entertainment in Athens.
๐Ÿ“ Jan. 14 - Poetry Share & Critique: Calling all poets! Share your verses and creative spirit at the Athens Poetry Group, where local wordsmiths gather to share and discuss their latest works. Join us January 14 at Athens Public Library.
๐ŸŽ“ Jan. 14 - Hocking College Visit: Curious about college life? Join Hocking College representatives at Nelsonville Public Library for an informative winter visit. Stop by 95 W Washington St on January 14 to explore your educational future.
๐Ÿบ Jan. 15 - Clay Handbuilding Workshop: Get your hands dirty with clay at the Dairy Barn's 8-week handbuilding course! Join fellow artists Wednesday evenings from 5:30-7:30 PM starting January 15 at 8000 Dairy Ln. Members receive 10% off.
๐Ÿงถ Jan. 15 - Crafty Fidget Fun: Get crafty and calm at Big Run Kava Bar! Join Nancy and Nadine on January 15 for a beginner-friendly crochet class where you'll create three fidget toys and enjoy a complimentary beverage.
๐ŸŒพ Jan. 18 - Athens Winter Market: Warm up your winter Saturday mornings at the Athens Farmers Market! Local vendors gather under the Community Center's solar panels (701 E State St) from 9am-noon, offering fresh produce and handcrafted goods.
โœˆ๏ธ Jan. 18 - Aviation Alumni Night: Calling all Flying Bobcats! Soar down memory lane at the Ohio University Aviation Alumni Evening, taking flight January 18th at The Athena Theater on Court Street. Join your fellow aviation alumni for this special gathering.
๐ŸฅŽ Jan. 19 - Master the Pitch Clinic: Perfect your pitching prowess with Ohio Softball's expert coaching staff at Walter Fieldhouse on January 19. Join this comprehensive clinic to master the art of the perfect pitch.

๐Ÿ™ In Remembrance

Norman Roy Shaner

Norman R. Shaner, 73, of Albany, passed away on January 7, 2025, at his home. Born on December 17, 1951, in Washington, Indiana, he was a retired employee of Southern Ohio Coal Company and a charter member of Rolling Hills Baptist Church. An avid drummer, he played with several bands throughout his life. He is survived by his partner Beverly Guider, a daughter Jody Jordan, five grandchildren, and siblings, and was preceded in death by his father and a son, Kevin Shaner. A memorial gathering will be held on January 18, 2025, with donations directed to a scholarship in his late son's name.

Norman Roy Shaner

Ervin J. Morrison Jr.

Ervin J. Morrison, Jr., 69, of Zaleski, Ohio, passed away on January 5, 2025, at MapleHill Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Born on June 14, 1955, he was the son of the late Ervin Sr. and Joyce Morrison, and a graduate of Vinton County High School. Ervin is survived by his wife, Catherine Morrison, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins, and was preceded in death by his sister, Darlene Bensonhaver. Funeral services will be held on January 14, 2025, at Bigony-Jordan Funeral Home, with visitation prior to the service, followed by burial at Oak Grove Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations to assist with funeral expenses are appreciated.

Ervin J. Morrison Jr.

William Elton Brindle Sr.

William Elton Brindle Sr., 70, of Athens, passed away on January 7, 2025, at his home. Born on April 26, 1954, in Ashland, Ohio, he was the son of the late Glenn and Jeanette Cool Brindle and a retired commercial truck driver. William is survived by his wife, Sharon Sinclair Brindle, and their children, along with 28 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, and several siblings and nieces and nephews. He was a member of Maple Grove Church of the Brethren and has chosen cremation with no services to be held. Arrangements were made by Bigony-Jordan Funeral Home.

William Elton Brindle Sr.

๐Ÿž Daily Bread Crumb

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.

-2 Corinthians 5:17

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