Good morning, Athens County. In a week that proved the power of human connection, our community rallied against Mother Nature's arctic assault with extraordinary compassion. While temperatures plummeted to dangerous lows, The Gathering Place and Christ Lutheran Church transformed into lifelines for our most vulnerable neighbors, with local heroes investing over $8,000 in emergency hotel rooms and opening heated sanctuaries to those in need.
Meanwhile, as Athens works to recover $349,522 from cyber scammers, our region's future is taking flight - literally. The University of Dayton and Ohio University are soaring into the future with a groundbreaking $5 million "Digital Twins" program, partnering with Joby Aviation to revolutionize aircraft manufacturing. From protecting our most vulnerable to pioneering aviation technology, Athens County continues to prove that innovation and compassion can coexist beautifully.
🌤 Sky Skoop | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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0%☕️ What's Brewing Locally
❤️ Athens community rallies to save homeless during deadly polar vortex. A local church and recovery center sprang into action as arctic temperatures threatened the city's unhoused population, providing emergency shelter for over 30 people. The Gathering Place spent an unprecedented $8,000 on hotel rooms, while Christ Lutheran Church opened its heated basement to those in need. Community donations poured in, with local organizations providing food and supplies during the crisis. City officials are now working to establish Arts West as an overnight shelter, marking a shift in how Athens handles extreme weather emergencies for its homeless population.
💰 Cyber scammers' $721,976 heist from Athens might see partial recovery. A bank recovered $349,522 from fraudsters who impersonated a construction company to steal from the Ohio city last November. Court filings reveal another victim, Florida-based Regency Centers, lost $326,874 to the same scammer account. The criminals pulled off the scheme by creating fake prepaid debit cards and posing as legitimate contractors. Republic Bank is now asking a judge to determine how to split the recovered funds between the two victims.
🚁 Ohio universities team up with Joby Aviation for revolutionary aircraft production. The University of Dayton Research Institute and Ohio University are launching a $5 million "Digital Twins" program to tackle manufacturing challenges in electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. The collaboration aims to bridge the gap between prototype development and high-rate production using digital engineering tools. Joby Aviation, which recently announced a major $500 million manufacturing facility in Dayton, has thrown its support behind the initiative. The program is expected to create high-paying jobs and establish Dayton as a hub for advanced air mobility manufacturing.
🏀 Basketball Scoreboard (Girls)
| Team | Opponent | Score |
|---|---|---|
 Athens Bulldogs | ||
@ Nelsonville-York | W 64-36 | |
 Nelsonville-York Buckeyes | ||
vs Athens | L 64-36 |
🏡 Real Estate Reveals
Stylish condo near country club
This fully renovated upstairs condo at 7034 Woodmere Dr., Athens, OH, is listed for $279,000 and offers a stylish living space near the Athens Country Club. Featuring two updated bathrooms, hardwood floors, quartz countertops, an enclosed sunroom, and a built-in wine cooler, this gem also includes a garage space and an additional parking spot, all while the current owners will cover the upcoming sewer connection fees.
This charming Raised Ranch, listed at $349,900, is set on five acres of serene land just minutes from Athens and OU Campus. Built in 1990, this home features 2,140 square feet of finished living space, three generous bedrooms, multiple bathrooms, a cozy stone fireplace, and a versatile basement rec room with potential for a fourth bedroom, all while being complemented by picturesque fruit trees and a small barn.
Spacious land with flexible options
Nestled at Lot #10 Heatherstone, this spacious 99' x 382' land is listed for $25,000, complete with public sewer and water—a solid investment for future building projects. With a land contract option requiring 25% down and flexible payment terms, potential buyers are encouraged to consider this opportunity, especially if you’re eyeing both Lot 10 and neighboring Lot 19 Rosemary Drive for a better deal.
🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla
🙏 In Remembrance
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🍞 Daily Bread Crumb
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
-Matthew 11:28-29