🎭 Raccoons and rockets - Athens County

Good morning, Athens County. From killer raccoons to space missions, Athens continues to prove it's anything but ordinary. Travis Irvine, our own OU alum, has turned his WOUB radio days into a delightfully chaotic career that peaked with America's #1 comedy during lockdown - because of course an Athens grad would conquer Hollywood with rabid raccoons during a pandemic.

While Irvine embraces the randomness in LA, our next generation of dreamers is reaching for the stars - literally. The Ohio Valley Museum of Discovery is giving K-8 students the chance to design mission patches for actual space experiments. Meanwhile, our sheriff's deputies are handling their own brand of local chaos, from ding-dong ditchers to snow-stranded motorists, proving that even our small-town shenanigans have an endearing charm.

🌤 Sky Skoop

Athens

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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 grad's wild career spans comedy, politics, and killer raccoons. Travis Irvine, a 2006 Ohio University graduate, turned his WOUB radio experience into a delightfully unpredictable career journey. After running for mayor and documenting it in a Cannes-screened film, he bounced between journalism at The Huffington Post, political campaigns as a Libertarian candidate, and filmmaking. His B-movie "Killer Raccoons 2" unexpectedly became America's #1 comedy during the 2020 pandemic lockdown. Now based in LA, Irvine credits his success to "embracing the randomness" - advice from his graduation speaker that shaped his multi-faceted career path.

🏡 Real Estate Reveals

Spacious raised ranch on acreage

This charming Raised Ranch, priced at $349,900, offers 2,140 sq ft of finished living space on 5 picturesque acres just a short drive from Athens and OU Campus. With 3 spacious bedrooms, multiple bathrooms, a cozy stone fireplace, new skylights, and a welcoming rec room in the finished basement (which could serve as a potential 4th bedroom), this home is packed with character and modern updates, including a recent gas furnace and AC installation. Plus, enjoy a pond, fruit trees, and a small barn for added appeal.

Country home with room to roam

Located in a serene country setting just 5 miles west of Athens, this 3-bedroom, 1-bath home on 5.59 acres is listed for $224,900. With 1,248 square feet of heated space, new appliances, and a spacious 10x20 deck offering peaceful views, the property features a detached 28x30 block garage and ample room for animals, though it could benefit from some TLC.

Spacious lot great investment potential

Lot #10 Heatherstone is available for $25,000, featuring ample space at 99' by 382'. With public sewer and water accessible, it's a promising opportunity for future development or investment, especially with a flexible land contract option that requires only 25% down and monthly payments of $500. Consideration for a deal sweetener arises if both Lot 10 and the nearby Lot 19 on Rosemary Drive, listed at $35,000, are purchased together.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

✊ Jan. 20 - MLK Silent March: Honor Dr. King's legacy at the annual Silent March, starting at Good Shepherd Church (64 University Terrace) on January 20, 2025. Join fellow community members at 9:30am for this powerful demonstration of unity.

🎲 Jan. 21 - D&D Game Night: Embark on an epic adventure at The Plains Public Library's weekly D&D gatherings! Join fellow adventurers every Tuesday afternoon at 14 S Plains Rd - no experience needed for this free fantasy tabletop quest.

✊ Jan. 23 - MLK Service Fair: Honor Dr. King's legacy at the MLK Week Community Service Fair! Connect with local nonprofits making a difference in our community on January 23 at Baker University Center in Athens.

🎨 Jan. 23 - Maker Space Craft Day: Get crafty at The Plains Public Library's Maker Space afternoon! Join fellow creators for an inspiring upcycling session on January 23 at 14 S Plains Rd.

🌾 Jan. 25 - Athens Winter Market: Warm up your winter Saturday mornings at the Athens Farmers Market, where local vendors gather under the solar panels at the Community Center. Browse fresh goods from 9am-12pm at 701 E State Street.

💃 Jan. 25 - Family Dance Party Night: Get your groove on at the family-friendly Fam Jam! Dance the evening away with a live DJ, free refreshments, and tons of fun at Athens Community Center on January 25th, 6-8pm.

🎲 Jan. 25 - Teen D&D Adventure Night: Roll for initiative at Athens Public Library's weekly Tabletop RPG Club! Join fellow teen adventurers for Dungeons & Dragons and other epic quests every Thursday in the large conference room at 30 Home St.

🔥 Jan. 25 - MIG Welding Basics Workshop: Spark your inner metalworker at this hands-on MIG welding workshop at Community Makerspace! Join fellow makers on January 25th to learn essential welding techniques at 751 W Union St, Athens.

🏍️ Jan. 26 - Motorcycle Instructor Training Day: Calling all motorcycle enthusiasts! Rev up your teaching potential at the Motorcycle Ohio Instructor Open House, where experienced riders can learn about becoming certified instructors. January 26 at Vernon R. Alden Library in Athens.

🙏 In Remembrance

Linda L. Burt

Linda L. Burt, 76, of Columbus, Ohio, passed away on January 9, 2025. Born on September 24, 1948, in Logan, she was a devoted homemaker and cherished her family, including her husband of 58 years, John Burt, and their children, Tony, Jana, and John Edward. Linda is also survived by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister. Funeral services will be held on Saturday at Warren-Brown Funeral Home, followed by burial in Greenlawn Cemetery.

Sandra S. Williams

Sandra S. Williams, 82, of Carbon Hill, Ohio, passed away on January 4, 2025. She was born on August 20, 1942, to Wilbert and Eileen Sanborn and is survived by her husband Walter Williams, four children, numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and two siblings. She was preceded in death by her parents, a son, and several siblings. Funeral services will take place on January 17, 2025, at the Warren-Brown Funeral Home, with burial following at Carbon Hill Cemetery. Calling hours are scheduled for the same day, prior to the service.

David Roche

David Richard Roche, 53, passed away peacefully at home in Athens, Ohio, on January 6, 2025, surrounded by loved ones, including his wife of 30 years, Christine Miles. Born on February 24, 1971, in St. John's, Newfoundland, David was a dedicated Kroger Produce Manager known for his hard work and sense of humor. He faced a brave battle against glioblastoma, undergoing extensive treatment while cherishing time with family and friends. David's passions included reading, music, indie films, and technology, which he integrated into daily life. He is survived by his parents, stepchildren, grandchildren, and beloved pets, with a remembrance planned for warmer days, encouraging acts of kindness in his honor.

Patricia Wagoner

Patricia Ann Wagoner, 81, formerly of Athens, passed away on December 31, 2024, at the Arbors at Pomeroy. Born on July 27, 1943, in Johnstown, Ohio, she was the daughter of the late James and Catherine Bellar. Patricia had various jobs throughout her life, including a parking meter attendant and a nursing assistant. She is survived by her brother Richard, daughter Sharon, numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, as well as two close friends, Esther and Diana. Per her wishes, cremation has taken place and no services will be held.

🍞 Daily Bread Crumb

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.

-Psalm 23:1-2