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🎤 Rising sports star

Athens County • January 24, 2025

Good morning, Athens County. Move over, ESPN - there's a rising star in sports media coming straight from our own backyard. While most college seniors are frantically updating their LinkedIn profiles, Shane Scalfaro has spent four years building an impressive broadcasting portfolio at WOUB, proving that sometimes the best path to the NFL doesn't require shoulder pads and a helmet.

Meanwhile, Athens is becoming quite the global village these days. As 250 Bobcats scatter across the world through study abroad programs, our local business community is coming together closer to home. Wednesday's packed town hall at the Community Center saw over 200 small business owners voicing their concerns about the future - a reminder that whether you're exploring French museums or running a Court Street shop, the Athens spirit of community remains strong.

🌤 Sky Skoop

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☕️ What's Brewing Locally

🎓 Ohio senior chases NFL dreams through campus media powerhouse WOUB. Shane Scalfaro, a journalism major from Findlay, has dedicated four years to WOUB's sports programming, covering high school athletics and hosting podcasts. Thanks to the Neil Mahrer Fund, he was able to focus fully on his broadcasting work instead of juggling other jobs. His experience at Ohio University's prestigious journalism program has included extensive coverage of local sports, from Gridiron Glory to Hardwood Heroes. Scalfaro credits his success to getting involved early and dreaming big, with the supportive Athens community playing a crucial role in his development.

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🌍 Ohio University students chase adventure through study abroad programs. This semester, nearly 250 Bobcats are exploring the world through international and domestic programs. The Office of Global Opportunities helps make these dreams possible through scholarships like the Gilman award, which offers up to $5,000 for Pell Grant recipients. Students like Olivia Lybarger and Sean Michael are currently immersing themselves in French culture, taking intensive language courses and exploring European cities. Between museum visits, train trips, and university track teams, these students are making the most of their global education opportunities.

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🏪 Over 200 small business owners pack Athens town hall for crisis talks. The emergency meeting, organized by Cool Digs owner Sara Quoia Bryant, took place Wednesday evening at the Athens Community Center to address pressing concerns about local business survival. City Mayor Steve Patterson and Council Member Micah McCarey were present to hear firsthand accounts from worried entrepreneurs. The gathering highlighted growing anxiety among local business owners about their livelihoods in Athens. The meeting coincided with discussions around the proposed Athens Administrative Accountability Act for 2025.

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🏀 Basketball Scoreboard (Girls)

The Alexander Spartans put on a defensive clinic, holding Nelsonville-York to just 38 points in a convincing 55-38 victory that pushed their record to 9-5. The Buckeyes might want to check if their shooting touch got lost in the Albany winter, as they dropped to 5-10 on the season.

Team Opponent Score
Athens (12-3)
vs Vinton County
W 62-26
Nelsonville-York (5-10)
@ Alexander
L 55-38
Alexander (9-5)
vs Nelsonville-York
W 55-38

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

🎲 Jan. 28 - D&D Game Night: Embark on an epic adventure at The Plains Public Library's weekly D&D gatherings! Roll dice and weave tales every Tuesday at 14 S Plains Rd - newcomers and veterans alike are warmly welcomed.
📝 Jan. 28 - Poetry Sharing Circle: Calling all poets! Share your verses and creative spirit with fellow wordsmiths at the Athens Poetry Group, meeting January 28 at Athens Public Library on Home Street. Drop in to read, listen, and connect.
🔨 Jan. 29 - DIY Wood Workshop: Get hands-on help with your woodworking dreams at this community workshop! Bring your design and repair projects to 751 W Union St in Athens on January 29 at 5 PM.
🏘️ Jan. 30 - Athens Community Open House: Help shape our region's future at the Buckeye Hills Forward Open House! Join community leaders and neighbors at Athens Public Library on January 30 to share your vision for southeastern Ohio.
🌾 Feb. 01 - Athens Winter Farmers 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) every Saturday from 9am-noon through March 29.
🎬 Feb. 01 - 'Join or Die' Film Screening: Join the conversation about democracy's future at The Athena Cinema's screening of 'Join or Die.' Leadership Ohio hosts this timely documentary exploration on February 1st at 20 S Court Street, Athens.
🎭 Feb. 02 - Community Improv Night: Shake off the winter blues with an evening of improv and community connection at Athensworks! Join fellow locals for spontaneous fun and laughter on February 2nd at 29 E Carpenter St.
🧘 Feb. 02 - Sunday Morning Meditation: Find your center at Athens KTC Buddhist Center's Sunday morning meditation sessions, held in the serene yoga studio at Serenity Roots Wellness. Join fellow seekers at 8950 Lavelle Rd for peaceful reflection.

💰 Financial Friday

Review your subscriptions regularly to identify any services you no longer use or need; canceling these small monthly expenses can add up to significant savings over time, freeing up cash for more important financial goals.

🙏 In Remembrance

Esther McClain

Esther E. McClain, 83, of Millfield, passed away on January 21, 2025, at the Laurels of Athens. Born on March 12, 1941, she was the daughter of Carl and Dorothy Stowers Smith and retired from Hocking Valley Bank. Esther enjoyed time with her grandchildren, gardening, and watching NASCAR and sports teams like the Cincinnati Reds and Bengals. She is survived by her two sons, a stepson, seven grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and several siblings, while being preceded in death by her parents and multiple family members. Funeral services will be held on January 26, 2025, at Hughes Funeral Home with burial at Hilltop Cemetery.

Esther McClain

James "Ed" Beha

James Edward (Ed) Beha, 43, of Hockingport, OH, passed away on January 17, 2025, at The Laurels in Athens. Born on June 26, 1981, he is survived by his children, Eila and Rook, and family members including his parents and siblings. A passionate advocate for youth sports, Ed dedicated much of his time to coaching and supporting children in his community, particularly at Ferndale Park. Known for his humor and generosity, Ed's larger-than-life personality made him a beloved figure among friends and family. His funeral will take place on January 25, 2025, with a fellowship meal to follow.

James Ed Beha

Matthew StreetMatthew Street

Matthew J. Street, 53, of Amesville, passed away unexpectedly on January 20, 2025. Born on December 14, 1971, in Lorain, Ohio, he was an avid hockey player and graduated from Bay Village High School in 1990 before attending Ohio University. Known for his passion for music and guitar-building, he worked at Stewart McDonald in Athens and cherished his log cabin and connection to nature. Matthew is survived by his mother, stepfather, and several step-siblings, uncles, cousins, and nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held on January 24, 2025, with visitation prior and a funeral service planned for a later date in Avon Lake, Ohio.

Matthew StreetMatthew Street

John Koons

John Koons, a resident of Millfield, Ohio, passed away peacefully at home on January 19, 2025, surrounded by family. Born on August 7, 1944, he dedicated many years to his career at Carborundum and the Ohio Department of Transportation after graduating from J-T High School in 1962, where he was an avid athlete. A passionate musician, John formed the band "Class of 62" and performed across Southeastern and Central Ohio, especially enjoying entertaining nursing home residents. He is survived by his wife Debbie, two daughters, and grandchildren, and was known for his love of family activities, gardening, and sports. A memorial service is to be held on January 25 at the Millfield Christian Church, with donations requested for Amedisys Hospice in lieu of flowers.

John Koons

🍞 Daily Bread Crumb

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

-2 Timothy 4:7

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