Athens County • January 28, 2025
Good morning, Athens County. In an era where rural healthcare can feel like a game of medical musical chairs, Athens just landed a heavyweight champion. Dr. Stephanie "D-B" Dunkle-Blatter isn't just bringing two decades of surgical expertise to O'Bleness Hospital - she's bringing the kind of community-minded approach that makes rural medicine special. Between mastering advanced laparoscopic techniques and hitting our hiking trails, she's already proving to be the perfect fit for our corner of Appalachia.
Meanwhile, Athens continues to punch above its weight in global storytelling. From Tom Jennings' award-winning Putin war crimes documentary screening to our student photographers capturing slice-of-life moments across campus, we're showing that powerful narratives aren't limited to big cities. Whether through a lens or on the operating table, Athens' storytellers are making their mark.
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👩⚕️ Seasoned surgeon brings two decades of expertise to rural Ohio hospital. Dr. Stephanie Dunkle-Blatter has joined OhioHealth O'Bleness Hospital, bringing her extensive background in advanced laparoscopic surgery and interventional endoscopy. The board-certified surgeon, who prefers to go by "Dr. D-B," completed her fellowship at Geisinger Medical Center and has practiced across multiple states. Her experience in community hospitals makes her particularly well-suited for addressing the unique challenges of rural medicine. The avid hiker and yoga enthusiast joined the surgical team on January 19, working alongside Drs. Neal Nesbitt and Reginald Anunobi.
🎥 Award-winning war crimes documentary comes to Athens, Ohio. The E.W. Scripps School of Journalism and WOUB Public Media will host a free screening of "Putin's Attack on Ukraine: Documenting War Crimes" on February 6. Athens native and Ohio University grad Tom Jennings, who produced the PBS FRONTLINE film, will attend alongside fellow producers for a Q&A session. The documentary, which has won multiple prestigious awards including three Robert F. Kennedy Journalism Awards, investigates Russian atrocities in Ukraine's Kyiv suburbs. The film presents exclusive evidence linking war crimes to Russian military leadership, while exploring challenges in holding Putin accountable.
📸 Student photographers capture untold stories of Athens community life. The Post's fall semester photo staff has documented everything from Welcome Week festivities to breaking news and sporting events in Ohio's Appalachian region. These dedicated photojournalists navigate challenges from peaceful protests to high-stakes football games, always ready to capture history in the making. Their work brings crucial visual elements to local journalism, providing a window into the community's most important moments. Through empathy and dedication, these student journalists create daily content that preserves and shares Athens' living history.
Cozy split-level in-town haven: Discover this charming split-level home at 24 Farhills Dr, Athens for $215,000. Offering 4 beds, 3 baths, and a cozy layout, it features a lovely deck view and a convenient in-town location.
Spacious family home with deck: This charming 3-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom home is listed at $249,900 and boasts a spacious kitchen, a cozy dining area, and a large family room with a wood burner, making it perfect for gatherings. Enjoy the serene backyard from the sizable deck, along with a convenient 2-car garage and a master suite with an ensuite bathroom.
Quiet gem with rental potential: Tucked away on a quiet street, this 4 bed, 2 bath home listed at $249,900 features a main level with three bedrooms and a lower level with a separate entrance, perfect for living or rental opportunities.
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But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
-Isaiah 40:31