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🏥 Surgical Superstar

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.

🌤 Sky Skoop

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☕️ What's Brewing Locally

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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.

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🎥 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.

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📸 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.

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🏡 Real Estate Reveals

Real estate listing image 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.
Real estate listing image 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.
Real estate listing image 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.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

🔨 Jan. 29 - DIY Wood Workshop: Get hands-on help with your woodworking projects at this collaborative workshop! Join experienced craftspeople at 751 W Union St in Athens on January 29 at 5 PM for design, repairs, and building guidance.
🏘️ Jan. 30 - Athens Open House: Shape the future of your community at Buckeye Hills Forward's open house at Athens Public Library! Drop by on January 30th to share your vision and connect with local leaders and neighbors.
🧘 Jan. 30 - Midday Meditation Break: Find your center during lunch break at Athens KTC's weekly open meditation sessions. Drop in any Thursday for peaceful, non-religious meditation practice with both chair and floor cushion options at 8950 Lavelle Rd.
🌾 Feb. 01 - Athens Winter Market: Warm up your winter at Athens' beloved farmers market, where local vendors gather under the community center's solar panels every Saturday. Browse fresh produce and handcrafted goods from 9am-12pm at 701 E State St.
🤝 Feb. 01 - Building Community in Athens: Join the conversation about community at The Athena Cinema's screening of "Join or Die," exploring how social clubs strengthen our connections. Catch this thought-provoking documentary February 1st at 20 S Court St.
🎸 Feb. 01 - Songwriter Night w. Price: Catch soulful melodies and original tunes at Eclipse Company Store as talented songwriter Shawn Price takes the stage for an intimate evening of live music on February 1st.
🎤 Feb. 02 - Community Sing with Moira: Join vocal powerhouse Moira Smiley at ARTS/West for an uplifting community sing-along! Raise your voice on February 2nd with suggested donations of $10-20, though no one is turned away for lack of funds.
🎭 Feb. 02 - Community Improv Night: Shake off the winter blues with an evening of improv and community connection at Athensworks! Join fellow Athens residents for spontaneous fun and laughter on February 2nd at 29 E Carpenter St.

🙏 In Remembrance

Naomi Hunter

Naomi Margaret Hunter, 88, of Nelsonville, Ohio, passed away on January 25, 2025, at her home. Born on October 3, 1936, in Dexter, Ohio, she enjoyed gardening, birdwatching, and spending time with her family. Naomi is survived by her two sons, several grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Hunter, and several family members, including her daughters and grandson. A celebration of life will be held at a later date, with arrangements made by the Warren-Brown Funeral Home.

🍞 Daily Bread Crumb

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

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