🚧 Athens in transition

Good morning, Athens County. The saying goes that all roads lead to Rome, but in Athens this week, they're all leading to construction zones and political puzzles. Court Street's transformation has turned our beloved downtown into something between an obstacle course and a Choose Your Own Adventure book, with local businesses like Cool Digs Rock Shop finding themselves on the challenging side of progress.

And speaking of challenging paths, Nelsonville's journey to restore its mayor-council system is starting to look like a political version of rush hour traffic - two different routes to the same destination, but neither seems to be moving smoothly. With competing proposals creating what officials call "uncharted territory," our neighbors to the north are learning that sometimes the road to good governance, like many of our streets right now, comes with a few unexpected detours.

🌤 Sky Skoop

Athens

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Nelsonville

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The Plains

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Albany

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89%

Chauncey

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☕️ What's Brewing Locally

🗳️ Nelsonville faces messy path to new government as competing plans clash. The Ohio city's attempt to restore its mayor-council system has hit a snag with two conflicting proposals - November's voter-approved Issue 23 and a new charter amendment headed for May's ballot. Each proposal outlines different processes for electing officials, with one calling for partisan races and seven council members, while the other demands nonpartisan elections and eight council members. The city's Board of Elections director admits they're in "uncharted territory" as both measures could create simultaneous but incompatible election processes. Local officials must resolve these conflicts before the February 5 candidate filing deadline.

💥 Head-on crash claims Kingston woman's life on Ohio highway. The fatal collision occurred when 24-year-old Skyler Reed's Toyota Corolla crossed the centerline of State Route 180, leading to a deadly impact with a Chevrolet Cruze. Sue Congrove, 64, who was a passenger in the Cruze, succumbed to her injuries at Adena Regional Hospital. Both drivers survived the crash, with Reed sustaining minor injuries and Roger Congrove, 68, requiring hospitalization. The January 15 incident remains under investigation by Ohio State Highway Patrol.

🏗️ Athens construction chaos leaves businesses and students struggling to cope. The widespread construction projects across Athens, Ohio, particularly around Court Street, have created significant accessibility challenges for residents and disrupted daily life. The Athens City Commission on Disabilities is considering legal action against the city for failing to meet ADA requirements over an eight-year period. Local business owners, including Cool Digs Rock Shop's Sara Quoia Bryant, report significant impacts on their operations due to blocked sidewalks and reduced customer access. The situation has sparked calls for better city planning and improved communication between officials and affected community members.

Affordable turnkey homes with amenities: Spreading Oaks Village in Athens, Ohio, offers brand new, turnkey manufactured homes for $39,900 with open-concept designs and community amenities like a fitness center and playground, all in a scenic locale.

Spacious lodge with river access: Listed at $469,000, this remodeled 3752 sq ft lodge-style home on 2.16 acres offers 4 bedrooms, 5 baths, and an efficiency apartment over the garage, all while boasting scenic Hocking River frontage. With modern amenities, extensive parking, and a chicken coop, it’s perfect for a cozy “farmette” lifestyle just minutes from local shopping and schools.

Modern homes with great amenities: Spreading Oaks Village, a premier manufactured home community in Athens, OH, offers brand new homes with modern designs and fabulous amenities for just $39,900. Experience nearby outdoor adventures and local culture, all while being close to educational institutions like Ohio University.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

🌾 Feb. 01 - Athens Winter Farmers Market: Fresh local produce and artisanal goods await at the Athens Farmers Market! Cozy up under the solar panels at Athens Community Center every Saturday from 9am-12pm for the best winter harvest offerings.

🤝 Feb. 01 - Athens Community Documentary Night: Discover the power of community connections at The Athena Cinema's screening of "Join or Die," a compelling new documentary about how social clubs shape and strengthen our neighborhoods. February 1 at 20 S Court St.

🎸 Feb. 01 - Songwriter Night w. Price: Catch rising star Shawn Price and local songwriting talent at Eclipse Company Store's intimate songwriter showcase. Join the musical magic February 1st at this beloved Plains venue.

🎤 Feb. 02 - Community Sing with Moira: Raise your voice in harmony with acclaimed vocalist Moira Smiley at ARTS/West! Join this community sing-along on February 2nd, with a suggested donation of $10-20 (no one turned away for lack of funds).

🎭 Feb. 02 - Community Improv Night: Shake off those winter blues with an evening of improv and laughter at Athensworks! Join your neighbors for spontaneous fun and community connection on February 2nd at 29 E Carpenter Street.

🧘 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.

🎨 Feb. 02 - KMA Open Studio: Unleash your creativity at Kennedy Museum of Art's February Community Open Studio! Join fellow art enthusiasts on February 2nd for an interactive experience at 100 Ridges Circle, Athens. Free registration required.

💰 Financial Friday

Consider creating a budget that reflects your actual spending habits rather than trying to fit into a preconceived mold; this approach allows you to identify areas where you can cut back without sacrificing the things you truly enjoy.

🙏 In Remembrance

Arvella Jean Zimmerman

Arvella Jean Boals Zimmerman, 89, of Albany, Ohio, passed away on January 25, 2025, at home. She was born on February 17, 1935, in Logan, Ohio, and is survived by her daughter Bonnie Dinsmoor, three sons, three granddaughters, and several great-grandchildren, along with her sister Evelyn Beckley. Jean was preceded in death by her husband Gene Zimmerman, a brother and a sister. Private services will be held at Athens Memorial Gardens, with special thanks given to her caregiver, Amy Thompson.

Sherry Goodwin

Sherry (Holt) Goodwin passed away on January 28, 2025, at the age of 69. Born on October 11, 1955, she was adopted by her grandparents at fourteen, and later married her high school sweetheart, Gene Goodwin, soon after graduation. Sherry was a talented seamstress, cook, and gardener, and she actively supported Gene in their auto sales business. Known for her strong faith and loving nature, she is survived by her husband, son Nicholas, and several nieces and nephews, while being predeceased by her son Nathan and siblings by adoption. Visitation and funeral services will be held at Ewing Funeral Home in Pomeroy, OH, with burial at Beech Grove Cemetery.

Shirley Mae Bartlett

Shirley M. Bartlett, 78, of Albany, passed away on January 25, 2025, at The Laurels of Athens. Born on December 11, 1946, she was a beloved homemaker and childcare provider. Shirley is survived by her children, numerous grandchildren, and siblings, and was preceded in death by her husband, a son, and a daughter, among others. The family appreciates the care provided by The Laurels of Athens staff. Services will be held on Friday, with visitation on Thursday at Bigony-Jordan Funeral Home.

Charles D. Stutler

Charles D. Stutler, 64, of Zaleski, passed away on January 24, 2025, at his home. Born on October 2, 1960, in McArthur, he was the son of Letha Toops and the late Charles Stutler. Charles worked at Tri-County Asphalt and is survived by his mother, six children, three great-grandchildren, and his sister. He was preceded in death by his father, Jerry Toops, and a brother, Jeff Toops. A gathering for family and friends will take place on Wednesday from 6-8 P.M. at Bigony-Jordan Funeral Home.

🍞 Daily Bread Crumb

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.

-Joshua 1:9

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