📍 Furry farewells - Athens County

Good morning, Athens County. In a world where pet companions leave paw prints on our hearts, the Athens County Humane Society is stepping up to acknowledge a truth many pet owners know too well - saying goodbye to a furry family member can feel impossible to face alone. Their new bi-monthly support group at the Athens Public Library offers a gentle reminder that grief shared is grief halved.

Meanwhile, our local police blotter reads like a small-town sitcom script, complete with wandering delivery trucks and basketball hoop drama. But amid these quirky calls, there's serious progress happening at 93 High Street in Glouster, where a 125-year-old building is getting a meaningful second act as a domestic violence shelter. Though renovation challenges persist, this historic transformation proves that even our oldest structures can serve new and vital community needs.

🌤 Sky Skoop

Athens

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38°

85%

Nelsonville

30°

38°

85%

The Plains

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38°

85%

Albany

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38°

85%

Chauncey

30°

38°

85%

☕️ What's Brewing Locally

🐾 Free support group helps pet owners cope with devastating loss. The Athens County Humane Society sponsors bi-monthly meetings at the Athens Public Library for those grieving or anticipating the loss of beloved pets. The supportive gatherings take place on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays from 9:30-10:30 am, providing a safe space for pet owners to connect with others who understand their pain. The meetings are held in the library's small meeting room and are completely free to attend. Participants can share their experiences and find comfort among others who recognize the profound impact of losing a pet companion.

👮 Small-town police blotter reveals quirky crimes and peculiar predicaments. From a damaged basketball hoop at Bromley Hall to a Dollar General truck cruising with its back door open, Athens County law enforcement stayed busy with unusual incidents. Officers handled cases ranging from an intoxicated juvenile assault to giving courtesy rides to stranded pedestrians. They also nabbed several wanted suspects, including a Texas fugitive found hiding in Nelsonville. A dementia patient and unsafe target shooting rounded out the week's colorful calls.

🏗️ Historic 125-year-old building faces hurdles in domestic violence shelter conversion. HAPCAP's renovation project in Glouster, Ohio aims to transform the aging structure at 93 High Street into a vital service center for rape and domestic violence victims. The building, which dates back to around 1910, has encountered unexpected structural challenges during the renovation process. Despite these setbacks, the project continues to move forward with its mission. The transformation represents a significant effort to repurpose historical architecture for modern community needs.

🏀 Basketball Scoreboard (Boys)

Athens kept their playoff hopes alive with a gritty 47-35 win over Logan, proving defense still wins games even when the offense isn't setting the scoreboard on fire. The Bulldogs (10-9) will need that same defensive intensity when they face the red-hot Meigs Marauders (19-1) in a crucial Tri-Valley showdown tomorrow night.

Team	Opponent	Score
Athens (10-9)
	vs Logan	W 47-35

🏀 Basketball Scoreboard (Girls)

Team	Opponent	Score
Federal Hocking (15-7)
	@ Minford	L 62-55

🏡 Real Estate Reveals

Versatile home with parking potential: Tucked away on a quiet street, this versatile 4 bed/2 bath home offers separate living spaces and plenty of parking, making it ideal for both homeowners and rental opportunities. Priced at $239,900.

Lodge-style home with rental potential: This remodeled 3752 sq ft lodge-style home on 2.16 acres near the Hocking River is listed at $469,000. It features 4 bedrooms, a home office, multiple living areas, an efficiency apartment, and ample parking, perfect for family or rental opportunities.

Spacious land near Athens awaits: This 11.4 acres of land in Athens County is listed at $69,000 and is conveniently located off US 33, just minutes from Athens, with accessible utilities and neighboring homes.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

🎯 Feb. 12 - Career Discovery Workshop: Chart your future at Gamertsfelder Hall's interactive career workshop! Discover your perfect path through hands-on activities designed for undecided and exploring first and second-year students. February 12 at 58 E Green Dr.

🎣 Feb. 12 - Crappie Jig Workshop: Master the art of crappie fishing at the Ohio Division of Wildlife office in Athens! Learn to tie marabou and hair jigs with provided materials on February 12. Free expert instruction.

🎭 Feb. 13 - Faye: Join indie rock sensation Faye for an intimate evening of soulful melodies at Jackie O's Public House Restaurant. Catch their captivating performance on February 13th in downtown Athens.

♿ Feb. 14 - Disabilities Commission Meeting: Help shape our community's accessibility future at the Athens City Commission on Disabilities meeting in the Berry Conference Room. Join the Outreach Committee on February 11 at 5:30 p.m.

🌾 Feb. 15 - Athens Winter 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) from 9am-12pm, offering fresh produce and handcrafted goods.

🧘 Feb. 16 - Yoga Basics Workshop: Start your yoga journey or refresh your practice at this welcoming "Foundations of Yoga" workshop. Join us February 16 at 8950 Lavelle Rd in Athens for an exploration of yoga's essential elements.

🙏 In Remembrance

Jane Blazier

Jane Ellen Blazier, 71, of Athens, passed away on February 7, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer. Born on August 29, 1953, in Charleston, West Virginia, she was the cherished daughter of Donna Christiansen and Harold Dodd. Jane found joy in knitting, antiques, and gardening, often appreciating the beauty of nature. She is survived by her husband Rich Blazier, her three children, and four grandchildren, as well as her brothers. A celebration of her life will be held in June to honor her memory.

Mary Russell

Mary Anna Hellebrandt Russell, 89, of Marietta and formerly of Athens, passed away on January 22, 2025, at Harmar Place. Born on April 11, 1935, she was the daughter of Edwin and Melba Hellebrandt and graduated from Athens High School and Otterbein College. Mary was a dedicated housewife, artist, and professional, holding various roles including Secretary/Treasurer of Marydale, Inc., and an office worker at Ohio University. She is survived by her two daughters, granddaughters, and eight great-grandchildren, and was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years and a granddaughter. A memorial service will be held on February 15, 2025, at Athens Memory Gardens.

Martha Bratton

Martha L. Bratton, a long-time resident of Athens, passed away at the age of 102 on February 1, 2025, in Columbus. Born on January 7, 1923, in Barnesville, Ohio, she dedicated much of her life to her family, including her late husband Dr. James K. Bratton and their two sons. An Ohio State University graduate, Martha was actively involved in her community and the Athens First Presbyterian Church, serving in various capacities. She is survived by her daughters-in-law, five grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, and a sister, among others. A memorial service will be held on April 5, 2025, with burial to follow in Athens Memory Gardens.

Daniel "Danny" West Jr.Daniel "Danny" West Jr.

Daniel "Danny" West Jr., 50, of Albany, passed away on February 6, 2025, in Riverside Methodist Hospital. Born on January 29, 1975, he was the son of the late Daniel Sr. and Linda Secoy West and worked in concrete construction. Danny was involved with the Albany AmVets Post 93 and VFW Post 9893, and enjoyed spending time with family, attending demo derbies, and participating in hunting and fishing. He is survived by his son Cody, girlfriend Susan Dishon, siblings, grandchildren, and other family, with services scheduled for February 12, 2025, at Bigony-Jordan Funeral Home.

🍞 Daily Bread Crumb

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.

-James 1:2-3

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