💚 Sustainable love stories - Athens County

Good morning, Athens County. Love is in the air at Ohio University, but it's not your typical Valentine's season. While Cupid's arrows are flying, they're made of recycled paper and egg cartons this year, as students discover that sustainability and romance make surprisingly perfect partners. The Office of Sustainability's Valentine's workshop is proving that the greenest heart might just be the most genuine one.

And speaking of finding your tribe, Lavender Menace is redefining what safe spaces look like on campus. Named after bold 1970s activists but focused on cozy movie nights and craft sessions, this LGBTQ+ student group offers a refreshing reminder that sometimes the most powerful statements are made in the quietest moments - though our local sheriff's office might disagree, given their week of wrangling runaway horses and investigating mysterious woodland noises.

🌤 Sky Skoop

Athens

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Nelsonville

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The Plains

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Albany

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Chauncey

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☕️ What's Brewing Locally

🌈 Ohio University's Lavender Menace creates haven for LGBTQ+ students amid tough times. The student organization, named after 1970s lesbian feminist activists, focuses on providing a relaxed social space rather than political activism. Members gather weekly for movies, games, and crafts, while also participating in community service projects around Athens. The group welcomes anyone with kind intentions, serving as an escape from current political tensions affecting the LGBTQ+ community. Under new president Mia Walsh's leadership, Lavender Menace continues its mission of offering acceptance without expectations.

🚓 Small-town sheriff's office tackles quirky animal escapades and minor mishaps. The Athens County Sheriff's Office responded to a series of unusual incidents, including runaway horses, wandering cows, and a loose dog at a car wash. Deputies also investigated suspicious noises in the woods, helped locals with locked cars, and looked into a possible ATM arson attempt. The week's calls paint a picture of small-town law enforcement handling mostly minor incidents with a mix of patience and community service. The most serious incident involved damage to an ATM, which was transferred to the Ohio Fire Marshal's Office.

💚 Students craft eco-friendly love at Ohio University's Valentine's workshop. The Office of Sustainability hosted an event where students created Valentine's Day gifts using recycled materials like scrap paper and egg cartons. The workshop is part of a year-round initiative promoting sustainable thinking during holidays, including Thanksgiving dinners and Christmas gift-giving events. Director Sam Crowl emphasizes finding the "sweet spot" between people, planet, and economic prosperity in student decision-making. Students praised the personal touch of handmade gifts, noting they're both environmentally conscious and more meaningful than store-bought alternatives.

🏀 Basketball Scoreboard (Girls)

The Spartans and Lancers put on a Monday night hoops showcase that had fans checking their calendars for playoff matchups. Alexander squeaked past Huntington 62-55 in a nail-biter, while Federal Hocking left no doubt in their 52-24 dismantling of Valley that had the Indians wishing they'd stayed in Lucasville.

Team	Opponent	Score
Alexander (17-7)
	@ Huntington*	W 62-55
Federal Hocking (16-7)
	vs Valley*	W 52-24

🏡 Real Estate Reveals

Prime development opportunity awaits you: This desirable 6.95-acre commercial site, listed for $1,300,000, features excellent access to S.R. highway 50/32, a connected warehouse, and secured public sewer, making it ripe for development potential.

Spacious family home awaits you: This charming 3-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom home is listed at $245,900 and features a spacious kitchen, a cozy dining area, and a large family room, perfect for family gatherings and entertaining.

Ranch home with stunning views: Charming ranch home priced at $269,000 boasts stunning views of Athens City, featuring 3 spacious bedrooms, an open layout with natural light, and an all-season sunroom for year-round enjoyment.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

🧶 Feb. 19 - Beginner Knitting Workshop: Cozy up to a new hobby! Join expert crafters Nancy and Nadine at the Community Makerspace (751 W Union St) on Feb 19 to learn knitting basics and create your very first dishcloth.

♿ Feb. 19 - Disabilities Commission Meeting: Help shape our community's accessibility future at the Athens City Commission on Disabilities meeting, happening February 19 in the Berry Conference Room at City Hall, 8 E Washington St, 5:30 p.m.

🎪 Feb. 20 - Peking Acrobats Spectacular: Prepare to be amazed as the legendary Peking Acrobats bring gravity-defying feats and breathtaking Chinese artistry to Templeton-Blackburn Alumni Memorial Auditorium on February 20.

🎲 Feb. 20 - Teen RPG Gaming Afternoon: Roll for initiative at The Plains Public Library's teen gaming hangout! Join fellow adventurers for thrilling tabletop RPG sessions on February 20th - open to grades 7 and up at 14 S Plains Rd.

🤝 Feb. 20 - Southeast Ohio Meeting: Local labor leaders unite for the monthly Southeast Ohio CLC/ALF gathering at Bob Evans on East State Street. Join fellow community advocates for important discussions over breakfast on February 20.

🪕 Feb. 20 - Old Time Jam Night: Grab your banjo and head to Stuart's Opera House for a toe-tapping Old Time Jam Night! Join fellow musicians and music lovers for this free community gathering on February 20th at Public Square.

🎭 Feb. 21 - Comedy Night FVRC: Get ready to laugh out loud at FVRC's Comedy Night! Local comics take the stage at Federal Valley Resource Center in Stewart on February 21 at 7:30 PM for an evening of non-stop entertainment.

🏃 Feb. 21 - HVS Coyote Tournament: Calling all coyote hunters! Test your skills at the 2025 HVS Coyote Tournament on February 21st. Join fellow sportsmen at 5984 Enlow Rd in Athens, OH for this exciting winter competition.

🙏 In Remembrance

Lu Evelyn Flowers

Lu Evelyn Flowers, 88, passed away on February 13, 2025, in Nelsonville, Ohio. Born on August 13, 1936, she lived in Keen for 22 years and was an active member of the Keen United Methodist Church. Lu is survived by her five children, numerous grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, along with her sister and aunt. She was preceded in death by her husband of over 50 years, Larry Flowers, and several other family members. Visitation will be held at Brown Funeral Home on February 21, and the funeral service will take place on February 22 at the First Presbyterian Church of Nelsonville.

Victor Chevalier Sr.

Victor Chevalier Sr., age 88, passed away peacefully on February 16, 2025, after a long battle with dementia. Born on July 14, 1936, in Hockingport, Ohio, he was a loving father, grandfather, and husband to his late wife Grace. A retired groundskeeper from Ohio University and a member of Faithful Gospel Church, Victor is survived by his children, numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, a brother, and many friends. Known for his kindness and bright smile, he will be remembered fondly by all who knew him. A funeral service will be held on February 24, 2025, at White Funeral Home in Coolville, Ohio.

Lu Evelyn Flowers

Lu Evelyn Flowers, 88, of Nelsonville, passed away on February 13, 2025, at Fairfield Medical Center in Lancaster, Ohio. Born on August 13, 1936, she was a lifelong resident of Nelsonville, apart from 22 years in Keen, Ohio. A dedicated wife to her late husband Larry for over 50 years and a loving mother of five, Lu was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church, where she served in various roles, including Elder and Sunday School teacher. She is survived by her children, numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. Calling hours are scheduled at Warren-Brown Funeral Home, with the funeral service set for February 22, 2025.

John Thomas Kovaleski

John Thomas Kovaleski, 61, of Dayton, passed away on February 14, 2025, at Cedarview Nursing and Rehabilitation Care in Lebanon. Born on January 13, 1964, in Nelsonville, Ohio, he was known for his love of fishing, hunting, playing cards, and spending quality time with family. He is survived by his father Ken, son John (Brittany), grandchildren Breaunna and Bristol, brothers Kenny and Bill, and several other family members and friends. John was preceded in death by his mother, Margaret, and grandparents. Funeral services will be held on February 21, 2025, at Souers-Cardaras Funeral Home in Nelsonville.

Lu Flowers

Lu Evelyn Flowers, 88, of Nelsonville, passed away on February 13, 2025, at Fairfield Medical Center. Born on August 13, 1936, she spent most of her life in Nelsonville and was a dedicated wife and mother to five children with her late husband, Larry. A lifelong member of the First Presbyterian Church, she held various roles, including Elder and youth choir teacher, and also contributed to the community as a Den Mother and library board member. Lu is survived by her children, numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and a sister, while being preceded in death by her husband and other family members. Visitation will be on February 21, 2025, at Brown Funeral Home, with the funeral service on February 22 at First Presbyterian Church.

🍞 Daily Bread Crumb

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

-John 3:16

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