🎤 TikTok preacher showdown

Good morning, Athens County. Move over, Taylor Swift - there's a new viral sensation taking Ohio University by storm, though this one's trading love stories for lectures about morality. TikTok preacher "Sister Cindy" Smock descended upon College Green with her signature folding chair and controversial "Ho No Mo" crusade, drawing crowds that would make a Swiftie proud. With 400,000 TikTok followers and a fistful of Trump campaign buttons, she's turned evangelical outreach into performance art that has students debating whether it's satire or sermon.

Speaking of bold moves, Ohio University is welcoming a new fundraising virtuoso to the family. Gregory Simmons arrives from Maryland with an impressive track record of connecting campuses to communities - though he might find his job a bit easier here, where Bobcat pride runs so deep it practically flows through the Hocking River. Between charter changes and changing faces, it seems transformation is Athens County's specialty this season.

🌤 Sky Skoop

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The Plains

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☕️ What's Brewing Locally

🎤 TikTok's 'Sister Cindy' storms Ohio University with controversial 'Ho No Mo' crusade. The evangelical Christian preacher, who boasts 400,000 TikTok followers, drew massive crowds on College Green while conducting her signature "slut-shaming show." Armed with a folding chair and microphone, Smock quizzed students about their sexual history and distributed Trump campaign buttons as rewards. While some students viewed her performance as entertainment or possible satire, Smock maintains she's been genuinely preaching this message on college campuses for over 40 years. Despite mixed reactions, Smock declared her Athens visit a success, claiming "a lot of truth went forth."

🏘️ Developer abandons affordable housing project amid fierce neighborhood opposition in Athens. Columbus-based Spire Development withdrew its rezoning request that would have created a 50-unit low-income housing complex along Pomeroy Road. Over 375 residents signed a petition against the project, citing concerns about traffic and flooding issues. The developer blamed "confusion and misinformation" about the low-income housing tax credit program for their withdrawal. While some neighbors celebrated their successful opposition, city council voted 5-1 to table rather than reject the rezoning ordinance, leaving the door open for future development.

🎓 Ohio University welcomes new fundraising chief with impressive philanthropic background. Gregory Simmons, formerly of the University of Maryland Baltimore County, steps into the role of Vice President of Advancement at OU. With 15 years of experience in institutional advancement, Simmons brings expertise in creating connections between businesses, students, and college campuses. His responsibilities include fundraising strategy development and building donor networks to support student opportunities. Already embracing Athens life, Simmons says he's never seen an alumni community with such profound affection for their university.

⚖️ Ohio town's radical government overhaul survives Supreme Court challenge. The state's highest court declined to hear Nelsonville's appeal over a ballot initiative that will dissolve the city's current governing structure. Known as Issue 23, the initiative passed with overwhelming support (70%) and will revert the city to its 30-year-old format with shared power between council and mayor. The City Council is now attempting to counter with its own amendment on the May ballot. The case has created unprecedented legal questions, as no Ohio city has ever switched from charter to statutory governance.

Luxurious lodge with pool oasis: This luxury lodge-style home near Uptown Athens is listed at $725,000 and boasts 6 bedrooms, 6.5 baths, and an apartment suite, all set on 5.26 acres with an inground pool and extensive updates.

Sprawling commercial site with warehouse: A 6.95-acre commercial site priced at $1,300,000 features excellent access to S.R. 50/32, an existing 4,160 sqft warehouse, and is ready for development with utilities in place.

Student condo with great amenities: This off-campus condo for $111,000 is an ideal investment for OU students, featuring 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, updated furnishings, and amenities like a pool, fitness center, and private campus bus service.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

🎪 Feb. 20 - Peking Acrobats Spectacular: Prepare to be amazed as the legendary Peking Acrobats bring their gravity-defying feats to Athens! Watch world-class performers soar and spin at Templeton-Blackburn Alumni Memorial Auditorium on February 20.

🎲 Feb. 20 - Teen RPG Gaming Afternoon: Roll for initiative at The Plains Public Library! Join fellow teens and young adults for an afternoon of tabletop role-playing games on February 20. Open to grades 7 and up at 14 S Plains Rd.

🎭 Feb. 21 - FVRC Comedy Night: Get ready to laugh out loud at FVRC's Comedy Night! Local comedians 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 - Tumbling Level 1: Learn to flip, roll, and soar at Tumbling Level 1 classes in the Athens Community Center! Perfect your basic gymnastics skills in a fun, supportive environment. Join us February 21st at 701 E State Street.

🏃 Feb. 21 - HVS Coyote Tournament: Calling all hunters! The 2025 HVS Coyote Tournament takes aim at Athens on February 21st. Join fellow sportsmen for this exciting competition at 5984 Enlow Road.

🌾 Feb. 22 - Athens Winter Market: Warm up your winter Saturday morning at the Athens Farmers Market, where local vendors gather under the Community Center's solar panels. Stop by 701 E State Street from 9am-noon for fresh finds.

🏐 Feb. 23 - Little Cats Volleyball Clinic: Spike your volleyball skills with the Ohio Bobcats! Young athletes (K-6th grade) can train alongside OU players at this fun-filled clinic at the Convocation Center on February 23. All skill levels welcome.