🍺 Green beer flows

Good morning, Athens County. March is bringing more than just spring flowers to our corner of Ohio — it's delivering a river of green beer! This week marks seven decades of the pre-spring break tradition that transforms Court Street into a festive sea of emerald beverages before 8 a.m. What began at Miami University in 1952 has become a cherished Athens ritual, with local establishments like The Pigskin and The Pub preparing special deals while Irish-themed playlists set the celebratory mood.

While college students prepare to paint the town green, ten-year-old Joseph Keffer is making headlines of a different sort as Southeast Ohio's spelling champion. This Chesapeake fifth grader conquered the region's inaugural Scripps competition at OU, earning a trip to Washington D.C. for the national bee. His victory comes in a place with presidential history — Athens was where Lyndon Johnson first unveiled his Great Society vision in 1964, a legacy of programs that continues to shape our region today.

🌤 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

🍺 Green Beer Day turns Athens green for seven decades of tradition. The annual pre-spring break celebration on March 5 marks over 70 years of students flocking to Court Street as early as 8 a.m. for green-tinted beer and festivities. Originally started in 1952 at Miami University, Ohio University students quickly adopted the holiday as their own. Local bars like The Pigskin and The Pub prepare special deals on green beverages, while DJs from Brick Life Entertainment curate Irish-themed playlists to keep the party atmosphere going strong.

🔤 Ten-year-old spelling prodigy conquers Southeast Ohio's first Scripps regional competition. Joseph Keffer, a fifth grader from Chesapeake Middle School, emerged victorious among thirteen students representing seven counties at Ohio University's inaugural hosting of the event. The young champion studied extensively from a list of over 470,000 words, even correcting a pronunciation during the competition. His prize includes a six-night stay in Washington D.C. for the Scripps National Spelling Bee in May, where he'll represent Southeast Ohio. "I think Joseph is going to be our secret weapon," said Elizabeth Hendrickson from the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism.

🏛️ Johnson's Great Society vision first unveiled at Ohio University in 1964. President Lyndon Johnson laid out his ambitious plan to eliminate poverty and racial injustice during a helicopter visit to Athens, speaking to thousands gathered on the College Green. Nearly a year later, he signed the Appalachia Bill, beginning what would become 84 pieces of legislation addressing civil rights, education, healthcare, and rural poverty. The resulting programs, including Pell Grants that later funded the author's education, created highways and opportunities that still benefit the region today. Johnson's legislative success over his five years in office was made possible by cooperative House and Senate majorities.

Wooded paradise near Athens: Listed at $298,700, this 29.24-acre wooded paradise in Athens, OH features moss-covered trails, a hunting cabin with electric and heat, and abundant wildlife just 5 miles from town.

Lucrative campus rental investment nearby: Priced at $189,900, this investment rental near Ohio University is currently leased until 2026 at $1,500 monthly and includes an updated interior, vacant lot, and walking distance to campus and downtown Athens.

Profitable triplex near university: Priced at $215,000, this Richland Avenue triplex offers three one-bedroom units with updated appliances, currently generating $2,200 monthly through Airbnb rentals and providing easy access to Ohio University.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

👔 Mar. 6 - Prepare for Career Fair: Gear up for success at "Prepare for the Fair" on March 6 at Baker University Center! Career Services and Student Senate are teaming up to boost your confidence for the upcoming Spring Career & Internship Fair.

📚 Mar. 6 - Preschool Stories & Songs: Little bookworms unite at Athens Public Library's Preschool Storytime! Join in for engaging stories and songs that build early literacy skills for ages 3-5 on March 6 at 30 Home Street.

🎲 Mar. 6 - Teen RPG Gaming Afternoon: Roll for initiative at The Plains Public Library's Tabletop RPG Afternoon! Teens and young adults (7th grade and up) can gather on March 6 to explore new role-playing games and share gaming adventures together.

🧠 Mar. 7 - Athens Friday 12-Step Meeting: Find support and community at the Athens Friday Twelve Step Meeting Group, gathering March 7 at 141 Mill St. A welcoming space for those on the recovery journey.

🎤 Mar. 7 - BTD Shelly Hip Hop Shop: Hip-hop heats up The Side Bar on March 7 as BTD Shelly presents "The Hip Hop Shop" featuring special guest NWM Cee Murdaa. Just $5 at the door gets you into this Brothers Till Death showcase!

♿ Mar. 07 - Disability Awareness March: Join the uplifting March on Court Street for Disability Awareness at Baker University Center on March 7! Bring your signs and enthusiasm to kick off Athens County's Developmental Disability Awareness Month celebration.

💍 Mar. 7 - Jewelry Creation & Repair: Craft your own dazzling accessories or breathe new life into beloved pieces at the Community Makerspace's Jewelry Making and Repair session. Drop by 751 W Union St on March 7 for creative sparkle!

🌽 Mar. 8 - Athens Farmers Market: Fresh local goodies await at the Athens Farmers Market! Browse winter produce and artisan goods under the solar panels at Athens Community Center this Saturday, March 8, from 9am to noon.

🙏 In Remembrance

Beverly Jo Atkinson

Beverly Jo Atkinson, 87, of New Marshfield, passed away on March 2, 2025, at home surrounded by family. Born on February 3, 1938, in The Plains to James and Beatrice Rutter, she was married to the late Thomas Atkinson Sr. Beverly is survived by her biological children, Loretta, Thomas Jr., and Eric, as well as stepchildren, adopted children, nine grandchildren, one great-grandchild, and her sister Janet. Following Beverly's wishes, she will be cremated with a celebration of life to be held at a later date, with arrangements handled by Souers-Cardaras Funeral Home.

Larry Koons

Columbus Larry Paul Koons, 76, passed away at his home in Columbus, Ohio on February 19, 2025. A decorated Vietnam War veteran, Larry had a distinguished career in graphic design, particularly as Vice President and Director of Art & Design at Scholastic, Inc., where he won numerous awards. He was passionate about music, art, literature, gardening, and golf, finding fulfillment in creative pursuits. Larry is survived by his two children, Ashley and Jeffrey, along with their families, and four siblings; he was preceded in death by his parents and wife, Misty.

Michael Kubisek, Sr.

Michael William Kubisek Sr., 84, of Coolville, OH, died on March 3, 2025, at his home. A retired teacher from Alachua Florida County Public Schools, he also worked as a sign language interpreter and served with Americorps. Kubisek was previously President of the Lottridge Community Center and enjoyed storytelling, traveling, and reading. He is survived by his special friend John Almashy, two children, three brothers, a sister, and extended family, with a memorial service to be scheduled at a later date.