🏥 Healing our future

Good morning, Athens County. A breathtaking $25 million gift just transformed the future of healthcare in our region. The Osteopathic Heritage Foundation's doubled scholarship endowment for Ohio University's medical school will soon cover 100% of final-year tuition for students entering primary care – a game-changing move as Ohio faces a projected shortage of 1,200 primary care physicians by 2025. This massive investment in our community's health comes at a critical time, addressing both the physician shortage and crushing student debt in one strategic stroke.

Meanwhile, book lovers can make a difference without leaving their vehicles this Saturday at the Athens Public Library's Book Donation Drive Thru. From 10 a.m. to noon, volunteers will unload your literary donations curbside, supporting the Friends' used Book Store – their primary revenue source for our county library system. And for history enthusiasts, the Southeast Ohio History Center's upcoming Lyceum Luncheon will reveal how the ancient atlatl revolutionized prehistoric hunting techniques on March 20.

🌤 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

🩺 Massive $25 million gift boosts primary care in Ohio. The Osteopathic Heritage Foundation has doubled its scholarship endowment for Ohio University's Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, targeting students with financial need and those pursuing primary care careers. Starting next fall, the expanded fund will cover up to 100% of final-year tuition for students matching into primary care residencies and reduce costs by at least 50% for high-need students in their first three years. This initiative addresses Ohio's projected shortage of 1,200 primary care physicians by 2025, with the Foundation's total support now exceeding $193 million. The scholarship is part of a larger $70 million gift focused on minimizing student debt and expanding research.

📚 Athens County book lovers can donate without leaving their cars. The Friends of the Athens County Public Libraries is hosting a Book Donation Drive Thru on Saturday, March 29, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Athens Public Library. Volunteers will unload bagged or boxed good-condition books directly from donors' vehicles at the front entrance. This event supports the Friends' permanent used Book Store, which serves as their major revenue source for supporting all libraries in the county system. The organization's success relies on generous book donations, book sale customers, and loyal members.

🏹 Ancient spear-thrower revolutionized prehistoric hunting techniques. The Southeast Ohio History Center's Lyceum Luncheon Speaker Series will feature "The Atlatl: The World's Ancient Hunting Tool" on March 20. Presenters Steve Barnett and Ray Strischek, members of the Ohio Atlatl Association, will explain how this prehistoric tool gave early hunters greater power, range, and accuracy compared to hand-thrown spears. The brown bag lunch event runs from noon to 2 PM at the History Center in Athens. This monthly series offers a glimpse into the rich local history of the region where Ohio began.

Woodsy Retreat Near University: For $135,000, this 13.6-acre Athens County property offers scenic woodlands, meadows, a pond, and an included RV, just 15 minutes from Uptown Athens and Ohio University.

Massive nature paradise near university: For $199,000, snag a 24-acre property near Athens featuring a breathtaking gorge, hills and multiple building sites with hiking trails, just five minutes from Ohio University.

Investment With Guaranteed College Income: This Athens Ohio property priced at $189,900 offers investors a newly updated rental home with guaranteed income of $1,500 monthly through May 2026, plus a vacant lot and walkable access to Ohio University.

🙏 In Remembrance

Keith Ramsey

Keith Edward Ramsey, born December 10, 1960, passed away on February 25, 2025, with the cause of death pending determination by the Medical Examiner, though heart issues are suspected. A graduate of Ohio University and Vanderbilt University, Keith served as a dedicated member of the Sanctuary Choir at West End United Methodist Church for nearly 30 years. He is survived by his mother, Mary Lou Ramsey, and brother, Brian Ramsey, with a memorial service scheduled for March 22, 2025, at his beloved church. Keith's ashes will be interred in the church's columbarium, reflecting his deep connection to the congregation that supported him throughout his life.