📻 Love on air

Good morning, Athens County. Some love stories begin with a swipe right, but for Justin and Emily Stoll, it was the hum of broadcasting equipment at WOUB that sparked their 13-year marriage. The couple's meet-cute at Ohio University's public media station didn't just lead to wedding bells—it launched two thriving careers built on the real-world media skills they gained as students. Their WOUB-to-workplace journey stands as a testament to hands-on learning that transforms classroom concepts into professional expertise.

While love blooms in broadcast booths, significant changes are reshaping campus dynamics elsewhere. Faculty members have decisively voted to unionize with a 71% majority, marking a watershed moment for university governance. And on the diamond, Ohio softball is making statements of their own, dominating Buffalo to complete a conference sweep and notch their 20th win of the season—proving that whether in media, labor relations, or athletics, Bobcats continue to make their mark.

🌤 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

🎓 WOUB launched careers and love for the Stoll couple. Justin and Emily Stoll met at Ohio University's WOUB public media station where they both gained hands-on media experience as students. The couple, now married for 13 years, credits WOUB for providing the real-world skills that shaped their professional paths. After graduating in the late 2000s, they've held various media positions across multiple states, from TV news to university athletics departments. Justin now works as a senior consultant designing broadcast technology for stadiums, while Emily transitioned to community relations—both attributing their success to their formative WOUB experience.

🎓 Ohio University faculty vote overwhelmingly to unionize. United Academics of Ohio University (UAOU) secured a decisive 453-189 victory Monday, with 71% voting in favor of unionization. This marks the first of two planned elections, with this vote covering full-time tenure, tenure track and instructional faculty. The unionization effort began in 2020 after 55 faculty members were fired during the pandemic. UAOU aims to ensure safe teaching environments, negotiate working conditions, protect academic freedom, and partner with Faculty Senate to improve university governance.

⚾ Ohio softball dominates Buffalo for 20th win and conference sweep. The Bobcats defeated the Bulls 6-2 on Saturday to complete a three-game sweep and open Mid-American Conference play with a perfect 3-0 record. Ohio's offense exploded in the first inning, scoring five runs to take early control of the game. Freshman Abby Kennelly and sophomore Sydney Young delivered key RBIs, while pitcher Mikie Lieving held Buffalo to just two runs over six solid innings. The Bobcats (20-8) will next travel to Northern Illinois for a three-game series March 28-29.

College investor's turnkey dream: This fully-furnished, 4-bedroom condo at University Commons is listed at $108,000, featuring deluxe appliances, private bus service to campus, pool access, and on-site management, with rental income secured until August 2026.

Remote landlocked wilderness retreat: 23+/- acres of remote, landlocked land available for $87,400. This natural retreat offers potential for recreation, hunting, or investment, though buyer must secure access to the property.

Rural paradise near Athens: This 109,900-dollar rural property offers flat-to-gently-rolling acreage with nice views, just 5 minutes from SR 33 and under 15 minutes to Athens, with public water and electricity available at the road.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Mar. 27 - DD Awareness Fest: Celebrate diversity at the 2025 Developmental Disability Awareness Fest! Join the ACBDD for this family-friendly gathering on March 27 at Athens Community Center, where everyone is warmly welcomed to participate in the festivities.

🔪 Mar. 28 - Cocktails & Serial Mom: Sip signature cocktails while watching John Waters' cult classic "Serial Mom" at The Athena Cinema on March 28. Discover what turns Beverly Sutphin from perfect housewife to perfect killer in this wickedly fun screening.

🧢 Mar. 28 - Eagles vs Bobcats Baseball: Cheer on the Eastern Michigan Eagles as they face the Ohio Bobcats in an exciting collegiate baseball showdown at Bob Wren Stadium on March 28, 2025. A perfect spring outing for sports fans!

🤿 Mar. 29 - Rebreather Adventure: Dive into sonic exploration with Rebreather at The Union on March 29! Experience this immersive musical journey in the heart of Athens at 18 W Union St for an unforgettable evening.

🧑‍🌾 Mar. 29 - Athens Farmers Market: Grab the freshest winter produce at Athens Farmers Market this Saturday! Local vendors gather under the solar panels at Athens Community Center from 9am-12pm for the final winter market of the season.

🎵 Mar. 29 - Youth Music Showcase: Young musicians showcase their talents at the Athens Community Music School Concert on March 29! Enjoy diverse performances by talented children and teens at Athens Public Library, 30 Home St.

📚 Mar. 29 - Book Donation Drive Thru: Give your bookshelf a spring cleaning at the Book Donation Drive Thru! Drop off your literary treasures at Athens Public Library on March 29, from 10 a.m. to noon—no need to even leave your car.

🙏 In Remembrance

Betty Louise Wilson

Betty Louise Wilson, 86, of New Plymouth, passed away on March 15, 2025, at Doctors Hospital in Columbus. Born on June 29, 1938, she lived in California for many years before returning to Hocking County and was known for her generous heart and love for painting, quilting, and country music. Betty is survived by her daughter, son, four grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and many friends. She was preceded in death by her parents and sister, with no services planned at this time through Souers-Cardaras Funeral Home.

Timothy Person

Timothy P. Person, 69, of Lancaster, Ohio, passed away on March 22, 2025, at The Pickering House. Born on March 25, 1955, in Nelsonville, he was a US Navy veteran and worked for Bolt Tech Mannings. He is survived by his daughter Tammy, son Tim, five grandchildren, and three brothers. Tim was preceded in death by his parents, domestic partner Cindy Wells, and two brothers, with funeral services scheduled for March 27, 2025, at Brown Funeral Home in Murray City.

Thomas Robert R. "Tom" Antle

Thomas "Tom" Antle passed away on March 22 after a brief illness, having spent his life in Athens County where he worked for Kroger for 40 years before retirement. A renowned athlete who completed 20 marathons, Tom also enjoyed biking, hunting, and found deep spiritual connection in nature. He served as an Associate Pastor at Living Water Worship Center in Albany and was devoted to his faith and family. Tom is survived by his wife of nearly 50 years, Sheila, his children Michael and Lindsey, his parents, siblings, and six grandchildren.

Frank Bail

Frank "Jerry" Elwood Bail, 87, of Athens, passed away on March 21, 2025, at his home. He owned and operated Bail Backhoe and Dozer Service from 1972 to 2020, and enjoyed spending time with family and feeding wildlife in his retirement. Frank is survived by his children, nine grandchildren, multiple great-grandchildren, and several siblings. He was preceded in death by his wife Martha, two of his children, and other family members, with funeral services scheduled for March 25 at Jagers & Sons Funeral Home.