🐱 Small town shenanigans

Good morning, Athens County. The Athens County Sheriff's Office log reads like a small-town sitcom script this week, featuring everything from road-blocking dogs to a domestic dispute over a discarded milkshake. Deputies even investigated reports of a cat supposedly bringing home human remains (it wasn't) and mysterious calls for help that vanished into thin air—proving that not all emergency calls involve actual emergencies in our colorful community.

Meanwhile, Timothée Chalamet never actually visited Court Street during High Fest weekend—despite The Post's elaborate April Fool's Day prank that had locals buzzing. For real entertainment, mark your calendars for May 2, when the Ames-Bern Ridge Rounders bring their blend of country, western swing, and early jazz to Glouster's Sedalia Crossing Park. The free 6-8 PM concert promises danceable tunes that'll have you tapping your toes across from Dirty Girl Coffee on High Street.

🌤 Sky Skoop

Athens

45°

73°

Nelsonville

41°

74°

The Plains

45°

73°

Albany

45°

73°

Chauncey

43°

71°

☕️ What's Brewing Locally

🚓 Small town police blotter reveals absurdly mundane emergencies. The Athens County Sheriff's Office responded to a series of bizarre incidents including two dogs blocking a road and a domestic dispute over a discarded milkshake. Deputies investigated a cat allegedly bringing home a human body part (it wasn't), helped a stranded motorist get gasoline, and searched for the source of mysterious calls for help. They also mediated a basketball game dispute and responded to reports of Facebook harassment and gunshots that couldn't be located.

🎵 Historic Glouster hosts free concert with retro music vibes. The Ames-Bern Ridge Rounders will perform at Sedalia Crossing Park on May 2 from 6-8 PM, bringing country, western swing, blues, and early jazz tunes. Organized by the Glouster Revitalization Organization, this First Friday event invites community members to bring chairs and enjoy live music in downtown Glouster, Ohio. Located across from Dirty Girl Coffee at 55 High Street, the danceable beats promise a lively evening of entertainment for all ages.

🎬 Timothée Chalamet's Athens adventure was an April Fool's Day prank. The Post newspaper crafted an elaborate hoax claiming the "Dune" star visited Ohio University during High Fest weekend, supposedly exploring Court Street bars and meeting with Bobcat quarterback Parker Navarro. The fictional article included fake quotes from Chalamet about loving the college town and even detailed fabricated encounters with students, including autographing a "Borg" container. The story concluded with an April Fool's Day revelation, confirming the celebrity visit never actually happened.

Spacious updated Athens split-level: This $329,500 split-level home outside Athens features 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, updated kitchen with granite counters, living room, family room with fireplace, and a 2-car garage with recent HVAC and window updates.

Massive Athens Land Investment Opportunity: Seeking $875,000 for expansive 60+ acre residential/commercial property bordering Athens City with excellent highway access, utility connections, and visibility. Seller has created trails for viewing this prime land with easy Hawk Road access.

Spacious woodland retreat custom built: Priced at $734,500, this custom-built Peterson Brothers home offers a harmonious blend of luxury and natural beauty, featuring four bedrooms, four baths, and 25.59 wooded acres with private trails within the ACS district.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

🎭 Apr. 2 - From Stress to Serenity: Experience "From Stress to Serenity" as Monique Mead and her CMU team captivate audiences at Ohio University's International Arts Symposium on April 2, complete with a rejuvenating sound healing session.

🧠 Apr. 2 - CPS Open House: Step into Lindley Hall for Counseling and Psychological Services' Open House on April 2! Explore art stations, enjoy refreshments, and discover valuable mental health resources in this welcoming campus space.

👼 Apr. 3 - Pregnancy & Infant Loss Support: Find comfort and understanding at the Athens Area Pregnancy and Infant Loss Support Group, meeting April 3rd at 73 Central Ave. A safe space for sharing grief and healing together.

🚶‍♀️ Apr. 4 - Walk, Talk & Roll: Join the Athens City Commission on Disabilities for the seventh annual Walk, Talk, and Roll! Explore accessibility issues in Athens on Friday, April 4 at 11:30 a.m., starting at the County Court House.

🎨 Apr. 4 - Commuter Mom Craft Night: Get crafty with your Bobcat mom at Commuter Mom Madness! Paint wine glasses, mugs, and birdhouses on April 4 at Jefferson Hall, where creativity and maternal bonding flow freely.

🌍 Apr. 5 - International Street Fair: Immerse yourself in global cultures at Ohio University's International Street Fair on April 5! Experience vibrant food, music, and dance traditions from around the world on the historic College Green in Athens.

🦞 Apr. 5 - Naughty Lobstah at Distillery: The Naughty Lobstah rolls into Athens! Swing by West End Distillery on April 5th for mouthwatering seafood served from 11am onward. Catch them for lunch or dinner at 3 N Shafer St.

🎪 Apr. 5 - Community Kidfest Fun Day: Jump into a world of fun at Kidfest 2025! Walter Fieldhouse transforms into a playground of activities for families on April 5, offering games and entertainment for children of all ages in our community.

🙏 In Remembrance

Christy Sams

Christy Sams Stewart, 69, of Athens, passed away unexpectedly on March 30, 2025. Born in Athens, Ohio on October 31, 1955, she is survived by her husband Danny, daughter Cara, two brothers, two sisters, and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers-in-law. A memorial service will be announced later, with arrangements handled by Hughes Funeral Home.

Pauline Burson

Pauline Frances Burson, a 98-year-old retired music teacher of 30 years in the Vinton County Public Schools, passed away on March 25, 2025, at her home in Sun City Center, Florida. Born on September 28, 1926, near Amesville, Ohio, she moved permanently to Florida in 2016 after her husband Herbert's death in 2013, following their nearly 65-year marriage. Mrs. Burson was an active member of Presbyterian churches in both McArthur and Sun City Center, where she served as an organist for over 40 years and played in handbell choirs. She is survived by her three children, four grandchildren, two great-grandsons, and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

Christine Brannon

Christine Brannon, 76, of Athens, passed away at her home after a long illness. Born in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1949, she was a University of Cincinnati graduate who co-owned Brannon Graphics with her husband Bob since 1986. Christine was passionate about animals, especially her dogs and cats, and was an avid birdwatcher and gardener who loved tending to the 80-acre farm she shared with her husband. She is survived by her husband of 49 years, one sister, three nephews, and one niece, with a memorial service to be announced later.

James Yerian

James Franklin Yerian, 82, of Athens, died on March 28, 2025, at Hickory Creek Nursing Center. Born in 1942, he was a graduate of Glouster High School and Ohio University, served in the US Army, and worked for the Ohio Department of Health and EPA for 30 years before retiring in 1996. James enjoyed hunting, fishing, crosswords, genealogy, and raising miniature horses, and was a devoted member of St. Paul's Catholic Church. He is survived by his four children, eight grandchildren, and four siblings, having been preceded in death by his wife Phyllis in 2008.