Good morning, Athens County. Summer creativity is blooming at The Dairy Barn Arts Center with registration now open for workshops spanning everything from pottery to painting. These artistic opportunities arrive just as Ohio University students are expanding their own horizons through global learning experiences in Costa Rica, Panama, and Kenya—transformative journeys that students consistently describe as the defining moments of their college careers.
In more sobering news, local food systems are facing unexpected challenges as the Local Food Purchase Assistance program ends prematurely this June. For Shagbark Seed and Mill, this federal shift means difficult adjustments, including reduced staff hours and an urgent search for new buyers. The program's early conclusion highlights the delicate balance between government support, food security, and the sustainability of local agricultural businesses that have become vital to our community's food ecosystem.
🌤 Sky Skoop | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
0%☕️ What's Brewing Locally
🎨 Summer creativity awaits at The Dairy Barn Arts Center. Registration is now open for a variety of summer classes and workshops in pottery, painting, drawing, and more. The sessions run from May 27 to August 23, 2025, with different start and end dates for specific courses. Interested participants can view the complete course catalog on the center's website under the Education tab. For more information, community members can call (740) 592-4981 and select option 1 for Education.
🌍 Ohio University students expand horizons through global learning opportunities. The university's Office of Global Opportunities connects academic learning with real-world experience in countries like Costa Rica, Panama, and Kenya. Business students consult with international companies, science majors conduct fieldwork in tropical environments, and environmental studies students explore sustainable farming practices abroad. Students describe these experiences as "eye-opening" and career-defining, with many calling them the highlight of their college education. Domestic opportunities like the Scripps Semester in D.C. program also offer valuable professional experience without leaving the country.
🌾 Federal food program cuts leave Ohio businesses scrambling. Shagbark Seed and Mill in Athens has been providing thousands of pounds of local, organic food to food banks through the Local Food Purchase Assistance program. The program, which accounted for 60% of Shagbark's sales, is unexpectedly ending June 30 instead of continuing through 2027. Owner Michelle Ajamian has been forced to reduce staff hours and is desperately seeking new buyers for their products. Food bank advocates argue the program was essential for both food security and supporting local agriculture.
🏡 Real Estate Reveals
Rented duplex near campus cash-flow: Duplex for sale at $240,000 with both sides fully rented for the 2025-26 school year. The property features two units, each with 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom, plus a shared fenced yard and on-site laundry.
Prime development land near Athens: This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity at $745,000 offers 128 acres of prime development land outside Athens, with stunning views from the property adjacent to "Bong Hill," an accessible road, and potential for cabin rentals, homes, or commercial use.
Rural sanctuary with generous acreage: Priced at $429,900, this 5.944-acre ranch home in Albany offers one-level living, a full basement, 9 garage spaces, whole house generator, pond, and plenty of land for various activities with Alexander Schools just 1.5 miles away.🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla
🙏 In Remembrance
|
🍞 Daily Bread Crumb
But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
-Isaiah 40:31
|
|