🧊 Stay cool cash

Good morning, Athens County. As summer temperatures climb, a financial lifeline arrives just in time for those struggling to keep cool. HAPCAP's heat relief program has officially launched, offering eligible residents up to $800 toward electric bills, new cooling equipment, or up to $1,500 for AC repairs. With last year's initiative helping over 1,000 families across our tri-county region, this seasonal support targets our most vulnerable neighbors—the elderly, those with medical conditions, and households facing utility disconnection.

To qualify for this cooling assistance, residents must have income below 175% of federal poverty guidelines, which translates to about $52,500 annually for a family of four. The program runs through September, providing a three-month window for Athens County residents to access these funds before autumn brings relief from the heat. It's a timely reminder that sometimes the most meaningful community support comes precisely when we need it most.

🌤 Sky Skoop

Athens

65°

89°

Nelsonville

65°

89°

The Plains

65°

89°

Albany

65°

89°

Chauncey

65°

89°

☕️ What's Brewing Locally

❄️ Heat relief program offers Ohioans a cool financial lifeline. From July to September, HAPCAP is helping income-eligible residents pay electric bills, purchase cooling equipment, or repair air conditioning systems. Eligible households can receive up to $500 for regulated utilities or $800 for unregulated ones, with up to $1,500 available for AC repairs. To qualify, applicants must have income below 175% of federal poverty guidelines and meet additional criteria such as being elderly, having medical conditions, or facing utility disconnection. Last year, the program assisted over 1,000 families across Hocking, Athens, and Perry Counties.

Vacant Sunset Lot Awaits Builder: Looking to build your dream home? This .34-acre corner lot in Blackburn Woods is available for $36,000, nestled in a charming subdivision with sunset views and convenient access to Athens amenities.

Wooded ridgetop lot near Athens: Located in the charming Blackburn Woods ridgetop community, this $37,000 wooded .55-acre lot awaits your dream home, conveniently situated near Ohio University, highways and Athens amenities, with an adjoining .34 parcel also available.

Athens gem near campus walks: This 3-bedroom westside Athens home, priced at $185,000, offers refinished hardwoods, fresh paint, natural light, and a private backyard yoga platform—all within walking distance to Ohio University and restaurants.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

🐝 Jul. 3 - Megan Bee Live: Folk artist Megan Bee brings her soulful melodies to Eclipse Company Store on July 3rd at 6:00 PM. Catch this intimate performance in The Plains for an enchanting summer evening of music.

🧑‍🌾 Jul. 5 - Athens Farmers Market: Fresh local produce awaits at the Athens Farmers Market every Saturday! Stop by the Athens Community Center on July 5 from 9am-12pm to grab farm-fresh goodies and support local growers.

🥞 Jul. 5 - Pancakes in the Park: Flip for free flapjacks at Richland Ave. Park! CommonHouse invites families to enjoy breakfast and carnival games on Saturday, July 5th from 9am-Noon at 8493 Dairy Ln. No cost to attend!

🧺 Jul. 5 - District 16 Summer Picnic: Grab your picnic blanket and join neighbors at the District 16 July Picnic in Dairy Lane Park on July 5. Enjoy summer fun, community connections, and outdoor festivities in beautiful Athens.

🎆 Jul. 5 - The Port Fireworks Celebration: Light up the night at The PORT Campground's annual fireworks celebration! Join the patriotic festivities on Saturday, July 5th at 28584 Rock Run Rd, Coolville, OH for an explosive Independence Day tradition.

🛹 Jul. 5 - Summer Skate Jam Grill: Grab your board and head to Smiling Skull Saloon's rooftop for the first-ever Summer Skate Jam Grill Out Bananza! Shred and socialize at Athens' best patio on July 5.

⚾ Jul. 6 - Copperheads vs. Joes: Cheer on the Southern Ohio Copperheads as they take the field at Bob Wren Stadium & Trautwein Field for an exciting home game on July 6. Come support your local team!

🙏 In Remembrance

Daryl M. Davidson Ph.D.

Daryl Malarry Davidson, PhD, a writer, editor, and proofreader from Athens, OH, passed away on June 30, 2025, at age 57. Born in Sharon, PA in 1968, he pursued extensive education, earning degrees from Ohio University and Hollins University, culminating in a PhD in screenwriting studies. Davidson had a lifelong passion for cinema, particularly classic Hollywood films, and worked in various roles including as a film festival proofreader, graduate assistant, and newspaper feature writer. He is remembered for his quiet faith, cherished friendships, and will be cremated with his ashes scattered over his grandmother's grave.

Daryl Malarry Davidson, PhD

Daryl Malarry Davidson, PhD, of Athens, OH, passed away on June 30, 2025, at age 57. He was an accomplished academic with multiple degrees, including a PhD in screenwriting studies from Ohio University in 2020. Throughout his life, Daryl was passionate about films, particularly Hollywood classics from the 1930s-50s, and worked as a writer, editor, proofreader, and educator. He contributed to numerous publications, assisted with academic film noir books, and was recognized with honors including Student Leader of the Year in 2019. Per his wishes, Daryl was cremated with no funeral service, and his ashes will be scattered at Morefield Cemetery in Hermitage, PA.