Good morning, Athens County. Art has always had the power to provoke, and Ted Campbell's politically charged mural beside the Kroger parking lot is doing exactly that. With over 230 comments on a local Facebook page and heated discussions at council meetings, this expletive-filled artwork has become the latest flashpoint in our ongoing national conversation about free expression versus community standards—particularly when children might be exposed to the controversial messaging.
Meanwhile, positive developments are enhancing healthcare access across our region. OhioHealth has extended urgent care hours to 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily at both Athens and Nelsonville locations, offering greater flexibility for treating everything from fractures to earaches. And there's hometown pride to celebrate as Dr. Frank Papay, the OU alumnus who made medical history with America's first face transplant, receives the prestigious 2025 Konneker Medal for his groundbreaking innovations that have improved surgical outcomes worldwide.
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0%☕️ What's Brewing Locally
🎨 Profane political mural divides small Ohio town. Ted Campbell painted the expletive-filled artwork beside a Kroger parking lot, criticizing U.S. involvement in Gaza and Trump's military parade with phrases like "No kings" and "F*** fascists." City Manager Fred Holmes voiced offense at the language during a council meeting, particularly concerned about children seeing it. The controversial piece has sparked over 230 comments on a local Facebook page, with Councilmember Cameron Peck defending it as protected free speech despite questioning the decision to paint it.
🏥 OhioHealth extends urgent care hours to meet community needs. Starting July 1, both Athens and Nelsonville locations now operate daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., aligning with other OhioHealth urgent care sites across the system. These facilities will remain open on major holidays except for Christmas and Thanksgiving. The expanded schedule provides patients greater flexibility to access walk-in treatment for minor illnesses and injuries, including cold symptoms, sprains, fractures, and earaches. While appointments are encouraged at both locations, they are not required for care.
👨⚕️ Pioneering surgeon receives prestigious medal for medical innovation excellence.Dr. Frank Papay, an Ohio University alumnus, has been awarded the 2025 Konneker Medal for his extraordinary achievements in commercialization and entrepreneurship. The internationally acclaimed surgeon made history in 2008 as the chief craniofacial plastic surgeon during America's first face transplant and later led the Cleveland Clinic's groundbreaking full-face transplant on 21-year-old Katie Stubblefield. Beyond his surgical expertise, Papay holds 24 patents on medical devices that have improved surgical outcomes for thousands worldwide. The proud Bobcat will receive his award at a special ceremony in October 2025, recognizing his blend of medical practice with innovation and entrepreneurship.
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Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord.
-Psalm 31:24
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