🏥 Pediatric progress

Good morning, Athens County. Southeast Ohio families just gained a significant healthcare advantage with OhioHealth O'Bleness Hospital's new partnership with Nationwide Children's Hospital. This collaboration brings specialized pediatric emergency care right to our doorstep, with expert nurse practitioners available daily during peak hours. For parents facing those frightening moments when a child needs urgent medical attention, this means access to top-tier pediatric expertise without the stress of long-distance travel—a genuine game-changer for families throughout our region.

While one chapter begins in local healthcare, another closes in our sports coverage. After three years chronicling the triumphs and challenges of Athens County athletes, The Athens Messenger's Jason Clary is bidding farewell. Having documented five school districts and historic Ohio University moments—including that unforgettable championship at Ford Field—Clary now sets his sights on the national stage, with his final edition as Sports Editor publishing Thursday.

🌤 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

🏥 Ohio hospital boosts emergency pediatric care with expert partnership. OhioHealth O'Bleness Hospital has teamed up with Nationwide Children's Hospital to provide specialized emergency care for children in southeast Ohio. A pediatric nurse practitioner will be available during peak hours (3-11 PM daily), offering child-focused expertise without families needing to travel far from home. Hospital president LeeAnn Lucas-Helber emphasized that this collaboration strengthens their ability to provide high-quality local care for children with unique medical needs. The partnership builds on Nationwide Children's reputation as a top-ranked pediatric healthcare system that was recently named to U.S. News & World Report's "Best Children's Hospitals" Honor Roll.

📝 Sports editor bids farewell to Athens County after three years. Jason Clary is leaving The Athens Messenger, where he's spent his career telling the stories of local athletes and communities. During his tenure, he covered five school districts and historic Ohio University moments, including their championship at Ford Field. Clary expressed deep gratitude to the community that launched his career as he pursues his dream of becoming a nationally-known journalist. His final edition as Sports Editor will be published Thursday.

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Country retreat near university campus: $329,900 buys you a charming 3-bedroom, 2-bath country home on 2.63 acres just 5 minutes from Ohio University, featuring spacious bedrooms, a well-appointed kitchen, and a peaceful sunroom.

Hilltop haven near OU: Priced at $659,000, this Athens hilltop retreat offers 4+ bedrooms on 8.39 acres with private trails, a geothermal system, and recent updates including a new metal roof, all just minutes from OU.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

🌽 Jul. 9 - Athens Farmers Market: Fresh local produce awaits at the Athens Farmers Market! Stop by the Community Center every Wednesday from 9am-12pm for seasonal goodies and community vibes. A perfect mid-week treat for food lovers.

⚾ Jul. 9 - Copperheads vs Mariners: Catch the Southern Ohio Copperheads as they take on the Mariners in an exciting home game at Bob Wren Stadium & Trautwein Field on July 9. Bring your cheering voice and baseball spirit!

🚙 Jul. 11 - Athens County Jeep Invasion: Rev up your engines for the 3rd Annual Athens County Jeep Invasion at the BMW RA Rally Fairgrounds! Join fellow Jeep enthusiasts on July 11 for Southeastern Ohio's premier off-road celebration.

🍻 Jul. 11 - Court Street Brew Kickoff: Kick off Ohio Brew Week in style as Court Street Coffee closes down the block for First Call - OBW 2025! Enjoy live music between State and Washington Streets on July 11.

🍺 Jul. 12 - 5K Beer Run Athens: Lace up for the 5K Beer Run at Jackie O's Taproom on July 12! Run, walk, or jog through Athens, then celebrate with a cold brew at the finish line. 25 Campbell St.

🌽 Jul. 12 - Athens Farmers Market: Fresh local produce awaits at the Athens Farmers Market every Saturday! Stop by the Community Center from 9am-12pm for seasonal goodies from area farmers and artisans. A perfect weekend morning tradition!

🍖 Jul. 12 - Backyard BBQ Community Feast: Savor summer flavors at the Backyard BBQ Community Dinner on July 12! Join neighbors at 30 E Columbus St, Nelsonville for mouthwatering pork, mac and cheese, fresh salads, and delectable desserts.

🛼 Jul. 12 - Brew Week Derby Brawl: Wheels will be flying at the Brew Week Brawl Double Header! Catch Athens Ohio Roller Derby's Appalachian Hell Betties and Black Diamond Betties battling it out July 12 at Athens Community Center.