Good morning, Athens County. Move over, local crime stories – a runaway donkey has officially stolen the spotlight in this week's sheriff's report. Deputies found themselves in an unexpected pursuit when the four-legged fugitive fled their approach on Longview Heights Road, adding some farmyard drama to a week that also featured mysterious bones (thankfully animal remains), vandalism at Jacksonville Park, and a woman's debit card trapped in an uncooperative ATM.
The property market doesn't share the donkey's reluctance to stick around, with numerous real estate transactions dotting the county from Millfield to Albany. Properties ranging from $1,000 to well over $300,000 changed hands in late July. Meanwhile, in a more serious development, former Federal Hocking High School principal Jake Amlin is taking legal action against the district after his controversial contract termination, seeking reinstatement and damages in a case that previously sparked student protests.
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0%☕️ What's Brewing Locally
🐴 Small-town chaos unfolds as donkey runs wild in Athens County. The Athens County Sheriff's Office responded to numerous peculiar incidents, including a donkey that fled when deputies approached it on Longview Heights Road. Other notable calls included vandalism at Jacksonville Park bathrooms with extensive damage to sinks and toilets, and a report of mysterious bones found under a home that turned out to be animal remains. Deputies also investigated online scams, trespassing complaints, and an AEP facility break-in where security footage captured the suspect. A woman even needed help retrieving her debit card after it got stuck in a bank ATM.
🏠 Athens County real estate market sees flurry of property transfers. Recent transactions from July 21-24, 2025 reveal properties changing hands across multiple townships including Millfield, Glouster, Athens, and Albany. Notable sales include a $360,000 multi-property purchase by Brett Downs in Glouster and a $315,000 transaction for a property on State Route 144 in Coolville. Property values varied widely, from modest $1,000 transfers to significant investments exceeding $200,000. The data showcases the diverse real estate landscape throughout Athens County's rural and town settings.
🏫 School principal sues district after controversial contract termination. Jake Amlin filed a civil complaint against Federal Hocking Local School District after the board voted not to renew his contract as high school principal. The April decision sparked outrage in the community, including a student walkout protest. Amlin claims the district failed to evaluate him for the 2023-24 school year, which under Ohio law would automatically extend his contract through 2025-26. His lawsuit seeks reinstatement and damages for breach of contract, arguing he should be allowed to complete his employment term.
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Athens paradise with timber stream: 90 acres in Athens County with three residential dwellings and two barns, priced at $586,000. The property features timber and a stream, valued at $6,700 per acre.
Affordable Athens open-concept living: For just $31,900, this Athens, Ohio manufactured home in Spreading Oaks Village offers open-concept living with community amenities, close to outdoor attractions and Ohio University.🍞 Daily Bread Crumb
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
-Ephesians 4:32
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