Good morning, Athens County. When it comes to economic impact, the numbers speak volumes. Ohio University's APEX Accelerator program has quietly become an economic powerhouse, helping local businesses secure an astounding $2 billion in federal contracts this fiscal year. Meanwhile, a visionary trio of Athens farmers is thinking even bigger—pursuing a 900-acre community forest project complete with a $1.7 million processing facility that could revolutionize the local chestnut industry, which can yield up to 5,000 pounds per acre.
In the halls of justice, Nelsonville's political drama continues to unfold as the Ohio Supreme Court delivered a decisive ruling in the ongoing Issue 23 controversy. The court dismissed the city's attempt to remove election candidates, citing "failed diligence" in meeting filing deadlines. This leaves Nelsonville in an unusual limbo, with council believing they've repealed the citizen initiative while candidates continue campaigning to implement the voter-approved changes to government structure.
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0%☕️ What's Brewing Locally
💰 Ohio University program secures $2 billion in federal contracts. The APEX Accelerator at Ohio University's Voinovich School helped over 1,000 small businesses navigate government contracting in fiscal year 2024. Department of Defense awarded the largest share at $1.3 billion, followed by Veterans Affairs at $247 million. The program, which has operated since 2002, provides free assistance to businesses across 62 counties in Ohio. Director Sharon Hopkins credits their success to a dedicated team that includes veterans who help clients submit winning proposals.
🌳 Athens farmers seek millions for ambitious community forest project. Badger Johnson and Chris Smyth are collaborating with entrepreneur Weston Lombard to create a 900-acre community forest on reclaimed coal mine land in Athens County. The project includes plans for a $1.7 million forest product processing facility that would handle chestnuts, acorns, and other tree nuts grown locally. Currently, the nearest processing facility is three hours away, creating a bottleneck for the growing chestnut business that can yield up to 5,000 pounds per acre. The group needs an additional $4 million to complete the land acquisition and establish what Lombard calls "a regenerative place-based economy."
⚖️ Ohio Supreme Court dismisses Nelsonville's bid to remove election candidates. The court ruled the city missed a filing deadline, showing "failed diligence" in its request. Nelsonville City Council had voted to repeal Issue 23, a citizen initiative changing the city's government structure, and wanted candidates running under it removed from the ballot. A candidate for auditor filed a motion arguing the council lacked authority to repeal the voter-approved measure. The situation leaves Nelsonville in limbo with council believing Issue 23 is repealed while candidates continue campaigning to implement it.
🏡 Real Estate Reveals
Ranch Haven With In-law Suite: Listed at $435,000, this ranch home offers a versatile layout with an attached in-law suite, fresh interior updates, four bedrooms, two bathrooms, and recent improvements including new garage doors and an updated HVAC system.
Rural paradise near college town: Escape to tranquility with this $930,000 Athens County property, featuring a spacious two-story home, modern ADU, barn, garage, and stocked pond across 70 acres, just minutes from Athens and Ohio University.
Park-like ranch near town: Priced at $399,000, this 3-bed/2-bath ranch home in Athens offers 4.05 acres with hardwood floors, updated kitchen, and two-car garage, providing peaceful one-story living in a park-like setting close to town.🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla
🍞 Daily Bread Crumb
The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
-Psalm 23:1
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