Good morning, Athens County. In a remarkable twist of environmental stewardship, a logging company has become the unlikely hero in preserving Athens' cherished woodlands. When the 250-year-old trees of Hawk Woods faced the chainsaw, Dale Riddle Forest Products chose conservation over profit, selling the 85-acre property below market value with the philosophy that "some trees are for making lumber and others are for enjoying." The forest—now the Dale and Jackie Riddle State Nature Preserve—stands as a testament to community collaboration.
Meanwhile, local deputies have had their hands full with a wild bull leading officers on an hours-long chase across the county. This unusual pursuit came during a week filled with peculiar calls, from naked children playing outdoors to recovered stolen AirPods. On a more serious note, Ohio University is addressing the troubling "Red Zone" period—the first six to eight weeks of fall semester when campus sexual assaults spike dramatically, with prevention programs and support resources being implemented.
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0%☕️ What's Brewing Locally
🌲 Logging company becomes unexpected hero in Ohio forest preservation. The Dale and Jackie Riddle State Nature Preserve in Athens, Ohio, is named after the founder of a logging firm that helped save the woodland. When botanist Phil Cantino discovered paint marks indicating imminent logging in the beloved Hawk Woods, the community rallied to protect it. Dale Riddle Forest Products agreed to sell the 85-acre property to the city for $100,000 below market value, stating "some trees are for making lumber and others are for enjoying." Thanks to this collaborative effort, the forest remains a thriving ecosystem with trees over 250 years old.
🐂 Deputies chase wild bull for hours across Athens County. The Athens County Sheriff's Office had a busy week responding to unusual incidents, including assisting a farmer with a loose bull twice in one day. In another animal-related call, officers humanely euthanized a deer showing symptoms of disease to prevent suffering and protect public safety. Deputies also handled reports of naked children playing outside unattended, a sleeping person mistaken for unresponsive, and a family dispute over a pet that escaped. Additionally, officers recovered stolen AirPods and addressed complaints about a speeding truck.
🚨 Sexual assaults spike during college's dangerous "Red Zone" period. The first six to eight weeks of fall semester see 50% of all campus sexual assaults, creating what experts call the Red Zone. First-year students, women, those with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ individuals face the highest risk as new environments and social gatherings increase vulnerability. Ohio University implements prevention education and bystander intervention training, yet over 77% of cases go unreported during this critical period. The Post editorial emphasizes that universities must prioritize prevention, education, and support resources like the Survivor Advocacy Program to combat this serious campus safety issue.
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Renovated ranch near nature trails: This updated east-side ranch for $298,000 features vaulted ceilings, renovated kitchen, and finished basement with home office, plus a large deck on a corner lot near Sells Park. First showings this Saturday.🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla
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But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well
-Matthew 6:33
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