Good morning, Hocking County. The numbers tell a sobering story: a half-billion dollar cut to a critical food program that provided 220,000 pounds of nourishment to over 61,000 people in our region last year. As Southeast Ohio Foodbank adjusts to the elimination of the USDA's Local Food Purchase program, the ripple effects extend beyond hungry families to local producers like Snowville Creamery, which is losing 10% of its revenue stream. This intersection of agriculture and community support highlights how federal decisions directly impact our neighbors' dinner tables.
Meanwhile, democracy takes center stage in Nelsonville as residents prepare to literally redraw their political landscape. The May 29th town hall hosted by the League of Women Voters offers citizens the chance to shape new ward maps following the city's return to statutory government. This grassroots approach to designing council districts embodies the League's philosophy that "democracy works best when we all participate" – a timely reminder of citizen power in local governance.
🌤 Sky Skoop | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
0%☕️ What's Brewing Locally
🍽️ Federal cuts strip half-billion dollars from foodbank-farmer program. The USDA's Local Food Purchase Cooperative Agreement, which provided $26 million to Ohio's foodbanks for local food purchases, has been eliminated. Southeast Ohio Foodbank distributed over 220,000 pounds of food through this program in 2023, serving more than 61,000 people. Local farmers and processors like Stephen Fowler and Snowville Creamery are also losing significant revenue sources, with the dairy distributor reporting the program accounted for 10% of their revenue. Without these funds, foodbanks expect to provide fewer items per visit while facing a 20% increase in demand since 2022.
🗳️ Nelsonville residents invited to shape new ward maps for city council. The League of Women Voters is hosting a town hall meeting on May 29, 2025, to engage citizens in creating four ward districts for Nelsonville City Council. This democratic process follows Nelsonville's vote to abolish the city charter and return to statutory government, which requires ward divisions. The current Council has chosen to remain neutral, asking the League to gather community input and propose a map based on feedback. The meeting will be held at Nelsonville Public Library from 6-8pm, with organizers emphasizing that "democracy works best when we all participate."
🏡 Real Estate Reveals
Bank-owned auction opportunity: List price: $0. This foreclosure property offered on Auction.com might sell below market value, and interested buyers can save the listing to receive updates about auction dates and status changes.
Luxury lakefront haven awaits: Priced at $1,150,000, this custom-built lakefront retreat offers 3,800 square feet of luxury living with four bedrooms, a gourmet kitchen, and private dock, all within a secure community featuring golf, fitness center, and other recreational amenities.
Logan investment opportunity estate: Priced at $109,000, this rare 1-acre property in Logan offers a 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom home with five additional 0.11-acre lots that may qualify for tax abatement, making it ideal for investors and developers.🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla
🙏 In Remembrance
| ||
| ||
|
🍞 Daily Bread Crumb
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
-Romans 12:2
|
|