Good morning, Jackson County. Move over, NASA - Southeast Ohio is about to make its mark on space exploration. In a thrilling development that sounds straight out of a sci-fi novel, local K-8 students have the chance to send their artistic vision to the International Space Station in 2025. This isn't just doodling in the margins of a notebook; it's art that will literally reach for the stars.
Meanwhile, back on Earth, our community is finding different ways to reach higher ground. The Athens KTC Buddhist Center is offering weekly meditation sessions for those seeking inner peace, while Amberly Szczerbiak is carrying on a royal tradition as she competes for the Ohio Fair Queen title. From space stations to meditation stations, Jackson County continues to prove that the sky's not the limit - it's just the beginning.
🌤 Sky Skoop | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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79% ☕️ What's Brewing Locally
🚀 Local students' art could fly to International Space Station in 2025. Ohio University's Spaceflight Experiment Program has partnered with the Ohio Valley Museum of Discovery to host an exciting patch design competition for K-8 students. The winning design will accompany a student-created experiment on its journey to the International Space Station. The free community event, scheduled for January 18th at OVMoD in Athens, will feature hands-on activities and chances to meet OU student scientists. Visitors can participate in the design competition while learning about space science through interactive displays from 10:30 am to 3:30 pm.
🧘 Athens Buddhist center offers weekly meditation sessions in serene yoga studio. The Athens KTC Buddhist Center hosts regular Sunday morning meditation gatherings at Serenity Roots Wellness and Yoga Center on Lavelle Road. The sessions run from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM and follow a rotating schedule of meditation styles and dharma discussions. No prior meditation experience is required to participate, and newcomers can request personalized instruction via email. The weekly sessions are scheduled to continue through December 2025, making it a long-term commitment to community wellness.
👑 Like mother, like daughter: Fair Queen legacy continues in Ohio. Amberly Szczerbiak, the 2024 Fayette County Fair Queen, is following in her mother Shannon's footsteps as she competes this week for the 2025 Ohio Fair Queen title in Columbus. The young queen, who particularly enjoyed representing her county at various events and meeting other fair royalty, plans to attend Miami University to study strategic communications and biology. Her involvement has earned high praise from local officials, who note her "heart of gold" and positive impact on the community. After graduation, Amberly aims to pursue a career in dentistry while carrying forward her family's tradition of community service.
🏀 Basketball Schedule Slam (Girls)
| Team | Opponent | Date/Time |
|---|---|---|
 Jackson Ironman/Ironladies | ||
| vs Vinton County | 1/4 @ 5:30pm | |
 Wellston Golden Rockets | ||
| @ Wahama | 1/3 @ 6:00pm | |
| vs River Valley | 1/6 @ 6:30pm | |
| @ Vinton County | 1/8 @ 7:30pm | |
 Oak Hill Oaks | ||
| vs Varsity Opponent | 1/4 @ 10:00am | |
| @ Symmes Valley | 1/6 @ 7:15pm | |
| vs Western | 1/9 @ 6:00pm |
🏡 Real Estate Reveals
Secluded retreat with scenic views
This charming home is listed at $289,900 and offers beautiful pine floors, multiple fireplaces, and a loft, all within a custom-built space on 9 secluded acres. Enjoy the tranquility of a covered front porch overlooking a stream, mature trees, and a backdrop of picturesque hillside, complemented by a spacious pole barn that could serve various purposes, making it an ideal retreat for nature lovers.
Updated spacious home near highway
This lovely home is listed at $289,900 and is conveniently located just a minute off US Highway 35, making it an ideal spot for commuters to Chillicothe or Jackson. Recently updated with a new roof, HVAC system, water heater, and stylish finishes throughout, this spacious 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom residence also features all-new insulation and a cozy covered porch to enjoy the autumn landscape.
Angler's dream with hunting potential
This serene 5+ acre lot is listed at $84,999 and features a 1/2-acre fishing pond stocked with bass and hybrid bluegill, making it an angler's paradise. Nestled near the Coalton Wildlife Area, the property offers fantastic opportunities for hunting deer and turkey and the chance to expand with additional land available for purchase.
🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla
💰 Financial Friday
Diversify your investments to spread risk and increase the potential for returns; by allocating your funds across different asset classes, industries, and regions, you can better weather market fluctuations and enhance your overall financial stability.
🙏 In Remembrance
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🍞 Daily Bread Crumb
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
-Matthew 6:33