Good morning, Meigs County. In the heart of Athens, a remarkable conservation victory unfolded when a logging company founder chose preservation over profit. The Dale and Jackie Riddle State Nature Preserve stands as testimony to what happens when unlikely allies—botanists, conservationists, and even loggers themselves—unite to protect 200-year-old trees from the chainsaw. This 85-acre forest sanctuary represents what can be accomplished when economic interests yield to environmental wisdom.
Fall brings both fresh flavors and serious concerns to our region. While Frida's Modern Mexican is delighting taste buds on West Union Street with creative cuisine served in hollowed-out pineapples, Ohio University officials are working to address the troubling "Red Zone" phenomenon. The period from semester start through Thanksgiving marks a dangerous time when half of campus sexual assaults occur, highlighting the critical importance of prevention education, bystander training, and robust support resources for students navigating college life.
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0%☕️ What's Brewing Locally
🌲 Unlikely heroes save ancient Ohio forest from loggers. The Dale and Jackie Riddle State Nature Preserve in Athens, Ohio, was named after a logging company founder who chose conservation over profit. When botanist Phil Cantino discovered blue paint marks on trees in Hawk Woods, signaling imminent logging, the community rallied to save it. Athens Conservancy, local businesses, and even the logging company itself worked together to protect the 85-acre forest. Today, visitors can enjoy 200-year-old trees and abundant wildlife in this preserved natural treasure.
🚨 College sexual assault spikes during the "Red Zone" period every fall. From the start of the semester until Thanksgiving, 50% of campus sexual assaults occur, creating a dangerous time especially for first-year students. Women, LGBTQ+ students, and those with disabilities face the highest risk, with women aged 18-24 on campus being three times more likely to experience assault than non-campus peers. Ohio University implements prevention education and bystander intervention training, yet more than 77% of Red Zone assaults go unreported. University administrators must prioritize creating safe environments through education, resources like the Survivor Advocacy Program, and ensuring sexual assault doesn't go unpunished.
🌮 Athens welcomes Frida's Modern Mexican with flavorful flair. The new restaurant, located at 120 W. Union St., offers classic Mexican cuisine with creative twists at prices comparable to other campus eateries. Open daily from 11 a.m., Frida's serves burritos, fajitas, tacos, and enchiladas with vegetarian and dietary-restricted options, plus Mexican cocktails and specialty sodas. Both students and locals praise the restaurant's delicious food, attentive service, and unique presentations—including dishes served in hollowed-out pineapples. With a 4.5-star Google rating, Frida's is challenging established Athens favorites like Casa Nueva and El Tenampa.
🏡 Real Estate Reveals
Wooded hunting paradise near Athens: For $400,000, this wooded 29-acre retreat offers a secluded field, installed driveway, electric access, county water, and mineral rights. Located near Albany and Athens, it's ideal for hunting trophy deer and turkey.
Countryside mobile haven with trees: Modest singlewide mobile home for $100,000 sits on a 0.60-acre country lot with trees and open space. Includes a 10x20 storage shed and the 2018 trailer transfers via bill of sale.
Sprawling Ohio cattle ranch: This turnkey cattle operation in Southern Ohio is listed at $899,000, offering 131 acres of rolling pasture, a 4-bedroom farmhouse, four ponds, and comprehensive infrastructure including three barns and high-tensile fencing throughout.🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla
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And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
-Romans 8:28
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