Good morning, Meigs County. Frost can't come soon enough for Athens County's deer population. An unusually large outbreak of Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease is sweeping through the local whitetail herds, causing fatal internal bleeding. While wildlife officials assure residents the disease can't spread to humans or contaminate properly prepared venison, they're asking everyone to report sightings of dead deer to help track this concerning trend that should mercifully end with the first hard freeze.
Meanwhile, the world is becoming more accessible for Ohio University students, with study abroad participation surging back to pre-pandemic levels. Nearly 1,000 Bobcats explored global learning opportunities last year—a welcome revival after years of travel restrictions. Across the river in Parkersburg, community leaders are tackling substance abuse through a series of eight engagement events designed to reshape recovery approaches and public perceptions, while local fixture Charlie Burd received the YMCA's Heart of Our Community Award for his lifetime of service.
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0%☕️ What's Brewing Locally
🤝 Parkersburg tackles substance abuse through community conversations. The Parkersburg Engagement Project recently launched a series of eight events exploring substance abuse impacts in Wood County. State Del. Scot Heckert explained they're seeking community involvement to develop better recovery approaches and accountability systems. These potentially challenging conversations aim to shift public perception of those in recovery from "nuisance" to welcomed community members. Meanwhile, Charlie Burd received the YMCA of Parkersburg 2026 Heart of Our Community Award, recognizing his lifetime of service to the community.
🦌 Deadly deer disease spreads through Athens County, Ohio. The local whitetail population is facing an outbreak of Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD), transmitted by small flies called midges that cause fatal internal bleeding. Officials confirm the disease cannot spread between deer, infect humans, or contaminate venison meat, though consumption of visibly sick animals is discouraged. The outbreak, concentrated in eastern Athens County, is larger than previous years but should decline once frost kills the midges. Residents are urged to report dead deer sightings to help authorities track the outbreak.
🌍 Study abroad programs surge to pre-pandemic levels at Ohio University. After COVID-19 restrictions lifted, participation in global learning opportunities has steadily increased, with 995 students studying abroad in 2023-24 compared to just 583 in 2021-22. This trend mirrors national statistics, which show a 49% increase in U.S. students studying abroad last year. OU's Office of Global Opportunities works to break down barriers to participation, offering advising and financial support like the First Passport Grant. Senior Bobby Reilly, who studied in Northern Ireland, encourages peers: "There's no better time in your life to travel."
🏡 Real Estate Reveals
Rural acreage needs work: This fixer-upper on 6.99 acres in rural Ohio offers valley views, a 3-bed home with good bones, newer HVAC and metal roof, outbuildings, and easy road access for $169,000.
Rustic fixer-upper with acreage: For $85,000, this 3-bedroom ranch on 1.77 acres in Dexter, OH needs a new roof, but has large kitchen, hardwood floors throughout, and a barn out back with plenty of space for kids and animals.
Turnkey modern three-bedroom steal: Priced at $127,000, this well-maintained 3-bedroom home built in 2017 offers a spacious living area, modern kitchen, and covered front porch, all requiring zero work before moving in.🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla
🍞 Daily Bread Crumb
Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.
-Proverbs 3:3-4
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