Home / Newsletters / Ohio / Meigs County / September 26, 2025

🌊 Groundwater game-changer

Meigs County • September 26, 2025

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Good morning, Meigs County. The ground beneath our feet isn't just metaphorically shifting in southeast Ohio—it's literally at the center of an environmental battle. A judge's ruling against Gavin Power Plant has determined that groundwater indeed counts as "liquid" in toxic waste regulations, potentially forcing the coal giant to address leaks in its ash storage unit where dangerous chemicals like arsenic have been detected. This landmark decision reopens questions about the balance between energy production and environmental protection in our community.

Meanwhile, healthcare providers in Athens are changing the conversation around addiction, offering a comprehensive approach that combines medication options like Suboxone with counseling and community support. And despite financial challenges, Ohio University continues its growth trajectory—welcoming 8,000 new students while celebrating its sixth consecutive year as Ohio's best value public university and achieving prestigious R1 research status as new campus buildings rise on the horizon.

🌤 Sky Skoop

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☕️ What's Brewing Locally

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⚠️ Coal plant's toxic waste battle heats up in southeast Ohio. A judge dismissed a lawsuit by Gavin Power Plant against EPA regulations on coal ash disposal, ruling that groundwater counts as "liquid" in toxic waste storage. The massive coal-fired plant in Cheshire had previously bought out many local homes due to pollution concerns. The EPA could now force Gavin to fix leaks in its coal ash storage unit, which is currently 40% saturated with groundwater containing dangerous chemicals like arsenic. The case highlights ongoing tensions between environmental regulations and coal power operations.

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🌟 Addiction is a disease, not a character flaw. Athens healthcare providers are reframing the conversation around substance use disorders through OhioHealth's comprehensive approach to treatment. Their addiction medicine team offers hospital care, community outreach, and specialized physician support to meet patients wherever they are in their recovery journey. Experts emphasize the importance of medication options like Suboxone alongside counseling, employment, and healthy activities to fill the void left by substance use. With naloxone training and a compassionate understanding that recovery is a daily process, the Athens community is proving that hope and healing are possible.

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🎓 Ohio University president welcomes 8,000 new students amid challenges and growth. Gonzalez announced progress on new campus buildings including McDavis Hall and the Heritage Translational Science Research Facility, both set to open in 2026. For the sixth consecutive year, OU was named the best value public university in Ohio and achieved R1 research institution status. She addressed concerns about Senate Bill 1 and budget constraints, acknowledging difficult changes while emphasizing the university's commitment to supporting students despite rising costs and new financial aid challenges.

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🏡 Real Estate Reveals

Real estate listing image Prime location rivertown opportunity: Listed at $129,900, this versatile commercial property in Pomeroy, Ohio offers a prime high-traffic location with a small building on a spacious 150' x 65' lot, suitable for various businesses from barbershops to retail spaces.
Real estate listing image Vintage auction home needs work: This 1880 home priced at $104,900 offers two bedrooms and one bathroom with "oozing potential," but buyers should note it's cash-only and sold through Hubzu auction ending October 2025.
Real estate listing image River town affordable triple bedroom: This charming 3-bedroom, 2-bath home in Racine, Ohio is listed at $189,500, featuring an open-concept design, luxurious primary suite, and a versatile metal shed for storage or workspace.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

📚 Sep. 26 - Inspirational Book Club: Book lovers unite at the Inspirational Book Club! Join fellow readers at Meigs County Library on September 26 to discuss this month's inspiring fiction pick in a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
🌲 Sep. 26 - Forest Farming Conference: Dig into forest farming at the 2025 Southern Ohio Conference where Rural Action guides you from forest floor to market door. Join fellow enthusiasts at United Plant Savers in Rutland on September 26.
🌽 Sep. 27 - Meigs County Farmers Market: Fresh local produce awaits at the Meigs County Farmers Market this Saturday from 10am-1pm on East Main Street in Pomeroy. Stock up on seasonal goodies from Ohio's finest growers!

💰 Financial Friday

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TIPS PRESENTED BY Farmers Bank

Establish an emergency fund with three to six months' worth of living expenses to provide a safety net during unexpected situations; having this cushion can help you avoid debt and face financial challenges with confidence.

🍞 Daily Bread Crumb

Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.

-Ephesians 4:2

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