Good morning, Vinton County. Transit talk is taking center stage in Athens County, where officials are eyeing a public transportation overhaul that could unlock substantial funding opportunities. The proposed reorganization of Athens Public Transit into a joint city-county operation could generate approximately $1 million through a quarter-percent sales tax, potentially doubling that amount with federal matching funds. This financial boost would revitalize services, bringing back Saturday buses and extending routes to previously underserved communities.
Meanwhile, a million-dollar debate is cycling through Athens as the city considers a new pedestrian-bicycle path along Columbus Avenue. While Councilmember Alan Swank dismisses it as "a path from nowhere to nowhere," supporters point to benefits for the growing area near the new Marietta Memorial Hospital. In celebratory news, local entrepreneur Dave Strickland has been crowned Entrepreneur of the Year after growing his State Farm client base from 1,200 to an impressive 5,000 households since 2003.
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0%☕️ What's Brewing Locally
🚌 Athens County eyes public transit overhaul for more funding access. The proposal would reorganize Athens Public Transit as a joint city-county operation, potentially qualifying it for transit sales tax revenue. According to mobility coordinator Ben Ziff, a quarter-percent sales tax could generate approximately $1 million, which could be matched with federal dollars. These additional funds would allow for expanded services, including increased on-demand transit, reinstated Saturday bus service, and new routes to Glouster and the Tri-Village Area. Currently, Athens Public Transit operates on a $2.7 million budget with funding split between federal, state, and local sources.
🚲 Athens debates bike path as one councilmember calls it "a waste." The City of Athens is considering a pedestrian-bicycle path along Columbus Avenue, with 90% of the $1 million cost covered by the Ohio Department of Transportation. Councilmember Alan Swank strongly opposes the project, describing it as "a path from nowhere to nowhere" and citing business owners who share his concerns. Mayor Steve Patterson and other councilmembers argue the path would benefit the growing area, especially with the new Marietta Memorial Hospital nearby. City Treasurer Josh Thomas clarified that funding would come from the street fund, which cannot legally be used for general expenses.
🏆 Local insurance agent Dave Strickland crowned Entrepreneur of the Year. The Chillicothe Ross Chamber of Commerce honored Strickland at their Annual Awards Dinner for his impressive business growth. Since 2003, he expanded his State Farm business from 1,200 households to 5,000, while also co-founding Chillicothe Monument in 2015. Other honorees included Joshua Walter as Young Professional of the Year, Rock for Tots for Corporate Citizenship, Printex Same-Day Printing for the Legacy Award, and Diane Carnes for Special Recognition in real estate.
🏡 Real Estate Reveals
Scenic hilltop rural paradise: Priced at $315,000, this 19-acre rural retreat features a finished pole barn, new septic and well, free natural gas, and panoramic hilltop views, located just 11.8 miles from Hocking Hills amenities.
Secluded log paradise near lake: This custom log home, priced at $375,000, offers a secluded 7-acre retreat with vaulted pine ceilings, wrap-around porch, spiral staircase to a loft bedroom, and convenient location near Lake Rupert and Hocking Hills.
Bright Updated Hamden Home Ready: Priced at $164,998, this completely updated Hamden home features sun-filled rooms, quartz countertops, white cabinetry, and stainless appliances, with a new roof, siding, HVAC system, and water heater.🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla
🙏 In Remembrance
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🍞 Daily Bread Crumb
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
-Galatians 6:9
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