Good morning, Vinton County. Hidden just 45 minutes from Columbus lies one of Ohio's most delightfully peculiar attractions—a museum dedicated entirely to pencil sharpeners. What began as Paul A. Johnson's retirement hobby has transformed into a free roadside wonder at the Hocking Hills Regional Welcome Center, where thousands of unique sharpeners—from classic manual models to creative designs featuring skylines and comic characters—await curious visitors for a quick five-minute adventure into unexpected Americana.
Local talent continues to shine as four WOUB students received $1,000 awards for broadcasting excellence at the recent Student Recognition Event. Meanwhile, Athens' culinary scene offers first-year Ohio University students delicious alternatives to campus dining halls. From Village Bakery's locally-sourced breakfasts to Big Mamma's Burritos' worthy Chipotle alternative, and the authentic Mexican cuisine at Lulu's Casa El Camino, students can discover flavorful treasures before finishing with a creamy treat at the beloved social hotspot, Whit's Frozen Custard.
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☕️ What's Brewing Locally
✏️ Ohio's quirky pencil sharpener museum defies all expectations. The free attraction in Logan showcases thousands of unique sharpeners collected by Paul A. Johnson during his retirement years. Visitors can view classic manual models alongside creative designs featuring skylines, comic characters, and sports teams. After Johnson's death in 2010, his collection moved from his shed to the Hocking Hills Regional Welcome Center. Just a 45-minute drive from Columbus, this odd little museum takes only five minutes to explore.
🎓 Four WOUB students awarded $1000 each for broadcasting excellence. The Edmund A. Williams Technology Oriented Leadership Award and Jeffrey R. Spalding Memorial Award honored two former WOUB employees who made significant contributions to public broadcasting. Audrey Paquette and Addison Kearns received the Williams awards, while Haley Richardson and Donovan Varney were presented with the Spalding awards during the 2025 WOUB Student Recognition Event. The financial support allows these rising journalism majors to focus more on their academic pursuits and volunteer work at the professional PBS and NPR member station. Recipients expressed gratitude for both the recognition and financial assistance as they prepare for careers in broadcasting.
🍽️ Athens offers culinary treasures beyond campus dining halls. First-year Ohio University students with meal plans have several on-campus options, but the real magic happens off campus. Village Bakery & Café serves delicious breakfast with local ingredients Wednesday through Saturday. For lunch, Big Mamma's Burritos provides a worthy alternative to Chipotle, while Lulu's Casa El Camino offers authentic Mexican cuisine in a charming setting for dinner. When dessert cravings hit, Whit's Frozen Custard remains a beloved social spot where students can enjoy creamy treats while taking a well-deserved break from dining hall food.
🏡 Real Estate Reveals
Rural hunter paradise untamed: Looking for a true wilderness getaway? This 382-acre Vinton County parcel listed at $899,900 offers prime whitetail habitat with thick cover, young timber, travel corridors, streams and ponds for the serious hunter.
Wooded retreat near state park: Private 7.5-acre wooded retreat near Tar Hollow State Park offers tranquility and wildlife for $52,000, with county water available at the road and potential for your dream cabin or permanent home.
Secluded countryside dream home ready: Priced at $249,900, this secluded 3-bed, 2-bath home on nearly 7 acres boasts a freshly remodeled kitchen with quartz countertops, updated bathrooms, and new flooring throughout.🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla
🍞 Daily Bread Crumb
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
-Romans 12:2
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