Note: All information is current as of The Scoop’s production on Tuesday morning. Click the links for the most up-to-date information.
Holiday announcements
- Toy drive in The Plains: The Plains Volunteer Fire Department is collecting new, unwrapped toys through Saturday, Dec. 21. Drop-off locations are: Spices of Life, 12 N. Plains Road; Dollar General, 70 N. Plains Road; and Deputy’s Auto Repair, 110 N. Plains Road. Free hot coffee or hot chocolate per toy donation at Spices of Life.
- Chauncey Dover Santa celebration: The Grinch and Santa will visit with families on Saturday, Dec. 21, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Chauncey Dover Fire Department Firehouse, 40 Congress St. Participants are invited to bring an ornament to commemorate a veteran, or loved one lost to cancer or another illness.
Foundation for Appalachian Ohio community funds
- Nelsonville Community Foundation: The fund awarded $48,000 to Nelsonville area projects through 18 grants, including several to Nelsonville-York City Schools.
- African American Community Fund: The fund awarded $29,500 to Black-led and Black-serving organizations through 13 grants, including for an advocacy services organization to serve Athens County residents.
General announcements
- Food distribution:
- HAPCAP Health Market: Eligible Logan locals are encouraged to plan a visit prior to The Market’s closure from Friday, Dec. 20, through Wed., Jan. 1, 2025. Regular hours will resume Jan. 2; the market will be open Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 35222 Hocking Drive, Logan.
- Federal Resource Valley Center’s monthly choice food pantry: Shoppers choose the food they want and like. This event is held from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 22, and is for those in Athens and surrounding counties who struggle to find enough food for their family. All food is set out on tables or in coolers/freezers and all food groups, including meat are offered. No documents are required but must fill out a one-time form. 8225 SR 329, Stewart.
- Athens sculpture RFP: The City of Athens is accepting proposals for an outdoor sculpture to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the opening of the Athens Community Center. Applicants must be 18 years or older and proposals must be submitted by Monday, Feb. 10, 2025.
- Master Gardener training: Athens County Master Gardeners will offer online volunteer training beginning in January 2025. Once trained, volunteers must spend at least 50 hours on program projects in the year.
- Food and Farm Conference: Registration is open for the 46th annual Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association Conference, to be held Feb. 13–15, 2025, in Newark.
- Athens leaf pickup: Final sweep through Dec. 21. Bagged leaf pick-up will continue through the city’s yard waste program at a rate of $2 per bag. Call 740-592-3343 to schedule.
- Holiday tree pickup will take place Thursday, Dec. 26 through Jan. 31, 2025. Call 740-593-7636 to schedule.
Traffic advisories
Athens:
- North Coolville Ridge Road (CR 90): On Thursday, Dec. 19, the Athens County Engineer’s Office will have a section of North Coolville Ridge Road (CR 90) closed for a culvert replacement. The location will be between the intersections of Terrell Road (Canaan Township Road 133) and Robinson Ridge Road (Canaan Township Road 132) from 8:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m.
- SR 681: A tree trimming project began Dec. 9 on SR 681, between Marshfield Road and SR 356. The road will be closed where work is taking place from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Estimated completion: Dec. 31.
- West Union Street: Crews will perform small finish work and project clean-up this week. The street is open to two-way traffic. Crews will return in the spring to complete some water work affected by back ordered parts. Questions or concerns may be directed to the City of Athens Engineering and Public Works Department at 740-593-7636.
