Note: All information is current as of The Scoop’s production on Wednesday morning. Click the links for the most up-to-date information.
Meetings
- Athens County Chamber of Commerce: Members are invited to Winter Business Before Hours to socialize and discuss issues important to local businesses, economy and the community tomorrow, Wednesday, Feb. 12, from 8 to 9 a.m. Ohio University Innovation Center, 340 W. State St., Athens.
- Athens County Regional Planning Commission: 8 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 13, Ohio University Innovation Center. Representatives of ODOT District 10 will give an update on roundabout projects on SR 682 at SR 682 and SR 56 as well as a planned expansion of U.S. 33 between Athens and Darwin.
Government
- Traffic
- Athens: Factory Street and a portion of Station are closed for a water line replacement project through Monday, Feb. 24. Factory Street is closed from the intersection with West Union Street, Station Street and Riverside Drive; Station Street is closed at the intersection with Factory Street to the entrance of the Station Street apartment complex.
- Nelsonville: Burr Oak Boulevard is closed between Hillside Drive and the U.S. 33 overpass through Thursday, Feb. 13, for installation of a new sanitary sewer line.
- Taxes:
- Updated property values: Updated property values and tax amounts for the current tax year are available on the Athens County Auditor’s website. Property owners are encouraged to review their updated values, verify parcel details, and explore available tax resources.
- Tax help for seniors: AARP Tax Assistance is available for those filing 2024 tax returns (open to all seniors with the exception of businesses reporting a loss). The ongoing free program is held through April, Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Coolville Public Library from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., beginning today, Tuesday, Feb. 11. Call 740-737-6036 for an appointment; walk-in available when the schedule is open. 26401 Main St., Coolville.
- Bids
- Richland Avenue Bridge: The City of Athens will receive sealed bids for Richland Lift Station and Sewer Improvements Contract 1 & Contract 2, City Project #330, until 2 p.m. on Wednesday, March 5, when bids will be unsealed and read aloud.
- Audits released:
- Ohio University — National Collegiate Athletics Association, July 1, 2023–June 30, 2024; agreed upon procedures.
- Coalition of Rural and Appalachian Schools, July 1, 2022–June 30, 2024; basic audit.
Community
- Changes to assistance programs: Hocking Athens Perry Community Action announces the following changes to its utility assistance programs:
- The Ohio Department of Development has decreased benefits for the Home Energy Assistance Program to pre-pandemic levels.
- Funding and requirements for the Winter Crisis Program at HAPCAP will remain unchanged for the season ending March 31. However, appointments for applications are available Monday through Thursday only by calling 740-868-1908.
- Soccer registration open: Registration for youth soccer (K–Sixth) through Athens Parks and Recreation Department are open until Sunday, March 16. Fee of $40 per child. Any child who receives benefits for Athens County Job & Family Services pays $15/per child. Also seeking coaches. Register online or call 740-592-3325.
- Grant opportunity: The Foundation for Appalachian Ohio is accepting applications for the Dale Hileman Legacy Fund and the Donald R. Myers Legacy Fund to Support Partnership in Appalachian Ohio. Funding is available for projects and activities that are improving quality of life and advancing flourishing Appalachian Ohio communities. Apply for either by Tuesday, March 18.
- Call for artist entries: Arts West will hold the Taste of Athens… Ohio! Gallery Exhibition in May. Any visual arts media invited; submissions end April 14.
- Scholarship opportunity: Submissions are now open to students for the Corporation for Appalachian Development’s David V. Stivison Appalachian Community Action Scholarship Fund. Applicants must live among the 30 counties COAD serves. Applications due by May 1. See full list of eligibility requirements here; email scholarships@coadinc.org with questions.
- Writer’s workshop: The lineup for the 2025 Amesville Writers Workshop in June has been announced and will feature workshops and craft talks; cost is $350 per attendee. Register or ask questions by emailing amesvillewrites@gmail.com.
Free resources
- Transit:
- Fare-free day: On Friday, Feb. 14, Athens Public Transit, Athens on Demand and Logan Public Transit will be free of fare for the public.
- Food:
- SE Ohio Foodbank: Food distribution for Athens, Gallia, Hocking, Jackson, Lawrence, Meigs, Morgan, Perry, Vinton, and Washington County residents who meet income guidelines, 10 a.m. to noon today, Tuesday, Feb 11, 1005 CIC Drive, Logan.
- The Athens County Food Pantry: Free food to income-eligible families every weekday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on the first Saturday of each month. 13183 SR 13, Millfield. Mobile distributions every third Saturday of each month, in Albany, New Marshfield and Trimble (pre-registration required).
- Weekly drive-thru meals: Athens Church of Christ offers drive-thru meals every Tuesday from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.; call ahead at (740) 593-7414 if possible. See today’s (Tuesday, Feb. 11) menu here. 785 W. Union St, Athens.
- Food distribution event: Smith Chapel Food and Clothing Mission offers park-and-load food distribution on Friday, Feb. 14 from 10 a.m. to noon; regularly held the second and third Friday of each month; visit only one date per month. 1333 E. Front Street, Logan.
- Weekly Friday pantry: Federal Valley Resource Center hosts its weekly pantry event, which includes fresh produce, on Friday, Feb. 14, from 11 a.m. to noon. Not income-based; food is for everyone. Monthly choice pantry event is held last Sunday of the month. 8225 SR 329, Stewart.
- The Community Food Pantry: OU Community Heath Programs’ Heritage Community Clinic will host a food distribution event on Monday, Feb. 17, from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Parking limited prior to 5 p.m. 16 W. Green Drive, Athens.
- Health clinics:
- Ohio University Community Health Programs has a Diabetes Clinic today, Feb. 11, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. and will offer free health screenings on Friday, Feb. 14, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the GoMart in Coolville.
- Child care:
- The Boys & Girls Club of Glouster: Afterschool program for ages six through 18, Monday through Friday, 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.; 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. on no-school days. For details call 304-485-6434 x 312 or email alexsams@bgcparkersburg.org. Glouster Community Center, 1 Cross St., Glouster.
