Note: All information is current as of The Scoop’s production on Tuesday morning. Click the links for the most up-to-date information.
Indy policy update: The Athens County Independent’s Commentary policy now includes cutoff dates for submission of letters to the editor or op-ed pieces related to particular candidates for office or ballot issues. The last day to submit letters regarding people or issues on the May 6 ballot is Tuesday, April 15.
Government:
- City commission vacancies: The City of Athens seeks applications for two vacancies on the Environment & Sustainability Commission. The all-volunteer commission advises the city on environmental issues, sustainability initiatives, and strategies to enhance the quality of life in Athens. One of the open seats must be filled by a City of Athens resident, while the second vacancy may be filled by either a City of Athens resident or a resident of Athens County. To apply, email athenssustainability@ci.athens.oh.us or call 740-592-3338.
- Bids:
- Stimson Bridge rehab project: The City of Athens seeks Statements of Qualifications from qualified engineering firms to conduct construction inspection for the Stimson Bridge Rehab Project (PID: 118520). Submit to the Engineering and Public Works Office, 30 Curran Drive, Athens, until 4 p.m. on Friday, March 14.
- Richland Avenue Lift Station Improvements, contracts #1 and #2: Sealed bids will be received by the City of Athens at its office, 8 East Washington St., Athens, until 2 p.m. on Wednesday, March 5. Bids will be publicly opened and read immediately thereafter. See link for specifics on each contract.
- Ordinances:
- Athens County recently adopted ordinances: Adopted Feb. 18, posted to the city website Thursday, Feb. 20 through Thursday, March 6.
Community:
- Donations wanted:
- Burr Oak Alive: Donate plastic bags that will be turned into a bench to be placed in Burr Oak State Park. Bags accepted include those made for produce, bread, ice, sandwich-style, cereal box liners; also accepting bubble wrap and case overwrap. Drop off at Glouster post office, Glouster Public Library, or the United Bank locations in Glouster and Nelsonville.
- Community Food Initiatives: Donate unopened seed packets to be given away for free at Athens Public Library locations. Donations end March 15; seed hand-outs begin April 1. Drop off at CFI Donation Station at the Athens Farmer’s Market.
- Double C Ranch horse camp: 2025 Horse Camp for ages 7 and up will be held June through August. Adults welcome. Call 740-667-6311 for more information.
- Maker’s Fever: The Athens Art Guild will provide demonstrations of art processes including screenprinting, laser engraving and 3D printing, paper making and guitar string jewelry at its free Maker’s Fever event from noon to 3 p.m. on Saturday, March 1. Southeast Ohio Woodturners Association also will provide a seam ripper wood turning class. UpCycle Ohio Community Makerspace, 751 Union St., Athens.
Student support:
- School supplies, clothes and aid: Register your student(s) for Athens County’s 7th Annual Back to School Bash, to be held in Nelsonville in July. No income requirements; students must be enrolled in Athens County schools. Accepted families receive support for a successful 2025–26 school year. Applications due April 7. Call 740-677-4163 for details.
Free resources
Social services:
- Harm reduction resources: Substance abuse counseling, one-to-one exchange, free naloxone, and fresh produce are available every Wednesday, including Feb. 26, from 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. Athens City-County Health Department, 278 W. Union St., Athens.
- Benefit applications and job program help: Ohio Jobs and Family Services and OhioMeansJobs mobile unit will be at multiple locations this week to provide services related to benefits and employment:
- Tuesday, Feb. 25: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Kroger, 19741 Lake Drive, Trimble.
- Thursday, Feb. 27: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dollar Tree, 73 N. Plains Road, The Plains.
- Friday, Feb 28: 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Athens Treatment Center, 8978 United Lane, Athens.
Healthcare:
- Mobile care: The Ohio University Community Clinic, available for ages 18–64, will be at the Coolspot Country Market from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 26. Call 740-593-2432 to pre-schedule an appointment. 41670 SR 7, Reedsville.
Food:
- 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 (with pre-registration) are every third Saturday of each month, in Albany, New Marshfield and Trimble.
- Monday mid-day meal: Lunch available every Monday from noon to 1 p.m.; cold carryout meals available with pre-call. 740-593-3977. First United Methodist Church, 2 South College St., Athens.
- Drive-thru Tuesday dinner: 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. 785 W. Union St, Athens.
- Wednesday lunch and pantry: All welcome to eat lunch and shop from the pantry table at United Campus Ministries, offering dine-in and carry-out options. Every week, noon to 1:30 p.m. United Campus Ministries, 18 N. College St., Athens.
- First Wednesday of the month is held at Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, 64 University Terrace, Athens.
- Thursday supper: All welcome to come together for Thursday evening dinner, held 5:00 to 6:30 p.m., every week. Pantry table available. United Campus Ministries, 18 N. College St., Athens.
- Friday food pantry: Federal Valley Resource Center hosts its weekly pantry, which includes fresh produce, on Friday, Feb. 28 from 11 a.m. to noon. Not income-based; food is for everyone. 8225 SR 329, Stewart.
- Friday Night Life: Good Works invites the community to come together for a hot meal every Friday, including Feb. 28. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. and dinner begins at 5:15 p.m.; take-home food available. The Plains United Methodist Church, 3 N. Plains Road, The Plains.
- Saturday carryout lunch: Carryout lunch is available to all every Saturday, noon to 1:30p.m. Thrift store and outside blessing box is also available. Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, 64 University Terrace, Athens.
