Note: All information is current as of The Scoop’s production on Wednesday morning. Click the links for the most up-to-date information.
General announcements
- Motorcycle instructor courses: Those interested in becoming a certified Motorcycle Ohio instructor are invited to a free information session on Saturday, Jan. 26, in room 215, Alden Library, 30 Park Place, Athens. The session will not provide certification. Register here.
- Ohio ARTrepreneurship Summit: The Chaddock + Morrow College of Fine Arts and the Ohio University Center for Entrepreneurship will present the second biennial OHIO ARTrepreneurship Summit starting at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 28. The event is free and open to the public. Register here.
- Economic development input: Buckeye Hills Regional Council will host a community open house from 4–5 p.m. Jan. 30 at the Athens Public Library, 30 Home St., Athens. Individuals, local officials, private industry, and other stakeholders can review Buckeye Hills Forward, five-year plan for economic development in Southeast Ohio. Register at buckeyehills.org/forward.
- Farmers market scholarships: The Athens Farmers Market is accepting applications for the Ann Fugate Memorial Fund for Beginner Farmers grant. The program waives the $250 stall fee for 2025–26 and provides support and resources from the market, Rural Action and Community Food Initiatives. Apply by Feb. 15.
- Campground hosts wanted: The Wayne National Forest seeks volunteer hosts for Leith Run Campground in Washington County and Oak Hill and Iron Ridge campgrounds in Lawrence County. Camp hosts receive a free full hookup camp site with electric, water and sewer for their own camper trailer or recreational vehicle from April 4 to Oct. 13, 2025. Search for “Wayne National Forest” at www.volunteer.gov or mail resumes to Jasmine Facun, Wayne National Forest Supervisors Office, 13700 U.S. Highway 33 Nelsonville, OH 45764. Apply by March 15.
- Donors wanted: U4MeMe4U seeks donations to expand its two-week summer camp for southeast Ohio children and youth to the full summer. For information, contact Christy Grogg at 614-214-7696 or mschristy@u4meme4u.org.
- Audit released: Hocking Technical College, July 1, 2023–June 30, 2024.
Free stuff
- Free health screenings: Ohio University Community Health Programs is offering free health screenings throughout Southeast Ohio this month, including today, Wednesday, Jan. 22, between 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Coolspot Country Market in Coolville, as well as between 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at The Gathering Place in Athens.
- Food pantries:
- SE Ohio Foodbank will host a mobile market tomorrow, Thursday, Jan. 24, from 10 a.m.–noon at the Vinton County Fairgrounds, 31471 SR 93, McArthur.
- Federal Valley Resource Center hosts its monthly food panty event on Sunday, Jan. 26, from 12:30–1:30 p.m. 8225 SR 329, Stewart.
Holiday tree pickup
- City of Athens: Free pickup of live trees throughout January. Place trees at the curb and call the city’s yard waste pickup line at 740-592-3343 to schedule.
- Tree upcycling: Athens-Hocking Solid Waste District has three drop-off locations that will accept cut holiday trees through today, Wednesday, Jan. 22. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources will use the trees to create local habitat for regional wildlife. Please remove all decorations and lights and place the trees at the designated location at the sites; trees may be dropped off anytime on any day of the week. No dumping other materials. For more information contact the district at 740-753-6885. Drop off sites:
- Sutton Road Recycling Center, 33845 Sutton Road, Logan.
- Southeast Ohio Recycling Terminal (formerly AHRC), 5991 Industrial Way, The Plains. Contact 740-594-5312 for information.
- Rural Action Zero Waste/Upcycle, 751 W. Union St., Athens.
