Note: All information is current as of The Scoop’s production on Wednesday morning. Click the links for the most up-to-date information.
Election letter deadline: The last day to submit letters regarding people or issues on the May 6 ballot is Tuesday, April 15.
Government
- Energy assistance ends: The state’s Winter Crisis Program ends on March 31.
- Property evaluation appeal deadline: County property owners have until March 31 to file an appeal of their property valuation. Contact the Athens County Auditor’s office at 740-592-3223 with questions.
- Hazard mitigation input: The Athens County Emergency Management Agency will hold a public meeting at 5 p.m. Wednesday, March 19, to collect feedback on potential natural, geological and human-caused hazards as it updates the county’s Hazard Mitigation Plan. Join in person at 75 Connett Road, The Plains; dial-in (audio only) at 469-998-7570, conference ID 855 294 325#; or via Microsoft Teams at burtonplanning.com/athens-hmp.
- Audits: Trimble Township Wastewater Treatment District, financial audit, Jan. 1–Dec. 31, 2022.
Traffic
- Athens: College Street is closed between Mill and Washington streets from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday, March 11-12, for brick roadway repair. Parking will be removed in the immediate area and there will be no through traffic.
- Nelsonville: Pleasantview Avenue is closed from Scott Street to Fort Street until Thursday, Monday, March 20, for installation of new sanitary sewer lines. Please avoid this area and use an alternate route.
Community
- Vendors wanted: Vendor registration for 2025 Dairy Barn Fest, a shopping event featuring local goods and art, is open until March 15.
- Nominate local women and seniors: The Athens County Foundation is now accepting nominations for the Woman of the Year and Senior of the Year awards, which recognize individuals making a meaningful impact in the community. Contact Eleni Zulia at eleni@athensfoundation.org with any questions. Nominations due March 17.
- Jazz concerts: Athens Jazz Festival will be held Monday, March 17–23, featuring Jocelyn Gould as visiting artist. Local high schoolers perform on Saturday, March 22; full list of performers here.
- Run for a cause: Sign up to hit the bike path for the Bubble Bash 5K, a non-competitive race that begins at 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 29. Bring toiletries (soaps, towels, shampoo, lotion, etc.) to donate to My Sisters Place and earn a raffle ticket towards a pool membership (individual or family). Register in person at the Athens Community Center, online, or by calling 740-592-3325.
- Call for farmer feedback: Farmers, their family members, or anyone who has benefitted from one of HAPCAP or SE Ohio Foodbank programs are invited to share their experiences so the organization can better highlight the impact of its programs. Email svalerie.stillson@hapcap.org or call 740-767-1002 for more information.
- Post-Fest cleanup projects: Help clean up city neighborhoods following spring festivals and Moms Weekend and find other opportunities on Ohio University’s Spring Beautification Calendar.
Donations wanted
- Athens Hocking Recycling Center: High-density polyethylene plastics such as milk jugs. Rinse and place in recycling bins.
- Athens Public Library: Books in sellable condition for the Friends of the Athens Public Library sale area. Drive-thru drop off is 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, March 29, at the Athens Public Library, 30 Home St., Athens.
Free resources
Social services
- Free tax help for seniors: AARP-sponsored free tax help for seniors continues from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Tuesday, March 11, with tax preparers available to help file 2024 paperwork (with the exception of a business reporting a loss). Call 740-737-6036 for appointment; see full list of necessary information and documentation to bring here. Available again on March 18. Coolville Public Library, 26401 Main St., Coolville.
- Harm reduction resources: Substance abuse counseling, one-to-one exchange, free naloxone, and fresh produce are available every Wednesday, including March 12, from 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. Athens City-County Health Department, 278 W. Union St., Athens.
- Prepared parents workshop: Freebies and lunch are provided at The Birth Circle’s first Prepared Parents Workshop of the year, with programming designed to help the child-arrival process. All expecting parents and caregivers are invited to this free event, held 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, March 15. The Nest, 217 Columbus Road, Athens.
Career and trainings
- Jobs in the outdoors: OhioMeansJobs will host an Outdoor Recreation & Seasonal Employment Job Fair from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesday, March 11. 10 W Washington St., Nelsonville.
- Mental health support: NAMI Athens offers a free, six-session educational program for parents, caregivers and family members who care for people under age 22 who are experiencing mental health symptoms. Basics Educational Classes will be held from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Mondays beginning March 17, at Memorial Health Systems, 206 Columbus Road, Athens. Register here.
Food
- The Athens County Food Pantry: Free food to income-eligible families every weekday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 13183 SR 13, Millfield.
- Monday mid-day meal: Lunch available every Monday from noon to 1 p.m.; cold carryout meals available with pre-call to 740-593-3977. First United Methodist Church, 2 S. College St., Athens.
- Tuesday lunch: Tavolino provides free lunch at 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Tuesday. Check Facebook in case of cancellation. 9 N. Shafer 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.
- Thursday supper: All welcome to come together for Thursday evening dinner, held 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., every week. Pantry table available. United Campus Ministries, 18 N. College St., Athens.
- Friday pantry: Federal Valley Resource Center hosts its weekly pantry event, which includes fresh produce, on Friday, March 14, 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 March 14. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. and dinner begins at 5:15 p.m.; take-home food available. Open to all. The Plains United Methodist Church, 3 N. Plains Road, The Plains.
- Saturday carryout lunch: Carryout lunch is available to all every Saturday, including March 15, noon to 1:30 p.m. Thrift store and outside blessing box is also available. Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, 64 University Terrace, Athens.
- Sunday supper: The Athens Catholic Community offers dinner every Sunday, including March 16, until April 28, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Christ the King University Parish, 75 Stewart St., Athens.
Laundry
- Loads of Hope provides free laundromat use every Thursday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Signs of Hope, 100 Central Ave., Athens.
Health clinics
- Sexual wellness: Equitas Health is hosting a sexual wellness clinic from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 11. Heritage Community Clinic, 16 W. Green Drive, Grosvenor Hall West, 004b, Athens.
- Health screening: Ohio University Community Health Programs is hosting a mobile health screening on Tuesday, March 11, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Tavolino parking lot. 9 N. Shafter St., Athens.
Diabetes: Ohio University Community Health Programs is hosting a diabetes clinic from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, March 11. Heritage Community Clinic, 16 W. Green Drive, Athens.
