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 to the editor to the Athens County Independent regarding people or issues on the May 6 ballot is Tuesday, April 15.
Government
- Democratic candidate forums: The League of Women Voters of Athens County will host two candidate forums for Athens City Council Democratic primary races. Questions are being taken live at the event, and in advance by email. The public is invited to attend and pose questions for the candidates. Please email questions to athenscountyasks@gmail.com at least 24 hours prior to the event.
- Athens City Council At Large Democratic primary race candidate forum – Wednesday, March 26 at 6:30 p.m. in the Athens Community Center, 701 E. State St., meeting room A, Athens.
- Athens City Council First Ward Democratic primary race candidate forum – Monday, March 31 at 7:30 p.m. in the Athens Community Center, 701 E. State St., meeting room A, Athens.
- FEMA floodway and flood zone data: Updated FEMA floodway and flood zone information (effective September 26, 2024) is now available on the Athens County Auditor’s website and GIS platforms. This data helps communities assess flood risk, manage development, and ensure compliance with floodplain regulations.
- Bids: Sealed Bids for the purchase of Water Softening Salt for use in treatment of potable water for the City of Athens, Ohio will be received until 10 a.m. on Monday, April 7. Prospective bidders may obtain bid specifications electronically, for no fee, by providing a valid email address to jbalderson@ci.athens.oh.us. Instructions to download the bid specifications will be emailed to the bidder. Or, drop off at the City Building, 8 E. Washington St., Athens.
- Forum to address growing local tax property burden: The County Auditor’s Association of Ohio (CAAO) is hosting a Southeast Ohio Tax Relief Briefing on Thursday, March 27. This open forum starts at 10 a.m. and will bring together homeowners, policymakers, and local leaders to discuss potential solutions to Ohio’s property tax crisis. Athens Community Center, 701 E. State St., Athens.
Traffic advisories
- North Coolville Ridge Road (CR 90) and Vanderhoof Road (CR 65): Patching
- Jacksonville Road (CR 27): Culvert replacement
- Wrightstown Road (CR 39): Grading
Nelsonville
- Scott Street: Closed between Pleasantview Avenue and Fort Street through Thursday, March 20, for installation of new sanitary sewer lines. There will be two traffic signals on Pleasantview Avenue, which is being used as a detour. Please avoid this area and use an alternate route.
Ohio Department of Transportation
- US 33/SR 682: Roundabout construction. Traffic maintained by flaggers. Right shoulder closed on US 33 westbound. Estimated completion: Oct. 31
- SR 7: Resurfacing between the Meigs County line and Church Road begins April 28. Traffic maintained by flaggers. Estimated completion: July 15.
Community
- Puzzle swap: Bring a puzzle, take one home! Make sure all pieces are included; maximum 10 swaps. Light refreshments will be available. 11 a.m.–2 p.m., Saturday, March 22, at the Federal Valley Resource Center, 8225 SR 329, auditorium, Stewart.
- Children’s clothing swap: The Birth Circle’s February clothing swap offers newborn–toddler clothes for $5, as well as coffee and tea. 5:30 p.m., Wednesday, March 19. 217 Columbus Road, suite 103, Athens.
- Seeking those with lived gambling experience: The Thoughts and Experiences of Addiction Lab at Ohio University is searching for individuals with lived gambling experience to join their community advisory board to shape and interpret gambling research. Send a brief statement of interest to tealab@ohio.edu by Friday, April 11.
- Camp registrations:
- Racoon Creek Partnership summer camp, held July 14–18; registration begins Monday, March 24 for members, and non-members the following day.
- U4meme4u Youth Camp, held in The Plains, July 7–August 1; registration open, please message or call 614-214-7696 to reserve a spot.
Donations wanted
- Seeds: Ohio Valley Museum of Discovery requests seeds for a program on seed planting on Saturday, April 12. Drop off seeds before then at 67 Columbus Road, Athens.
Free resources
- Seed potatoes: Community Food Initiatives’ annual seed potato giveaway takes place from 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Saturday, March 29. (Seed packet giveaways start April 1.) ACENet Nelsonville, 296 S. Harper St., Nelsonville.
- Free fabric: Select fabrics available 10 a.m.–7 p.m. Friday, March 21. UpCycle Ohio Community Makerspace, 751 W. Union St., Athens.
Social services
- Harm reduction resources: Substance abuse counseling, one-to-one exchange, free naloxone, and fresh produce are available from 12:30–3 p.m. every Wednesday, including March 19. Athens City-County Health Department, 278 W. Union St., Athens.
- Birth-related forum: Refreshments will be provided at The Birth Circle’s March monthly meeting, held 6–7:30 p.m., Thursday, March 20; theme is “Birth: Stories, Questions and Informed Consent.” All are welcome. The Nest, 217 Columbus Road, suite 103, Athens.
Career and trainings
- Women-owned businesses workshop: Gain insights on valuable business resources from Cynthia Freedman of Dutch Creek Winery and ACEnet’s Leslie Schaller (one of the original worker-owners at Casa Nueva) from 2:30–4:30 p.m. Monday, March 24. Athens County Community Cares Resource Center, 10 W. Washington St., Nelsonville.
- Mobile career center: OhioMeansJobs will be present to help with resumes and research job opportunities Wednesday, March 19, at the following locations:
- 11 a.m.–1 p.m.: Plaza Shopping Center, 918 E. State St., Athens.
- 1:30–3:30 p.m.: Health Recovery Services, 224 Columbus Road, Athens.
Food
- The Athens County Food Pantry: Free food to income-eligible families every weekday from 10 a.m.–3 p.m. 13183 SR 13, Millfield.
- Monday mid-day meal: Lunch available every Monday from noon–1 p.m.; cold carryout meals available with pre-call. 740-593-3977. First United Methodist Church, 2 S. College St., Athens.
- Drive-thru Tuesday dinner: Athens Church of Christ offers drive-thru meals every Tuesday from 5:30–6:30 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 Wednesday, noon–1:30 p.m. United Campus Ministries, 18 N. College St., Athens.
- Thursday supper: All welcome to come together for Thursday evening dinner, held 5–6:30 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, Friday, March 21, from 11 a.m.–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–1:30 p.m. Thrift store and outside blessing box are 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, 5–9 p.m. Christ the King University Parish, 75 Stewart St., Athens.
- Food and resources: Food Not Bombs offers free vegan food and mutual aid resources from 4–6 p.m. every second and last Sunday of the month, including March 23. 2 W. Carpenter St., Athens.
Health clinics
- Sexual wellness: Ohio University Community Health Programs and Equitas Health are offering free sexual wellness and education services from 9 a.m.–12:30 p.m., Tuesday, March 18. 70 N. Plains Road, The Plains.
- Primary care: Ohio University Community Health programs will provide primary care for adults ages 18–64 from 8:30–11:30 a.m., Wednesday, March 19. Call 740-593-2432 to make an appointment; walk-ins are welcome if schedule allows. Heritage Community Clinic, 16 W. Green Drive, Athens.
- Women’s heath: Ohio University Community Health Programs will provide women-specific health care from 8 a.m.–3 p.m., Thursday, March 20. Heritage Community Clinic, 16 W. Green Drive, Athens.
- Vital checks: Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine will provide check-up tests including blood pressure and pulse oximetry from 2–6 p.m., Thursday, March 20. Athens Public Library, 30 Home St., Athens.
- Primary care: Ohio University Community Health Programs will provide primary care for adults ages 18–64 from 3:30–7:30 p.m., Thursday, March 20. Call 740-593-2432 to make an appointment; walk-ins are welcome if schedule allows. Heritage Community Clinic, 16 W. Green Drive, Athens.
Mental health
- Family support group: National Alliance on Mental Health hosts a free bi-weekly family support group meetings on the first and third Thursday of every month at 6 p.m., including this Thursday, March 20. Meetings are held at Athens Photography Project, 434 W. Union St, Athens.
- Meditation: Athens KTC hosts a free non-religious weekly meditation from 12:30–1:30 p.m. each Thursday, including March 20. Serenity Roots Yoga and Wellness Center, 8950 Lavelle Rd., Athens.
Laundry
Loads of Hope provides free laundromat use every Thursday from 4–7 p.m. Signs of Hope, 100 Central Ave, Athens.
