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Articles by Shay Burk
Munsells see blessings across 75 years of marriage
When it comes to marriage, there’s no doubt that Reed and Betty Munsell know a thing or two. Yet they are the first to admit things have changed a bit since they were married in 1948. “Some of the girls ask me if I would recommend an 18-year-old marrying today, and I say, ‘no.’ I say I grew up in an absolutely different time,” Betty said.
Munsells see blessings across 75 years of marriage
Grandson of White homeowner who shot a Black teen who rang his doorbell said he ‘wasn’t shocked’ by the news. His brother has a different take
Ombudsman program works to educate and to find volunteers
When older people move into assisted living or nursing homes, they automatically assume all the rights and abilities they had in their own home will be gone. In reality, that is not the case and the Southeastern Ohio Regional Ombudsman Program is working to not only educate residents on this but work to find volunteers to ensure those resident rights are protected and preserved. “We’re involved with systems advocacy.
Appalachian group hosting weekend of events
The cultural diversity of Appalachia is no doubt distinct and rich. For the past several years, Appalachian Understories, part of Rural Action, has been working to share those stories with the people of southeast Ohio. Coming up Feb. 17-19, Appalachian Understories is hosting a three-day Uplifting Diversity Weekend including guided tours of museums, a drum circle, and three meals by black and locally owned businesses.
Appalachian group hosting weekend of events
The cultural diversity of Appalachia is no doubt distinct and rich. For the past several years, Appalachian Understories, part of Rural Action, has been working to share those stories with the people of southeast Ohio. Coming up Feb. 17-19, Appalachian Understories is hosting a three-day Uplifting Diversity Weekend including guided tours of museums, a drum circle, and three meals by black and locally owned businesses.
Program promotes safe swimming for all
Gianna Petrella knows that all kids should be able to learn the fundamentals of swimming and water safety. Growing up, she spent a lot of time with children and adults with disabilities. “My mom is a teacher for the visually impaired so it’s been my thing for a long time,” Petrella said. “I’ve been raised in the helping profession.
Hometown girl who is always there to help
Jill Thompson labels herself as one of those girls who never left home. And while she still lives in Athens County, the same place she was born, raised, educated and raised her own family, Thompson hasn’t regretted it one bit. Today Thompson is awaiting the results of her most recent re-election campaign to serve another term as the Athens County Auditor, a position she has held since October 2000.
New program's goal is to provide free books to area residents - and beyond
Improving literacy and spreading a love of reading through new books is the goal of a new program in Athens with 30,000 books. “They’re all brand new books,” said Katelyn Balli, a graduate student with the Stevens Literacy Center at Ohio University. “We’re just trying to get brand new resources into the hands of people, especially the people in this community that we know cannot always afford brand new or have that as something nice in that way,” she continued.
Thrift Store's goal is to raise money for Fed Valley Resource Center
STEWART - Halloween costumes, prom dresses and everyday household items are on display at a local thrift store all in an effort to benefit a community. The Federal Valley Resource Center Thrift Store in Stewart operates with the goal of helping to financial support the many programs of the resource center. “The main purpose of the thrift store is to raise money for the resource center,” said JoAnna Duquette, a member of the resource center’s board of directors.
Doctor Discusses Dilemma of Diagnosing Dementia
An Alzheimer’s disease or a dementia diagnosis is never something a person wants, but one OhioHealth doctor said that often the diagnoses he gives are a relief to patients and their families. “I think for people there is a comfort is knowing the name of something. You can have dementia but if you know it is Lewy Body Dementia, you could go online and get more information. It gives people more comfort that way,” said Dr. Douglas Woo, a neurologist with OhioHealth in Athens.
Annual Athens Alzheimer's Walk set for Sunday
As more Americans are living to older ages so too are the number of people who are living with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. The physical and financial toll of these diagnoses on families can be daunting, but there are agencies to help. “A lot of times families get hit with this diagnosis and they don’t know where to go next,” said Meg Haist, development manager with Alzheimer’s Association of Greater Cincinnati.
Cat's Cupboard part of Bobcats helping Bobcats
There is no doubt that most people are feeling a pinch in their pocketbooks these days and the same is true for college students at Ohio University. “They’re struggling to make ends meet,” said Merilee Meyer, OU’s basic needs coordinator. The job of the Basic Needs Office is to help those students who are experiencing emergencies that may impact their overall well-being. That can include everything from keeping food in their cupboards to making their financial ends meet.
Dusty Bo discusses eclectic career
When musician Dusty Bo walks on stage, you’re never quite sure what you’ll hear. You could hear rock ‘n roll, blues, country, American songwriter or even a classic rock sound. “I hate the way it is today because with some bands if you hear two songs, you’ve heard their whole catalogue because it all sounds the same. This record is about doing what you want,” Dusty said recently.
2022 Athens County Fair features new activities and events
It’s that time of year again in Athens. It’s Fair Time. And The Athens County Fair Board hopes everyone will come out for what they believe is a great week of family fun at a great price. The Athens County Fair kicked off Friday and runs through August 13 at the Athens County Fairgrounds, 286 W. Union St. “We’re trying new things and always trying to better the Athens County Fair,” said fair board president Matt Day.
Area man contributes to recently published anthology book
Horror is defined as “an overwhelming and painful feeling caused by something frightfully shocking, terrifying or revolution; a shuddering fear.” As such, horror books in nature are a type of book that people read typically when they feel safe and comfortable in their lives and are more open to the idea of creating their own fear. When collaborators and Bram Stoker Award winners Vince A.
Local church provides much-needed support for area's students
By Shay Burk ALBANY — For more than a decade one local church has been working to ensure every child has the supplies to succeed when he or she starts school each fall. The Airline Church of Christ of rural Albany is hosting its 14th annual Operation Backpack program with the goal of providing backpacks full of school supplies to more than 150 children in Athens, Meigs and Vinton counties. “We don’t have any requirements,” said Pastor Willard Love.
Online driver's license renewals part of rollout from Ohio BMV
By Shay Burk ANews Contributing Writer Online driver’s license renewal and driving tests are all parts of a new rollout from the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles. Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine and Lt. Governor Jon Husted announced June 23 updates to the online system at BMV.Ohio.Gov that will make many in-person visits to the BMV unnecessary.
Baker Writing Own Recipe For Success
By Shay Burk ANews Contributing Writer NELSONVILLE — Lisa Williams has always had a sweet tooth — or at least a love for making them. “I’ve always tried to bake, to learn ever since I was little,” she said. Now after seven years of baking cakes, cupcakes and sweet treats for others from her home, Williams is taking her business to a brick-and-mortar location.
Program provides safe place for new parents to discuss their experiences
After a pandemic hiatus, a program for new parents is making a comeback at a new facility aptly named The Nest. The Birth Circle was founded 20 years ago as a way to empower and support families on their journeys and through parenthood according to director Ariel Carver.
Program provides safe place for new parents to discuss their experiences
After a pandemic hiatus, a program for new parents is making a comeback at a new facility aptly named The Nest. The Birth Circle was founded 20 years ago as a way to empower and support families on their journeys and through parenthood according to director Ariel Carver.
Ohio Valley Museum of Discovery to soon have new home
By Shay Burk The Ohio Valley Museum of Discovery will soon have a permanent home. The museum, which is a hybrid children’s museum and science museum, started as a museum on wheels in 2006. “Right now we’re still operating on the road. You’ll find us throughout the community,” said executive director Jen Parsons. The OVMoD was created with the mission of inspiring confidence in people of all ages through exploration and discovery of the world around them.
Mural is culmination of area man's love of art and community
By Shay Burk ANews Contributing Writer GLOUSTER — For Jim Cotter, a mural now hanging on the side of Bonnie’s Restaurant in Glouster is the climax of a story more than 50 years in the making.
Updates on Skate Park should have residents jamming
By Shay Burk ANews Contributing Writer A new skate feature for all at the Athens Skate Park is the result of multiple community efforts. It all started in the fall of 2021 when a group of skating enthusiasts and community promoters came together with a fundraising goal in mind. Andrea Baird and Emmett Mascha were two of the organizers for Skate Jam, a skate competition and music event that raised events for two community programs.
Phone call during pandemic changed comedian's life
By Shay Burk ANews Contributing Writer Like most performing artists, Troy Hammond’s career was hit hard by the pandemic. That’s until this blind comedian, who attended Ohio University, found himself screen testing for the comedy series “Welcome to Flatch” now airing on Fox. “I did not have any incoming work for over a year and a half and the weekend before Thanksgiving 2021, I got a phone call,” Hammond said, during a recent phone interview with The Athens News.
Athens skate park rolling forward with updates
As a kid growing up in Athens, Leif Wakefield didn’t spend his days tossing the pigskin or playing soccer. Instead, he found his home away from home skateboarding with his friends. “The skate park was my life growing up. I spent more time there than I did at my own house,” Wakefield said of the Athens Skate Park. The skate park was built in 2003 and has hosted even world-famous skater Tony Hawk, but to Wakefield, it is home.
Local musician creates soundtrack for Stoners vs. Zombies board game
A lifelong love of board games and hip hop, combined with a talent for animation, helped bring an ultimate dream to reality for one local artist. James Craig, known by the hip hop performance name JackofHearts, and fellow artist Michael Stanley, known as Mc-HOR, are releasing the official soundtrack to the upcoming board game “Stoners vs. Zombies” today. “This has been the coolest project I’ve ever worked on in my 20 years in the music industry,” Craig said from his home in Athens recently.
Local musician creates soundtrack for upcoming Stoners vs. Zombies board game
A lifelong love of board games and hip hop, combined with a talent for animation, helped bring an ultimate dream to reality for one local artist. James Craig, known by the hip hop performance name JackofHearts, and fellow artist Michael Stanley, known as Mc-HOR, are releasing the official soundtrack to the upcoming board game “Stoners vs. Zombies” today. “This has been the coolest project I’ve ever worked on in my 20 years in the music industry,” Craig said from his home in Athens recently.
Athens County Food Pantry assists those in need
To Karin Bright, the Athens County Food Pantry is a labor of love. “We truly believe we’re serving our neighbors. These are not clients to us,” Bright said recently. “These are our neighbors that we know in our community and we want to serve them.” Bright has served on the food pantry’s board of directors for a little over 10 years now and is currently serving as the board president, a role that has given her the opportunity to take part in just about everything the pantry does.
In Today's World, Anyone Can Learn to Play Piano
Life Goals : Learn Practical Skills Be Creative Enjoy a Hobby Traditional teachers and apps making playing piano fun Apps Featured In Video Click on an app to see more details Piano by Yousician - Learn to play piano Yousician Ltd. Education 1000s of hit piano songs, fun exercises, & teacher crafted lessons 4.3 Ratings 8K+ Reviews 500K+ Downloads Simply Piano by JoyTunes JoyTunes Education A fast and fun way to learn piano - works with any piano or keyboard.
People With Diabetes Can Use Apps to Help Find a Path That Works
There are many ways to keep track of your blood sugar level Published: Mar 12, 2020 Updated: Mar 12, 2020 Apps Featured In Videos Click on an app to see more details Loading... 2:13 Manage Your Diabetes Type 1 or 2, Track Your Food And Control Your Blood Sugar.
Hastings mentoring program transitions to local control
HASTINGS, Neb. (AP) — After a year of changes, one Hastings youth mentoring organization has come out on the other side stronger than before. "I just love seeing the smiles on our kids' faces when they see their mentors," said Teal Anderson. "It's really exciting and really rewarding." In early 2018, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hastings brought in interim director Brady Rhodes as the board of directors was at a bit of a crossroads.
Hastings mentoring program transitions to local control
HASTINGS, Neb. (AP) — After a year of changes, one Hastings youth mentoring organization has come out on the other side stronger than before. "I just love seeing the smiles on our kids' faces when they see their mentors," said Teal Anderson. "It's really exciting and really rewarding." In early 2018, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hastings brought in interim director Brady Rhodes as the board of directors was at a bit of a crossroads.
Hastings mentoring program transitions to local control
HASTINGS, Neb. (AP) — After a year of changes, one Hastings youth mentoring organization has come out on the other side stronger than before. "I just love seeing the smiles on our kids' faces when they see their mentors," said Teal Anderson. "It's really exciting and really rewarding." In early 2018, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hastings brought in interim director Brady Rhodes as the board of directors was at a bit of a crossroads.
Hastings mentoring program transitions to local control
HASTINGS, Neb. (AP) — After a year of changes, one Hastings youth mentoring organization has come out on the other side stronger than before. "I just love seeing the smiles on our kids' faces when they see their mentors," said Teal Anderson. "It's really exciting and really rewarding." In early 2018, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hastings brought in interim director Brady Rhodes as the board of directors was at a bit of a crossroads.
Hastings mentoring program transitions to local control
HASTINGS, Neb. (AP) — After a year of changes, one Hastings youth mentoring organization has come out on the other side stronger than before. "I just love seeing the smiles on our kids' faces when they see their mentors," said Teal Anderson. "It's really exciting and really rewarding." In early 2018, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hastings brought in interim director Brady Rhodes as the board of directors was at a bit of a crossroads.
Hastings mentoring program transitions to local control
HASTINGS, Neb. (AP) — After a year of changes, one Hastings youth mentoring organization has come out on the other side stronger than before. "I just love seeing the smiles on our kids' faces when they see their mentors," said Teal Anderson. "It's really exciting and really rewarding." In early 2018, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hastings brought in interim director Brady Rhodes as the board of directors was at a bit of a crossroads.
Hastings mentoring program transitions to local control
HASTINGS, Neb. (AP) — After a year of changes, one Hastings youth mentoring organization has come out on the other side stronger than before. "I just love seeing the smiles on our kids' faces when they see their mentors," said Teal Anderson. "It's really exciting and really rewarding." In early 2018, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hastings brought in interim director Brady Rhodes as the board of directors was at a bit of a crossroads.
Hastings mentoring program transitions to local control
HASTINGS, Neb. (AP) — After a year of changes, one Hastings youth mentoring organization has come out on the other side stronger than before. "I just love seeing the smiles on our kids' faces when they see their mentors," said Teal Anderson. "It's really exciting and really rewarding." In early 2018, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hastings brought in interim director Brady Rhodes as the board of directors was at a bit of a crossroads.
Hastings mentoring program transitions to local control
HASTINGS, Neb. (AP) — After a year of changes, one Hastings youth mentoring organization has come out on the other side stronger than before. "I just love seeing the smiles on our kids' faces when they see their mentors," said Teal Anderson. "It's really exciting and really rewarding." In early 2018, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hastings brought in interim director Brady Rhodes as the board of directors was at a bit of a crossroads.
Hastings mentoring program transitions to local control
HASTINGS, Neb. (AP) — After a year of changes, one Hastings youth mentoring organization has come out on the other side stronger than before. "I just love seeing the smiles on our kids' faces when they see their mentors," said Teal Anderson. "It's really exciting and really rewarding." In early 2018, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hastings brought in interim director Brady Rhodes as the board of directors was at a bit of a crossroads.
Hastings Mentoring Program Transitions to Local Control
By SHAY BURK, Hastings Tribune HASTINGS, Neb. (AP) — After a year of changes, one Hastings youth mentoring organization has come out on the other side stronger than before. "I just love seeing the smiles on our kids' faces when they see their mentors," said Teal Anderson. "It's really exciting and really rewarding." In early 2018, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hastings brought in interim director Brady Rhodes as the board of directors was at a bit of a crossroads.
Schneider offered superintendent job
Jeff Schneider has been named the 26th superintendent of Hastings Public Schools. The Hastings Board of Education announced Thursday that Schneider, a long-time employee of the district, beat out 20 other candidates to take the position being vacated by retiring Superintendent Craig Kautz. Schneider currently serves as the director of finance and has worked for the district for 25 years. “Hastings Public is all I’ve known in terms of my professional life. It’s the only place I’ve been.
Nelson finalist for Nebraska job
Three candidates, including one local candidate, will be interviewed next week with one set to be named the new superintendent of Hastings Public Schools. On Wednesday the Hastings Board of Education met in committee meetings and a final full board meeting before picking their top three from a list of 21 candidates. The finalists are Jeff Schneider of Hastings, Kerri Nelson of Shenandoah, Iowa, and Stephen Grizzle of Fairbury.
Nelson named finalist for Superintendent at Hastings, Neb.
Three candidates, including one local candidate, will be interviewed next week with one set to be named the new superintendent of Hastings Public Schools. On Wednesday, the Hastings Board of Education met in committee meetings and a final full board meeting before picking their top three from a list of 21 candidates. The finalists are Jeff Schneider of Hastings, Kerri Nelson of Shenandoah, Iowa, and Stephen Grizzle of Fairbury.
Halloran to head ag committee
State Sen. Steve Halloran of Hastings will head the committee overseeing agricultural issues in the Nebraska Legislature for the next two years. The first session of the 106th Legislature opened Wednesday with swearing-in of new senators and electing of officers. Included in those elections was the tapping of chairpersons for the 14 standing committees that hold hearings on all bills introduced by senators.
Silver Lake students get change of pace with mini classes
Bored students and stressed out teachers were nowhere to be found on the last day of the semester for students at Silver Lake. In those last days before the end of the semester, students are usually tired after a long semester and teachers are stressing out as they work to get grade completed before their own vacation. "Sometimes at the end of a semester or school year its pretty easy just to not do anything or pop that video in," said Silver Lake Superintendent Josh Cumpston.
Silver Lake students get change of pace with mini classes
Bored students and stressed out teachers were nowhere to be found on the last day of the semester for students at Silver Lake. In those last days before the end of the semester, students are usually tired after a long semester and teachers are stressing out as they work to get grade completed before their own vacation. "Sometimes at the end of a semester or school year its pretty easy just to not do anything or pop that video in," said Silver Lake Superintendent Josh Cumpston.
Silver Lake students get change of pace with mini classes
Bored students and stressed out teachers were nowhere to be found on the last day of the semester for students at Silver Lake. In those last days before the end of the semester, students are usually tired after a long semester and teachers are stressing out as they work to get grade completed before their own vacation. "Sometimes at the end of a semester or school year its pretty easy just to not do anything or pop that video in," said Silver Lake Superintendent Josh Cumpston.
Silver Lake students get change of pace with mini classes
Bored students and stressed out teachers were nowhere to be found on the last day of the semester for students at Silver Lake. In those last days before the end of the semester, students are usually tired after a long semester and teachers are stressing out as they work to get grade completed before their own vacation. "Sometimes at the end of a semester or school year its pretty easy just to not do anything or pop that video in," said Silver Lake Superintendent Josh Cumpston.
Silver Lake students get change of pace with mini classes
Bored students and stressed out teachers were nowhere to be found on the last day of the semester for students at Silver Lake. In those last days before the end of the semester, students are usually tired after a long semester and teachers are stressing out as they work to get grade completed before their own vacation. "Sometimes at the end of a semester or school year its pretty easy just to not do anything or pop that video in," said Silver Lake Superintendent Josh Cumpston.
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