I used to be a fossil fuel mechanic, but then I saw the light. When the situation becomes unbearable the creature either evolves or becomes extinct.

NELSONVILLE — Applications are now being accepted for the 2018 Miss Parade of the Hills contest. This year's festival will be held Aug. 15-18 on Nelsonville's Public Square.

The Athens County Chapter of the American Red Cross announces the following upcoming opportunities for community members to make blood donations:

Athens County Foundation 2018 fall grant applications are now available.

• Miss Tess and the Talkbacks will perform in concert at Eclipse Company Store, Jackson Drive, The Plains, on Friday, July 20, from 6 to 9 p.m. The performance is part of the Athens Masonic Concert Series, and the proceeds will benefit My Sister’s Place and the Survivor Advocacy Outreach Program.

A Fresh Fruit & Veggies Drive is being conducted by Fairfield Inn & Suites in Athens. Donations of healthy fruits and vegetables, as well as donations to purchase the items, can be dropped off at the Fairfield Inn location at 924 E. State St. through Sept. 1. Donations will benefit l…

Athens County Probate Court issues the following marriage licenses during the month of June, 2018:

Athens Church of Christ, 785 W. Union St., will hold a Vacation Bible School Family Fun Day on Saturday, July 28, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The theme will be "Fiesta! Where Kids Are Fired Up About Jesus."

Airline Church of Christ, 4477 Route 681 N., Albany, will host its annual potluck Homemade Ice Cream Fellowship this Sunday, July 15, beginning at 5 p.m. Besides ice cream, there will be sandwiches, salads and desserts. There is no cost, but those attending are asked to take food to share. F…

Graham Chapel Church will host an evening of old-time gospel music and fellowship this Friday, July 13, from 7 to 10 p.m. The church is located at the top of the hill on Graham Chapel Road. All are welcome. 

Barnyard Bunch 4-H Club met recently and held a cookout for family and friends. First-year members were given a tour of the barns at the Athens County Fairgrounds.

Risen Redeemer Church, located on Old Route 78, Nelsonville, will hold a Free Yard Sale on Saturday, July 21, beginning at 9 a.m. $1 donations will be received for those in need. All are invited. For more information, call church pastor John Johnson at 740-541-1883.

McDougal Church, on Route 550 at McDougal Road, Athens, will host its monthly Songfest this Friday, July 13, at 6 p.m. All are invited, and are welcome to take a song or special reading to share.

Faith Tabernacle, Old Route 33, Nelsonville, will celebrate its 47-year Homecoming this Sunday, July 15, from noon until the 7:30 evening service. There will be food and music throughout the day, and a blow-up slide for children. The church holds morning worship at 9:45. All are welcome.

Nelsonville Wesleyan Church, located on the corner of Chestnut Street and Harper Way, will celebrate Christmas in July this Saturday, July 14, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be inflatable games, food, a clothing giveaway, school supplies, silent auction, and music by DJ Rick Sheets.

• A live roller derby featuring the Appalachian Hell Betties of Athens vs. the Hades Ladies of Marietta will be held this Saturday, July 14, at Athens Community Center, 701 E. State St., Athens. The event, scheduled to coincide with Ohio Brew Week activities, will begin at 5 p.m., with doors…