🌱 How will Browns Ferry’s 20-year extension shape Athens’ future?
Greetings Athens! We’re your go-to source for what’s happening in town. Read on to get plugged in! ☕️️
In today's newsletter:
- How will Browns Ferry’s 20-year extension shape Athens’ future?
- How does Athens home pricing really compare across the Huntsville metro?
- Why is beloved Athens Alehouse closing its downtown doors now?
📸 Have a great pic of holiday decorations from around Athens? Post it to Athens photos of the day! ☃️ 🟢-🟠-🟣-🔴-🟡-🔵 ☃️
Today's riddle: Can February March? 🤔 (Answer below!)
- Tuesday: Plenty of sun, with a high of 52 and low of 35 degrees.
- Wednesday: Mostly cloudy, temps: high: 60, low: 48.
- Thursday: A shower and t-storm; windy, with a high of 63 and low of 34 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
• US regulator extends life of TVA nuclear plant to 80 years (timesfreepress.com) — Browns Ferry Nuclear Plant in Athens has secured a second 20-year license extension, allowing its three reactors to run into the mid‑2050s and continue powering millions of homes. The decision locks in thousands of local jobs and supports ongoing industrial growth across North Alabama, reinforcing Athens’ role at the center of TVA’s nuclear fleet. 
• Where are the most expensive homes in Huntsville metro? 2025 rankings (al.com) — Homebuyers in Athens will want to note that the city ranks sixth for most expensive typical home values in the Huntsville metro, at just over $303,000. The piece compares recent price changes and listing ranges across 13 nearby cities, helping residents gauge how Athens stacks up in affordability and growth.
• 5 business openings + 1 closing in North Alabama (hvilleblast.com) — Downtown Athens is losing a popular hangout, as Athens Alehouse has announced it will close, with drinks still available through December 27 at its Marion Street location. The rest of the piece highlights several new restaurant and retail openings in nearby Huntsville, giving locals ideas for new spots to try around North Alabama.
📸 Around Athens
Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!
🗓
Upcoming Events in
Athens
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
-
Farm City Christmas Market
Athens, AL Calendar , 409 W. Green St. , Athens
12:00 pm -
Scout House Christmas Concert
Athens, AL Calendar Athens, AL 35611
6:00 pm
Thursday December 18
📣 Athens Shout Outs!
Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!
🗓 Events Nearby
-
School Spelling Bees
Walter Jackson Elementary School Decatur, AL 35601
8:00 am -
ANEW Quarterly Networking Meeting
Decatur-Morgan County Entrepreneurial Center , 1629 4th Ave SE , Decatur
12:00 pm -
Singing at Country Cottage in Decatur
Country Cottage Decatur , 2515 Old Moulton Rd SW , Decatur
2:00 pm -
Shadracks Christmas Wonderland - Madison
Toyota Field , 500 Trash Panda Wy , Madison
5:59 pm -
Journey Choir concert
City of Madison Calendar Madison, AL 35758
7:00 pm -
House Competition
Walter Jackson Elementary School Decatur, AL 35601
8:00 am -
Madison City Work Session Meeting
City of Madison Calendar , 100 Hughes Rd , Madison
5:30 pm -
Elkmont Red Devils vs Tanner Rattlers
Elkmont High school , 25630 Evans Ave , Elkmont
5:15 pm -
Christmas Light Show
Toyota Field , 500 Trash Panda Wy , Madison
5:59 pm -
JHES Christmas Program
Julian Harris Elementary School Decatur, AL 35603
6:00 pm
Tuesday December 16
Wednesday December 17
Thursday December 18
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.
💬 Chatter
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
- The low has been forcast to be 13 degrees tonight!!!!!!!!!
Way to cold for your furbabies. Please take them in tonight and any night it is really cold. If they are outside make sure they have shelter with hay… (Nextdoor West Athens) - January 10 @ Athens public library 10-noon
This writer’s workshop is not just about writing-it’s about opening creativity within yourself. It’s a place to connect with likeminded souls of all… (Nextdoor Blackburn)
- McDonald's posted a job opening for Maintenance-Janitorial in Athens. Apply here.
- Office Pride posted a job opening for Commercial Cleaner Evening Part time in Athens Al in Athens. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Athens here.
🗞 Nearby News
Madison
- IBCS Intercepts Surrogate Cruise Missiles in US Army Trial (thedefensepost.com)
- Alabama community rallies to save Ringo, an injured dog looking for a home: ‘Full of hope' (al.com)
- Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Rob Thomas to headline Huntsville Hospital Foundation fundraiser (rocketcitynow.com)
Decatur
- Decatur approves budget-focused redesign for Modaus Road Sportsplex; new plan saves $6.1M (rocketcitynow.com)
- Weekend break-in at Decatur's Woodemeade Elementary School (rocketcitynow.com)
Ok Athens! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I don't know, but April May!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!
👉 Help make Patch AM better
- Help us grow by suggesting local news sources.
- Shape this newsletter with your feedback.
- List items for sale or services offered
We use a combination of real people and machines to tell you what’s happening around town. Learn more about Patch AM.