Good morning, Athens.

Local veterans from Boots on the Trail and the Ornery Vets Collective cleared invasive vines Sunday along the Hockhocking Adena Bikeway — a community effort to protect local trees and trails.

Buddy’s Lounge in Athens closed its storefront today due to Senate Bill 56 banning the sale of intoxicating hemp products without a dispensary license (at 10 S.

Court St.). The closure after three years in business resulted in the loss of five local jobs.

Multiple films and performances launch in Athens this week, offering new entertainment options for the local community.

The Athena Cinema hosts The Mist screening today (7 p.m., $8 admission) while Ohio University presents Wicked Bitter Beast(s) on Saturday at 2 p.m.

Ohio University social work & interdisciplinary students from Athens and regional campuses participated in a weeklong cultural immersion in Costa Rica during Spring Break, earning academic credit and working with local community organizations.

Faculty guided service efforts at eldercare facilities and youth programs to foster practical learning and global connection.

Traffic updates affect Athens, Amesville and Nelsonville this week.

The Ohio Department of Transportation and local agencies begin projects including a four-lane expansion on U.S. 33, culvert repairs, resurfacing, road realignments + utility relocations in Athens, with work running from today through fall 2026 or 2028.

WOUB Public Media’s general manager Mark Brewer resigned after a 26‑year career, following a period on administrative leave.

Interim general manager Steve Skidmore will serve for the next year — while the university and incoming dean plan for a permanent replacement.

Dr. May’s Thai Kitchen offers buffet-to-go tickets for Thai New Year from 1–8 p.m. April 16–19, available at its storefront, the Farmers Market booth, and online while supplies last.

Prices start at $20.

Preston Bowman, a wide receiver from Pickerington North, transferred to Ohio from Kentucky this offseason and is set to join fellow local alumni at Peden Stadium this season (showing strong local ties).

Strong Towns Athens Monthly Gathering

5-6 p.m. — Big Run Kava Bar — Free entry — Collaborate on community-building ideas to enhance life in Athens, Ohio.

Aly & AJ Places to Run Tour

8-11 p.m. — Templeton-Blackburn Alumni Memorial Auditorium — Tickets from $25 — Catch Aly & AJ as they showcase their evolution from pop sensations to indie darlings.

An Evening with Rainn Wilson

8-11 p.m. — Templeton-Blackburn Alumni Memorial Auditorium — $45.00 — Experience a night of conversation and laughter with the beloved Dwight from 'The Office'.

The Crane Wives Concert

8-11 p.m. — Templeton-Blackburn Alumni Memorial Auditorium — $35 — Experience high-energy indie folk with emotional resonance from The Crane Wives and special guest Morgan Hanner.

Lucius Live Concert

7-10 p.m. — Templeton-Blackburn Alumni Memorial Auditorium — $35 — Experience the enchanting harmonies of Grammy-nominated indie-pop band Lucius as they perform songs from their acclaimed albums.

Race For A Reason (3 km)

5:30 p.m. — Ohio University — Check website for entry fees — Participate in the 14th Annual race to support a meaningful cause in the community.