Good morning, Athens.

Athens residents enjoy lively karaoke nights at local spots including Smiling Skull Saloon, which holds a popular karaoke event today at 8 p.m. with host Lady J.

Other venues like Eclipse Company Store and Over Hang host recurring events with cash prizes and supportive crowds — drawing locals together through song.

Four History Department doctoral candidates at Ohio University have been named the recipients of the Klinder and Baker Peace Fellowships for 2025 to 2026.

The awards (providing a stipend to support dissertation research) will help them complete their Ph.D. studies.

Ohio University held a groundbreaking ceremony on Monday for the Violet L.

Patton Center for Arts Education at McCracken Field. Officials said the center will soon expand arts programs for students (with plans to include community education events).

Two Ohio University students, Cat Gavin and Lara Fogwell, will launch their watercress experiment to the International Space Station in the coming months as part of the Student Spaceflight Experiments Program—astronauts will follow the students' instructions during a four-week mission to study plant growth in microgravity.

A presidential executive order signed on March 1 expanded domestic timber production by 25% and paves the way for increased logging in Wayne National Forest—actions that may affect local forest health.

The U.S. Secretary of Agriculture removed protections on about 83% of the land—environmentalists warn these changes could harm the forest ecosystem.

Ohio University students in Team Six replaced 610 fluorescent bulbs with 514 LED lights at the University Service Center at 49 Factory Street in Athens, cutting energy use by 50% and saving about $1,419 per year — the project involved retrofitting the lighting system as part of the Eco Challenge. The program will celebrate its 10th anniversary in November as it continues to support hands-on projects that help the University reach carbon neutrality by 2050.

ORCA organizes volunteers to clear debris, shape drainage, and armor trails with rock to keep the Baileys Trail System safe for hikers and bikers—efforts led in partnership with Wayne National Forest that support over 50 miles of trails and plans to add about 25 more miles if funding allows later in 2025.

Gov. Mike DeWine announced that by July 1 every county in Ohio will have Mobile Response—Stabilization Services available for kids in crisis through the 988 hotline.

Trained professionals will respond within an hour and provide up to 42 days of intensive in-home care funded by Medicaid and state funds.

Government agencies reported that the Nelsonville City Council held committee meetings Tuesday, April 22 at City Hall and Buckeye Hills Regional Council is accepting nominations for a vacant District 18 seat due May 30 at 4:00 p.m.—traffic advisories and public works projects are underway on Four Mile, North Torch, Strouds Run and McDougal Roads as well as on U.S. 33, SR 682 and SR 7. Community groups announced events such as the Hamfest flea market at Athens Community Center at 8 a.m. Sunday, the sculpture park opening at Athens Fire Station #1 at 4 p.m. Saturday, and the Hocking College Spring Gala at 5:30 p.m. Friday, May 3—local high schoolers can also apply for paid internships through Project RISE.

OhioHealth Race For A Reason

5:30 p.m. — Ohio University — Check the website for registration fees — Participate in this annual race benefitting local causes and promoting wellness.

Sunday Meditation Class

2-3 p.m. — Serenity Roots Wellness and Yoga Center — Free entry — Experience mindfulness and meditation in a welcoming community setting.

First Saturday at the Pantry

5-7 p.m. — Food Pantry — Free entry — Learn about fighting hunger and receive a special recipes booklet while volunteering opportunities await.

Weekly Meditation Sessions

2-3 p.m. — Serenity Roots Wellness and Yoga Center — Free entry — Join Athens KTC for a calming meditation experience suitable for all levels.

Weekly Meditation at Athens KTC

10-11 a.m. — Serenity Roots Wellness and Yoga Center — No cost — Experience mindfulness and community through guided meditation sessions every Sunday morning.

Superhero 5k Run

9 a.m. – 12 p.m. — Richland Avenue Park — Family-friendly activities — Participate in a fun 5k with kids' obstacles and bounce houses.

Sunday Morning Meditation Session

2-3 p.m. — Serenity Roots Wellness and Yoga Center — No experience needed — Join the Athens KTC Buddhist Center for a calming meditation practice with options for instruction and discussion.