Today
in Athens
Friday, April 24th, 2026
Good morning, Athens. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 24th of April.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Athens County faces tough housing challenges as fewer affordable homes and rentals continue to strain residents, and the local paper now seeks donations to fund a Report for America corps member (the only Ohio spot chosen for 2026–27) to cover these issues. The campaign aims to ensure ongoing local reporting without cutting other coverage. Athens County Independent
- ➤ Social work trainee Eris Miller sent a letter urging more local coverage on housing insecurity after her house fire left her with unsafe rental conditions. Miller pointed out the lack of affordable, safe housing and called for follow-up on projects addressing the crisis in town. Athens County Independent
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Athens writer Bonnie Proudfoot will launch her new poetry collection Incomer on May 9 at 3 p.m. at Passion Works Studio — the event will include live music and shared readings from local poets to celebrate the creative community in Athens. Athens County Independent
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Ohio University is ending its music therapy major for new students as Senate Bill 1 disqualifies programs with low graduate counts; current students will complete the course. Supporters are petitioning to save the program because it provides behavioral health services to rural communities. Athens County Independent
- ➤ Ohio University held its 2026 Faculty Recognition and Awards Ceremony on March 25 at Baker University Center Ballroom to honor faculty for teaching, research, and service. Christi Camper Moore won the Presidential Teacher Award and Thom Stevenson earned the Provost’s Award among other honors. Ohio University
- ➤ Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in Athens County has helped over 2,100 kids since 2020 by delivering a free monthly book to each child from birth to age 5. Athens City Council set aside $10,000 to fund the program (state funds continue until June 2027). Athens County Independent
- ➤ Ohio University will host the Outstanding Administrator Awards Ceremony on Tuesday, May 5 from 2-4 p.m. at Baker University Center Ballroom—inviting all OHIO community members to honor three administrators and celebrate key service milestones. Ohio University
- ➤ U.S. Army Lt. Col. Darrell Fawley will speak at noon on April 30 during Ohio University’s online graduation recognition ceremony. He will highlight how earning two master’s degrees and working toward a doctorate has advanced his military career and leadership in defense planning. Ohio University
- ➤ Ohio University Eastern’s Rural Teacher Corps will host a free Family Hike at Dysart Woods on Sunday, May 3, from 2 to 4 p.m.—an event featuring interactive activities and environmental learning in partnership with Captina Conservancy and Building Bridges to Careers. Ohio University
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ During a winter of dramatic temperature swings, Athens County roads and parking lots suffered damage from freeze-thaw cycles, including holes at The Plains Market parking area. Officials say future infrastructure repairs may need to account for increased weather extremes (climate change). Athens County Independent
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Three ORCA board members met Wednesday to move ahead after Athens withdrew effective June 28, waiving its $1,000 fee and appointing York Township Trustee Tim Warren as acting president. They said all 88 miles of Baileys Trail System are ready & waived the fee for the high school cycling event. Athens County Independent
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Ohio University professor Mario Grijalva rode 18,000 miles through South America to study Chagas disease and share its treatable nature. He recorded weekly YouTube videos from areas where the parasite is widespread (raising community awareness) while detailing firsthand encounters including a breakthrough moment in Bolivia. WOUB Public Media
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Ohio played Northern Kentucky Tuesday night at home and lost 7 to 4. The Bobcats will host Akron this weekend at Bob Wren Stadium. The Post
-
Megan Bee Concert
6-10 PM — Eclipse Company Store — Entry Fee TBA — Experience the evocative folk-Americana sounds of singer-songwriter Megan Bee inspired by her love for the land.
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Jammin for Vets Benefit Concert
4:30-9 p.m. — Southeast Ohio History Center — Free entry — A night of music and art supporting local veterans.
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