Good morning, Athens.

Local veterans from Boots on the Trail held a spring cleanup along SR 78 near Burr Oak State Park to support recovery efforts.

The next event will take place on May 4 at 2 p.m. at Burr Oak Nature Center on the Buckeye Trail—photos are from Ornery Vets Collective.

Chesterhill Produce Auction has served southeast Ohio residents for 20 years with summer auctions held Mondays and Thursdays at 4 p.m. Since Rural Action acquired the auction in 2010, they have expanded sales and will soon complete upgrades using a nearly $1 million grant—adding a community kitchen to support food programs and local business ventures.

Ohio University’s Voinovich School offers three Master of Public Administration options—on-campus in Athens, online, and a hybrid executive program—to help public service professionals build real-world leadership skills.

Graduates gain hands-on experience and many see job advancements soon after completing their coursework.

Cierra Willis, a junior in environmental science at OHIO, received the Public Service Award for her research on how coyotes mix with dogs in urban areas.

She collected samples from Ohio and Indiana (using simple tests) and said that her study abroad experience (in Kenya) helped her learn to protect the environment.

At its Monday meeting, Athens City Council approved $600k to start urgent repairs on Joneswood Drive after heavy rains caused major slippage—council also took steps to file a civil suit against a Woodward Avenue property owner who built a patio without proper approval and eased the engineer qualification to allow a longtime city employee to fill the role. These moves aim to quickly address road safety and improve city operations.

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.

Joseph and His Ghost Live

7 PM – 1 AM — The Side Bar — $5 — Experience the eclectic sounds of indie rock from Joseph & His Ghost hailing from central and southeast Ohio.