Good morning, Athens.

Robert Joseph 'Joe' Mulligan, 77, a lifelong Athens native and retired Army colonel, died April 29 in Albany after a short illness.

A Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for Friday, May 9 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Paul’s Catholic Church at 38 N. College St. with burial at Mt. Calvary Cemetery and military rites by American Legion Post 21 and VFW Post 9893, and friends may call May 8 from 2—4 and 6—8 p.m.

Ohio University held its Faculty Awards Recognition Ceremony on April 16 in Walter Hall Rotunda to honor professors for outstanding teaching, research and service.

The awards—including the Presidential Teaching Award to Sabrina Curran and the Provost’s Award to Andie Walla—were given to recognize commitment to student success and academic leadership.

Ohio University professor Ian Klein uses social media to show clear lessons on anatomy and physiology to both students and the public while his videos reach large audiences (over 100,000 TikTok followers) and help bring donated anatomical models to underfunded local schools.

His work makes learning easier and gives students extra support in understanding health topics.

WOUB professional staff and students were named winners of the All-Ohio Excellence in Journalism Awards with honors in Audio storytelling and College Student Media categories — the awards ceremony will take place on June 6 in Cleveland.

City officials held press conferences and a town hall to explain that Athens will raise its income tax from 1.95% to 2.25% starting next year, with the change set to appear as Issue 3 on May 6 primary ballots.

They noted that income tax revenue, which funds most of the general fund, is lower than in many similar towns—official data shows nearly two-thirds of the revenue comes from this tax increase—supporting the proposed hike.

At an April 15 Athens Affordable Housing Commission meeting, housing developer Woda Cooper Companies explained that a tax credit makes building and managing workforce housing affordable and expressed confidence in the plan.

This meeting highlighted their commitment to addressing local affordable housing needs.

On May 1, the legislature sent Gov. Mike DeWine House Bill 15—an energy bill aimed at modernizing electric rules and boosting new power generation—as rising demand pressures the grid; lawmakers said the bill will take effect as soon as three months from today if the governor signs it.

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.