Good morning, Athens.

Ohio University named Courtney Kessel interim director of the Kennedy Museum of Art effective May 1 — she will also lead the Experiential Curriculum Integration office.

The move supports the museum’s transition ahead of a full-time director search.

A group working with the Historic Preservation Commission and former OU professor Don Adleta is planning to designate Lasher Hall (43 W.

Union St.) as a historic landmark and museum celebrating printing; a public hearing is scheduled for June. City council members expressed strong support for the project.

Ohio University announced its spring semester academic achievement lists, detailing the criteria for the President’s, Provost’s, and Dean’s Lists (based on GPA and credit hours) now available online for undergraduate students.

Ohio University announced the 2025–26 Community Engaged Awards that honor Dr. Pamela Kaylor, Sarah Simmons and Larry Hayman for strengthening community partnerships through teaching and legal services—winners will be recognized at the Engage OHIO Symposium this fall.

The Oakdale Road closure planned for May 13 is delayed because utilities have not been cleared so the contractor proposed a new start date of Monday, May 18 — the Athens County Engineer’s office will confirm the update by Friday.

Athens residents used the city’s Benny the Brick chatbot in its first year, yet many found its weekly data updates confusing and frustrating (the bot received 4,080 queries from 2,682 users).

City officials say the tool helps identify website gaps to guide future improvements.

2026 Little Bobcat Basketball Camp

9 a.m. – 3 p.m. — Convocation Center — Check website for fees — Enhance your basketball skills with training from OU coaches in a fun camp environment.

THUNDERSTRUCK! & Rylee Bapst Band Concert

6-11 p.m. — Hocking College — Ticket prices not listed — Experience the electrifying tribute of AC/DC with Thunderstruck and enjoy an evening of rock 'n' roll.

1st Annual Mulberry Fest

11 a.m. - 4 p.m. — Solid Ground Farm — Sliding scale $15-$30, kids get in free — Celebrate sweet, tart mulberries with farm tours, delicious food, and family activities.

Children's Fishing Tournament

8:30 AM – 2:00 PM — Lake Snowden Campground — Free entry — Encourage young anglers and enjoy a day of fishing with prizes and a cookout.

2026 Junior Bobcat Basketball Camp for Boys & Girls

9 a.m. - 3 p.m. — Convocation Center, Athens, OH — Cost not specified — Hone basketball skills and teamwork at a camp led by expert coaches and players.

The Breakerspace Rage Room

11:00-11:15 a.m. — West End Storage — Cost varies — Unleash your stress in Athens' first rage room with smashing fun.