Today
in Athens
Friday, May 16th, 2025
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Good morning, Athens. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 16th of May.
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Students at Ohio University can join 13 religious organizations that offer many services and events, including masses, Bible studies and community dinners on campus. OU Catholics, Chabad and other groups host weekly gatherings—events that help students explore and grow their faith. The Post
- ➤ WOUB recognized two student leaders—Ella Hughes and Parker Kopronica—with leadership awards that supported their journalism studies, as Hughes received the Tom and Jan Hodson Leadership and Excellence Award and Kopronica was given the Dr. Carolyn Bailey Lewis Leadership Award. The awards were announced on May 15. WOUB Public Media
- ➤ Trimble science teacher Heike Perko partnered with Athens County Children’s Services and COMCorps to create Tomcats Unplugged, an outdoor camp held at Camp Oty’Okwa in Hocking Hills in March. The program offered hikes, campfires, and team-building activities to help students disconnect from technology and secured future funding with a grant from the Joe Burrow Foundation—helping boost student social skills. Athens County Independent
- ➤ The Ohio House plan will cap school district cash reserves at 30% of annual expenses and, if passed, lower property taxes by the excess amount in the following fiscal year. Local treasurers and auditors in Athens and Fort Frye warn the change will disrupt basic financial planning—making it harder for schools to budget for major projects and meet ongoing expenses. WOUB Public Media
- ➤ Four Southeast Ohio students won the annual Environmental Science Award from Ohio University's Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Service in partnership with AEP Ohio's American Electric Power Foundation. Their projects earned Superior ratings in regional and state competitions — a sign of strong STEM progress — and funding for regional programs has been renewed. Ohio University
- ➤ Most new Ohio University students join a learning community where they share a one-credit course and general education classes (with about 20-25 peers) to build a support system for their first year. Students sign up for these communities during their Bobcat Student Orientation advising session. The Post
- ➤ On April 24, the Robert D. Walter Center for Strategic Leadership unveiled its Legacy Wall of Giving to honor donors who supported 13 years of student leadership programs at the College of Business—this digital tribute highlights contributions that funded scholarships, leadership events, and hands-on experiences. Ohio University
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Nelsonville’s advisory commission recommended that the city council pass a resolution to place one-month term positions on the November 4 ballot—these officials will serve until new leaders begin on January 1 to avoid a government gap after current terms end on November 30. Athens County Independent
- ➤ Nelsonville City Council met Monday night after voters rejected Issue 4, a measure to keep the city charter, and now faces pressure to extend government services past Nov. 30 & address concerns from residents and city employees. The council scheduled a town hall for employees on May 20 and one for residents on May 29, and it passed resolutions to hire special counsel & special prosecutor for a case involving Rita Nguyen. Athens County Independent
- ➤ Nelsonville may soon seek candidates to fill a one-month term in December after current officials’ terms end on Nov. 30 and before new leaders take office on Jan. 1—this gap will let the city manage bills and budgets. A citizen commission proposed a plan for voters to choose two slates of candidates—one for December and another for January to ease the transition, though officials worry about confusion. WOUB Public Media
SHOP NEWS
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Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Today in Athens.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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3rd Annual Starbrick Music Festival
3 PM to 11 PM — Hocking College — Ticket prices starting at $12.51 — Enjoy a nostalgic mix of Country and Classic rock music from the 70s, 80s, and 90s.
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UpCycle Fest 2025
12-5 p.m. — Community Makerspace — Free entry — Celebrate creativity and sustainability through art, fashion, and hands-on activities at this vibrant community festival.
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2025 Junior Bobcat Basketball Camp
9 a.m. – 3 p.m. — Charles J. Ping Recreation Center — Registration required — Enhance basketball skills with expert coaching and fun activities over three days.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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