Today
in Athens
Thursday, May 21st, 2026
Good morning, Athens. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 21st of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Athens County Independent announced new reporter Ryan Di Corpo (one of 78 placed nationwide by Report for America) to cover housing issues in Athens County starting in July. Athens County Independent
- ➤ A community celebration for the new Joy Valley Nature Preserve is set for Saturday, May 23 at 1:00 p.m. at the site — the event will feature a ribbon-cutting, guided hikes, and treats as officials share details about the preserve’s history and future plans. Athens County Independent
- ➤ Athens Humane is featuring Chicken, a 3-year-old male cat known for his gentle, shy nature that turns loving once he warms up. Local residents may apply online to welcome this sweet companion into their home. Athens County Independent
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Rebecca Miller (an Athens native and MPA graduate) now leads community relations and engagement for OHIO's College of Health Sciences and Professions after revitalizing a local Child Advocacy Center partnership. Her work, built on years of service at CASA and community organizing, strengthens local advocacy efforts. Ohio University
- ➤ Ohio University has named Associate Professor Stacey Saunders-Adams (of OHIO Chillicothe) as interim chair of the Department of Social Work. She will manage faculty development, budget, and curriculum advancement to support regional students and community partnerships. Ohio University
- ➤ The Athens County Youth Summit is set for June 4 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Beacon School (801 W. Union St.) with free lunch. A networking event will be held the previous evening at The Pigskin Bar and Grille (38 N. Court St.) from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Athens County Independent
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Athens County Engineer’s Office will close CR 19 from Bittersweet Lane to Longmeadow Lane on Tuesday, May 26 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for contractors to drill soil borings for a future landslide repair — local traffic is maintained and signboards will notify drivers. Athens County Independent
- ➤ The Athens City Council read Ordinance 48-26 on Monday evening for a $94,295 proposal to renovate and repair the community center playground — this action moves the project closer to funding approval. The Athens Messenger
- ➤ Synthetic kratom is banned today in Ohio after a JCARR committee approved the permanent rule, with lawmakers urging more limits on all kratom products. Medical experts warn that a full prohibition may push users toward unregulated alternatives. WOUB Public Media
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ The local shelter highlights Birch, a one-year-old terrier mix found near the airport in Albany, as its Dog of the Week. Shelter staff invite interested adopters or foster families to call 740-593-5415 to meet the treat-loving dog + explore his playful charm. Athens County Independent
-
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.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
There are no shortcuts to any place worth going.
Know who said this? Send us an email!
Reveal the authorAbout Today in Athens
Welcome to the Today in Athens, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Athens, Ohio community. If you like the Today in Athens, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Athens.
Advertising Opportunities
Advertising with us will make sure you stay at the top of everyone's mind—in Athens and across Ohio. You can learn more here. We'll work together to build a custom plan to hit your goals this year.
Alternatively, you can submit events, announcements, real estate listings, and job postings. We'll include them in our newsletter on whichever dates you like.
Community, delivered
Our hyper-local media company activates communities through daily email newsletters that curate the most positive, impactful local news + events – all for free.
Subscribe to Today in Athens
A free Athens community newsletter.
- Daily local news
- We curate the most positive, impactful local news + events.
- 6AM City
- A publication of 6AM City, the nation's leading local newsletter-first media network. Nominate your city.
© 6AM City Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy. Terms of Service. Questions? Contact us here
Sitemap: https://todayinathens.com/sitemap