Good morning, Athens.

Former OU football coach Brian Smith filed a wrongful termination suit on May 8, saying the university fired him without proper process after a reprimand for office alcohol toasting; the case is set to be heard in the Ohio Court of Claims as events unfolded in Athens.

At the May 18 meeting, City Council examined a $105,000 project to replace 26-year-old playground equipment at the community center while questioning extra funds; officials noted safety concerns (aging metal grating posing risks for pre-K classes) and planned to proceed with a competitive quote from Sourcewell.

Local fire departments in Athens County are training to manage EV battery fires as electric vehicles become more common.

Fire chiefs are teaching safe tactics (using Tesla demos to mark safe cut zones) and may let fires burn if nearby buildings or other cars are at risk.

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.