Good morning, Athens.

Over 300 regional leaders met at Ohio University on May 13 to discuss boosting Appalachian Ohio’s economy and building thriving communities — the conference featured panels on housing, tourism, child care, and development while highlighting plans to convert the Sunset Motel into a low-barrier shelter that will open in summer 2026.

Robb Metry, an Ohio University alum, used skills he learned at WOUB to run a TV station at a special education high school for 15 years after a career in sports broadcasting.

He said his WOUB training helped him teach students with special needs produce daily news segments—experience that shaped his lifelong career before he retired last year.

Kyra Dapore, a senior at Ohio University, said summer jobs help students earn money and learn new skills away from school work—options include working in restaurants, nannying, retail, and delivering food from May to August.

Ohio University student employees are testing the Building Bobcat Success Canvas module this summer, and the program will launch in the fall to help improve job skills such as communication & leadership as several university departments work together & support the effort.

Mary Stephan, a 69-year-old from Florida born in Fremont, completed her long-cherished communication degree through OHIO Online—she began the program in 1974 and attended an in-person commencement on May 3 in Athens.

She now plans to apply for graduate studies at OHIO Online—hoping to inspire others by showing it is never too late to learn.

On May 28th, Rep. David Taylor voted in support of the federal tax cut bill that he said would cut waste & protect vital programs.

Local advocates warn the bill will add extra work requirements & paperwork that may force low-income residents to lose SNAP and Medicaid coverage, which could hurt area businesses and health providers.

The Athens County Board of Commissioners discussed concerns about affordable housing in The Plains with Athens County Planner Connor LaVelle — focusing on strategies to improve available housing.

Athens city officials asked council to adjust appropriations to cover a $932K payment for the Stimson Avenue fire station—$721,976 was lost in a cyber theft last November while paying Pepper Construction for the project.

Physician Eric J. Nolan warned that nitrous oxide, sold in whipped cream chargers in Athens, may lower vitamin B12 and cause nerve damage that puts users at risk for numbness, weakness, or paralysis.

His patient recovered after treatment—prompting a call for greater caution and stronger regulations to prevent serious harm.

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.

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.

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.

Ocie Elliott Concert

3:45-7:45 p.m. — Snow Fork Event Center — Cost info unavailable — Experience the heartfelt tunes of Ocie Elliott as they share their life stories through music.

Ohio Baseball June Prospect Camp

10 AM – 4 PM — Bob Wren Stadium & Trautwein Field — Check out the summer prospects as they showcase their talent in front of the Ohio Bobcats coaching staff.

Summer Solstice Show 2025

5-10 p.m. — MoSo Farm — Free entry — Celebrate the longest day of the year with local live music, food, and community spirit.