Good morning, Athens.

Since 2022, Athens County Sponsor Circle has helped newcomer families from Afghanistan, Ukraine, and Nicaragua settle in by providing housing, paperwork assistance, and critical community support.

It is now raising funds for legal aid as changing federal policies increase pressures on its families (support that locals greatly value).

Athens Humane featured Etta as its Cat of the Week today; the playful 14-week-old kitten chases toys and wrestles with siblings and seeks a home with another friendly cat or caring family.

Athens County celebrates Pride Month with a full slate of events in June.

Kickoff activities start Wednesday, June 3 at The Side Bar (starting with trivia), followed by film series, drag shows, parades, and a roller derby double header (adults $15) at various local venues ending June 18.

VisCom students and alumni earned multiple photojournalism awards at the Ohio News Photographers Association event, including Photographer of the Year for alumnus Jeremy Wadsworth (for his work with the Toledo Blade).

The winners, such as Ben Pennington, Loriene Perera, HG Biggs and Claira Tokarz, credited faculty support for their success.

Ohio University recently announced the Scott Titsworth and Lynn Harter Launchpad Fund to provide Scripps College of Communication students with hands-on learning opportunities.

Donors created the fund (honoring the professors' long service) to help overcome financial barriers for internships and study-away programs.

Stephanie McCloud, administrator/CEO of the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation, received the Outstanding State Government Alumni Award at OHIO’s 41st Annual State Government Alumni Luncheon held at the Athletic Club of Columbus.

The ceremony celebrated the George V. Voinovich School’s legacy and featured a keynote panel on public service initiatives.

The municipal training center on Kenny Drive nears completion and will offer training exercises for firefighters, police and EMS starting this summer.

Athens Fire Department Chief Robert Rymer said the $5 million facility will serve as a regional asset for emergency services from Athens to Chillicothe.

Athens City Council is proposing to upgrade the pre-K playground behind the Community Center by replacing the equipment and rubber surface with turf (up to $105,000) and adding features for shade and safety.

The council will vote on the proposal on June 15, and if approved, work will begin this fall for summer 2027.

Bud (a one-year-old-ish husky-shepherd mix with ocean blue eyes) was found on St Rt 329 in Amesville and is now at Athens County Shelter Dogs; interested adopters can call 740-593-5415 for meet-and-greet appointments and foster opportunities.

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.

Athena Supper Club - Restaurant Salaam

5:30-8:30 p.m. — Restaurant Salaam | Mediterranean — Limited seating — A dinner club for women to enjoy delicious food and support local dining.

2026 Ohio Soccer Summer Youth Camp

9 AM-12 PM — Peden Stadium — Varies by registration — Enhance soccer skills and build confidence through tailored training for ages 6-13.