Good morning, Athens.

Athens City Council approved $5.08 million for a new public safety training facility on Kenny Road during a special session on June 17 — the plan also calls for a road and sewer extension from Kenny Drive to Elliotsville Road and will retire two older city sites.

Athens City Council approved an ordinance to transfer $932,000 to Pepper Construction for the new fire station on Stimson Avenue during Monday’s meeting—despite Councilor Michael Wood’s concerns about extra costs of $210,000 for added features.

The council also changed a job title to community engagement and accessibility coordinator—adding other resolutions ahead of a summer recess.

The 2025 Firefighter Safety Stand Down will be held at the Athens Community Center (701 E.

State St.) on Saturday, June 21 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This free event brings together firefighters, EMS, police and mental health advocates to share strategies for mental wellness and break the silence around mental health challenges.

Athens resident Bonnie Edwards founded Threshold Singers of Appalachia in 2023 to provide free bedside singing for patients near death— the group has performed for over 100 people and partners with OhioHealth hospice in Athens.

The nine-member choir meets on the first and third Thursday of each month at 2 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Athens and trains new members over six months.

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.

2025 Ohio Soccer Summer Youth Camp

9 a.m.-12 p.m. — Peden Stadium — Cost info not specified — Fun-filled mornings for kids ages 5-13 focusing on soccer fundamentals and team play.

5K Beer Run at Jackie O's

11 a.m. – 2 p.m. — Jackie O's Taproom & Production Brewery — Registration required — Celebrate the start of Ohio Brew Week with a fun 5k run followed by craft beer.

Lyceum Luncheon with Jack Wright on Eudora Welty's Appalachian Roots

12-1 p.m. — Southeast Ohio History Center — Bring your own lunch — Discover the influential Appalachian connections of Pulitzer Prize winner Eudora Welty.

Floco Torres: Free Black! Live at Brew BQ

4-8 p.m. — Athens — Free entry — Enjoy a vibrant evening of food, brews, and live performances from local artists including Floco Torres.

Joseph and His Ghost Concert

7 p.m.–1 a.m. — Smiling Skull Saloon — $5 — Enjoy a night of indie rock with Joseph & His Ghost and other local acts.