Good morning, Athens.

Aiko is a nearly one-year-old shepherd/terrier mix (47 pounds) with brindled fur and large ears who was found on Oakdale Rd in Glouster.

She is at the Athens County Dog Shelter and needs a home with plenty of playtime and cuddles (740-593-5415).

A new mural on Chauncey Village Hall highlighted village history—photo taken on June 25 by Dani Kington captured the artwork’s details.

At the 19th annual Nelsonville Music Festival in Buchtel, Ohio, about 5,000 people attended the summer solstice event where headliners Waxahatchee, MJ Lenderman, Charley Crockett and Taj Mahal performed amid high temperatures.

Organizers renamed the main stage to honor longtime volunteer Clifford Howard Fokes and held a tribute for Michael Hurley featuring local and touring acts—while vendors used eco-friendly practices.

Recent studies show that many middle and high school students have used e-cigarettes every day and tried to quit because of heavy advertising and peer pressure.

Health experts say parents and teachers in Athens should teach youth about the dangers of tobacco and nicotine addiction—hoping to keep them safe.

Ohio University uses a unique online model that offers both undergraduate and graduate courses taught by full-time professors with 24/7 support—this model helps students move quickly from basic to advanced study—and positions the university to add new programs as job needs grow.

A bill in the Ohio Statehouse, HB 5, would impose longer sentences for gun crimes and add a rule to seal records of eligible offenders—law enforcement officials including Athens Police Chief Nick Magruder oppose the record sealing provision, saying it may hinder background checks and public safety. Some supporters argue the changes offer a second chance, but the bill now moves to the Senate for further review.

A new program in Athens launched on June 26 helps former inmates secure housing by letting eligible individuals petition a judge for a Certificate of Qualification for Housing — a process that protects landlords from liability — while local officials and law enforcement support the initiative alongside related job and counseling services.

The Ohio Controlling Board approved transferring 27 acres at The Ridges from Ohio University to developers last week, advancing plans to build mixed-use housing and commercial space.

Developers said construction will begin in 2026 after city rezoning and a final property closing this fall—about 77% of the land will remain protected under a conservation easement.

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.

Athens Gravel Challenge

1-7 p.m. — Baileys' Chauncey-Dover Park — Race entry required — Experience the thrill of gravel racing with multiple courses and categories across scenic Ohio terrain.