Good morning, Athens.

The Gathering Place at 7 North College Street is a member-operated peer recovery organization that helps adults with mental health and substance use disorders by offering daily meals, therapy sessions, and critical support services.

The organization is working with the city to update codes for three micro shelters, with a first reading set for Monday, Aug 11 at 7 p.m.—this effort addresses the growing crisis needs in our community.

Federal Hocking principal Jake Amlin filed a lawsuit on July 2, claiming the board did not evaluate him in the 2023–2024 school year and that his contract should automatically extend through the 2025–2026 school year.

The district must respond by August 4—Amlin seeks either reinstatement or monetary damages for the alleged breach.

The AEP Ohio Foundation and the Voinovich School have marked 10 years of STEM education partnership that supports programs for over 800 students and hands-on learning experiences from local field trips to college workshops—strengthening science skills across all grade levels.

The celebration reflects a long-term commitment to improving STEM education in our community.

The Ohio and Athens County Leagues of Women Voters delivered the final draft of a resident-created Nelsonville ward map at a council meeting on July 14.

Residents supported the plan that splits the city into four wards and will guide local governance when Nelsonville transitions to a statutory government in 2026 (census scheduled for 2030).

The Athens County Board of Elections used a section of the Ohio Revised Code to let Nelsonville elect at least six council members at-large as it changes to a statutory government in January.

Write-in candidates for both the full term and the December-only term must file by Aug. 25— while councilmember Cameron Peck was disqualified from the full term, he can run for the one-month term in December.

Today, Congress passed H.R.

4 (the Rescissions Act of 2025) by a vote of 216-213, ending federal funding for CPB for FY26 and FY27 and affecting WOUB’s operations. WOUB said it will adjust its program and work to raise $1.4M annually to replace the lost grant.

Parents in Athens have formed a new support group for youth mental health and wellness this year—designed to help them connect and share ideas.

Ohio University's communications and marketing team won Best Social Media Campaign at the 2025 PhotoShelter Storyteller Awards for its Super Bowl campaign that showed Bobcat alumni behind the scenes at the NFL's biggest game — Eli Burris was named a finalist for Sports Storyteller of the Year.

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.

Athens Community Arts and Music Festival 2025

5:00–11:00 p.m. — Union Street Market — Ticket info pending — Experience a vibrant community celebration of art and music.

Beat the Heat: Song of the Sea

3-5 p.m. — The Athena Cinema — Ticket prices vary — Dive into the enchanting world of Irish folklore with a captivating animated tale of family and magic.

August Prospect Camp

10 a.m.–4 p.m. — Ohio Softball Field — Check website for cost — Enhance your skills with fun drills and live games at this elite youth softball event.

A.S. Coomer Music Gathering

9 PM – 1 AM — Near Athens, OH — Camping available — Experience original music in a forest setting with a taco enthusiast.