Good morning, Athens.

The Athens County Fair returns from Aug.

7 to 15 for its 171st year and features classic livestock shows, rides and live events plus new attractions like a petting zoo, donut & hot dog eating contests, and relaxed Autocross racing. Ticket prices vary, with free days for veterans and seniors.

Volunteers will join the Ohio River Sweep on the Hocking on Saturday, Aug.

22 at 8:30 a.m. at E. Park Drive, with overflow parking at the Athens Community Center as teams clean local river sections and enjoy a free picnic lunch (pre-registration required by Aug. 17).

WOUB's latest Poetry Conversations aired on Thursday, July 30 and featured Bonnie Proudfoot, Albert Rouzie, Wendy McVicker plus Ivars Balkits as they read and discuss poetry.

The episode is available on Soundcloud.

Tom O'Grady hosted an Echoes from the History Center episode on July 30, interviewing Dr. Cicero Fain III and Dr. Drew Feight about the Appalachian Freedom Heritage Initiative, which verifies Underground Railroad sites in Ohio, West Virginia, and Kentucky using archival research and community partnerships.

Ohio University has named Dr. Martha Kline dean of campus and community engagement at OHIO Zanesville, effective Aug.

1. She leaves her interim role at OHIO Lancaster, where she built strong ties with students and local partners, to advance academic and community success.

Athens officials will host a public open house for the city’s comprehensive plan update on Wednesday, Aug.

5 at the Athens Community Center (6–7:30 p.m.). The kid-friendly event features engagement stations and a public input survey to help shape Athens’ future.

Athens County Commissioners will host a community forum Tuesday, Aug.

4 from 6-8 p.m. at Plains Intermediate School auditorium to review the Port Authority's pending lease for a plastics manufacturing operation by Canadian firm CCC Plastics at the former Poston Plant site.

Ohio University assistant professor Aiden Payne (physical therapy) discussed research on automatic balance control that shows when balance slips, older adults use slower methods that might hinder daily activities.

The study highlights the need for improved automatic responses.

Novalee (1-year-old) and her bonded kitten Americus remain available for adoption after being rescued at Athens Walmart in April.

Local volunteers and Walmart employees helped trap the stray cats, and they now await homes through athenshumane.org.

Athens County Dog Shelter introduces Rose (a spirited 3-year-old rottweiler/shepherd mix found on South High Street) for adoption or fostering.

Call 740-593-5415 to schedule a meet if you can offer an active home.

Ride for Women Poker Chip Run — ATHENA

8 AM – 12 PM — Ohio University Inn and Conference Center — Last chance for Athena merch — Take a motorcycle ride to support women's initiatives in Athens.