Good morning, Athens.

CCC Plastics, a Canadian company, is negotiating to lease a building at the Bill Theisen Industrial Park for its first U.S. plant that would create 25 full-time jobs.

Some residents worry about potential health and environmental impacts while officials weigh the economic opportunity and safety measures.

A New York-based company asked about land use for a proposed 300-acre data center along the Athens-Dover township line last month, sparking swift public opposition during meetings on July 28.

In response, Athens Township, Athens City Council, and Athens County officials passed moratoriums early August to delay development.

Professor Holly Raffle has shaped community prevention in Athens through her work in the MPA program and as head of the Partnership for Community-Based Prevention — which has channeled nearly $30M to local mental health initiatives — while mentoring students to build healthier communities.

Ohio University Press announced a generous gift from Steve Howard, director emeritus of African Studies, to cover publication costs for African studies scholarship.

The funding will boost the press’s renowned international research and support high-quality publications.

On Thursday, Aug. 6, Ohio University professor Dave Drabold (a physics expert) discussed his team’s new method for predicting heat transfer on WOUB.

The improved models will help engineers virtually test material combinations to boost computer chip performance.

Benny McCament, OHIO alumnus with decades of environmental expertise, began his new role as executive director of the Interstate Mining Compact Commission on Aug.

1 and continues serving on the Voinovich School Advisory Board to guide water quality and mining reclamation discussions.

The Athens County Land Bank approved negotiations with the Nature Conservancy on July 22 to set aside a historic Sharpsburg barn from a 123-acre property along State Route 377.

Board officials plan to transfer the barn to a government or nonprofit end-user by the end of 2027.

Ohio’s state and local sales tax holiday begins today at midnight and runs until Sunday, Aug.

9, limiting exemptions to clothing up to $75 and select school supplies up to $20 & excluding computers and electronics, a return to the traditional limit after expanded holidays in previous years.