Today
in Athens
Thursday, August 21st, 2025
Good morning, Athens. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 21st of August.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Teddy—a 5-month-old cat with a gentle soul— may seem shy at first but shows his playful side once he feels safe, and he is ready to find a quiet, loving home in Athens. Athens County Independent
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ Cathy Stoughton, the former utility clerk for McArthur, was indicted on one felony count for theft in office, four felony counts for tampering with records, and one misdemeanor count for soliciting improper compensation after an audit found she failed to deposit parts of water and sewer bill payments from January 2021 to April 2024—investigation remains ongoing. WOUB Public Media
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Ohio University’s Sigma Delta Pi Chapter earned national awards after a strong 2024-25 academic year—becoming one of only 13 Honor Chapters nationwide for the eighth consecutive year. Professor Esther Hernández Esteban helped guide the chapter’s success. Ohio University
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Athens County farmers Badger Johnson and Chris Smyth of the Southern Ohio Chestnut Company—founded five years ago—are seeking $4 million to develop a 900-acre community forest on land bought in Albany to plant chestnuts. The Athens Messenger
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The council debated selling two city-owned homes to the Housing Authority at a value below market price, with some members warning it could cut local tax revenue and force residents to move while others stressed it would keep housing affordable. The council also approved key ordinances for fire station funding, a park restroom project—along with a change in income tax allocations. Athens County Independent
- ➤ Ohio360 has teamed with Ohio University's Voinovich Academy for Excellence in Public Service and GRID Lab to build 360 virtual reality training for law enforcement, health care, and emergency workers to learn how to handle tough situations. Over the past four years, more than 30,000 officers have used the program and two new modules are in development—one for new supervisors and one to train nurses in caring for assault survivors. Ohio University
- ➤ Athens City Council met Monday evening to discuss an ordinance—designed to address community complaints about the Lostro project blocking pedestrian traffic. The Athens Messenger
- ➤ Ohio APEX Accelerator at Ohio University broke records in fiscal year 2024 by helping more than 1,000 clients secure $2 billion in government contracts—most notably with the Department of Defense awarding over $1.3 billion. Director Sharon Hopkins said the team adapted to federal changes and provided free support to small businesses in the region. Ohio University
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Murphy is a young male terrier mix weighing 41 pounds who was found on Madison Street in Nelsonville on July 11th and is now recovering from neuter surgery at the Athens County Dog Shelter—he enjoys walks, treats, and gentle handling from volunteers. Athens County Independent
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Lung Concert
7:30 PM - 1:30 AM — The Union — Ticketed — Experience Lung's fierce, ethereal sound that blends grunge with thunderous cello and drums.
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Weekly Meditation Session
2-3 p.m. — Serenity Roots Wellness and Yoga Center — Free entry — Participate in guided meditation sessions suited for all experience levels.
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Happy Hollow Hootenanny Old Time Music Dance Party
6-8 p.m. — Jackie O's Taproom & Production Brewery — Free entry — Enjoy a night of live old-time music and dances called for all skill levels.
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5K for Thriving Beyond Breast Cancer
8-10 a.m. — Athens Community Center — Registration fees apply — Participate in a 5K run or walk to support breast cancer empowerment initiatives.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
The quieter you become, the more you can hear.
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Reveal the authorAbout Today in Athens
Welcome to the Today in Athens, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Athens, Ohio community. If you like the Today in Athens, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Athens.
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