Good morning, Athens.

The Sugar Bush Foundation distributed $386,266 to seven University-community projects supporting food systems, land conservation, and recycling in Appalachian Ohio during the 2026-2027 fiscal year.

The foundation is accepting Letters of Inquiry for next year's funding until Nov. 30 (2026).

Novalee and her kitten Americus, a bonded stray pair rescued at the Athens Walmart in April, are ready for adoption after local staff cared for them.

Interested adopters can apply through Athens Humane.

Athens County Dog Shelter features Meg, a spayed boxer mix found on St Rt 682 between The Plains and Athens.

The one- to two-year-old dog, weighing about 45 lbs, is available for adoption or foster care with details available by calling 740-593-5415.

The Ohio University School of Art and Design presents Forms and Figures, a ceramics exhibition honoring retired professors Chuck McWeeny and Brad Schwieger, at the RTEC Art Gallery from Aug.

24 to Oct. 23; a free public reception is held today from 5 to 7 p.m.

Ohio University kicked off Welcome Week with a petting zoo (free admission) and field day, and today the new Star Wars Zero Company game releases along with comedy and music shows at the Baker Center and Templeton-Blackburn; later this week, block parties, film screenings and a drag show continue the festivities.

OHIO University School of Dance students traveled to Pittsburgh this summer for the Dance Workshop (six days of intensive classes and performances) that gave them hands-on experience of professional dance life.

The event was funded by the College of Fine Arts’ Professional Activity Award and helped them build practical skills.

After early August floods, Athens County officials are repairing roads, bridges, and drainage systems across the region.

Crews are clearing debris and assessing damage on 359 miles of infrastructure with preliminary checks scheduled until Sept. 10.

Governor DeWine ordered flags lowered at public buildings in honor of Dolly Parton after her death — Ohio’s Dolly Parton Imagination Library, now in all 88 counties, sends free books to 430,000 children each month and leads the nation in its namesake project.