Today
in Athens
Friday, September 12th, 2025
Good morning, Athens. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 12th of September.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Renovations at 135 Columbus Road are underway as HAPCAP and Project Co-Create transform the old Sunset Motel into a family shelter with community input guiding safety tests and lead abatement. Contractors will soon call for bids to complete 27 private units for up to 48 residents and add a laundry, community space, and new crosswalks—measures that will support the shelter's operations. Athens County Independent
- ➤ Christ’s Table — a nonprofit serving Muskingum County for nearly 40 years — was named the 2025 Outstanding Community Partner Award winner by OHIO University Zanesville and will receive the accolade on Oct. 23 at the Athens Armory as part of the Engage OHIO Community and Place-Based Engagement Symposium. Ohio University
- ➤ Bobcat Battalion cadets and first responders took part in the 9/11 Stair Challenge at Peden Stadium at Ohio University in Athens on Sept. 11. The event honored FDNY firefighters who climbed 2,200 steps & 110 stories at the World Trade Center Towers, and a cannon was fired at the start, when the second plane hit, and at the final lap to mark the tribute. The Post
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Ohio University announced its record-setting freshman class now has 4,550 students and an average GPA of 3.67, and the campus retention rate climbed to 84.7 percent—the highest in over 20 years. WOUB Public Media
- ➤ Scott Titsworth has served as dean at Scripps College of Communication for 15 years and will step down in June to return to teaching + he has published over 50 books and articles and earned a strong reputation in his field. The Post
- ➤ Ohio University’s particle accelerator lets physics students study atoms by sending particles through strong electric fields and magnets. Built in the 1960s, the lab trains undergraduates, graduates and Ph.D. students—making it the only particle accelerator at a university in Ohio. The Post
- ➤ Ohio University's Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Service hosted its annual welcome reception on Sept. 4 to greet new undergraduate research scholars and students from the MPA and Environmental Studies programs—featuring remarks from Provost Donald J. Leo on the school’s community impact. The event set the stage for students to begin hands-on projects—helping build skills for serving Southeast Ohio. Ohio University
- ➤ Fourteen Ohio University students, faculty and alumni received prestigious fellowships including Fulbright, CLS and Princeton in Asia on August 6—awards that supported international education through research, teaching and diplomatic engagement abroad. Ohio University
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ A committee in Nelsonville presented its plan to switch government types on Thursday, September 11, but the City Council later repealed the citizen-led initiative and asked the Ohio Supreme Court to remove candidates running under that measure—officials expect the court to decide before overseas ballots go out on Sept 19. Council members warned that without enough appointees, the city could face delays in passing emergency legislation. WOUB Public Media
- ➤ The Athens city administration is planning to remove the Shade Tree Commission’s approval power for major development projects and cut the tree planting rules—shifting oversight to the Planning Commission and city offices next month. Commission members argue the change benefits developers and could weaken the city’s urban canopy. Athens County Independent
- ➤ ODOT held a public meeting on Sept. 10 to explain that rock blasting for the U.S. 33 expansion—converting a two-lane highway to four lanes between Athens and Meigs counties—will start this month and continue through 2028. Residents within 1,500 feet of blasting sites have been notified and can request pre-blast inspections, while another meeting will be held in Athens County soon. Athens County Independent
- ➤ Nelsonville City Council approved Nicholas Smith as city auditor until Dec. 1 after Dakota Saul withdrew, and City Manager Fred Holmes swore him in on Sept. 1. Smith is now a write-in candidate for auditor in the upcoming November general election — the change follows Saul’s decision to step aside. Athens County Independent
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Slade Larscheid was introduced yesterday as Ohio University's new Director of Athletics—he comes from South Dakota State University where he improved fundraising and ticket sales. He said his early plan is to meet with every coach and learn the strengths of each program—ensuring a focus on student-athlete success. WOUB Public Media
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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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Amazing Race with CHAARG
6:30-8:30 p.m. — Baker University Center — Free entry — Participate in a fun scavenger hunt and workout experience.
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Sunday Meditation Session
2-3 p.m. — Serenity Roots Wellness and Yoga Center — Free entry — Participate in a calming meditation session hosted by the Athens KTC Buddhist Center.
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Weekly Meditation Session
2-3 p.m. — Serenity Roots Wellness and Yoga Center — Free entry — Experience tranquility with guided meditation in a welcoming environment.
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