Today
in Athens
Friday, September 19th, 2025
Good morning, Athens. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 19th of September.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Amy Mangano confirmed that Artifacts Gallery has not been sold and she will continue running the boutique at 2 W. State St. in Athens after attempting a sale last spring—local students and residents remain split on the shop due to its past controversial signage despite its unique offerings and quality items. The Post
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Ohio Thrift is opening a new store on East State Street at the former Big Lots site across from Kroger and will hire 20 to 30 local workers when it opens in October or early November—remodeling is underway. The Post
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Ohio's fall season spotlights the pawpaw—an unusual tropical native fruit with a creamy taste like banana and mango that grows in small clusters and fades quickly once picked. Local experts and small growers held an annual festival at Lake Snowden to share recipes and research on the fruit's unique uses, noting its short season and delicate nature make it hard to sell commercially. Ohio University
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Ohio University is using a free 5G Readiness Certificate program to teach local people how to install broadband in Southeast Ohio. The program was partly paid for with a $450,000 grant but future federal funding is delayed—so the school must look for other money—raising concerns about its next steps. The Post
- ➤ Two Ohio University faculty fellows have developed a Canvas course to guide peers in preparing, conducting and debriefing using the PTOP model — the asynchronous training takes 60 to 90 minutes and leads to certification on the CTLA website. College leaders encourage instructors to register through a Qualtrics survey so they can join the effort in supporting one another's teaching. Ohio University
- ➤ OHIO undergraduate Collin Thacker, working under Professor Harvey Ballard, discovered four new violet species in Virginia's mountains, including two in Shenandoah National Park, during his summer field work. He and his mentor are now preparing a manuscript to formally describe the species—an effort that may reshape botanical research. Ohio University
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Ohio Wildlife Council is considering a rule that would lower the deer bag limit from three to two in Athens, Washington and Meigs counties starting Dec. 1 due to a severe outbreak of Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease spread by midges. Residents at a well-attended ODNR meeting supported the change and urged stricter measures — public comments are open until Oct. 16. Athens County Independent
- ➤ On Wednesday, the Ohio Supreme Court did not allow Nelsonville to remove candidates running for local offices as the city plans to change its government form in January—ballot certifications remain unchanged and ballots will be mailed at noon today. The court ruled that Nelsonville did not clearly prove it had the legal right to force the removals. Athens County Independent
- ➤ ODNR let DeepRock Disposal Solutions use old rules for injection wells—applications submitted before new safety rules were created—while new rules to protect water and health were set after toxic fracking waste issues emerged. DeepRock, linked to state Senator Chavez, faces criticism from local officials who worry about environmental risks. Athens County Independent
- ➤ Athens City Council suspended its rules Monday and unanimously adopted Ordinance 97-25 to finalize $17.2 million in sewer improvements made over the past six years. The new ordinance also lets the city replace the Richland Avenue lift station with a contract awarded to Sunesis—funded with a 0% interest loan and an $8 million grant. Athens County Independent
- ➤ On Sept. 17, the Ohio Supreme Court ruled that certified statutory and charter candidates will remain on the November ballot, leaving Nelsonville’s future government form unclear as it did not decide if the repeal ordinance nullified Issue 23 for a switch to statutory government on Jan. 1. The legal question remains unresolved and further action is expected (the case is likely heading to Athens County Common Pleas Court). Athens County Independent
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Athens health officials at O’Bleness Hospital have started a new addiction care program using HRSA funds to offer quick treatment, counseling, and telehealth access. The program places a substance navigator at community sites — making it easier for people to get help immediately. Athens County Independent
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ The Ohio Bobcats tied Bowling Green 1-1 in the Turn It Gold game that raised funds for childhood cancer—senior Celeste Sloma made five key saves and sophomore Iro Fakinou scored before Bowling Green equalized, and the Bobcats will host Akron on Sunday at 1 p.m. The Post
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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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Ohio University Student Networking Night
5-7 p.m. — Jackie O's Brewpub — Free entry — Savor great food and drinks while networking with Health Administration students at Ohio University.
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The Tape Cassettes with Secret Tunnel, Histronic & Faucetmouth
8-11 p.m. — The Union — Check for ticket availability — Kame House brings the rust belt's finest to Athens, Ohio.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
The secret to getting ahead is getting started.
~ Mark Twain
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