Good morning, Athens.

During the summer, the Southeast Ohio Foodbank served over 136,000 meals to children across Athens, Gallia, Hocking, Morgan and Perry counties—showing a five-fold increase from last summer with added pick-up meal packs and library eat-in sites.

The program gave families more nutrition options and support when school was out.

Mars Electric, a third-generation family business, worked with the Ohio APEX Accelerator at Ohio University—who simplified the GSA application process—to secure a federal contract and earn approval as a GSA Schedule vendor; the company now supplies lighting and electrical gear to government customers nationwide.

Ohio University engineering students join ERASe—a club started by former student and current instructor Cody Petitt—to ease academic stress, and the group will host a wellness week with mindfulness talks, bingo, and painting events starting Oct.

20 to offer a safe space.

Ohio University was named Ohio’s best value public university for the sixth year by U.S. News & World Report and placed among the top 40 best value public universities in the nation.

The school said its efforts to keep education affordable help open doors for students and families.

This summer brought heavy rains in June and July with dry days in August, and experts from Ohio University found that weak internet and community distrust made it hard for emergency groups in Appalachia to share clear warnings—local leaders say better teamwork among services and residents will lower risks.

The City of Athens spent over $273,000 on netting to separate soccer fields from Ohio University’s closed driving range — a requirement of the lease.

City officials said they will keep the netting in place until a clear plan for the range emerges and OU finds a new use for the area.

Nelsonville residents were upset over the city’s litigation on the November ballot while Council President Greg Clement clarified that the city attorney waived his fees and funds from the general, sewer and water accounts will pay Thomas Spyker for his services.

The council also accepted letters of interest for Councilmember Wesley Henderson’s replacement through Oct. 6—ensuring taxpayer money is not used for extra fees.

The Ohio Supreme Court ruled Wednesday that it will not remove Nelsonville candidates from the November ballot even though the city council repealed Issue 23, leaving fourteen candidates to run for a government that may not exist next year.

Legal challenges are expected to continue as local officials consider repealing the council’s decision—an effort aimed at avoiding competing councils in January.

Today, Athens County started a flood model project to address flooding and erosion caused by extreme weather from climate change — the initiative aims to strengthen local planning for future storms.

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.

Weekly Meditation Session

2-3 p.m. — Serenity Roots Wellness and Yoga Center — Free entry — Experience tranquility with guided meditation in a welcoming environment.

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.

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.