Good morning, Athens.

Walmart on East State Street held its grand reopening Friday after a 12-week remodel (donating funds to charities including Prevention Rocks) as longtime employee Tina Norman cut the ribbon in a ceremony attended by local leaders.

Farmers in Athens face higher diesel costs as prices hit $6.80 per gallon, causing increased fuel and shipping expenses, says Century Farm Market owner Curt Cline (reflecting a steep jump from last year).

Rising fuel prices may lead to higher food and product costs locally.

Hocking Athens Perry Community Action announced its sponsorship of the USDA-funded CACFP for the Athens and Nelsonville Head Starts today.

Ohio University’s Koshal Speaker Series and Department of Classics and Religious Studies will host historian Audrey Truschke on Monday, Oct.

12 at 8 p.m. in 194 Clippinger Hall (she will discuss challenges in constructing the history of Hinduism).

Ohio University’s GRID Lab lets students explore virtual worlds using immersive audio, 360-degree cameras, and motion capture — tools that build hands-on skills.

Specialist Jordan Herron said the lab prepares students for careers in gaming, themed entertainment, and medicine.

Ohio University professor Sarah Davis explained that PFAS forever chemicals have contaminated sewage sludge, stopping its use as fertilizer for local farms.

Her team is testing a hydrothermal treatment process to destroy the chemicals and reclaim vital nutrients.

Ohio University offers biometric health screenings for benefits-participating employees and enrolled spouses (earning $60 on a future pay slip) using quick finger stick tests for blood pressure, BMI, and cholesterol.

Events are held at Athens and regional campuses, and employees unable to attend may have a physician complete the screening.

The city of Athens continues its near east housing project by planning eight affordable 1,450 sqft homes priced at $180,000.

Unexpected design and access challenges have pushed availability from this fall to next summer—prequalification is open for interested buyers.

Ohio Football is hosting Stonehill at Peden today at 3:30 p.m. The Bobcats, coming off a 41-36 loss last week (1-2 record), plan to improve slow starts and address injuries as they prepare for conference play.