Good morning, Athens.

Athens Middle School students donated items for Athens Area Stand Down on Oct.

14 (yesterday) to supply winter and hygiene products to local residents, including veterans experiencing homelessness.

The Southeast Ohio History Center in Athens will host a ribbon cutting ceremony for the Appalachian Community Grant Program on Friday, Nov.

20 at 3:30 p.m. at 24 W. State St + the event highlights community investments aimed at revitalizing local culture.

A new Chick-fil-A opens in Athens today at 6:30 a.m. (951 E State St.).

Local owner-operator Sheldon Allen invites the community to a Moove-In Party where guests in cow attire can get a free entrée or kid’s meal as part of celebrations that support local hunger relief efforts.

Athens local rap artist Oliver Yost, known as Marb Red, is preparing to release new tracks that blend his Ohio roots with Florida influences — and he plans to tour nearby cities to share his music.

The Southeast Ohio History Center in Athens will host An Evening of History and Mystery on Friday, Nov.

6 (dinner provided by Purple Chopstix) and Saturday, Nov. 7 (family night with snacks), featuring a live reading and silent movie accompanied by organist Dennis James at 23 W. State St.

Alexander Local Schools placed a 0.75% earned income tax levy on the November ballot to address a $1.5M shortfall, replacing the rejected 1% levy; if voters reject it, the district will cut field trips, busing + extracurricular options in 2027-28.

Ohio University Mock Trial Team began its 12th season with 26 student advocates competing in simulated courtroom cases starting Oct.

2-3 at the Boilermaker Brawl Invitational hosted by Purdue University. New assistant coach Charles Cohara will help sharpen the team’s legal skills in real-time practice.

Ohio University has set up allergen-free dining options at The District on West Green & Nelson Court, yet students say the choices, mainly available at Margaret’s station, are too limited for their needs.

Culinary Services staff receive training to prevent cross-contact as student concerns continue.

Ohio University’s Natalie Kruse Daniels is helping Appalachian communities strengthen flood defenses (through new streamgage deployments and wetland restoration) as she works with local officials to prepare for future storms.

ODOT is working on projects that will impact travel in Athens County, including U.S.33 expansion from Athens to Darwin and lane closures between Oxley Rd. and Pleasant Hill Rd. The projects will last through November 2026 and into 2028, so travelers should check updates.

The City of Athens is asking residents to rate satisfaction with local waste collection services via an online poll today.

Residents can add comments (if desired) to help improve service quality.

The Ohio Bobcats will host Ball State in a volleyball doubleheader at The Convo (Friday 6 p.m. and Saturday 4 p.m.), as both teams aim to boost their standings in the MAC.

Ohio’s men's golf team played at Moraine Country Club in Kettering for Miami’s Moraine Intercollegiate—finishing 12th overall as strong early rounds by Rylan Hall and teammates boosted their effort.

The team will travel to Dayton for the final invitational on Oct. 19 to 20.