Good morning, Athens.

Debbie Phillips, Rural Action’s chief executive, said she is stepping away to pursue consulting work while her final day remains unscheduled—she began as CEO in 2018 and led the nonprofit through significant growth amid federal funding cuts.

United Campus Ministry in Athens has issued an apology for the mistreatment and racial discrimination experienced by its Interim Executive Director—The board announced it will implement mandatory antiracism training, update policies, and hold community forums to rebuild trust.

Ohio University has set a $50 fee for registering guests in residence halls for its Halloween celebration—students say the cost is unfair and has led many to find workarounds.

The fee, meant to boost safety during the event, has sparked concerns about affordability among residents.

Ohio University and the city of Athens celebrated Homecoming 2025 during the Paint the Town Green challenge with students, faculty, staff and community organizations decorating residence halls, offices and businesses—winners were named in three categories, including Scripps College of Communication for departments, James Hall for residence halls and OhioHealth O’Bleness Hospital for Athens businesses.

Alumni from Ohio University School of Film sent a letter asking President Lori Stewart Gonzalez to bring back Professor Tom Hayes after he was removed from teaching for joining the Freedom Flotilla Coalition — they said his long work teaching film editing is very important to the school.

Ohio University’s Office of Signature Academic Experiences invites students to join a free Meal with a Mentor program at Latitude 39 in Baker University Center during the 2025–2026 school year — letting them connect with alumni and peers over a casual meal.

Past sessions received positive feedback and upcoming meals will feature mentors from academic fields such as political science and elementary education.

Alumni from Ohio University School of Film asked the school to reinstate Professor Tom Hayes after he was removed this semester for his work with the Freedom Flotilla Coalition.

They stressed that his decades of teaching helped many students learn film and honest storytelling — and they hope the university will show the same courage he did.

Spotted lanternfly is expected to appear in Athens County soon as its spread continues through southeast Ohio.

Officials warn that the invasive insect threatens local plants important to farmers & visitors and ask residents to check vehicles for hitchhiking lanternflies.

After a 10-year planning effort, the Athens Conservancy established Joy Valley Nature Preserve with 2,973 donated acres from Betty Lowe.

The organization is setting up marked trails for a spring grand opening—giving locals a safe place to walk and enjoy nature while preserving the land for future generations.

Residents spoke at Athens City Council during a public hearing on a proposal to add three temporary Conestoga huts to The Gathering Place parking lot, with about 30 speakers voicing both support and safety concerns—especially from local students living nearby.

The council amended Ordinance 112-25 to require annual project reviews by the service-safety director as the project moves forward.

Sunday Meditation Session

2-3 p.m. — Serenity Roots Wellness and Yoga Center — Free entry — Experience tranquility and mindfulness through guided meditation with the Athens KTC Buddhist Center.

Intro to Knitting Class

5-7 p.m. — Community Makerspace — All supplies provided — Learn the essentials of knitting from community teachers in this welcoming class.

Megan Bee Live Performance

6-10 p.m. — Eclipse Company Store — Ticket prices vary — Experience the evocative folk-Americana music of singer-songwriter Megan Bee reflecting her love for the land and wanderlust.

MAC-SBC Challenge: Arkansas State at Ohio Bobcats Basketball

1-4 p.m. — Convocation Center — Tickets starting at $37 — Catch the thrilling matchup between Arkansas State Red Wolves and Ohio Bobcats in this NCAA basketball showdown.

Ohio Bobcats vs. Miami (OH) RedHawks Football Game

7-8:30 p.m. — Baker University Center — Lowest Price Guaranteed! — Catch the Ohio Bobcats take on the Miami (OH) RedHawks in a thrilling college football match.

5k Glow Run/Walk

6-8 p.m. — TailGreat Park — Free entry — Light up the night with a fun 5k run/walk supporting survivors in neon gear.

Deep Listening Gong Journey

7-8:30 p.m. — Trauma Sensitive Yoga Project, LLC — $28 presale, $35 day of show — Experience an immersive gong meditation to foster stillness and connection.

Weekly Meditation Gathering

3-4 p.m. — Serenity Roots Wellness and Yoga Center — Free — Relax and find your inner peace through guided meditation every Sunday.

UMass Minutemen vs. Ohio Bobcats Football

7-8:30 p.m. — Peden Stadium — Check for ticket prices — Experience college football action as the UMass Minutemen take on the Ohio Bobcats live.

Euchre Club

5:45-9:30 p.m. — Hole in the Ville — $5 — Enjoy a lively night of euchre with light refreshments and BYOB.