Good morning, Athens.

During the federal shutdown, Athens County organizations and local individuals helped residents when SNAP payments paused by providing free meals and grocery aid.

Hot Box Chicken Fingers & Tots offered meals to SNAP card holders starting Nov 1 while a local grocery buddy program paired volunteers with over 50 households until benefits resumed.

Ingrid is a tidy, 4-month-old silver tabby known for grooming her siblings and cuddling with her person—she enjoys playtime with spring toys and fuzzy mice and shows great litter box manners.

She is one of the adoptable pets featured for local families to consider.

Charm, a timid two-year-old terrier mix weighing 38 lbs (found on Kincaide Rd) is now available for adoption at the local shelter.

Her confidence has grown after her rescue and she plays well with other dogs (she is not recommended for homes with small children).

Ohio University’s Digital Enterprise Collaboratory hosted a landmark global virtual reality collaboration using Virtualware’s VIROO platform that linked participants from Athens, Orlando, Bilbao, and Toronto—demonstrating advanced digital engineering and workforce training in high-tech manufacturing.

On October 17, the WGSS program held an alumni panel where about 35 students met with former graduates to gain job search advice and career tips for life after graduation.

Alumni including Gabriela Grijalva, Felice Munroe, and Lacey Rogers – Athens' community engagement coordinator – explained how earning a WGSS certificate helped them build their careers with support from the Allushuski Fund for Women’s Studies.

The boards for Southeast Ohio Recycling Terminal and Athens-Hocking Solid Waste District merged operations to steady recycling services after years of financial struggle, and the merger will become effective Jan.

1. All 33 employees will transfer to the district as shared resources and tiered fees set a stable future—ensuring continued curbside recycling for local residents.

Athens City Council unanimously approved the Conestoga Huts project that will offer temporary shelter for vetted women in The Gathering Place parking lot on N.

Congress St—one hut will be occupied this weekend. The council also approved rezoning measures on the West side and a proposed .2% earned income tax increase to boost funds for local repairs and services.

In heavy rain in Athens, Ohio beat UMass as running back Sieh Bangura rushed for a career-high 196 yards and helped his team run most of its plays on the ground.

The senior also became the fifth Bobcat to top 1,000 yards in a season—marking a key milestone on his home field return.

Weekly Meditation Session

3-4 p.m. — Serenity Roots Wellness and Yoga Center — Free entry — Experience a peaceful Sunday morning meditation with the Athens KTC Buddhist Center.

Reindeer Run 5k

9 AM – 12 PM — Eclipse Company Store — Registration fee required — Enjoy a festive 5k with costumes, hot chocolate, and Santa.

December Elite Prospect Camp

10 a.m. - 4 p.m. — Walter Fieldhouse — Check-in starts at 9:30 a.m. — Develop your softball skills with instruction and live gameplay.

Kenny G Concert

7:30-9:00 p.m. — Templeton-Blackburn Alumni Memorial Auditorium — Ticket prices vary — Experience the smooth sounds of Kenny G in a local setting.

Weekly Meditation Session

3-4 p.m. — Serenity Roots Wellness and Yoga Center — Free entry — Experience a peaceful meditation practice suitable for all levels at Athens KTC Buddhist Center.

Ohio University Basketball Halftime Show

1:00 p.m. — Convo Center — Free admission — Enjoy an entertaining halftime show featuring high-flying frisbee-catching dogs.