Good morning, Athens.

Kent, a four-year-old male cat with a big personality and a love for toys and cuddles, is available for adoption.

The Athens County Humane Society invites locals to meet him + apply online for his adoption.

Cliff is a 9-year-old neutered mastiff mix weighing 73 lbs who was found on Hooper St. in Athens on Oct.

28 and has been in and out of shelter since 2022; he is now ready for adoption (or fostering) with the shelter at 740-593-5415.

At the Indian Mound Festival in The Plains on a sunny October day, about two dozen Athens County Community Singers performed tunes like 'I Got Rhythm' and 'Can't Help Falling in Love' + the inclusive group, founded in 2011, meets weekly at Echoing Connections to welcome all voices.

Ohio University has updated its online RN to BSN curriculum to meet modern nursing demands.

The revised program, effective Fall 2025, expands clinical hours and adds an informatics course & community health experiences to better prepare working nurses for leadership.

Ohio University preserved records from its Pride, Multicultural and Women’s centers, which closed earlier this year to comply with Senate Bill 1, by transferring materials to the Mahn Center — some items were sent to local organizations and digital archives will be available online by next summer.

Ohio University students and local residents are embracing writing as a tool for self-care and creative expression.

Creative writing professor Samantha Imperi and student Kyra Dapore highlight journaling's role in reducing anxiety and building community (an accessible art form that requires only pen and paper).

Alexander Local Schools — facing budget cuts after voters twice rejected a 1% income tax — will cut its talented and gifted coordinator position for the 2025-26 school year.

The district plans to train teachers to offer similar enrichment for its 190 gifted students.

Ohio University and Athens partnered in early November for a fourth annual tree planting along the Hocking River floodplain.

Volunteers – including Mayor Patterson and OHIO students – planted about three dozen trees to reduce flooding and boost wildlife habitat.

Mollie Fitzgerald, executive director of the Athens County Economic Development Council, has joined the Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Service Advisory Board to bring local development insight and strengthen public-private partnerships (her Ohio University background influences her approach).

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.

Sunday Meditation Gathering

3-4 p.m. — Serenity Roots Wellness and Yoga Center — Free entry — Join the Athens KTC Buddhist Center for a peaceful Sunday meditation session in a spacious yoga studio.

New Year's Eve Family-Friendly Celebration

5-10 p.m. — Little Fish Brewing Company — Buffet dinner options available — Kick off 2026 early with balloon drops and family fun.