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🎓 Free fall events

Athens County • September 17, 2025

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Good morning, Athens County. From gentle yoga to skate jams, Athens is pulsing with free events this week that won't cost you a dime but might enrich your life immeasurably. As Ohio University welcomes families this weekend with refreshments on College Green and the 5th annual Skate Jam brings live music to Athens Skatepark, the community calendar offers something for everyone—proving once again that some of life's best experiences come without a price tag.

On a more somber note, the county faces significant changes and challenges. Ohio University's announcement of major program suspensions and mergers following new state requirements will reshape academic offerings, though current students can complete their degrees. Meanwhile, the community mourns the loss of 27-year-old Monica Leigh Perani, who died Sunday in a tragic head-on collision on State Route 682, a heartbreaking reminder of life's fragility amid our busy autumn schedules.

🌤 Sky Skoop

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☕️ What's Brewing Locally

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🎭 Athens buzzes with free events for students and locals this week. From gentle yoga at Serenity Roots to Concerts on the Green, the community calendar is packed with activities. Ohio University's Family Weekend kicks off Friday with refreshments on College Green, while Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations offer quesadilla-making at Plains Public Library. The highlight comes Saturday with the 5th annual Skate Jam music festival at Athens Skatepark, featuring bands like Cel Ray and DANA while supporting youth programs.

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📚 Ohio University slashes and merges majors under new state law. The university announced 11 majors will be suspended and 18 merged following requirements in Senate Bill 1 that target programs with fewer than five annual graduates over three years. Students currently enrolled in affected programs can complete their degrees, but new students won't be able to enroll in suspended majors. Full-time educators won't face immediate impacts, though the university hasn't disclosed potential financial savings. Several programs have received waivers due to their unique nature or alignment with workforce needs.

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💥 Head-on collision claims 27-year-old woman's life in Athens County. Monica Leigh Perani of Corning died Sunday morning when her Nissan Sentra was struck by a pickup truck that crossed the center line on State Route 682. The driver of the Ram 1500, 69-year-old Paul Richard Biehl of Athens, was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries. Both drivers were wearing seatbelts and alcohol is not suspected in the crash, which occurred shortly before 9:30 a.m. The Ohio State Highway Patrol continues to investigate the fatal accident with assistance from multiple local agencies.

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🏡 Real Estate Reveals

Real estate listing image Modern community-style Athens home: This manufactured home in Athens, Ohio is listed at $103,300, offering community-style living with modern finishes, private storage, and amenities like a community center and fitness facility, all within reach of outdoor attractions and educational institutions.
Real estate listing image Affordable starter home near everything: This mobile home priced at $150,000 offers two bedrooms, two baths, storage sheds, and a deck in a convenient location near hospitals and restaurants, making it ideal for first-time buyers or investors.
Real estate listing image Walkable workshop home flood risk: Listed at $236,000, this charming 2-bedroom home offers hardwood floors, a screened porch overlooking a fenced yard, full basement with workshop space, and a conveniently walkable location, though prospective buyers should note it sits at the edge of a flood plain.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

👨‍🦽 Sep. 17 - Disabilities Commission Meeting: Join the Athens City Commission on Disabilities for their public meeting at the Athens City Building Conference Room on September 17. All are welcome to attend and participate in community accessibility discussions.
🏳️‍⚧️ Sep. 19 - Gender-Affirming Fall Fest: Celebrate identity and community at the 3rd Annual Gender-Affirming Fall Fest! Join the free festivities at Athens Community Center on Sep 19, featuring legal name change services, a community closet, and more.
💥 Sep. 19 - Athens' First Rage Room: Smash away stress at The Breakerspace, Athens' first-ever rage room! Opening weekend at UpCycle Ohio Thrift Store offers a unique way to let loose with safety gear provided. Book your session today!
🌮 Sep. 19 - Hispanic Heritage Quesadilla Fiesta: Spice up your September at The Plains Public Library! Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month on Sep 19 by crafting your own traditional quesadillas, complete with sides and refreshing beverages. 14 S Plains Rd.
🏳️‍⚧️ Sep. 19 - Trans Solidarity Fest: Join the We Won't Rest Fest at Athens Community Center for an afternoon of solidarity and support! Enjoy FREE legal name change services, community closet, trans-friendly haircuts and more on September 19.
🛹 Sep. 20 - Athens Skate Jam: Grab your board and join the excitement at Skate Jam Athens on Sep 20 at Athens Skate Park! This annual community bash supports skatepark improvements and Sojourners youth programs while celebrating local skate culture.
🎭 Sep. 20 - Sal Vulcano Comedy Tour: Laugh until your sides hurt as comedian Sal Vulcano brings his "Everything's Fine Tour" to Ohio University's Memorial Auditorium on September 20 at 8 PM. Tickets on sale May 16th!
🎵 Sep. 20 - Sprouting Melodies Kids Music: Groove and grow at Sprouting Melodies! Little ones will delight in this unique musical experience at Athens Public Library on September 20, where fun songs support early literacy development.

🍞 Daily Bread Crumb

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

-Philippians 4:8

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