Home / Newsletters / Ohio / Athens County / September 24, 2025

🍗 Chicken wars begin

Athens County • September 24, 2025

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Good morning, Athens County. Mark your calendars for October 7th! That's when Raising Cane's brings its famous chicken fingers to Court and Union Street, strategically positioned across from Ohio University's College Green. While students debate whether this newcomer can compete with local favorites like Earl's Coop, the absence of a drive-through has some wondering about accessibility for the broader community beyond campus borders.

Meanwhile, the line between AI and human creativity continues to blur, with over half of Americans struggling to distinguish between the two. As OU students collaborate with artificial intelligence on projects like the "Generative Sparks" exhibition, professor Paul Shovlin argues for treating AI literacy as essential education rather than a problem to solve. And as autumn officially arrives, students are embracing the season's mood through film choices—whether settling in with spine-tingling horror flicks or emotionally rich classics like "Dead Poets Society."

🌤 Sky Skoop

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☕️ What's Brewing Locally

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🍗 Raising Cane's brings chicken fingers to Athens on October 7. The new Court and Union Street location marks the popular chain's first restaurant in the Athens region, strategically positioned across from Ohio University's College Green. Part of a nationwide expansion targeting college campuses, this opening follows recent launches near Columbia University and the University of Michigan. Unlike typical Cane's locations, the Athens restaurant won't have a drive-through, raising accessibility concerns for non-student customers. Some students eagerly anticipate the opening, though others worry about competition with local favorites like Earl's Coop and Miller's Chicken.

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🤖 AI literacy becomes critical as technology blurs reality. The ability to identify AI-generated content is declining, with 53% of Americans lacking confidence in distinguishing between AI and human-made work. Ohio University professor Paul Shovlin argues AI literacy should be considered a fundamental component of education and professional preparedness rather than a problem to solve. Students at OU are already integrating AI into their learning and creative projects, with exhibitions like "Generative Sparks" showcasing AI-student collaborations. Despite concerns about environmental impact and academic integrity, experts emphasize the importance of understanding AI as it becomes increasingly embedded in our technological landscape.

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🍂 Fall brings horror flicks and emotional classics to student screens. As autumn officially begins, Ohio University students are cozying up with their favorite seasonal movies, from spine-tingling horror to nostalgic dramas. Many cite "spooky season" and Halloween as perfect reasons to embrace films like "Nope" and "The Blair Witch Project," while others prefer emotionally rich titles like "Dead Poets Society." Psychologists note that autumn's shorter days and changing landscape naturally evoke feelings of nostalgia and reflection, drawing viewers to films that match their contemplative mood. Whether seeking scares or emotional depth, students are using movies to enhance their fall experience.

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🏡 Real Estate Reveals

Real estate listing image Athens Westside Rental Potential: Located in the Westside neighborhood of Athens, this $212,500 property offers a 3-bedroom, 1-bath home with rental potential, first-floor laundry, 3 parking spots, and proximity to parks, bike paths, and Ohio University.
Real estate listing image Student investment with income potential: This fully-furnished four bedroom condo at University Commons, listed at $125,000, includes complete amenities, private bus service to campus, and is currently tenant-occupied with rental income secured through August 2026.
Real estate listing image Suburban ranch near everything: Nestled on the East Side, this $179,500 ranch at 15 Eden Place boasts three bedrooms, including a primary with patio access, plus 1.5 baths and convenient proximity to shopping, dining, and recreation.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

🎵 Sep. 25 - Fine Business! Roots Music: Catch the dynamic duo Fine Business! at Athens Public Library on Sep 25 as Angela Opell and John Wetzel blend their voices with clarinet and guitar for a toe-tapping journey through American roots music.
🧠 Sep. 25 - Wellness Fair: Boost your wellness at CHSP's Student Success Week Wellbeing Fair! Drop by Grover Center on September 25 to connect with campus resources including CPS, SAP, Wellworks, and CHAARG.
🪅 Sep. 26 - Hispanic Heritage Piñata Decorating: Add festive flair to your piñatas at The Plains Public Library's Hispanic Heritage Month celebration! Join us September 26 to decorate the creations from last week's session at 14 S Plains Rd.
🎸 Sep. 26 - Catfish Carpenter Live: Catch local favorites Catfish Carpenter rocking the legendary Smiling Skull Saloon this Friday night! Groove to live tunes from 9PM to 1AM at this beloved Athens venue. No cover mentioned.
🌽 Sep. 27 - Athens Farmers Market: Fresh local produce awaits at the Athens Farmers Market this Saturday! Stop by the Athens Community Center from 9am-12pm to browse seasonal offerings from area farmers and artisans. September 27.
🧵 Sep. 27 - Mending & Sewing Drop-In: Get those torn favorites fixed at the Community Makerspace's Mending & Sewing Drop In! Stop by 751 W Union St on Sep 27 from 12-2pm for expert guidance on all your stitching needs.
📄 Sep. 27 - Athens Community Shred Day: Protect your personal information at Athens Shred Day! Drive through 1002 E State St on September 27th for free document shredding (limit 3 boxes) and safely dispose of sensitive materials.
🍂 Sep. 28 - Fall Harvest Meet Candidate Dinner: Savor free soups and treats at the Fall Harvest Community Dinner while meeting Autumn Brown, your potential next Athens County Commissioner! Join neighbors September 28 at 15913 OH-13 in Millfield.

🍞 Daily Bread Crumb

But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

-Isaiah 40:31

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