Good morning Athens! We're back again in your inbox, keeping you updated with what's happening in and around town. ☕️️
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In today's newsletter:
Also on today's calendar: Community Group Run/Walk and 7 more events.
Today's riddle: What do you call a one-legged Big Foot? 🤔 (Answer below!)
1. City of Athens to conduct smoke testing Oct. 5–9, 2026 (athensindependent.com) — Athens residents should prepare for city sewer smoke testing October 5–9, which will start on the East Side near East State and Madison Avenue and move through various neighborhoods. The city explains the non-toxic smoke, how it helps find stormwater leaks, and simple steps like running water in seldom-used drains to keep smoke from entering buildings.
2. 51st annual Athens Invitational Marching Festival (athensmessenger.com) — Athens residents can catch dozens of high school marching bands at the 51st Annual Athens Invitational Marching Festival on Saturday, Oct. 3, at Joe Burrow Stadium at Athens High School. Gates open at 9 a.m., with bands from across Southeast and Central Ohio performing and proceeds supporting local groups like Athens Band Boosters and Downtown Athens Kiwanis.
3. After years, a federal court sentences two, orders restitution in cybertheft case (athensmessenger.com) — Athens officials say a federal court has sentenced two people in the 2024 cybertheft that diverted more than $700,000 intended for the new Stimson Avenue fire station, and ordered full restitution to the city. Between insurance and recovered funds, Athens has already gotten back over $405,000 and expects roughly $317,000 more, which leaders say helps restore public trust.
4. Capstone project helps advance learning community development (ohio.edu) — On Ohio University's Athens campus, Learning Communities that serve nearly all first-year students are getting a tech upgrade thanks to a student capstone project. A new web tool will streamline how course clusters are built, aiming to cut planning time by at least a third and improving how incoming Athens-based students are scheduled into supportive cohorts.
5. Rural Action's 25th annual ginseng seed sale underway (athensindependent.com) — From Athens, Rural Action has opened its 25th annual American ginseng seed sale, giving local and regional forest landowners a chance to buy stratified seed and start or expand ginseng plantings. The group also offers technical assistance, Herb Hub processing support, and guidance on Ohio's harvest regulations to help residents build sustainable forest-based income.
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Ok Athens! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: Hop Squatch! (Thank you Terri R. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
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