🎙️ Radio farewell

Good morning, Clermont County. After 50 years of waking up Cincinnati, a familiar voice will soon fall silent. WLW's Mike McConnell has announced his retirement, with his final broadcast set for April 4. The veteran radio host, who's been commanding the morning airwaves since 2015, is signing off with "no regrets" about ending his impressive half-century career—a milestone that rivals his predecessor Jim Scott's 47-year run.

Meanwhile, the local music scene welcomes Texas transplant Stac3y Bell, whose "retro-poetic" rockabilly sound swings between heartbreak and humor as she builds her Cincinnati presence. And talk about turning lemons into lemonade—or rather, disease into blooms—Blooms and Berries Farm has transformed a strawberry crop setback into a spectacular half-mile Tulip Trail featuring 250,000 bulbs that are already beginning to sprout colorful new life across their revamped landscape.

🌤 Sky Skoop

Loveland

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76°

87%

Milford

47°

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73%

Batavia

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69%

New Richmond

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79°

Bethel

47°

78°

Williamsburg

46°

78°

69%

Owensville

47°

76°

87%

Felicity

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78°

Moscow

46°

79°

Neville

47°

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☕️ What's Brewing Locally

🎙️ Cincinnati radio legend signs off after half-century career. WLW morning host Mike McConnell announced his retirement after 50 years in radio, with his final broadcast set for April 4. The veteran broadcaster has been waking up Cincinnati each weekday morning since taking over the 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. slot in 2015, replacing Jim Scott who had retired after 47 years on air. When asked about his decision, McConnell jokingly attributed it to his age, adding that while he'll miss aspects of the job, he has "no regrets" about ending his long career.

🎸 From Texas twang to Cincinnati soul: Stac3y Bell rocks on. The country and rockabilly singer-songwriter recently relocated from Austin to Cincinnati after rediscovering her musical passion following her mother's unexpected passing in 2016. Bell's "retro-poetic" songs swing between "tragically sad and downright silly," with her performances spanning from heartfelt ballads to energetic rockabilly numbers. Despite experiencing gender-based obstacles in the music industry, she remains persistent and encourages others not to give up, declaring that "stubbornness is a virtue!" Bell is currently writing new rockabilly songs and preparing for upcoming performances while seeking to build a new band in Cincinnati.

🌷 Farm turns strawberry setback into blooming opportunity with tulips. Blooms and Berries has created a new Tulip Trail after canceling Strawberry Days due to crop disease concerns. When tulip supplies from Holland fell through, the farm purchased 250,000 cold-treated bulbs from a Maryland grower who couldn't plant them. The company transformed their land—clearing woods, adding sand, improving drainage—to create a half-mile walking trail lined with colorful tulips. The new spring attraction is already showing signs of life as the bulbs begin to sprout.

Modern luxury one-level living: Modern 2-bed/2-bath landominium priced at $347,000 offers one-level living with open floor plan, marble countertops, and private patio in a convenient, low-maintenance setting built in 2023.

Ranch Dream Nestled In Cul-de-sac: Charming brick ranch in cul-de-sac offered at $315,000 boasts three bedrooms, open-concept living with fireplace, stainless appliances, and full walkout basement with access to fenced yard.

Bright spacious home near downtown: For $579,900, this spacious home offers a bright, well-maintained interior with hardwood floors, granite counters, and dual staircases, all located minutes from downtown Loveland and the bike trail.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

🌸 Mar. 28 - Spring Fling Open House: Browse artistic treasures at A Stroke of Art's Spring Fling Open House! Discover local consignment pieces, win door prizes, and snag special deals on March 28 at 851 Ohio Pike, Cincinnati.

🏃 Mar. 28 - Vernal Equinox Run: Challenge your endurance at the Sixth Annual Vernal Equinox 48-24-12-8 Hour Run! Lace up your running shoes and hit the scenic trails of Majestic Farm in Batavia on March 28-30.

🎲 Mar. 29 - Saturday Board Game Meetup: Roll the dice at Time Warp's Saturday Board Game Meet-up! Bring your favorite games or try something from their library with fellow tabletop enthusiasts at 4601 Eastgate Blvd on March 29.

🌸 Mar. 29 - Wildflower Nature Walk: Step into spring with a guided Wildflower Walk through Clingman Park on March 29! Discover local flora and fauna while exploring nature's colorful awakening at 2156 US-50 in Batavia.

👭 Mar. 29 - Annual Ladies Fun Morning: Gather your girlfriends for A Caring Place's Annual Ladies Event at Oasis Conference Center on March 29! Enjoy a delightful morning of fun activities while supporting a worthy community cause.

🏛️ Mar. 30 - Museum Open House Tours: Step back in time at Promont House's Open House! Explore this historic gem during guided tours on March 30, from 1-4 PM at 906 Main St, Milford. A perfect Sunday afternoon adventure for history buffs.

💰 Financial Friday

Establishing an emergency fund can provide financial security and peace of mind; aim to save enough to cover three to six months' worth of essential expenses, which can act as a safety net during unexpected events.

🙏 In Remembrance

Carole Diana Amos

Carole Diana Amos, 76, of Cincinnati, Ohio, passed away on Thursday, March 20, 2025. Born on February 3, 1949, in Cincinnati, her family has not yet scheduled a funeral or memorial service but will notify loved ones when arrangements are made. Well-wishers can share memories or messages for the family on the "Tribute Wall" on the funeral home's website. Walker Funeral Home and Crematory is assisting the Amos family during this difficult time.

Barbara Ann Howard

Barbara Ann Howard (Melvin), 92, passed away on March 25, 2025, having been born in Pike County, Kentucky on December 8, 1932. She was married to Ronald S. Howard for nearly 50 years until his death in 2009. Barbara is survived by her son John and daughter Leslie, niece Susan, and other friends and family. As a charter member of Rolling Hills Baptist Church in Fairfield, she will be remembered in private services before burial at Butler County Memorial Park, with donations accepted to Queen City Hospice.

Teddy Finney

Teddy Baron Finney, 77, passed away peacefully on March 21, 2025, surrounded by family. Born in Springfield, Ohio, he worked as a truck driver for Yellow Freight and was an enthusiastic Cleveland Browns and Ohio State Buckeyes fan. His legacy lives on through his wife Darlene, his children, bonus children, numerous grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Teddy, known for his generous heart and infectious laughter, will be remembered at services held at Brater Winter Funeral Home on March 30 and Glen Haven Memorial Gardens Chapel on March 31.

Theodore T. Vidas

Ted T. Vidas, age 82, passed away on Wednesday, March 19, 2025. Born in Variko, Macedonia, he is survived by his wife Zoe, son Mark, brother Mike, and numerous cousins, family members, and friends. Visitation will be held on Monday at Greek Orthodox Church, Holy Trinity St. Nicholas at 9:30 AM, followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:30 AM. Memorial donations may be directed to the church, while flowers and condolences can be sent through the B.J. Meyer Sons Funeral Home website.

Gary S. Lester Sr.

Garry S. Lester Sr., age 73, of Cincinnati, Ohio, passed away on Monday, March 24, 2025. Born on September 12, 1951, in Cincinnati, Garry's family has not yet planned a funeral or memorial service but will notify loved ones when arrangements are made. Well-wishers can share memories or messages on the "Tribute Wall" on the funeral home website. Walker Funeral Home and Crematory is assisting the Lester family during this difficult time.

Lorraine Paulson

Lorraine C. Paulson (née Blum) passed away peacefully on March 21, 2025, at the age of 97. She was the beloved wife of the late Louis Paulson and the late William Smart, and loving mother to five children, including the late Darlene Biedenbach. Lorraine leaves behind a large family that includes numerous grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, and 9 great-great-grandchildren. Services will be held at St. Clare Church on April 2, 2025, with burial at St. Joseph Cemetery, and donations may be directed to St. Clare Church.

Nancy L. Weber

Nancy L. Weber, 80, of Springfield Township, passed away peacefully on March 25, 2025, leaving behind her son Christopher, siblings Roger and Jean Smith, and several nieces and a nephew. Throughout her distinguished career, she worked as a corporate controller for companies including Coca-Cola, Jaycor Communications, and Jeff Ruby Culinary Entertainment. Nancy was known for her strong work ethic, devotion to family, and unwavering faith. She will be remembered for her warmth, generosity, and the profound impact she had on those who knew her.

William Terry Jackson

William Terry Jackson, age 68, of Cincinnati, Ohio, passed away on March 23, 2025. Born on October 20, 1956, in Cincinnati, his visitation will be held on April 5, 2025, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at the Bread Of Life, followed immediately by the funeral service. Interment will take place on April 7, 2025, at Dayton National Cemetery. Walker Funeral Home and Crematory is assisting the Jackson family during this difficult time.

Wynona Ray

Wynona Ray, aged 76, passed away on Saturday, March 22, 2025, in Hamilton, Ohio, where she was also born on April 13, 1948. No immediate funeral or memorial service has been planned, with the family intending to notify loved ones when arrangements are made in the future. Well-wishers can share memories or messages for the Ray family on the online "Tribute Wall." Walker Funeral Home and Crematory is handling arrangements for the family during this difficult time.

Susan K. Brown

Susan K. Brown, a dedicated nurse for nearly 50 years, passed away at age 70 on March 23, 2025, after battling ALS. She was a devoted mother to Jennifer and Christopher, and a loving grandmother to eight grandchildren, finding great joy in family gatherings. Beyond her family life, Susan enjoyed ballroom dancing, gardening, spending time at the lake, and supporting Xavier basketball and the Cincinnati Bengals. Her compassionate spirit extended to volunteer work with her dog Gunner, reflecting her lifelong commitment to service that began when she volunteered as a candy striper at age 13.

Pernell I. Porche'

Pernell I. Porche', 63, of Cincinnati, Ohio, passed away on Friday, March 21, 2025, in Madeira, Ohio. Born on April 18, 1961, in Reno, Nebraska, his family has not yet scheduled a funeral or memorial service but will notify loved ones when arrangements are made. Those wishing to share memories or messages with the Porche' family may do so through the "Tribute Wall" on the funeral home's website. Walker Funeral Home and Crematory is handling arrangements during this difficult time.

Daniel Keith Moore

Daniel Keith Moore, 61, of Madeira, passed away on March 24, 2025, at BethesdaNorth Hospital. A 1982 graduate of Sycamore High School, he was an athlete who earned an Associate's Degree from the University of Cincinnati and maintained his love of sports throughout his life. Dan was an active member of the Madeira-Silverwood Presbyterian Church, serving in various roles including as a Sunday School teacher and Deacon. He is survived by his daughters, Sheridan Rowland Miller and Malina Moore, and will be remembered for his athleticism, humor, and willingness to help others.

Phyllis Lee Mitchell-Maxberry

Phyllis Lee Mitchell-Maxberry, 63, of Cincinnati, Ohio, passed away on Friday, March 21, 2025. Born in Selma, Alabama on June 11, 1961, her family has not immediately scheduled a funeral or memorial service but will notify loved ones when arrangements are made. Well-wishers can share memories and messages on the "Tribute Wall" on the funeral home's website. Walker Funeral Home and Crematory is handling arrangements for the family during this difficult time.

Donald G. Whitney

Donald Gene Whitney, 61, passed away peacefully on March 25, 2025, after battling COPD. He worked for over 30 years as a cardiac monitor technician at Mercy Hospital and was known for his strong work ethic. Don was passionate about music, particularly playing guitar and bass in church bands, and also enjoyed weightlifting, karate, and baseball. He is survived by his wife Kim, son Doug and daughter-in-law Stefanie, grandsons Isaac and Lucas, his twin sister Donna, brother Dan, and extended family members.