🍽️ Summer feasting collective

Good morning, Clermont County. Summer dining is about to get a major upgrade as Liberty Collective prepares to unveil its ambitious entertainment complex featuring nine carefully selected restaurants. The impressive 18,000-square-foot venue will transform 3.5 acres across from Lakota East High School into a culinary destination complete with sand volleyball courts and family-friendly activities. From Bristol's Burgers to Roberto & Miguel's Mexican cuisine, the Ewers family curated these dining concepts from over 60 candidates to create what they hope becomes an "iconic place" in Butler County.

Meanwhile, Cincinnati continues to honor its civil rights history with plans for a new Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. memorial statue. The installation commemorates King's 1963 visit when he joined tens of thousands for "The March and Vote for Jobs and Freedom," with City Manager Sheryl Long describing it as "more than a tribute, it's a call to action." Residents can contribute to this meaningful project by sharing historical photographs at the City-Wide Photo Scanning Day on April 26.

🌤 Sky Skoop

Loveland

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Milford

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Batavia

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New Richmond

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Bethel

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Williamsburg

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Owensville

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Felicity

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Moscow

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Neville

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☕️ What's Brewing Locally

🍽️ Liberty Collective unveils nine restaurants for summer entertainment complex opening. The two-story, 18,000-square-foot venue in Liberty Township will feature diverse dining options including Bristol's Burgers, Rice Life hibachi, Ramundo's Pizza, and Roberto & Miguel's Mexican cuisine. Owners Heather and Mike Ewers selected the restaurants from over 60 candidates to create a unique culinary destination. Beyond food, the complex will offer sand volleyball courts and family-friendly games across its 3.5-acre site. Located across from Lakota East High School, Liberty Collective aims to become an "iconic place" in the growing Butler County community.

🏙️ Cincinnati's sanctuary city status divides mayoral candidates. Incumbent Mayor Aftab Pureval defends the city's 2017 sanctuary resolution, arguing it follows federal law while making Cincinnati welcoming for immigrants and economic growth. Republican challengers Cory Bowman and Brian Frank both oppose the designation, with Frank specifically concerned about risking federal funding. The sanctuary status prevents local police from enforcing federal immigration laws against undocumented immigrants. This issue emerges as the three candidates compete in the May 6 nonpartisan primary, where the top two will advance.

🗽 Cincinnati to honor Dr. King with new memorial statue. The installation at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial reaffirms the city's commitment to preserving King's legacy of unity and nonviolent activism. City Manager Sheryl Long describes the statue as "more than a tribute, it's a call to action" for future generations. The memorial commemorates King's 1963 visit when he joined 15,000-30,000 people for "The March and Vote for Jobs and Freedom" in Cincinnati. Residents can contribute to the project by bringing historical photographs and documents to a City-Wide Photo Scanning Day on April 26.

Affordable ranch has everything needed: Listed at $154,900, this low-maintenance Bethel Tate ranch offers a metal roof, newer HVAC, and a large detached garage on a 0.69-acre lot, perfect for first-time buyers or as a rental property.

Luxurious home with dreamy extras: This charming home asking $580,000 features gleaming hardwood floors, a gourmet kitchen, four bedrooms, and a luxurious primary suite with fireplace, while a finished lower level and stamped concrete patio complete the move-in ready package.

Lakeside Miami Woods Cul-de-sac: This cul-de-sac home in Miami Woods is listed at $329,900, featuring walkout decks, wood flooring, and 2.5 baths on a 60-acre community with fishing lakes and trails.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

🚀 Apr. 16 - Student Leadership Series: Unleash your leadership potential at UC Clermont's Student Leadership Series 2025! Join fellow students on April 16 at 4200 Clermont College Dr in Batavia for this transformative campus event.

🌸 Apr. 17 - Spring Fling Outdoor Commons: Celebrate spring at UC Clermont's Spring Fling! Join the campus community in the Outdoor Commons on April 17 from 11:30-1:30pm for seasonal fun and festivities. No cost mentioned.

🎲 Apr. 17 - Board Game Night: Roll the dice at Time Warp Cards and Comics' Thursday Board Game Night on April 17! Bring friends or meet new ones as you explore games from their library or show off your own favorites.

🧶 Apr. 18 - 3rd Friday Craft Meetup: Calling all crafty souls! Join the relocated 3rd Friday Eastgate Meetup at Starbucks near Meijer (866 Eastgate North Drive) on April 18 at 7pm. Knitters, crocheters, and curious beginners all welcome!

🚗 Apr. 18 - Rod & Custom Swap Meet: Rev up your spring at the 31st Annual Fastiques Rod and Custom Swap Meet! Cruise into Owensville on April 19th to buy, sell, or simply admire classic cars and parts. Swap spaces available for $30.

🐰 Apr. 19 - Easter Egg Hunt Extravaganza: Hop over to Batavia for the 2nd Annual Easter Egg Hunt on April 19th! Join the fun from 9-11am at 1535 Clough Pike, with triple the eggs from last year's popular event.

🎲 Apr. 19 - Saturday Board Game Meetup: Roll the dice at Time Warp Cards and Comics' Board Game Meet up this Saturday! Bring your own games or try something from their library while making new friends at 4601 Eastgate Blvd in Cincinnati.

🐷 Apr. 19 - The BUCKIN Pig Truck: The BUCKIN Pig food truck rolls into Bethel on April 19! Swing by 3376 OH-125 for mouthwatering eats and community vibes at this tasty local gathering.

🙏 In Remembrance

Genevieve C. Jones

Genevieve C. Jones (née Chestochowski) passed away on April 13, 2025, at the age of 78. She was the wife of Lindsey G. Jones for 50 years, mother to Stephanie Hoog, and grandmother to Taylor and Morgan Hoog. She is also survived by her sisters Candace Robb and Jacqueline Weberding, as well as several nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews, while being preceded in death by her parents Benjamin and Genevieve Chestochowski. Visitation and funeral services will be held at Hodapp Funeral Home in Carthage on April 19th, with memorial donations directed to Hospice of Cincinnati or The Leukemia And Lymphoma Society in lieu of flowers.

Charles F. Pavey

Charles Fredrick Pavey, 86, passed away on April 11, 2025, in Cincinnati after a life that began as one of twelve children raised on a farm in Indiana. He worked as a design engineer in the corrugated packaging industry after graduating from UC, bringing precision to his work that carried over to his love of jigsaw puzzles. Charles was known for his sweet tooth, love of sports, humor, and resilience through medical challenges. He leaves behind his wife of over 64 years, Joan, four children, five grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and numerous other beloved family members who surrounded him in his final days.

Donald "Don" E. Haarman

Donald "Don" Haarman, born December 24, 1933, passed away on April 10, 2025, after 71 years of marriage to Georgia Haarman. He was a dedicated father to three children, grandfather to six, and great-grandfather to fourteen. Don served as a firefighter with the St. Bernard Fire Department for 31 years, retiring as Captain, and enjoyed spending time at his lakefront home in Indiana for over 32 years. Visitation and funeral services will be held at Immanuel United Church of Christ in St. Bernard on April 17th.

David William Palmer

David William Palmer, 83, of Sunman, Indiana, passed away on April 13, 2025, after being born in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1941. A U.S. Marine veteran, he was preceded in death by his parents, wife, and five siblings, while leaving behind his son, two daughters, two grandchildren, and many other relatives and friends. David had a passion for hunting, fishing, and music, being a member of both the Fraternal Order of Eagles and a Doo Wop group. Following his wishes, private family services will be held to honor his memory.

Judy A. Mitchell

Judy A. Mitchell passed away on April 13, 2025, at the age of 59. She was preceded in death by her parents Robert and Carol Mynatt and is survived by her three children Julie (Shane) Soniat, Rick (Christina) Mitchell, and Alan Mitchell, as well as her grandchildren Tucker and Wren Mitchell and her brother Richard (Dana) Mynatt. A graveside service will be held at Oak Hill Cemetery in Glendale on Thursday, April 17th at 11AM. Attendees are asked to arrive at the main gate by 10:45AM.

Cara Saal

Cara Saal, 74, of Cincinnati, OH, passed away on April 14, 2025, leaving behind her husband Howard, daughter Rebecca, and two grandchildren Lincoln and Samuel. She was born in Hartford, CT, to Thelma Schweitzer and the late Charles Schweitzer, and is survived by her two brothers Eric and David, along with numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, April 16 at Weil Kahn Funeral Home with burial at United Jewish Cemetery Loveland and shiva to be observed on Wednesday and Thursday at Congregation Etz Chaim. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Congregation Etz Chaim.

Daryl E. Caldemeyer

Daryl E. Caldemeyer, 73, passed away on April 10, 2025, after serving 21 years in the US Navy and working 20 years for the US Postal Service in Fairfield. He was the devoted husband of Sharon for 25 years and father to Dennas, Daryck, Darran, and David. Daryl is also survived by five grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and six siblings. Visitation and funeral services will be held on April 21st at Hodapp Funeral Home in Carthage, with memorial donations directed to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation.

Gerard R. "Hank" Wagner

Gerard "Hank" Wagner, 74, of Cincinnati, OH, passed away on April 6, 2025. A LaSalle High School and Xavier University graduate, he spent his career teaching in Catholic and public schools throughout the greater Cincinnati area. He was preceded in death by his parents, Elizabeth and Robert Wagner, his brother Mark, and several aunts and uncles. A Celebration of Life and Funeral Mass will be held on April 25 at St. Boniface Catholic Church, with donations to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital requested in lieu of flowers.

Jamanti Nicholas Wilson

Jamanti N. Wilson, a 28-year-old devoted father of five, passed away unexpectedly on March 30, 2025. He worked as a dedicated cook in the restaurant industry and was known for his strong work ethic, love of family, and passion for sports. Jamanti is survived by his parents, girlfriend Maranda Vice, his five children (Kayana, Kamyrah, Jakobe, Jaylynn, and Jamir), as well as his siblings and extended family. His funeral service will be held on April 19, 2025, at Walker Funeral Home in Covington, followed by interment at Mother of God Cemetery.

Wilma Jean Lattimore

Wilma Jean Lattimore, aged 84, of Cincinnati, Ohio, passed away on April 11, 2025. Born on April 17, 1940, she will be honored at a visitation followed by a funeral service on May 3, 2025, at the Walker Funeral Home - Walnut Hills Chapel. Following the service, interment will take place at Landmark Memorial Gardens. The Walker Funeral Home and Crematory is assisting the Lattimore family during this difficult time.

Norma June Geckler

Norma June Geckler of Batavia, OH passed away on March 27, 2025, at age 91. She was preceded in death by her husband Jack, her parents, a brother, and a step-grandson, while surviving her are three children, four grandchildren, two step-grandchildren, and multiple great-grandchildren. Norma was an active member of All Saints Lutheran Church where she served in various capacities, and also volunteered with the U.S. Health and Environmental Wives Club. A "Celebration of Life" will be held on April 26, 2025, at One Way Church in Batavia, where attendees are encouraged to wear spring colors to honor Norma's wish for a joyful occasion.

Vicki Sue Randolph

Vicki Sue Randolph passed away on April 8, 2025, at age 48, leaving behind her partner David Tegeder, father David Marple, four children, six grandchildren, and three siblings. Born in Cincinnati in 1976, she was known for her warm spirit, passion for cooking, and dedication to her family in Mount Orab, OH. A celebration of her life will be held on April 18, 2025, at Evans Funeral Home in Milford, with visitation at 6 PM followed by a memorial service at 7 PM. Vicki was preceded in death by her mother Florence Johnson and two grandchildren, Arya Keating and Elizabeth Ober.

Beverly A. Blum

Beverly A. Blum, aged 89, passed away on April 11, 2025, leaving behind her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She earned a Master's degree in Education and taught kindergarten through 3rd grade, primarily at Struble Elementary School in the Northwest School District, dedicating 30 years to teaching. Her funeral service will be held on April 22 at T.P. White & Sons Funeral Home, with visiting hours before the service and burial at Arlington Memorial Gardens. The family requests donations to Queen City Hospice in her memory instead of flowers.