Home / Newsletters / Ohio / Clermont County / April 24, 2025

🌳 Wetland revival

Clermont County • April 24, 2025

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Good morning, Clermont County. After four decades of welcoming refugees to Cincinnati, Catholic Charities faces a sobering reality as policy changes force the shutdown of its refugee services. The organization that helped over 12,000 people find new beginnings since 1980 is now navigating its own uncertain future, still awaiting $300,000 in federal payments for completed work while promising continued support through donations and volunteers.

Nature and traffic are creating headlines today as well. A morning crash on I-275 westbound near Weil Road has emergency crews responding and commuters seeking alternate routes. Meanwhile, the Cincinnati Nature Center is orchestrating an impressive transformation at Long Branch Farm & Trails, where 93 acres of farmland will evolve into forested wetlands. This year-long ecological revival promises not just wildlife habitat, but vital flood control and water filtration benefits that visitors can witness unfold in real time.

🌤 Sky Skoop

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☕️ What's Brewing Locally

Brewing Locally Image

🏠 Catholic Charities faces shutdown of refugee services amid policy changes. The nonprofit revealed it will stop assisting refugees and unaccompanied immigrant children this year due to Trump Administration immigration policy overhauls. The organization hasn't received $300,000 in federal payments for work already completed, and its agreement with the U.S. State Department was terminated. Since 1980, Catholic Charities has welcomed over 12,000 refugees to Cincinnati, including 311 last year. Despite these challenges, the agency promises to support affected families through donations, volunteers, and remaining government funding.

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🚨 Morning crash snarls I-275 westbound commute in Symmes Township. A collision with injuries has blocked the far left lane near Weil Road, prompting emergency response from Clermont County police and fire departments. The severity of injuries remains unconfirmed as emergency vehicles attend to the scene. Officials warn drivers to expect significant traffic delays during the morning rush. Motorists are advised to seek alternate routes until the situation is cleared.

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🌳 Cincinnati farmland transforms into vibrant forested wetland. The Cincinnati Nature Center has launched a 93-acre restoration project at Long Branch Farm & Trails, converting cropland back to its natural state. In partnership with The Nature Conservancy and Oxbow River & Stream Restoration, the initiative will create seasonal wetlands that support diverse wildlife while providing flood control and water filtration benefits. Executive Director Jeffrey Corney called it an impactful demonstration of the center's commitment to conservation. The year-long transformation will allow visitors to witness the evolution of this dynamic ecosystem over time.

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⚾ Baseball Scoreboard

West Clermont found their bite, chomping Walnut Hills 9-2 in Tuesday's showdown to even their record at 5-5. The Wolves' offensive explosion gives them momentum heading into Wednesday's clash with Lebanon, though they'll face a Warriors squad riding high after an 8-1 victory.Goshen Warriors survived a wild one, edging Blanchester 9-8 in a Tuesday thriller that improved their record to 5-3. The Warriors will need to maintain that clutch performance as they prepare for Wednesday's Southern Buckeye showdown with New Richmond.New Richmond Lions roared just loud enough to silence Clark Montessori 3-1 in Tuesday's non-league matchup. The Lions (6-7) look to build on this momentum when they face Goshen Wednesday, while the Cougars (6-6) regroup before taking on the red-hot St. Bernard-Elmwood Place Titans.

TeamOpponentScore
West Clermont (5-5)
@ Walnut Hills
W 9-2
Bethel-Tate (1-9)
vs Reading
L 7-2
Goshen (5-3)
vs Blanchester
W 9-8
New Richmond (6-7)
@ Clark Montessori
W 3-1

🥎 Softball Scoreboard

TeamOpponentScore
Clermont Northeastern (6-6)
@ Eastern
L 13-3
New Richmond (4-3)
vs Williamsburg
W 10-4
Goshen (8-4)
@ Carlisle
W 9-5
Williamsburg (13-2)
@ New Richmond
L 10-4

🏡 Real Estate Reveals

Real estate listing image Country living near Felicity schools: For $124,500, this quaint 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom home sits on a generous 2.83 acres in the Felicity school district. The property features a fenced yard, attached garage and a kitchen with patio access.
Auction foreclosure at zero dollars: This foreclosure property at a $0 list price awaits bidding on Auction.com, a platform offering exclusive bank-owned deals nationwide with the support of their team throughout the process.
Real estate listing image Spacious condo convenient highway access: Priced at $164,900, this 2-bedroom condo features large bedrooms, potential basement living space, and a patio for entertaining, all conveniently located near shops, restaurants, and major highways in West Clermont school district.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

🗑️ Apr. 24 - Batavia Township Junk Days: Clear out your clutter at Batavia Township Junk Days! Drop off unwanted items at 2401 Old State Rte 32 on April 24, 2025 for a cleaner home and fresher start to spring.
🤝 Apr. 24 - Morning Mixer Networking Breakfast: Kickstart your day with connections at the Morning Mixer Networking Event! Join fellow professionals at E+O Kitchen in Loveland on April 24 for casual networking and complimentary continental breakfast.
🎲 Apr. 24 - Thursday Board Game Night: Roll the dice at Time Warp Cards and Comics' Thursday Board Game night on April 24! Bring friends or meet new ones at 4601 Eastgate Blvd as you explore their game library or showcase your own favorites.
🔍 Apr. 25 - Clermont Chapter Inspection: Join the Clermont Chapter Inspection at 700 N Market St in Felicity on April 25. Come see what's happening in your local chapter and connect with community members!
🌳 Apr. 25 - Arbor Day Celebration: Celebrate Arbor Day with tree-loving neighbors at Riverside Park! Join the community on April 25 for live music, art displays, and nature activities that promise an unforgettable spring day in Milford.
🏭 Apr. 25 - Clermont Manufacturing Focus Group: Shape the future of local manufacturing at the Clermont Chamber of Commerce! Join TechSolve for the first in their manufacturing focus group series on April 25 at 4355 Ferguson Dr, Cincinnati.
🎲 Apr. 26 - Saturday Board Game Meetup: Roll the dice at Time Warp Cards and Comics' Saturday Board Game Meet Up! Bring your own games or try something from their library. Make new friends over tabletop fun at 4601 Eastgate Blvd.
🍲 Apr. 26 - RYOTO Hibachi Food Truck: Savor authentic Japanese cuisine when RYOTO Hibachi Grill food truck rolls into Bethel on April 26! Find mouthwatering hibachi specialties at 3376 OH-125 for a delicious lunch or dinner treat.

🙏 In Remembrance

Sylvia Clare Busken

Sylvia Clare Busken, aged 94, passed away on April 17, 2025, leaving behind a legacy as a devoted mother of ten children, grandmother to 31, and great-grandmother to 47. Born in Cincinnati in 1930, she married Sylvester Busken in 1951 and spent most of her life in the College Hill area. Sylvia was a woman of many talents—playing piano and saxophone, working as a bookkeeper, and excelling as a seamstress who taught all her children to sew. A devout Catholic who loved to travel and valued her family's sense of humor, Sylvia believed strongly in the power of prayer, especially in her later years.

Sylvia Clare Busken

Annette Jean Beavers

Annette Jean Beavers, 70, of Cincinnati, Ohio, passed away on April 18, 2025, after being born in Alabama on November 19, 1954. Her visitation will be held on May 10, 2025, from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm at Walker Funeral Home - Walnut Hills Chapel, followed immediately by a funeral service. Family and friends are invited to share memories and honor her legacy during these services. The Walker Funeral Home and Crematory is handling arrangements, with options available for sending flowers or making memorial contributions.

Annette Jean Beavers

Ciro Alfonzo

Ciro Alfonzo, born in Havana, Cuba on December 9, 1953, passed away at age 71 on April 18, 2025, in Cincinnati, Ohio. A visitation will be held on May 8, 2025, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at Walker Funeral Home's Walnut Hills Chapel, immediately followed by the funeral service. After the service, interment will take place at Vine St Hill Cemetery, where friends and family will gather to honor his memory and legacy. Walker Funeral Home and Crematory is handling the arrangements for the Alfonzo family during this difficult time.

Ciro Alfonzo

Betty J. Deweese

Betty Joann Deweese passed away peacefully on April 19, 2025, at age 91, leaving behind a legacy of love as a devoted mother, grandmother, and friend. Throughout her 60-year marriage to the late Paul E. DeWeese, she nurtured a large family including her six children, seven grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. Known for bringing people together through family gatherings and extending maternal warmth to everyone she met, Betty was also a faithful Christian who found joy in Bible reading and community involvement. After living 36 years in Goshen, Ohio, and 22 years in Florida, she will be honored with a funeral service on April 25, 2025, at Evans Funeral Home in Milford, Ohio.

Betty J. Deweese

Nicole Leigh Hammersmith

Nicole "Nikki" Hammersmith, 44, passed away unexpectedly on April 19, 2025, in Cincinnati, Ohio. She was a beloved mother to Lillian and Vincent Taylor, daughter of Mary Jo and Dean Hammersmith, and sister to Allison Guard and Glenn Hammersmith. Nikki was also a loving aunt to Quinn and Riley Hammersmith and Delia Guard. Her Mass of Christian burial will be held on April 25, 2025, at St. Simon, followed by a procession to St. Joseph Cemetery, with donations suggested to City Gospel Mission or St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital in lieu of flowers.

Nicole Leigh Hammersmith

Stephen Nicholas Frost

Stephen Nicholas Frost, 73, of Bellevue, Kentucky, passed away on April 18, 2025. Born in Cincinnati, Ohio on December 20, 1951, his family has not yet scheduled a funeral or memorial service but will notify loved ones when plans are made. The family invites people to share memories on the online Tribute Wall. Walker Funeral Home and Crematory is handling arrangements during this difficult time.

Stephen Nicholas Frost

Mary Lou Heidemann

Mary Lou Heidemann, born on April 20, 1940, in West Virginia, passed away on April 21, 2025, in Cincinnati, Ohio, leaving behind a legacy of kindness and compassion. She is survived by her three children, Larry, Ron, and Jane, along with grandchildren and a great-grandson who brought her immense joy. Known for her vibrant personality, love of Elvis, dancing, and social nature, Mary Lou created a warm community around her. A visitation and memorial service will be held on May 17, 2025, at Newcomer Funeral Home in Erlanger, Kentucky, where family and friends can celebrate her beautifully lived life.

Mary Lou Heidemann

Henry Gibson Jr.

Henry Gibson Jr., 65, of Cincinnati, Ohio, passed away on Wednesday, April 16, 2025. Born on August 10, 1959, in Cincinnati, Henry's family has not yet scheduled a funeral or memorial service but will notify loved ones when arrangements are made. Well-wishers may share memories on the "Tribute Wall" on the funeral home's website. Walker Funeral Home and Crematory is handling arrangements for the Gibson family.

Henry Gibson Jr.

Annie Mae Glover

Annie Mae Glover, a 74-year-old Cincinnati resident, passed away on April 8, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of nearly five decades dedicated to Cincinnati Public Schools. Known for her vibrant personality and love of travel, Annie was famous for her peanut butter cookies, sewing skills, and making everyone feel like family. She was part of "the Old Lady Gang," shopping with her mother and daughter almost every Saturday. Annie is survived by her children, goddaughter, siblings, 15 great-grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, and many other family members and friends who were touched by her warmth and generosity.

Annie Mae Glover

Edward Charles Bressert

Edward Charles Bressert, born December 19, 1942, in Cincinnati, Ohio, passed away on April 18, 2025. A devoted husband to Laura for 35 years, Edward was known for his love of travel, golf, and his wonderful sense of humor that brightened everyone's spirits. He is survived by his wife Laura, daughters Michelle and Valerie, granddaughters Kaithlyn and Lauren, and his brother Bobby. Edward's legacy of love and laughter will continue to resonate with all who knew him.

Edward Charles Bressert

David F. Hodapp

David F. Hodapp, a dedicated funeral director and accountant, passed away after a difficult period of illness. Known for his reliability and strength, he was a principled man who valued Catholic education and served his community by organizing sports leagues and events like the College Hill Christmas Parade. A devoted husband to the late Molly and father of four, David took immense pride in attending his children's and grandchildren's sporting events rather than professional games. His legacy continues through his College Hill community involvement, where all four of his children still reside in the area he loved.

David F. Hodapp

Ronnie Paul Dexter

Ronnie Paul Dexter, 37, of Cincinnati, Ohio, passed away on Friday, April 18, 2025. Born on August 8, 1987, in Cincinnati, his 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 Dexter family on the "Tribute Wall" on the funeral home's website. Walker Funeral Home and Crematory is handling arrangements during this difficult time.

Ronnie Paul Dexter

Cymbria Hess

Cymbria Hess, 62, passed away on April 21, 2025, in Union Township. Born on October 24, 1962, to Don and Sandy Lambert, she is survived by her husband Patrick, her children Luke and Lauren, grandson Roman, and three brothers. Visitation will be held on April 27 from 12-2PM at Moore Family Funeral Homes in Batavia, Ohio, followed by a funeral service. The family requests memorial contributions to the ASPCA in lieu of flowers, and condolences may be shared online.

Cymbria Hess

Charles Michael Klayman

Charles Michael Klayman, age 76, passed away on January 15, 2025, at Cincinnati's VA Medical Center, survived by his wife Gail of 47 years, his children Ryan and Lauren, and granddaughter Charlie. After serving in Vietnam, where he developed PTSD, Charles worked at his father's record distribution company and later spent 37 years at Champion Windows until retiring due to a work injury. Charles was an active member of Congregation Beth Adam, known as the temple "Bagelman," and found great joy in family time, especially with his granddaughter Charlie who brought sunshine to his later years. In his final act of service, Charles donated his body to UC medical school, with plans for his ashes to eventually be buried in the National Cemetery in Williamstown, KY.

Charles Michael Klayman

Kelly Matthew Kidd

Kelly Matthew Kidd, a 56-year-old Louisville native and Doss High School graduate, passed away on April 21st. He was a natural entrepreneur who owned several businesses in south Louisville, including Body FX and The Sports Center, and was well-known in the bodybuilding and sports memorabilia communities. Kelly is survived by his two children, Kaley and Dakota, and his younger brother Nicholas, while being preceded in death by his parents and brother Benjamin. Despite facing personal struggles later in life, he was remembered as a deeply generous and hardworking man whose Catholic faith remained an important part of his identity throughout his life.

Kelly Matthew Kidd

DeRhonde M. Williams

DeRhonde M Williams, 54, of Cincinnati, Ohio, passed away on Thursday, April 17, 2025. Born on March 13, 1971, in Cincinnati, he will be remembered by friends and family during a visitation and funeral service on May 1, 2025, at Walker Funeral Home - Walnut Hills Chapel. Following the service, interment will take place at Vine Street Hill Cemetery. The Walker Funeral Home and Crematory is assisting the Williams family with arrangements during this difficult time.

DeRhonde M. Williams

Barbara P. Marty

Barbara Porter Marty, born September 1, 1939, to Clarence and Marjorie Porter, passed away on April 21, 2025, at age 85 in Wyoming, Ohio. She is survived by her husband Terry of 62 years, her five children, twelve grandchildren, and her brother Barry Porter. Barbara enjoyed staying active through pickleball, bowling, and gardening, but valued time with family and friends above all else. Her funeral services will be private, with the family requesting donations to the Wyoming School Foundation, The Presbyterian Church of Wyoming, or the Lads-N-Lassies Nursery School Program instead of flowers.

Barbara P. Marty

Dorothy Ann Jerdo-Turpin

Dorothy Ann Jerdo-Turpin, 74, of Cincinnati, Ohio, passed away on April 21, 2025. Born on September 23, 1950, in Decatur, Georgia, her family will gather to honor her memory on May 3, 2025, at the Walker Funeral Home in Cincinnati. A memorial service will follow the visitation which begins at 2:00 pm. The Walker Funeral Home is handling the arrangements, and condolences can be shared on their tribute wall.

Dorothy Ann Jerdo-Turpin

Elizabeth Millard

Elizabeth Foshay Millard, born March 22, 1937, in Cincinnati, passed away on March 27 at age 88. After graduating from Bryn Mawr in 1959, she married Paul D. Dingwell, with whom she traveled extensively in Africa and the Philippines before returning to Cincinnati with their twin sons, Jonathan and Christopher, born in 1968. She earned advanced degrees in French literature and education, eventually transitioning from teaching French and math to becoming a pioneer in introducing computer technology to classrooms in Cincinnati Public Schools. Known for her fierce independence, she is survived by her two sons and two granddaughters.

Kathy Jo Kelly

Kathy Jo Kelly, born October 11, 1956, passed away on April 16, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and kindness. She is survived by her two sons, a close family friend, seven siblings, six grandchildren, and one great-grandchild, while being preceded in death by her parents and husband. Known for her generosity, warm smile, and unwavering positive spirit, Kathy touched many lives through her creativity and dedication to family. Visitation and funeral services will be held on April 24, 2025, at Walker Funeral Home in Mt. Healthy, followed by interment at Arlington Memorial Gardens.

Kathy Jo Kelly

Joel F. Shepard

Joel F. Shepard, 71, of Milford, Ohio, passed away on April 21, 2025, leaving behind his wife of over 50 years, Kathy, two daughters, and six grandsons. Born in Cairo, Illinois in 1953, Joel was passionate about gardening, photography, and enjoyed hobbies like golf, metal detecting, and flying drones. He was a dedicated family man who instilled values of hard work and compassion in his children and grandchildren, and is remembered for his nurturing spirit and guidance. Funeral services will be held on April 24, 2025, at Evans Funeral Home in Milford, followed by burial at Gate of Heaven Cemetery.

Joel F. Shepard

Daniel J Busam

Daniel J. Busam, 74, passed away peacefully on April 19, 2025, after a lengthy illness, leaving behind a legacy of laughter, love, and unforgettable memories. He was a devoted husband to Sueann Busam, a loving family man to his step-daughters, granddaughter, and extended family, and was preceded in death by his first wife Julie and his sons David and Brian. Known for his delightful sense of humor and boisterous personality, Dan enjoyed coaching youth football, serving as a 4-H advisor, fishing, and spending time with his beloved vehicles after retiring from Jim Penker Construction as a heavy equipment operator. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Patrick Church on April 25, 2025, with visitation preceding the service.

Daniel J Busam

Mellow K. Bennett

Mellow K. Bennett, 92, of Cincinnati, Ohio, passed away on April 20, 2025, after being born in Saco, Alabama on April 21, 1932. A visitation will be held on May 2, 2025, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church, followed immediately by the funeral service. Walker Funeral Home and Crematory is handling arrangements, and memories can be shared on the online tribute wall. Friends and family will gather to honor her memory and legacy.

Mellow K. Bennett

Amber Marie Enderle

Amber Marie Enderle, 39, of Cincinnati, Ohio, passed away on Saturday, April 12, 2025. Born on August 6, 1985, in Cincinnati, Enderle's family has not immediately planned 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 online "Tribute Wall." Walker Funeral Home and Crematory is handling arrangements for the Enderle family during this difficult time.

Amber Marie Enderle
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