🏙️ Rooftop revelry

Good morning, Clermont County. Cincinnati's tech ecosystem just notched its second startup exit of 2025 as Vora Ventures acquires local health tech company Hive. The deal brings a promising healthcare innovator—previously backed by Children's Hospital and CincyTech—into the fold of one of the region's quieter yet steadily expanding business powerhouses that's been building momentum since 2006.

Food and views dominate the other headlines turning heads locally. Dorothy Lane Market's summer arrival in Mason promises 300 new jobs and what 45-year company veteran Dennis Chrisman calls "the most exciting chapter yet." Meanwhile, just across the river, Newport's ambitious $1 billion Ovation development reaches new heights—literally—with High Note, the area's first rooftop bar opening April 30 with craft cocktails and Ohio River panoramas that might just be worth raising a glass to.

🌤 Sky Skoop

Loveland

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77°

88%

Milford

62°

80°

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Batavia

61°

82°

79%

New Richmond

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84°

88%

Bethel

61°

82°

88%

Williamsburg

61°

82°

79%

Owensville

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77°

88%

Felicity

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82°

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Moscow

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Neville

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☕️ What's Brewing Locally

💼 Cincinnati's Vora Ventures acquires local health tech startup Hive. The acquisition marks the ecosystem's second startup exit of 2025, bringing a promising health technology company under Vora's umbrella. Founded in 2006, Vora Ventures has maintained a quiet but steadily growing presence in the Cincinnati business landscape. While details of the deal weren't disclosed, Hive was previously funded by Children's Hospital and CincyTech, suggesting significant potential in the healthcare technology space.

🛒 Popular grocer Dorothy Lane Market unveils summer opening in Mason. The specialty store, to be located at Mason Montgomery Road and Veterans Parkway, will become the company's fourth location. DLM plans to hire 300 employees through a job fair on May 16-17 at their Springboro location. Dennis Chrisman, a 45-year veteran of the company, has been named store director and calls this "the most exciting chapter yet." City Manager Eric Hansen praised the opening as "the culmination of years of hard work, collaboration and shared vision."

🍹 Newport's first rooftop bar offers stunning Ohio River views. High Note, part of the $1 billion Ovation development, will open April 30 on the fifth floor of the Homewood Suites hotel with craft cocktails and shareable appetizers. The 4,000-square-foot space can accommodate up to 400 people, while a second venue, Market Bar, is scheduled to open in June. Ovation's ambitious development already includes luxury condos selling for $1 million+, with the first phase featuring MegaCorp Pavilion, office space, and the recently opened hotel. Local business leaders call the project "a tremendous asset for the region."

Team	Opponent	Score
West Clermont (6-7)
	vs Monroe	L 9-1
Batavia (14-3)
	vs Northwest	W 11-1

🏡 Real Estate Reveals

Countryside Home Half Acre: A Union Township abode is yours for $279,000. This comfortable 3-bed, 2-bath home sits on half an acre with a fenced yard, just minutes from highways and shopping destinations.

Needs updates affordable townhouse: This $165,000 townhouse offers three bedrooms, a garage, and a finished lower level, but the price is bargain-basement because it needs cosmetic updates like new flooring and paint.

Downtown potential awaits builder: This $445,000 property in historic downtown Loveland offers 0.54 acres to create your dream home from the existing structure or build anew, with septic installed and water and electric available.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

🎲 May 1 - Thursday Board Game Night: Roll the dice at Time Warp Cards and Comics' special Thursday Board Game night on May 1! Bring friends or meet new ones at 4601 Eastgate Blvd #658, where demo games await your strategic moves.

🌮 May 1 - Nacho Average Taco Cart: Spice up your lunch break at Nacho Average Taco Cart, rolling into Bethel on May 1! Find this flavor-packed food truck at 3376 OH-125 for a fiesta of fresh Mexican cuisine.

🍞 May 1 - Sourdough Starter Class: Knead some knowledge at Sourdough 101! Learn bread-making basics at 6744 Dick Flynn Blvd in Goshen on May 1, taking home your own starter and a ready-to-bake loaf to enjoy.

🥨 May 2 - The German Corner: Savor authentic German flavors at The German Corner food truck on May 2! Roll up to 3376 OH-125 in Bethel for a delicious taste of Deutschland that'll have you saying "Wunderbar!"

🚜 May 3 - Truck & Tractor Pull: Rev up your engines for the 3rd Annual JFB Truck & Tractor Pull and Show N' Shine at Clermont County Fairgrounds on May 3! Experience powerful machines and shiny showcases in Owensville.

🚜 May 3 - Day at the Farm: Get up close with miniature highland cows, exotic sheep, donkeys, and alpacas at "A Day At The Farm" on May 3! Join the fun at 460 Felicity Higginsport Rd for an unforgettable animal adventure.

🎲 May 3 - Saturday Board Game Meetup: Roll the dice at Time Warp Cards and Comics' Board Game Meet-up this Saturday! Bring friends or make new ones as you dive into your favorite games or explore their library. May 3 at 4601 Eastgate Blvd.

🎡 May 3 - Spring Fun Carnival: Step into spring at One Way Church's Carnival! Join the community on Saturday, May 3rd from 1-4PM for free entertainment, delicious food, and family fun at 4650 OH-132, Batavia.

🙏 In Remembrance

Allan W Claymon

Allan W. Claymon, 87, passed away on April 27, 2025, after living 55 years in Cincinnati and his final five years in Basalt, Colorado. Born in St. Paul, Minnesota and raised in Indianapolis, he earned law degrees from the University of Iowa before becoming a real estate lawyer in Cincinnati. Claymon was an avid boater and skier, remarkably skiing over 100 days annually at Snowmass for five consecutive years in his eighties. He is survived by his brother William, son Michael, daughter Deborah, former partner Janet, and three grandchildren, while his son David, former wife Susan, and grandson Andrew preceded him in death.

Arthur Coleman

Arthur Coleman, 86, of Cincinnati, Ohio, passed away on Friday, April 25, 2025. Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 8, 2025, from 3:30 to 4:30 pm at the Walker Funeral Home - Walnut Hills Chapel, followed immediately by the funeral service. Family and friends are invited to share memories and honor his legacy, with the option to leave messages on the online "Tribute Wall." Walker Funeral Home and Crematory is handling arrangements for the Coleman family.

Thaddeus Muething

Thaddeus Allen Muething, 70, passed away on April 27, 2025, after being born on March 19, 1955. He worked as an attorney for over 40 years, finding fulfillment in helping others through legal matters and forming meaningful connections. Thaddeus was predeceased by his brother Thomas and is survived by his brother David, sons Frank and Thomas, daughter Kay, and four grandchildren. Private services for family and friends will be announced at a later date.

Edward Emley

Edward A. "Ed" Emley of Lawrenceburg passed away on April 29, 2025, at age 71. A retired Cincinnati Firefighter known for his selflessness, humor, and creative writing abilities, Ed is survived by his wife Jayne, two daughters, several step-children, and numerous grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents Fred and Dolores Emley and his son-in-law Eric Sierra. A funeral service will be held on May 3, 2025, at Neidhard-Minges Funeral Home in Harrison, Ohio, with memorials suggested to the Butler Tech Fire Program.

Dale Rayburn

Dale Rayburn, 76, of Covington, Kentucky, passed away on Monday, April 21, 2025, in Fort Thomas, Kentucky. Born on June 20, 1948, in Mud Lick, Kentucky, Rayburn's family has not immediately planned a funeral or memorial service but will notify loved ones when one is scheduled. Well-wishers can share memories or messages on the funeral home's "Tribute Wall." Walker Funeral Home and Crematory is handling arrangements during this time.

Gerald S. Lane

Gerald S. Lane passed away on April 22, 2025, at age 75, leaving behind three children, four grandchildren, siblings, and his labradoodle Darby. A veteran of the Army National Guard, Jerry was known for his love of adventure, fishing in Minnesota, and traveling extensively across America, the Caribbean, and the UK. His passions included nature, Notre Dame Fighting Irish, and stopping at Irish pubs for drinks and conversation. A celebration of his life will be held at Crowley's Irish Pub on May 10th, honoring his memory with a toast at 1:00pm.

Robert Lee Kemper

Robert Lee Kemper, 80, of Cincinnati, Ohio, passed away on Thursday, April 24, 2025, in West Chester Township after being born on October 23, 1944, in Cincinnati. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at Oak Hill Cemetery at 2:00 pm, where friends and family will gather to honor his memory. Well-wishers can share memories on the funeral home's "Tribute Wall" or send flowers to commemorate his life. Walker Funeral Home and Crematory is handling the arrangements during this difficult time for the Kemper family.

Kevin F. Honican

Kevin Francis Honican, 71, passed away peacefully on April 28, 2025, in Milford, Ohio. A skilled painter in the auto industry, Kevin also enjoyed woodworking, art, fishing, and camping, approaching life with optimism and a good-natured demeanor. He cherished time with his family, especially his grandchildren, and is survived by his wife of 49 years, Sara, his children Alex and Karrie, four grandchildren, and siblings Darrell and Lori. Funeral services will be held at Evans Funeral Home in Milford on May 2, 2025, with visitation at 2:00 PM followed by the service at 3:00 PM.

Julie Lynn Ernst

Julie Lynn Ernst, age 59, passed away on April 27, 2025, leaving behind her husband Charles, daughter Kristin, three grandchildren, and three siblings. Born in 1965 to George and the late Gail Rhoten, Julie worked for many years as a school bus driver for West Clermont Local Schools, a job she deeply loved. Her funeral service will be held on May 3, 2025, at Moore Family Funeral Homes in Batavia, Ohio, with the family requesting donations to the League for Animal Welfare in lieu of flowers.

Jessie James Smith

Jessie James Smith, born February 14, 1950, in Wheeler, Alabama, passed away on April 21, 2025, in Cincinnati, Ohio at the age of 75. His visitation will be held on May 6, 2025, from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm at the Walker Funeral Home - Walnut Hills Chapel in Cincinnati, followed immediately by the funeral service. Family and friends are invited to gather to honor his memory and share their experiences. The Walker Funeral Home and Crematory is assisting the Smith family with arrangements during this difficult time.

Andrea Davis Appoh

Andrea Davis Appoh, 41, of Cincinnati, Ohio, passed away on Monday, April 28, 2025. Born on August 12, 1983, in Cincinnati, her family has not yet scheduled a funeral or memorial service but will notify loved ones when plans are made. Well-wishers can share memories on the "Tribute Wall" on the funeral home's website. Walker Funeral Home and Crematory is handling arrangements for the Appoh family during this difficult time.

Morris "Bo" Sharp

Morris "Bo" Sharp passed away on April 28, 2025, at the age of 97. He was preceded in death by his wife Lillian, son Timmy, grandson Ronnie Mendenhall, and siblings Norma and Pat. Bo leaves behind four daughters, twelve grandchildren, 33 great-grandchildren, and 14 great-great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held on May 1, 2025, at the Miamitown Church of Christ, with burial following at Crown Hill Memorial Park.

Willie Frank Williams Jr.

Willie Frank Williams Jr., aged 82, of Hamilton, Ohio, passed away on Thursday, April 24, 2025. Born in Macon, Georgia on February 13, 1943, his gathering of family and friends will be held on Saturday, May 17, 2025, from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm at the Walker Funeral Home - Walnut Hills Chapel in Cincinnati, followed by a memorial service at 3:00 pm. The Walker Funeral Home and Crematory is assisting the Williams family during this difficult time, and well-wishers can share memories on the online "Tribute Wall."