🎢 Military thrills

Good morning, Clermont County. Memorial Day weekend is bringing more than just barbecues this year – Six Flags parks nationwide, including Kings Island, are honoring our military with free admission from May 23-26. Active and retired service members can simply present their military ID at the gate to enjoy a day of thrills, while also securing discounted tickets for family and friends who want to join the fun. It's a small but meaningful "thank you" to those who've served.

Meanwhile, local pride is reaching new heights as Thomas Sweeney makes history as the first Little Miami High School graduate to appear on Jeopardy. Mark your calendars for May 28 at 7:30 on FOX 19 to cheer on this hometown quiz whiz. In Hyde Park, community activism is in full swing as residents race against the clock to gather signatures challenging a $150 million development that some claim is "just too big" for the neighborhood.

🌤 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

🎢 Kings Island offers free entry to military personnel this Memorial Day weekend. From May 23-26, 2025, active and retired military members can enjoy complimentary admission at most Six Flags parks nationwide. Military personnel must present a valid U.S. Military ID at the front gate to gain entry. Additionally, service members can purchase up to six discounted tickets for family and friends, though these must be bought online in advance. The offer excludes Knott's Berry Farm, Knott's Soak City, and Cedar Point Shores, where discounted admission will be available instead.

🧠 Local grad makes Jeopardy history with upcoming appearance. Thomas Sweeney, a 2019 Little Miami High School alumnus, will compete on the iconic quiz show on May 28 at 7:30 EST on FOX 19. Currently serving as an assistant coach for the school's Academic Team, Sweeney is making history as the first Little Miami graduate to ever appear on Jeopardy. The school district expressed their pride on Facebook, calling it "an incredible honor and a moment of Panther pride we won't forget."

🏙️ Hyde Park residents race against time to challenge $150 million development. A group including the Hyde Park Neighborhood Council has collected over half the signatures needed to put a controversial development project on November's ballot. They must gather 9,146 verified signatures from Cincinnati voters by May 23, with nearly 250 volunteers circulating petitions citywide. The referendum aims to repeal zoning changes approved by City Council for a 1.78-acre site where developers plan to build a boutique hotel and apartment complex. Despite resident opposition claiming "it's just too big," developers maintain the referendum won't stop their progress toward final approvals.

Elegant brick sanctuary private locale: A gracious brick home on a quiet cul-de-sac street in Loveland/Midford is listed for $459,000, featuring hardwood floors, gourmet kitchen, screened porch, four bedrooms and finished lower level.

Spacious country home awaits buyers: This $305,000 home in Amelia offers 3 beds, 2.5 baths on half an acre with a finished lower level and spacious backyard, located conveniently near amenities with potential for customization.

Historic elegance meets modern comfort: A historic Thomas Paxton home in Loveland is on the market for $599,900, featuring Grecian columns, six fireplaces, a carriage house, and extensive renovations on a generous 1.43-acre lot with a unique $50,000 city-maintained exterior preservation fund.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

🌱 May 16 - Mustard Seed Spring Market: Treasure hunters, mark your calendars! The Mustard Seed Market returns for its 4th season on May 16, bringing faith, finds, and fun to 1000 Locust St in Owensville. Come thrive with us this spring!

🔍 May 16 - Clermont Chapter Inspection: Join the Clermont Chapter Inspection at 700 N Market St in Felicity on May 16! Come see what's happening in your local chapter and connect with community members at this important gathering.

🍻 May 17 - Veterans Happy Hour: Veterans, raise a glass at Happy Hour For Heroes on May 17 at 111 George St, New Richmond! Postponed a week due to Appalachian Festival, our heroes eat and drink on us.

🍱 May 17 - Lunchbox at Krippendorf Lodge: Pack your lunchbox and head to Krippendorf Lodge for a midday gathering on May 17! Join the community at 12:00 PM for food, fun and conversation at this charming Milford venue.

🚣 May 17 - River Paddle Adventure: Paddle your way into spring at Chilo Lock 34 Park's River Paddle event on May 17! Grab your gear and join fellow water enthusiasts for a refreshing adventure along the scenic waterway.

🍻 May 17 - Cappy's Bar Night: Unwind at Cappy's Taproom and Bottle Shop on May 17! Stop by 309 W Loveland Ave in Loveland for craft brews and good vibes in this local favorite hangout.

🐟 May 18 - Off the Hook Fish Truck: Catch the Off the Hook Fish & Chips food truck rolling into Bethel on May 18! Satisfy your seafood cravings with freshly prepared fish and chips at 3376 OH-125.

🙏 In Remembrance

Thomas Ralph Becker

Thomas Ralph Becker, 87, of Cincinnati, Ohio, passed away on May 13, 2025, leaving behind his children Susan, Greg, and Mike, as well as his brother Bob, sisters Pat and Peggy, six grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. A dedicated worker who never took a sick day until retiring at age 80, Tom enjoyed golfing, bowling, and was a devoted Cincinnati Reds and Bengals fan. He cherished time with his grandchildren and maintained traditions like annual Florida trips with friends and weekly Saturday dinners with his late wife Bernie at Kennings Restaurant. His funeral ceremony will be held on May 21, 2025, with the family requesting contributions to Elder High School in lieu of flowers.