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🦦 Otter excitement

Clermont County • June 5, 2025

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Good morning, Clermont County. The fate of $150 million hangs in the balance as Hyde Park Square's development faces a potential referendum showdown this November. While opponents have successfully gathered the required signatures to put the project on the ballot, the Cincinnati Business Courier reports several scenarios could prevent the vote from occurring entirely. It's a classic case of development dreams meeting community resistance, with multiple possible outcomes still in play.

Meanwhile, Cincinnati's architectural landscape is shifting as New York-based Brightstar Capital Partners acquires KZF Design, one of the city's largest architecture firms. On a lighter note, the Cincinnati Zoo is making a splash with newly named otter pups Ripple, Splash, Puddles, and Scuttle—chosen through a public poll that garnered over 3,300 comments. The water-themed quartet is currently bonding behind the scenes before their public debut.

🌤 Sky Skoop

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☕️ What's Brewing Locally

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🏙️ Hyde Park Square's $150 million development faces uncertain referendum fate. Despite opponents gathering enough signatures to put the project on the November ballot, multiple scenarios could prevent the vote from occurring. The "Save Hyde Park Square" group has successfully completed the signature gathering phase against the planned development in the neighborhood's business district. However, the Cincinnati Business Courier reports that the referendum, scheduled for November 4th, may not ultimately take place. The Hamilton County Board of Elections has verified the signatures, but the article suggests there are several potential outcomes that could derail the public vote.

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🏢 New York private equity firm acquires Cincinnati's KZF Design. The acquisition involves one of the city's largest architecture firms, as reported by the Cincinnati Business Courier on June 4, 2025. Brightstar Capital Partners, based in NYC, has taken over KZF Design in a move that could signal significant changes for the Cincinnati architectural landscape. This acquisition follows a pattern of recent business transitions in the Cincinnati area, including another agency acquisition that reportedly aims for 55% revenue growth in 2025.

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🦦 Cincinnati Zoo names otter pups after public poll delivers splash hit. The four new additions to the zoo family have been named Ripple, Splash, Puddles, and Scuttle following a social media campaign that garnered over 3,300 comments. Zoo officials had asked the public for naming suggestions, with nautical-themed names ultimately winning the popularity contest. The new otter family is currently bonding behind the scenes before making their public debut. These water-themed names perfectly match the playful nature of the zoo's newest residents.

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🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

🇩🇪 Jun. 5 - German Corner Food Truck: Craving German flavors? The German Corner food truck rolls into Legen-Dairy on June 5, serving up authentic cuisine that'll transport your taste buds straight to Bavaria. Don't miss this delicious pit stop in Bethel!
🎲 Jun. 5 - Thursday Board Game Night: Roll the dice at Time Warp Cards and Comics' Thursday Board Game night on June 5! Bring friends or meet new ones at 4601 Eastgate Blvd, where special demos await from our extensive game library.
🍖 Jun. 6 - Brothers of Ohio BBQ: Savor smoky delights at Brothers of Ohio BBQ, firing up the grills at Legen-Dairy in Bethel on June 6, 2025. Come hungry for an unforgettable taste of local flavor!
🎪 Jun. 6 - Family Fun Fest 2025: Jump into summer at Family Fun Fest 2025! Enjoy concerts, art exhibitions, and more at 210 N Broadway St, Owensville on June 6 for an unforgettable day of community celebration.
🍑 Jun. 6 - Lowe's Peach Truck Stop: The Peach Truck rolls into Cincinnati's Lowe's on Mt Moriah Drive June 6! Grab the season's freshest peaches at this local pickup stop—don't miss your chance for summer's sweetest treat.
🎲 Jun. 7 - Saturday Board Game Meetup: Roll the dice at Time Warp Cards and Comics' Saturday Board Game Meet-up! Bring your favorite games or try something from their library while making new friends. June 7 at 4601 Eastgate Blvd.
🎨 Jun. 7 - Loveland Fine Art Festival: Immerse yourself in creativity at the Loveland Art Festival! Browse works from 50+ fine artists while enjoying live music and food truck fare at Whistle Stop Clay Works on June 7.
🍔 Jun. 7 - Ace of Taste Trucks: Savor a feast on wheels at Ace of Taste, rolling into Legen-Dairy in Bethel on June 7! This food truck extravaganza brings delicious bites and community vibes to 3376 OH-125.

🙏 In Remembrance

Timothy Harvey

Timothy Harvey, a 72-year-old Cincinnati native and automobile sales professional, passed away on May 24, 2025. He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Beverly Harvey, his son Benjamin, and his sisters Kathy and Kelly, while surviving family includes his son Samuel and five grandchildren. Known affectionately as "THE HARVE," Timothy was remembered for his loving nature as a father and grandfather, his positive outlook, and his self-taught musical abilities on guitar and piano. His creativity, humor, and warm smile left a lasting impact on all who knew him, with services to be held privately at the family's convenience.

Timothy Harvey

Agnes Mary Dressing

Agnes Mary Dressing (née Orth) passed away on June 2, 2025, at the age of 91. She was the devoted wife of Eugene Dressing for 70 years and loving mother to five children, including the late Julie Naberhaus. Agnes is survived by her husband, four children, eleven grandchildren, and ten great-grandchildren, and was predeceased by her three brothers. A visitation will be held at St. Gabriel Church in Glendale on June 10, 2025, followed by a Mass of Eternal Rest.

Frostina Henderson

Frostina Henderson (1976-2025) passed away peacefully in Sidney, OH, leaving behind four children, her parents, siblings, and fiancé. She worked as a machine operator at Copeland LLC, but her most cherished role was being a mother. Frostina enjoyed shopping, cooking, reading, gardening, and collecting gnomes, among other interests. A visitation to celebrate her life will be held at Evans Funeral Home in Milford on June 7, 2025, from 2:00 PM until 3:30 PM.

Frostina Henderson

Robert "Bruce" B. Brumbaugh

Robert Bruce Brumbaugh passed away on Sunday, May 25, 2025. He was a devoted husband to Jane Carolyn for 49 years and is survived by his three grandchildren and four siblings, though he was preceded in death by his daughter Erica in 2015. Bruce had a passion for sports and outdoor activities including hunting and fishing. A Celebration of Life will be held on June 15th at the Anderson Center in Cincinnati, with donations requested to The American Cancer Society.

Robert Bruce B. Brumbaugh

Christi J. Eubanks

Christi J. Eubanks passed away peacefully on June 1, 2025, at age 59, leaving behind a legacy of boundless love for her family. A devoted mother and grandmother, she found her greatest joy in her children and grandchildren, always putting others' needs before her own. Christi was known for her gift of connecting with people through conversation, as well as her passion for decorating, crafting, baking, and hairstyling. She is survived by her children Bethany and Sarah, four grandchildren, two brothers, and numerous extended family members, with memorial services scheduled for June 5, 2025, at Living The Word Church.

Christi J. Eubanks

Jalen Amir Jermaine Burbridge

Jalen Amir Jermaine Burbridge, a 4-month-old infant from Cincinnati, Ohio, passed away on May 16, 2025. Born on January 3, 2025, Jalen's visitation will be held on Monday, June 9, 2025, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at Walker Funeral Home's Walnut Hills Chapel, followed immediately by the funeral service. After the service, interment will take place at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, with Walker Funeral Home and Crematory providing support to the Burbridge family during this difficult time.

Jalen Amir Jermaine Burbridge

Judith H. Hatfield

Judith H. Hatfield, 72, passed away on May 28, 2025, in Bluffton, South Carolina, surrounded by family. She was passionate about genealogy and collecting historical documents to understand her family's history. Judith is survived by her daughter, stepchildren, sisters, nieces, nephews, and grandsons, while being reunited with her parents, sister, and husband who preceded her in death. Services will be held at T.P. White's Funeral Home on June 7th, with donations accepted to the Cincinnati Public Library or Belleville, NJ Historical Society in her memory.

Judith H. Hatfield

Scott D. Momberg

Scott D. Momberg, 65, passed away on May 29, 2025, after 23 days in the ICU with a bloodstream infection. A West-sider and Oak Hills graduate with a degree in electronics from OCAS, Scott worked as a network administrator at Hamilton County Job and Family Services for over 30 years and was well-respected by his peers. He had a passion for electronics, computers, and technology, and was an Amateur "Ham" Radio enthusiast along with his father and brother. Scott, who lived with his brother and parents throughout adulthood, is remembered for his generosity, work ethic, and love of cats, and is survived by his brother Keith and numerous cousins.

Scott D. Momberg

Soterios "Sam" Beltsos

Soterios "Sam" Beltsos, founder of the West Side landmark Price Hill Chili, passed away peacefully at his home in Green Township on June 1, 2025, at the age of 87. Born in Greece, Sam established his beloved family restaurant in 1962, where his outgoing personality and commitment to hospitality made customers feel like family for generations. Beyond his restaurant, Sam enjoyed golfing but found his greatest joy in being "Papou" to his twelve grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He is survived by his wife Esmine, two sons, and a daughter-in-law, while being preceded in death by his son Chris and his parents.

Soterios Sam Beltsos

Kip A. Horton

Kip A. Horton, who served as General Manager at Red Robin, passed away on May 29, 2025, in Cincinnati, Ohio at the age of 58. Born in South Dakota in 1966, he was known for his kindness, warmth, and ability to find joy in life's simple pleasures, particularly flowers. He is survived by his wife Esperanza, daughter Madison, and granddaughter Hadley, who will remember him for his helpful nature and good humor. A memorial gathering will be held on June 11, 2025, to celebrate his life and the quiet but meaningful impact he had on everyone around him.

Kip A. Horton

Cynthia A. Schaser

Cynthia Anne Schaser (née Bader) passed away on May 29, 2025, of natural causes at home surrounded by family. She is survived by her four children, ten grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and two bonus grandchildren, while being preceded in death by her parents and two siblings. Professionally, Cyndi retired from Wesley Hall Community Services in Cincinnati, and personally enjoyed traveling, volunteering as a Girl Scout Troop Mother, and forming deep connections with her children's friends. In retirement, she cherished being "Meemaw" to her grandchildren, playing bridge, attending monthly luncheons with neighborhood friends, and enthusiastically supporting her favorite sports teams.

Cynthia A. Schaser

Fred Lee Pope

Fred Lee Pope, 70, of Cincinnati, Ohio, passed away on May 31, 2025, having been born on December 22, 1954. A visitation will be held on Friday, June 20, 2025, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at Walker Funeral Home - Walnut Hills Chapel, followed immediately by a funeral service. After the service, interment will take place at Spring Grove Cemetery, with Walker Funeral Home and Crematory providing care for the Pope family during this difficult time.

Fred Lee Pope

Gary G. Schimpf

Gary G. Schimpf, a US Navy veteran, passed away peacefully at home on May 9, 2025, surrounded by family. He lived a life characterized by honor, quiet strength, and dedication to his loved ones. Gary is survived by his wife Carole, three daughters, his sister, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and extended family, while being preceded in death by a daughter, sister, and parents. He will be remembered for his kind heart, deep love for family, and quiet integrity, with a private family gathering planned to honor his life.

Gary G. Schimpf

Vernice Thomas

Vernice Thomas, age 87, of Cincinnati, Ohio, passed away on June 1, 2025, after being born in Castleberry, Alabama on March 7, 1938. Her visitation will be held on June 14, 2025, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church, followed immediately by a funeral service. She will be laid to rest at Arlington Memorial Gardens in Mt. Healthy, Ohio. Walker Funeral Home and Crematory is handling the arrangements for the Thomas family.

Vernice Thomas

Marcia Gloe Merryman

Marcia Gloe Merryman, born February 17, 1936, in Upland, Indiana, passed away on May 28, 2025, after battling dementia. A Purdue University graduate with a nutrition degree and registered dietician from Duke University, she married John "Jack" Merryman in 1962, with whom she shared 58 years of marriage and raised four children. Marcia devoted herself to supporting her family, working alongside her husband in his orthopedic practice in Riverdale, Georgia, while pursuing her passions for gardening and crafts. Following her husband's death in 2020, she moved near her eldest son in Cincinnati, where she spent her final years before passing peacefully, leaving behind her four children, eight grandchildren, and her sister.

Marcia Gloe Merryman

Charles Edward Sullivan

Charles Edward Sullivan, known as Charlie, passed away on May 31, 2025, at age 72. He was a devoted husband to the late Sandra Jean Sullivan and a loving father to four children, working as a painter for Tradeline. Charlie was passionate about family, enjoying camping, fishing, and cheering for Notre Dame, while providing unwavering support at his children's and grandchildren's sporting events. His legacy of love and strength will continue through his surviving sons Jason, Jordan, and Trevor, and his seven grandchildren, following a private family farewell.

Charles Edward Sullivan

Lawrence J. "Larry" Hochberg

Lawrence "Larry" Joel Hochberg, a Brooklyn-born entrepreneur and devoted family man, passed away at age 87 on June 2, 2025. Alongside his wife Linda, whom he married in 1960, Larry built a successful life in Cincinnati, where they established multiple businesses, including Bridal and Formal in Reading, Ohio, which remains a three-generation family legacy. The Hochbergs were committed to Jewish life and were honored for their significant contributions to their community and Jewish causes. Larry, known for his love of classical music, crossword puzzles, and sense of humor, is survived by his wife, three children, their spouses, and seven grandchildren.

Lawrence J. Larry Hochberg

Sandy Jones Jr.

There is no actual obituary provided for Sandy Jones, Jr. in the given text. The content only indicates that an obituary is not currently available. It invites people to share thoughts and memories on a Tribute Wall. There is also information about sending flowers to the family or planting a tree in memory of Sandy Jones, Jr. through their floral store.

Sandy Jones Jr.

Mary de Maria

Mary de Maria, aged 86, of Cincinnati, passed away peacefully on June 2, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of kindness and generosity. Known as "Tush" to family and "Mary Mary" to her Model-T Club friends, she was renowned for her master cookie baking skills and her closely guarded meatball recipe, which she shared generously with everyone she met. Mary is survived by her children, Anthony and Elizabeth Roehrich, her grandson Andrew, granddaughter India, three great-grandchildren, and several siblings, while being preceded in death by her parents and several siblings. An active woman who loved driving and remained "on the go" until her final day, Mary had a special compassion for children and animals, and often reminisced about her peaceful years spent on her farm in Bethel.

Mary de Maria

Robert Allen Donnell

Robert Allen Donnell, 68, of Cincinnati, Ohio, passed away on Sunday, June 1, 2025. Born on October 3, 1956, in Natrona Heights, Pennsylvania, his 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's website. Walker Funeral Home and Crematory is handling arrangements for the Donnell family.

Robert Allen Donnell
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