🎆 Parade magic

Good morning, Clermont County. Red, white, and boom! Loveland is gearing up for an Independence Day celebration that puts the "grand" in Grand Marshal this Friday. The parade led by DVD Brew kicks off a day packed with patriotic festivities, from pie-eating contests to Uncle Sam lookalikes. With free parking shuttles running continuously, the historic districts will transform into a star-spangled playground culminating in evening entertainment that promises to light up Railroad Avenue before the night sky steals the show.

Meanwhile, UC Clermont is revolutionizing manufacturing education with a new paid internship program launching fall 2025. Students will trade classroom theory for factory floor experience through semester-long co-ops with industry leaders like Milacron and Nestle Purina. This hands-on approach mirrors the behind-the-scenes dedication of fireworks professionals like Michael Myers, whose meticulous planning creates those magical moments we enjoy while rarely considering the 2 AM cleanup that follows.

🌤 Sky Skoop

Loveland

69°

88°

Milford

69°

88°

Batavia

66°

87°

New Richmond

68°

88°

84%

Bethel

65°

88°

Williamsburg

66°

87°

Owensville

69°

88°

Felicity

65°

88°

Moscow

64°

87°

Neville

65°

88°

☕️ What's Brewing Locally

🎆 Loveland's Independence Day Celebration packs a patriotic punch this Friday. The parade, led by Grand Marshal DVD Brew, kicks off at 2 PM from Loveland Elementary School and winds through the historic districts. Free parking shuttles will run continuously from Loveland High School and Early Childhood Center, with food trucks, contests, and entertainment filling the day. Highlights include a children's pedal pull competition, pie eating contest, arm wrestling championship, and Uncle Sam look-alike contest, all culminating at the Railroad Avenue stage. The celebration features family-friendly activities including a scavenger hunt and children's dance party at 7:30 PM.

🏭 UC Clermont's manufacturing program introduces paid internships with local employers. Starting fall 2025, students will gain real-world experience through semester-long co-ops that bring classroom skills to life on manufacturing floors. The program prepares graduates for immediate employment as machinists, CNC programmers, and designers, with top employers including Milacron and Nestle Purina. Student Dorca Torres Figueroa praises the program's flexibility and hands-on learning, which allowed her to pursue her passion for design while balancing family responsibilities. The new initiative is made possible through the Cronin Career Scholars program, continuing UC's legacy as the birthplace of cooperative education.

💥 Behind Lima's fireworks show, one man makes magic happen. Michael Myers, a fireworks exhibitor since the 1990s, has overseen Lima's Star-Spangled Spectacular fireworks display since 2019. Working with Rozzi Fireworks, Myers manages a computer-choreographed show featuring over 1,300 shells ranging from 2.5 to 6 inches. Despite the spectacular results, Myers notes the job is physically demanding—requiring meticulous planning, hours of setup, and post-show cleanup that often stretches until 2 AM. Though many are attracted to the excitement of pyrotechnics, Myers reveals most people underestimate the labor involved, with many quitting after just a show or two.

Ranch Haven Near Schools: This charming Batavia Lakes ranch listed at $320,000 features three bedrooms with walk-in closets, an open floor plan with vaulted ceilings, and convenient location across from local schools.

Huge Milford House Great Price: Priced at $449,500, this 4-bed Milford home offers spacious bedrooms with walk-in closets, open-concept living, gas fireplace, and a partially finished basement that adds 900 square feet for a total of over 3400 square feet.

Spacious pool home modern living: Priced at $385,000, this remodeled home on a quiet dead-end street offers 2,633 sq ft of modern living space, including a primary suite, open basement, two-car garage, and half-acre lot with an inground pool ready for summer enjoyment.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

🍎 Jul. 3 - CNE Cares Food Distribution: CNE Cares hosts its Summer Distribution at 463 S Broadway St in Owensville on July 3. New families must enter data before registering, and please arrive after 4pm without blocking entrances.

🎲 Jul. 3 - Thursday Board Game Night: Roll the dice at Thursday Board Game Night at Time Warp Cards and Comics! Join special demos on July 3 - bring friends or meet new ones at 4601 Eastgate Blvd in Cincinnati.

🎆 Jul. 3 - Sparks In The Park: Celebrate America's birthday at Sparks In The Park! Groove to Dat Band at 7pm before dazzling fireworks light up Riverside Park at 10pm on July 3rd. The perfect patriotic evening!

🎆 Jul. 4 - Faith & Family Fireworks: Celebrate Independence Day with a bang at Goshen High School's 4th Annual July 4th community bash! Enjoy live music, food trucks, games, and a spectacular fireworks finale to light up the night.

🎭 Jul. 5 - Lori's Secret Party: The Cardboard Boat Museum hosts a private party on July 5th. While this gathering isn't open to the public, the unique venue on Front Street offers a creative backdrop for the exclusive celebration.

🎆 Jul. 5 - 4th Celebration at Bishops: Kick off Independence Day weekend with Woodside Church at the Bishops' celebration! Join the community festivities on Saturday, July 5 at 85 W Main St in Amelia for a star-spangled good time.

🙏 In Remembrance

Gregory A. Dean

Gregory A. Dean, a 70-year-old retired Deputy Sheriff, passed away on June 24, 2025, after serving 23 years with the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office and previously in the United States Air Force. He married his wife Deborah in 1996, and together they built a life filled with precious moments shared with their children and grandchildren. Gregory is preceded in death by his parents and will be honored with a celebration of life on July 10, 2025, at Arlington Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, including military honors at the graveside service.

Barbara Rae Falk

Barbara Rae Falk, born in Milwaukee in 1935, passed away peacefully on June 29, 2025, at age 89. She was the devoted wife of Pastor Verner "Bill" Falk for 56 years, a loving mother of four children, and grandmother to 13 grandchildren, with 8 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild. As a pastor's wife, Barbara was known for her deep Christian faith, compassionate spirit, and selfless service to her family, congregation, and community. An accomplished violinist who performed with various ensembles including the Cincinnati Civic Orchestra, she leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, music, and service.

Marcia Jean McKitric

Marcia Jean McKitric, 67, of Cincinnati, Ohio, passed away on June 29, 2025. Born on February 25, 1958, her visitation will be held on July 11, 2025, from 10:00-11:00 am at Lincoln Heights Missionary Baptist Church, followed immediately by the funeral service. Well-wishers can share memories on the "Tribute Wall" or send flowers through the funeral home's floral store. Walker Funeral Home and Crematory is assisting the McKitric family with arrangements.

Rosemary Huey

Rosemary (Egan) Huey, 95, passed away peacefully at home on June 25, 2025, surrounded by family. A proud Irish-American and talented pianist, she was married to the late Eugene Huey and was a devoted mother to seven children, with 18 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren. After raising her family in Cincinnati, she later earned her cosmetology license and generously offered her services to homebound friends. Known for her strength, humor, and positive attitude, Rosemary will be remembered through a Mass of Christian Burial at St. James Church on July 22, 2025.

Sister Karen Jeanne Hartman, SFP

Sister Karen Jeanne Hartman, SFP, passed away at age 89 on June 29, 2025, after a life dedicated to service and healing. Born in 1936 in Fort Wayne, Indiana, she joined the Franciscan Sisters of the Poor in 1951 and pursued nursing education, eventually earning advanced degrees in Nursing Administration and Theology. Throughout her life, Sister Karen served in various healthcare roles and later focused on spiritual healing, congregational ministries, and social justice causes, particularly supporting human trafficking victims and incarcerated women. Her life was characterized by prayer, gentleness, and dedication to God's will, which she maintained even through her final years with dementia.

Ricky Robinson

Ricky Robinson, age 72, of Cincinnati, Ohio, passed away on Saturday, June 28, 2025. Born on March 21, 1953, in Cincinnati, his visitation will be held on Saturday, July 19, 2025, from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm at the Walker Funeral Home - Walnut Hills Chapel, followed immediately by the funeral service. Family and friends are invited to gather to honor his memory and share remembrances. The Walker Funeral Home and Crematory is assisting the Robinson family during this difficult time.

Robert T. "TJ" Johnson

Robert T. "TJ" Johnson passed away on June 26, 2025, at age 78, survived by his wife Holly of 54 years, two sons, and several siblings. A veteran of the U.S. Air Force who served from 1965-1969, TJ worked as a sales engineer in the insulation business for 30 years. He was a devoted family man who coached baseball, loved his poodle Fluffy, enjoyed cooking, crafts, traveling, and was an avid Cincinnati sports fan. A Celebration of Life will be held on July 8 at T.P. White & Sons Funeral Home, followed by burial at Mt. Moriah Cemetery.

Timothy Shackelford

Timothy "Tim" Shackelford, 64, of West Harrison, IN, passed away on June 29, 2025, after sharing 45 years of marriage with his wife Leesha. He leaves behind two children, eight grandchildren, two brothers, and two sisters, while being preceded in death by his father and eldest brother. Known for his quick wit and ability to fix anything, Tim enjoyed tinkering, outdoor activities, and spending time with his brothers. His funeral service will be held on July 3, 2025, at Webster Funeral Home with Pastor Mike Shackelford officiating, followed by a private burial at Arlington Memorial Gardens.

James Keith Walker

James Keith Walker, 62, of Cincinnati, Ohio, passed away on June 23, 2025. Born on January 29, 1963, he will be remembered during a visitation service on July 3, 2025, from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm at the Walker Event Center, followed by interment at Vine Street Hill Cemetery. The Walker Funeral Home and Crematory is handling arrangements, with memories and condolences welcomed on the online tribute wall. Family and friends will gather to honor his memory and legacy.

Charles Robert Matthews, Sr.

Charles Robert Matthews, Sr., a 93-year-old Korean War Navy veteran, passed away on June 29, 2025. He was a devoted husband to the late Wanda Carol Matthews and a loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather to his extended family. Beyond his military service, Charles worked as a missionary with the Lakota Sioux in South Dakota and in the Appalachians, and enjoyed hobbies including shooting, Indian bead work, fishing, and crab catching. His funeral service will be held at Life Change Church in Milford, Ohio on July 7, 2025, with interment to follow at Pierce Township Cemetery, and the family requests memorial contributions to the Wounded Warrior Foundation in lieu of flowers.

Karla Maria Theilman

Karla Maria Theilman, 86, passed away on June 25, 2025, after a life that began in Danzig (now Gdansk, Poland) during World War II and led to her immigration to the United States in 1957. She married her husband Marv at age 20, with whom she shared over 65 years of marriage while raising three children and enjoying relationships with seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. A University of Cincinnati-educated interior designer with modeling experience, Karla worked as a bookkeeper in the family's mobile home business and was known for her cooking skills, particularly her fish-fries. Services will be held on July 8, 2025, at Evans Funeral Home in Milford, followed by burial at Evergreen Cemetery.

Marc Orren Stout

Marc O. Stout, aged 70, passed away on June 30, 2025, in Cincinnati. He is survived by his wife Mary "Betsy" Luken-Stout, his mother Natalie, brother Charles "Chuck" Stout, and his nephews Alexander and Andrew. A Celebration of Life will be held on July 3 from 5:00-8:00 PM at Element Eatery in Cincinnati. The family requests that instead of flowers, memorial contributions be made to the SPCA Cincinnati.

Gregory Talbert Wright

Gregory Talbert Wright, 72, of Cincinnati, Ohio, passed away on Saturday, June 28, 2025. Born on April 17, 1953, in Cincinnati, a memorial service will be held on July 12, 2025, at the Walker Funeral Home - Walnut Hills Chapel, with gathering of family and friends beginning at 10:30 am followed by the service at 11:00 am. Well-wishers can share memories on the online Tribute Wall, and Walker Funeral Home and Crematory is handling arrangements.

Eugene Andrew Pierce

Eugene "Gene" Andrew Pierce passed away peacefully on June 27th at age 94, having been preceded in death by his wife JoAnn and daughter Lisa. He leaves behind four children, four grandchildren, and a legacy of service as a Naval Reserve member and tool and dye engineer at Schulte Brass Corporation for over 30 years. After retirement, Gene enjoyed golf, gardening, reading, and traveling with his wife, while also sharing his remarkable talent for building and fixing things with his family. A private service will be held on July 2nd at Mason Christian Village Stone Center, followed by burial at Gate of Heaven Cemetery.

Annabelle Walden

Annabelle Walden, 91, passed away peacefully on June 28, 2025, after a life dedicated to family, faith, and community service. For over 30 years, she worked as a school secretary for the St. Bernard/Elmwood Place School District after earning her Bachelor's Degree in Urban Administration from the University of Cincinnati. A devout member of the Central Parkway Church of God and talented pianist, Annabelle is survived by her daughter Anita, 10 grandchildren, and 3 great-grandchildren, while being preceded in death by her husband Arthur, parents, and son Charles. Her celebration of life will be held on July 11th, 2025, at Arlington Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, where attendees are requested to wear pink in her honor.

Darlene Young

Darlene Young, 67, of Cincinnati, Ohio, passed away on Wednesday, June 25, 2025. Born on December 8, 1957, in Cincinnati, no immediate funeral or memorial service has been planned, though the family will notify loved ones when a service is scheduled. Well-wishers can share memories and messages for the Young family on the "Tribute Wall." Walker Funeral Home and Crematory is assisting the family during this time.

Jessie Mae Railey

Jessie Mae Railey, 88, of Cincinnati, Ohio, passed away on Saturday, June 28, 2025. Born on August 21, 1936, in Apex, North Carolina, she will be remembered during a visitation and funeral service on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at Walker Funeral Home in Mt. Healthy. The visitation will be held from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm, followed immediately by the funeral service. Friends and family are invited to share memories and support one another as they honor Jessie's legacy.

George Brown

George Brown, 91, of Cincinnati, Ohio, passed away on June 29, 2025. Born on January 26, 1934, in Montgomery, Alabama, he will be remembered in a visitation and funeral service on July 8, 2025, at Greater St. John AME Zion Church, followed by interment at Spring Grove Cemetery. Friends and family are invited to share memories and find comfort together as they honor his legacy. Walker Funeral Home and Crematory is assisting the Brown family with arrangements.

John Jacob Pfeiffer

John Jacob Pfeiffer, who passed away at 96 on June 26, 2025, was the first American-born member of his family and had a distinguished career at the U.S. Treasury Department. Beyond his professional life, he was an avid sport fisherman, competitive shooter, and aviation enthusiast who once held a private pilot's license. John was a devoted family man who raised his family in White Oak, Cincinnati, leaving behind three children, eight grandchildren, and one great-grandson. His Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Andrew Catholic Church on July 2, 2025, followed by burial at Old St. Joseph Cemetery.