🏨 Skyline makeover

Good morning, Clermont County. Downtown Cincinnati's skyline isn't the only thing transforming these days. The vacant Otte building on Fourth Street is getting a $17 million makeover into a boutique hotel, thanks to Blue Suede Hospitality Group securing crucial tax credits. This revitalization project joins several others breathing new life into the urban core, creating spaces where history meets modern hospitality in the heart of the Queen City.

Meanwhile, postal services are becoming harder to find as USPS shutters contract units across Greater Cincinnati. Local business owners like Tim Cable are puzzled by the decision, noting his Mariemont Ace Hardware location serves 75 customers daily. In transportation news, a different kind of delivery made headlines when three teenagers led police on a wild 90 mph chase on I-75 early Thursday morning, ending with a crash in Roselawn and pending charges for the 18-year-old driver.

🌤 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

🏨 Historic downtown building gets $17 million makeover into boutique hotel. Blue Suede Hospitality Group secured additional tax credits for their transformation of the vacant Otte building on Fourth Street. The financing represents a crucial step forward for the ambitious conversion project in Cincinnati's urban core. This development joins several other hospitality and apartment projects currently underway in the downtown area, contributing to ongoing revitalization efforts.

📬 USPS shutters postal units across Greater Cincinnati, puzzling retailers. Tim Cable, owner of Ace Hardware stores, was notified his Mariemont postal unit will close September 30 despite serving 75 customers daily. The closures affect multiple locations including units in Deer Park and potentially at Meijer, forcing residents to travel farther for postal services. While officials claim nearby post offices can serve these communities, business owners argue contract units actually save the postal service money by eliminating labor costs. Rep. Greg Landsman says his team is working to preserve these services for Southwest Ohio residents.

🚗 Teen driver crashes after wild 90 mph police chase on I-75. Three teenagers fled a traffic stop in Lockland, Ohio, when police spotted their car driving without lights early Thursday morning. Officers pursued the sedan onto Interstate 75 but terminated the chase when speeds exceeded 90 mph. The vehicle later crashed in Cincinnati's Roselawn neighborhood, leaving the 18-year-old driver and 15-year-old passenger with non-life-threatening injuries. Police confirmed the car was not stolen and charges are pending against the driver.

Updated home multiple living spaces: This $399,000 home boasts new stainless steel appliances, white cabinets, granite countertops, bathrooms, flooring, windows, and fresh paint throughout, with multiple living spaces offering flexibility and extensive storage.

Upscale multilevel family haven: This stylish $450,000 home on a quiet cul-de-sac features an open-concept layout with a first-floor primary suite, gourmet kitchen with quartz countertops, and a flexible floorplan offering 4-5 bedrooms and 3.5 baths across three levels.

Creek view modern stunner: Priced at $389,900, this 3-bedroom home offers modern features including vaulted ceilings, a gourmet kitchen with black stainless appliances, and a private setting that backs up to a creek.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

🎆 Jul. 4 - Unity Community Celebration: Celebrate unity under summer skies at 2141 OH-125 in Amelia! Enjoy camping, fishing, games, and fireworks on July 4th, with The Freemans bringing gospel tunes on July 5th at 7pm.

🎆 Jul. 4 - Faith & Family Fireworks Celebration: Celebrate Independence Day with a bang at Goshen High School's 4th Annual July 4th 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 gathering on July 5th at their charming New Richmond location. While this event isn't open to the public, check out Lori's Secret for more upcoming community happenings!

🎆 Jul. 5 - Bishops' Independence Day Bash: Kick off Independence Day weekend with neighbors at the Bishops' celebration! Join Woodside Church for community fun and festivities on Saturday, July 5 at 85 W Main St in Amelia.

💰 Financial Friday

Investing in yourself through education or skill development can yield significant returns in the long run; whether it’s taking a course related to your career or learning a new hobby, the knowledge gained can enhance your employability and overall satisfaction in life.

🙏 In Remembrance

Andrew William Alexander

Andrew William Alexander, 67, of Cincinnati, Ohio, passed away on June 26, 2025. Born on November 28, 1957, he will be remembered through a visitation and funeral service on July 19, 2025, at the Walker Event Center. Family and friends will gather to honor his memory and share stories of his life. Walker Funeral Home and Crematory is handling arrangements, with options available for leaving tributes and sending flowers.

Robert L. Drake

Robert L. Drake, 77, passed away peacefully at his home in Sardinia, Ohio on June 27, 2025. Known for his caring and generous spirit, he dedicated his life to helping others through volunteer work, while also pursuing interests in genealogy and hobby farming. Professionally, he worked as a Motor Repair Technician at Wheatley Electric and was proud of building two homes entirely by himself. Robert is survived by his siblings Richard, James, and Joyce, along with numerous nieces and nephews, while being preceded in death by his parents, wife Beverly, fiancée Annie, sister Nancy, and niece Mary Helen.

Timothy Thomas LaPille

Timothy Thomas LaPille, known as "Tattoo," was born on January 21, 1960, in Cincinnati, Ohio, and passed away suddenly on June 27, 2025, in the same city. A "Scrapper" from Cincinnati's West side, Timothy is survived by his siblings Lisa and Don Osbourn and Christopher LaPille, along with several nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Martha and Stephen LaPille, Jr., his siblings Stephanie Ivey and Stephen LaPille III, his nephew Gary Pollman, Jr., and his lifelong friend "Bird Dog." No services will be held, but memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association.

Maggie A Clayton

Based on the provided text, this appears to be a brief condolence message rather than a complete obituary. The text shows Larry and Sharon Steele expressing their condolences to the Clayton family on July 2, 2025. There is insufficient information to create a 4-5 sentence summary of an obituary, as details about the deceased person's life, death, survivors, and funeral arrangements are missing.

Douglas Dillon

Douglas K. Dillon, 69, of Montgomery, Ohio, passed away on June 23, 2025, at Bethesda North Hospital. He was a dedicated educator with the Lakota Local School District, known for his profound impact on students. Mr. Dillon, son of the late Paul and Ruth Dillon, maintained a strong faith and was a longstanding member of Evergreen Presbyterian Church. Though never married, his life was defined by compassion and responsibility toward others, leaving behind a legacy of quiet integrity and steadfast character that will be remembered by family, friends, and the community.

Kevin C Smith

This isn't an obituary that I can meaningfully summarize. It appears to be a brief condolence message from someone named Eric dated July 2, 2025, expressing sympathy with the phrase "So sorry for your lost" (which contains a grammatical error - it should be "loss" rather than "lost"). There isn't enough information about the deceased person to create a proper obituary summary.

Mary Jean Boland

Mary Jean "Jean" Boland, born July 2, 1930, in Cincinnati, Ohio, passed away on June 27, 2025, at nearly 95 years of age. As a devoted homemaker, she raised seven children and cherished her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Jean enjoyed supporting Cincinnati sports teams, gardening, and decorating her home, and was known for opening her heart and home to care for others' children. A devout Catholic and member of St. Ann Church, Jean will be remembered for her warmth, compassion, and the loving legacy she leaves behind.

Elizabeth Carter

Elizabeth "Libby" Carter (1938-2025) passed away on June 29, surrounded by her loving family. After growing up in Kentucky, she moved to Cincinnati in 1954 when she married her first husband McKinley Pace, and later married Gregory Carter in 1980, who preceded her in death in 2018. She worked various jobs before becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse in 1975, a profession that reflected her caring nature. A devoted mother to ten children and grandmother to many, Libby was known for her sassy humor, love of music, and generous hospitality, leaving behind a large family including siblings, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Peggy Anne Ernst

Peggy Anne Ernst (née Ruark) passed away on June 19, 2025, at age 65, surrounded by family. She is survived by her children Courtney and Drew, three grandchildren, three siblings, and extended family. Peggy considered motherhood her greatest accomplishment, making sacrifices for her children and delighting in her grandchildren. She was passionate about Cincinnati Reds baseball, enjoyed peaceful moments on her porch listening to music, and was known for her warm, friendly spirit that touched many lives.

Helen P. Lahmann

Helen P. Lahmann, 94, passed away on June 28, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of resilience and determination that characterized her life. Born in San Diego in 1931, Helen worked in the jewelry industry while maintaining her passions for crafting, roller skating, and her strong faith. She was a proud Navy mother married to a WWII veteran and is survived by four children, 17 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren who will miss her famous tortilla recipe and infectious laughter. A graveside service will be held on July 2, 2025, at Arlington Memorial Gardens to celebrate Helen's remarkable life and the lasting impact she had on those who knew her.

Nancy Lynn Futrell

Nancy Lynn Futrell, a 76-year-old former teacher and talented seamstress from Attica, Ohio, passed away on June 22, 2025, surrounded by family. Born in 1948 to Mary Alice and Robert Charles Cahill, she grew up with five brothers and later married Thomas Joseph Futrell, with whom she built a loving home. Nancy was a devoted mother to three children and a cherished grandmother to five grandchildren, who were the source of her greatest joy. Her legacy of quiet strength, service to others, and unwavering love for her family will be remembered through her teaching career and the many handmade quilts and garments she lovingly created for those she cared about.

Margie L. Parish

Margie L. Parish, 83, passed away on June 27, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of compassion and service. As a devoted Catholic and longtime Eucharistic Minister at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, she chaired the annual festival and led numerous fundraising efforts. Margie was a passionate animal advocate who dedicated herself to helping abused and abandoned cats and dogs. An avid tennis player and golfer, she approached life with energy and warmth, touching countless lives with her kindness and welcoming spirit.

Juneann C. Tanner

Juneann C. Tanner passed away on June 29, 2025, at age 67 after battling breast cancer for seven years. Known for her infectious smile and friendly demeanor as a cashier at Sharonville Car Wash, June was deeply devoted to her family, including her spouse Thomas, four children, twelve grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. She enjoyed simple pleasures like watching Cincinnati sports teams, visiting Graceland, and spending time with her mother in Bronson, Missouri. Family and friends are invited to honor her memory at Arlington Memorial Gardens Funeral Home on an unspecified date, where her legacy of joy and unyielding love will be celebrated.

Joseph Lee Sims

Joseph Lee Sims, 43, of Cincinnati, Ohio, passed away on June 29, 2025, in Hamilton, Ohio. Born on March 16, 1982, in Cincinnati, Joseph's services will be held privately. The Sims family invites friends and loved ones to share memories on the online "Tribute Wall." Walker Funeral Home and Crematory is handling arrangements, with additional information available on their website or by phone.