Good morning, Clermont County. Talk about impressive brain power! Thirty-nine local seniors have joined the elite ranks of National Merit Scholarship semifinalists, placing them among the top 1% of U.S. high school students. Mason High School alone contributed 20 of these academic standouts, who now stand poised to compete for finalist status and their share of nearly $26 million in scholarship funds come February.
In other local triumphs, Lebanon chef James Blythe showcased his culinary creativity at the "Diced in Dayton" competition, winning with a corn tamale filled with shredded turkey. Meanwhile, budget-conscious shoppers can celebrate a rare bit of grocery relief as egg prices have plummeted 23%. The smart shopping strategy? Hit Meijer for the best overall value, while strategically selecting specific items from Walmart, Kroger, and Aldi to maximize your savings during these inflation-challenged times.
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0%☕️ What's Brewing Locally
🎓 Thirty-nine local seniors join elite National Merit Scholarship ranks. Students from Butler and Warren counties, including 20 from Mason High School, were named semifinalists in the prestigious program. This recognition places them among the top 1% of U.S. high school seniors based on their PSAT scores. About 15,000 semifinalists will advance to finalist status in February, qualifying them for scholarships worth nearly $26 million. School principals praised these exceptional students not just for their academic achievements but also for their leadership and contributions to their communities.
🍳 Lebanon chef wins 'Diced in Dayton' cooking competition showdown. Chef James Blythe from Otterbein SeniorLife emerged victorious in Miami Valley Meals' food challenge, defeating 12 other local chefs. Competitors received mystery boxes of ingredients, with Blythe impressing judges with his corn tamale filled with shredded turkey and wrapped in fresh corn husk. The competition, similar to the TV show "Chopped," raised nearly $69,000 for the nonprofit's mission of preparing meals for the hungry throughout Dayton. The event even featured composting stations that diverted 365 pounds of waste from landfills.
🛒 Grocery relief arrives as egg prices plummet 23%. A 16-week price tracking study of five staple items across major retailers shows mixed results for budget-conscious shoppers. While eggs ($0.88 decrease) and bread ($0.20 decrease) have become significantly cheaper, ground beef and milk prices continue to climb steadily. Meijer emerged as the overall value leader with the lowest average basket price of $16.02, followed by Walmart ($16.75), Kroger ($17.67), and Aldi ($17.99). Shoppers can maximize savings by strategically choosing where to buy each item: Walmart for consistency, Kroger for digital deals, and Aldi for the cheapest bread.
🏡 Real Estate Reveals
Country ranch needs TLC: This $239,900 ranch offers three bedrooms, one bath, and nearly half an acre with a pole barn, while inside features an updated kitchen, newer essentials, and stylish flooring throughout—sold as is.
Single-level haven with storage: This charming $216,000 Amelia home offers single-level living with two bedrooms, hardwood floors, and fresh paint, all situated on a generous lot with deck and bonus storage building.
Renovation gem needs TLC: Priced at $160,000, this 3-bedroom, 2-bath home on a 1.5-acre lot needs cleanup and updates, but offers investors potential equity with a private setting and covered front porch. Cash preferred.🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla
💰 Financial Friday
Track your spending for a month to identify where your money is going; this can reveal areas where you can cut back and help you create a budget that aligns better with your financial goals.
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