Home / Newsletters / Ohio / Hamilton County / June 25, 2025

📻 Radio legend legacy

Hamilton County • June 25, 2025

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Good morning, Hamilton County. Cincinnati's hospitality landscape faces a shift as plans for the new convention hotel downsize by 100 rooms, sparking Commissioner Alicia Reece's vocal disappointment. The reduction comes at a pivotal moment when the rehabilitated Duke Energy Convention Center has begun booking events, potentially limiting the city's ability to host larger gatherings just as momentum builds for Cincinnati's convention business.

In brighter news, the community prepares to celebrate the extraordinary legacy of radio legend Jim Scott this Saturday at Mount St. Joseph University. The beloved morning host, who dominated Cincinnati airwaves for nearly 50 years before his passing from ALS last year, will be honored through music and memories while raising funds for ALS patients. Meanwhile, the University of Cincinnati has issued its Statement of Commitment to free speech principles in response to Ohio's new higher education legislation, pledging "free, open, and rigorous intellectual inquiry" across campus.

🌤 Sky Skoop

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☕️ What's Brewing Locally

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🏨 Cincinnati's convention hotel downsizing sparks commissioner's outrage. Hamilton County Commissioner Alicia Reece has expressed disappointment over plans to reduce the new downtown Cincinnati headquarters hotel by 100 rooms from its original design. The hotel, which will be located across from the Duke Energy Convention Center, recently had updated financing plans and opening dates released. This downsizing comes as the convention center itself has been rehabilitated and has begun booking events. The reduced capacity could potentially impact the city's ability to host larger conventions and events in the future.

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🎙️ Cincinnati bids farewell to beloved radio legend Jim Scott. A tribute concert this Saturday will honor the popular morning host who died from ALS last year at age 81. Scott was a Cincinnati radio staple for nearly 50 years, holding the #1 morning show spot across multiple decades until his 2015 retirement. Known for his community involvement, he frequently emceed charity events and even broke Theodore Roosevelt's handshaking record in 1977. The "Celebration of Jim Scott" at Mount St. Joseph University will feature music and memories while raising funds for ALS patients.

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📚 Ohio law compels universities to commit to free speech principles. The University of Cincinnati has issued a Statement of Commitment in response to the "Advance Ohio Higher Education Act" signed by Governor DeWine in March 2025. The university pledges to educate students through "free, open, and rigorous intellectual inquiry" while treating all community members equally regardless of background. UC must create a searchable database of speaker fees exceeding $500 by December 2025 and publicly post all undergraduate course syllabi beginning in the 2026-27 academic year. The law takes effect June 27, 2025.

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🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

🍻 Jun. 25 - $2 Draft Happy Hour: Unwind at Happy Hour on Madison Road with wallet-friendly $2 drafts every Monday through Friday! Stop by 1526 Madison Rd in Cincinnati on June 25 for after-work refreshment and good company.
👗 Jun. 26 - Barbie: Cultural Icon Preview: Step into the plastic-fantastic world of Barbie at Cincinnati Museum Center's newest exhibition! "Barbie: A Cultural Icon" celebrates 66 years of fashion and inspiration on June 26 at 1301 Western Ave.
🇬🇷 Jun. 27 - Panegyri Greek Festival: Celebrate half a century of Greek culture at the 50th Annual Panegyri Greek Festival! Savor homemade dishes and enjoy live music on June 27 at 7000 Winton Rd, Cincinnati. Opa!
🎨 Jun. 27 - Final Friday Art Walk: Celebrate art and community at Final Friday in Over the Rhine! Explore local artists' work at Pendleton Art Center and support neighborhood businesses on June 27 from 5-9pm at 1200 Vine St.
🏊 Jun. 27 - Friday Swim Camp: Join us for Friday's Session 5 at Powel Crosley YMCA! Volunteer swimmers build special bonds with campers from 1:00-2:00pm on June 27. We encourage full 5-day commitment for the best experience.
🏳️‍🌈 Jun. 28 - Cincinnati Pride Parade: Join the Episcopal Church at Cincinnati Pride on June 28! March in the 11am parade, then celebrate at the festival from noon to 9pm at Sawyer Point Park along the scenic Ohio River.
🍺 Jun. 28 - $4 Guinness Happy Hour: Cheers to affordable pints! Enjoy $4 Guinness all day, every day at The Pitch (1430 Central Pkwy, Cincinnati). Stop by June 28th for happy hour vibes in this neighborhood favorite.
🩸 Jun. 28 - Playhouse Blood Drive: Be a lifesaver at Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park's Blood Drive! Stop by 962 Mt Adams Circle on June 28 and donate with Hoxworth Blood Center to support your community's vital needs.

🙏 In Remembrance

Albert Gundrum

Albert William Gundrum, 87, passed away on June 20, 2025, leaving behind his wife Loretta and a large loving family. A graduate of Colerain High School and Xavier University, he had a distinguished career as a teacher and basketball coach, with achievements including playing on Xavier's 1958 NIT championship team and being inducted into the Greater Cincinnati Basketball Hall of Fame in 2023. Beyond his professional accomplishments, he was known for his positive impact on students and players, many of whom maintained contact with him throughout his life. Albert enjoyed spending time with family, attending Xavier basketball games, and boating at Indian Lake despite mobility limitations in his later years.

Albert Gundrum

Bridgett Tonita Crossty

Bridgett Tonita Crossty, 57, of Cincinnati, Ohio, passed away on Thursday, June 19, 2025. Born on September 18, 1967, her memorial service will be held on July 17, 2025, at Walker Funeral Home - Walnut Hills Chapel, with a gathering from 2:00-2:30 pm followed by the service. Family and friends will come together to honor her memory and find comfort in each other's company. Walker Funeral Home and Crematory is handling the arrangements, and those wishing to express condolences may visit the online Tribute Wall or send flowers.

Bridgett Tonita Crossty

Katheryn Willene Carmichael

Katheryn Willene Carmichael, born on June 9, 1938, in Richwood, West Virginia, passed away on June 19, 2025, at age 87. She was the wife of the late Pastor Lenn J. Carmichael for over 62 years, mother to Stephen and Ruth, grandmother of five, and great-grandmother of two. Throughout her life, she faithfully served alongside her husband at five different churches as a pianist, secretary, and confidant. Her passion for music extended to teaching piano for 19 years to over 50 students, including her granddaughters, and she enjoyed attending cultural events with family and friends.

Katheryn Willene Carmichael

Sandra L. Hill

Sandra L. Hill, 90, passed away on June 23, 2025, and was preceded in death by her husband William E. Hill, her parents, and her brother. A graduate of Ohio State University, Sandie taught in the Hamilton County Head Start Program for 25 years and continued as a substitute teacher after retirement. Known for her friendly demeanor and love of jazz music, she was also passionate about animal rescue and supported numerous organizations. Sandie was an active resident at Larchwood independent Living in College Hill, where she formed many cherished friendships.

Sandra L. Hill

Laurence Mandell

Laurence "Larry" Mandell, 78, passed away on June 23, 2025, leaving behind his wife Debra, four children, and two grandchildren. Born in Cincinnati on July 8, 1946, to Aaron and Yetta Mandell, Larry worked as a software developer and product manager throughout his career before retiring in his beloved hometown. He was a devoted family man who treasured time with his loved ones and remained a loyal Cincinnati Bengals and Reds fan. A graveside service will be held on June 27 at United Jewish Cemetery Loveland, with the family requesting donations to the American Heart Association in lieu of flowers.

Laurence Mandell

Jessica Renee Finn-Stenson

Jessica Renee Finn-Stenson, 44, of Cincinnati, Ohio, passed away on Sunday, June 22, 2025. Born on January 4, 1981, in Cincinnati, she will be remembered during a gathering of family and friends on Friday, July 11, 2025, from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm at Walker Funeral Home - Walnut Hills Chapel, followed by a memorial service. The Walker Funeral Home and Crematory is assisting the Finn-Stenson family during this difficult time. Well-wishers may share memories on the online Tribute Wall or send flowers in her memory.

Jessica Renee Finn-Stenson

Robert W. "Bob" Lierman

Robert W. Lierman, born in 1944 in Cincinnati, Ohio, passed away on June 23, 2025, leaving a legacy of dedication to both family and community. As a Police Sergeant, mechanic, and business owner, he demonstrated vocational excellence, notably helping establish the Cincinnati Police Mounted Patrol Unit and planning security for high-profile individuals. Known for his warmth, humor, and readiness to help others, Bob cherished family gatherings and simple pleasures like breakfast outings. He is survived by his wife Dorothy, two children, five grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and his siblings, with memorial services scheduled for July 3, 2025, in Cincinnati.

Bryan Erion

Bryan Erion, an 86-year-old resident of Green Hills and former Vice President of McSwain Carpet Company, passed away peacefully at home on June 21, 2025. After graduating from Dixie Heights High School, he served in the United States Navy and worked in Crime Prevention in Arizona before returning to Cincinnati. He was a beloved husband, father to three children, stepfather to five, grandfather to seven, and great-grandfather to five. Visitation and Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. John Neumann Catholic Church on June 26, followed by Military Honors.

Bryan Erion

Joshua Darnell Ellis Jr.

Joshua Darnell Ellis Jr., a 5-month-old infant from Cincinnati, Ohio, passed away on June 18, 2025, after being born on January 16, 2025. A visitation will be held on July 9, 2025, from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm at Walker Funeral Home's Walnut Hills Chapel, followed immediately by the funeral service at 3:00 pm. Family and friends are invited to gather to honor Joshua's memory and support each other during this difficult time. The Walker Funeral Home and Crematory is managing arrangements, and those wishing to express condolences can do so through the online "Tribute Wall."

Joshua Darnell Ellis Jr.

Pamela Denise McCall

The provided text appears to be only a small fragment of an obituary, specifically the concluding section that indicates the family's preference for prayers rather than flowers in memory of Pamela Denise McCall. It mentions an option to send flowers or plant a tree through a floral store if desired. This fragment does not contain any biographical information about Pamela, her life achievements, surviving family members, or details about her passing. Without additional information, a complete summary of the obituary cannot be provided.

Pamela Denise McCall

Donald August Marangoni

Donald August Marangoni, aged 83, of Cincinnati, Ohio, passed away on Friday, June 20, 2025. Born on November 2, 1941, in Bessemer, Pennsylvania, he will be remembered during a visitation and funeral service on Thursday, June 26, 2025, at the People's Church in Cincinnati. Following the service, he will be interred at Crown Hill Cemetery in Centerville, Indiana. Walker Funeral Home and Crematory is handling arrangements for the Marangoni family during this difficult time.

Donald August Marangoni

Robert F. "Bob" Ferguson

Robert "Bob" Fielden Ferguson, 86, passed away unexpectedly at home on June 20, 2025. He was the husband of the late Carol Sue Ferguson for 53 years, and is survived by his daughter Robin, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Born in Knoxville, TN and raised in Cincinnati, Bob served in the Air Force as a radar repairman before working in retail management. In retirement, he enjoyed traveling in an RV with his wife, spending winters in Florida, reading, and golfing.

Robert F. Bob Ferguson

Sandra Silbermann

Sandra Silbermann, née Cohen, passed away at the age of 92 on June 22, 2025, in Cincinnati. She was the beloved wife of the late Harry G. Silbermann and devoted mother to four children, including the late Beth McDonald. Sandra is survived by three children, several grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and was predeceased by her siblings Charlotte Metz and Leonard Cohen. Services will be held at Weil Kahn Funeral Home on Thursday, June 26, with the family requesting memorial contributions to the American Heart Association or Alzheimer's Association in lieu of flowers.

Sandra Silbermann

Joe Schmitz

William Joseph "Joe" Schmitz, 62, of Cincinnati, Ohio, passed away on June 22, 2025. He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Celeste, their children Madison and Adam, his brother David, sister Kristin, grandson Tristan, and numerous other family members and friends. Joe was an Eagle Scout and Scout Master for Troop 828, a music enthusiast known for his record collection, and was honored as a Kentucky Colonel. He worked at Procter & Gamble where he was affectionately called "Superman" and took joy in his role as "Pop-Pop" to his grandson.

Joe Schmitz

Raymond C. Ott

Raymond C. Ott, born on June 26, 1935, passed away peacefully on June 21, 2025, at age 89, surrounded by family. A US Air Force veteran and Cincinnati Gas and Electric employee, Raymond was known for his kindness and generous spirit. He was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Marlene, and is survived by his three daughters, five grandchildren, and extended family. Raymond was an active member of St. Ann Church, enjoyed golfing at Hartwell Country Club, and loved beach vacations and cruises with his family.

Raymond C. Ott

GARY NIEMEYER

Gary E. Niemeyer, 94, passed away on June 19, 2025, at his home in Harrison, Ohio. Born in 1931 in Kentucky, he owned an insurance agency in Harrison from 1964 to 1987 and was also a licensed real estate agent. Gary was actively involved in his community through civic organizations and sports partnerships, providing insurance coverage for many local residents, businesses, and institutions. He is survived by his daughter, son, grandchildren, and partner Mary Stepp, with a private burial planned at Highland Cemetery.

GARY NIEMEYER

Sandra Lynn Smock

Sandra Lynn Smock, born October 23, 1946, in Cincinnati, Ohio, passed away peacefully on June 20, 2025, at age 78. She was a devoted wife of 35 years to Raymond G. Smock, loving mother to Paul and Doug Wigginton, and proud grandmother to Brandon Wigginton. Sandra dedicated her career to the U.S. Postal Service as a clerk, where she was known for her patient demeanor and genuine care for customers. Family was her greatest joy, and she leaves behind a legacy of love that will be celebrated during a visitation at Frederick Funeral Home on June 27, 2025.

Sandra Lynn Smock
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