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🏛️ Billion dollar blueprint

Montgomery County • April 4, 2025

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Good morning, Montgomery County. Dayton's architectural prowess has quietly built an empire, with local firms generating a staggering $1 billion in revenue while employing hundreds of skilled professionals. CESO Inc. leads the pack of these design powerhouses, many of which have been shaping our skyline for generations—Woolpert Inc. has been drafting our community's future since Woodrow Wilson was president!

Meanwhile, contrasting stories of human struggle and legal decisions are unfolding around us. Haitian immigrants face an approaching April deadline that could force them back to gang-controlled territories they fled, with many expressing fear for their lives if deported. And community conversations continue following a grand jury's decision not to indict officers involved in a teen's shooting death, as residents and officials alike search for paths toward improved safety and understanding.

🌤 Sky Skoop

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☕️ What's Brewing Locally

Brewing Locally Image

🏗️ Dayton's architectural firms generate over $1 billion in revenue. The Dayton Business Journal's new Architectural Firms list reveals that local firms reported $68.4 million in local billings while employing more than 50 local architects and 670 workers. CESO Inc. tops the ranking of Dayton's largest architectural firms, followed by JPA Architecture and Levin Porter Architects. The list features firms with impressive longevity, including Woolpert Inc. founded in 1911, with industry leaders noting challenges like increasing material costs and regulatory changes ahead.

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🌍 Haitian immigrants in Dayton face deportation into deadly gang violence. The suspension of the Humanitarian Parole Program has left thousands of Haitians with an April 24 deadline to correct their status or self-deport. Three immigrants—Wesley Joseph, Jean Roma Bartolomey, and Roudechel Charpentier—fear returning to Haiti where gangs control 85% of the capital and have threatened returning deportees. "If I go back, I am dead," says Charpentier, whose temporary protected status application remains pending while his ability to work and study hangs in the balance. Despite their uncertain futures, all three continue working and studying, hoping for asylum or alternative options.

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⚖️ Dayton grand jury declines to indict officers in teen's shooting death. The decision not to charge two officers who fatally shot 16-year-old Brian Moody has sparked outrage among community members seeking accountability. Residents like Shondale Atkinson and Pastor Carrlo Heard expressed concerns about police transparency and the "systemic devaluation of Black lives." While Dayton officials are initiating a violence interruption program, community organizers remain skeptical and are developing their own youth safety training programs. Residents are calling for improved cultural awareness training for police to reduce deadly interactions with Black community members.

Read more

🏡 Real Estate Reveals

Real estate listing image Fixer-upper near everything desirable: This Centerville condo at $140,000 offers 2-bed, 2-bath living with an oversized garage, though it needs work—a blank canvas with potential in a desirable area near schools and shopping.
Real estate listing image Spacious ranch near everything: Priced at $390,000, this sprawling ranch-style home in Washington Township offers an ideal floor plan for entertaining, with a spacious lower level that could serve as a man cave or cinema, all moments from highways and shopping.
Real estate listing image Modern Kettering gem with gardens: This Kettering home, carefully maintained for 18 years, offers modern updates throughout, temperature-controlled Florida room, and fenced yard with gardens for $339,000.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

🗣️ Apr. 5 - MCDP Activist Symposium: Energize your activism at the Montgomery County Dems Symposium! Join volunteers, candidates, and officials for essential training at UFCW 75 on April 5th. Learn from local leaders and get mobilized!
🐰 Apr. 05 - Epic Easter Egg Hunt: Hop over to Austin Landing for "Oh, Hoppy Day!" on April 5! Enjoy 35,000 Easter eggs, bunny photos, petting zoo, face painting, and golden egg prizes at this completely FREE family extravaganza.
🌱 Apr. 5 - Trusting God's Fruitful Plan: "Barren to Fruitful" invites you to discover how to trust God during life's challenging seasons. Join this uplifting exploration on April 5 at 7037 N Union Rd, Clayton, where faith meets your difficult times.
👕 Apr. 6 - Ohio Vintage Fest Dayton: Treasure hunters rejoice! Ohio Vintage Fest makes its Dayton debut at the Convention Center on April 6th. Browse nostalgic finds and retro gems from noon to 5pm at this celebrated vintage marketplace.
🍔 Apr. 6 - Dayton Burger Fest Rally: Sink your teeth into summer at Dayton Burger Fest! Join the Food Truck Rally at 905 E 3rd St on April 6, where sizzling burgers and brunch favorites await from 11am to 3pm.
🎬 Apr. 6 - Crafty Cinema Charity Event: Join the Savage Stitcher at The Neon for Crafty Cinema for a Cause on April 6! Spend an afternoon blending creativity and entertainment while supporting a good cause in downtown Dayton.

💰 Financial Friday

Consider setting aside at least three to six months' worth of living expenses in an easily accessible savings account to create a financial safety net; this cushion can provide peace of mind in case of unexpected events.

🙏 In Remembrance

Patricia Corle

Patricia Ann (Shaw) Corle, 78, of Beavercreek, passed away on March 24, 2025, after a brief illness. She had a diverse career working for various companies before becoming a REALTOR® in 1994, later founding two real estate companies with her husband Clyde. Pat was highly active in real estate organizations, being named Ohio REALTOR® of the year in 2024 and receiving the Marie Kindrick Fair Housing Award. She is survived by her husband, children, grandchildren, and sister, with funeral services scheduled for April 7-8 at Tobias Funeral Home in Beavercreek.

Patricia Corle

Charles Bumgarner

Charles Franklin Bumgarner, a 93-year-old Korean War veteran and business owner, died peacefully on March 30, 2025, in Springfield, Ohio. He was married to Anne (McFadden) Bumgarner for more than 73 years and was a devoted father to four sons, 14 grandchildren, and 16 great-grandchildren. Charles owned Moore's Paint Supply from 1975 to 1994 and later worked at Ohio Auto Kolor, while also being actively involved in his community as a member of the Shriners, the Masonic Lodge, and as Treasurer of the Shawnee High School Athletic Booster Association. A longtime member of First Christian Church in Springfield, Charles enjoyed golfing, fishing, and spending winters in Florida with his wife.

Charles Bumgarner

Bessie Bruno

Bessie "Betty" Katharine (Krotky) Bruno, 98, passed away on March 19, 2025, at BrightStar Senior Living in Mason, Ohio, after having lived in Willow Grove near Neffs, Ohio for over 85 years. Born May 3, 1926, Betty was a multi-talented individual who worked as a seamstress, bowler, gardener, cook, and historian, documenting her full life in her memoir "Memories – The Story of My Life." She experienced tragedy with the loss of her father in a coal mine explosion in 1940, and was preceded in death by her husband David, her parents, and several other family members. Betty is survived by her sons David Jr. and Gary, along with grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews, with funeral services scheduled in both Mason and St. Clairsville, Ohio.

Bessie Bruno

Jeffrey Bogard

Jeffrey Allen Bogard, a 50-year-old accomplished artist from Springfield, passed away on March 27, 2025. A graduate of the Columbus College of Art & Design, Jeffrey's artistic talent was recognized with one of his portraits being displayed in the Ohio Statehouse. He is survived by his mother Janice, grandmother Jessie, and extended family, while being preceded in death by his father David, brother Daniel, and several grandparents. Private services will be held for family members, with donations requested in lieu of flowers to help with expenses.

Jeffrey Bogard

John Harpest

John R. Harpest, age 70, of Huber Heights, Ohio, passed away on March 30, 2025, after a long battle with cancer. Survived by his wife of 52 years, Brenda, his two daughters, grandchildren, great-grandsons, and his brother, John had a distinguished career as a Project Manager and Lighting Designer, serving on the IES International Board. He was passionate about electrical engineering, working until his final months at Wright State, and was a life-long member of the Dayton Masonic Lodge #147. A memorial service will be held on April 4, 2025, at Newcomer Dayton, with donations requested for the Children's Dyslexia Center of Dayton or the Animal Resource Center.

John Harpest

Judith Fink

Judith Gail Fink of Miamisburg passed away on Friday, March 28, 2025, at the age of 91. She is survived by her husband Donald, three children, siblings, and numerous grandchildren spanning three generations. She was preceded in death by her parents, two siblings, a sister-in-law, and a grandson. A memorial service will be held on April 5, 2025, at Newcomer Funeral Home in Centerville, with visitation beginning at 1:00 pm and the service at 2:00 pm.

Vicki Carver

Vicki Lee Carver, 71, passed away on March 11, 2025, at Kettering Medical Center in Ohio. Born in Middletown on October 27, 1953, she attended Miami University and worked for Butler County Human Services before becoming a homemaker who enjoyed gardening, genealogy, and caring for pets. She is survived by her husband of 41 years, Kent, her son Joseph, two sisters, and extended family. A celebration of Vicki's life will be held on April 13, 2025, with memorial contributions directed to PAWS or the American Heart Association.

Vicki Carver

Antoinette Caulfield

Antoinette "Toni" Caulfield, 71, of Dayton, Ohio, passed away on March 28,.2025. A funeral Mass will be held at 11am on April 8th at Our Lady of the Rosary. Family and friends may attend a visitation from 5pm to 7pm on April 7th at Newcomer - North Chapel in Dayton. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Newcomer - North Chapel.

Christopher Bass

Christopher Edward Bass, 59, of Louisville, KY, passed away on March 23, 2025. A visitation will be held on Friday at 12 pm at the Donald Jordan Memorial Chapel in Dayton, OH. The Donald Jordan Memorial Chapel will be handling the funeral arrangements. No additional details about his life or cause of death were provided in the brief obituary notice.

Molly Carroll

Molly Irene Carroll, 33, passed away on March 29, 2025, surrounded by family in Springfield, Ohio. A devoted wife to Collin for seven years and mother to Cam and Callie, Molly was also an elementary school teacher who was known for inspiring her students and giving special attention to those who needed it most. After graduating from Catholic Central High School and Ohio University, she brought vibrant energy, quick wit, and a "louder-than-life personality" to all aspects of her life. Molly is remembered for her loyalty, genuineness, and ability to bring people together, leaving behind a legacy of living life to the fullest and loving endlessly.

Molly Carroll

Mary Ehrgott

Mary Virginia Ehrgott, age 99, of London, Ohio, passed away on March 29, 2025. Her funeral arrangements are being handled by Adkins Funeral Home located in Enon, Ohio. No further details about her life or services were provided in the brief obituary notice. Family and friends seeking additional information should contact Adkins Funeral Home directly.

Anita Louise Dudding

Anita Louise Dudding, 79, of Miamisburg, passed away on April 1, 2025, after a long battle with Parkinson's disease. Born in Cincinnati in 1945, she had a successful career as an office manager at Adams Robinson Enterprises and was passionate about gardening, volunteering at Cox Arboretum's Butterfly House, and traveling, especially for scuba diving. Being a grandmother to Sarah brought her the greatest joy. Anita is survived by her daughters Karen Young and Tricia Williams, her granddaughter Sarah Young, and many family and friends, while being preceded in death by her parents and sister.

Anita Louise Dudding

Marcella Hare

Marcella Hare, aged 99, of Troy, Ohio, passed away on March 30, 2025. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Patrick Catholic Church on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at 10:30 AM. The services will be handled by Baird Funeral Home in Troy, Ohio. No additional details about her life or survivors were provided in the brief obituary notice.

Patricia Corle

Patricia Annage Corle (Shaw), aged 78, of Beavercreek, died on March 24, 2025 following a brief illness. Visitation will be held at Tobias Funeral Home - Beavercreek Chapel on Monday, April 7 from 4:00-8:00 PM and Tuesday, April 8 from 10:00 AM-Noon, with funeral services immediately after. She will be buried at Rose Hill Cemetery in Springfield. Those wishing to honor her memory may make donations to the American Cancer Society or the Miami Valley Fair Housing Center.

Patricia Corle

Marcella Johnson

Marcella E. Johnson, 95, of Springfield, passed away on March 31, 2025, at Oakwood Village. Born in Chillicothe, Ohio in 1930, she worked as a secretary at St. John's Lutheran Church and previously served as an office manager for dental practices. She is survived by two children, two step-daughters, 14 grandchildren, numerous great and great-great grandchildren, one brother, and several nieces and nephews. Marcella was predeceased by her husband James, son Stephen, grandson Chad, and five siblings. Funeral services will be held at Conroy Funeral Home, followed by entombment in Rose Hill Mausoleum.

Marcella Johnson

Joann Keeton

Joann Keeton, 80, of Hillsboro, passed away at home on April 1, 2025, after being born in Vancouver, WA in 1944 and spending most of her childhood in Davenport, VA. She is survived by her brothers Herman and Wakefield Presley, sisters Arbutus Presley and Ranee Murphy, four children, seven grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren. Joann worked at Huthamaki from 1993 until her retirement in 2018 and enjoyed spending time with family and gardening. Services will be held at Newcomer Funeral Home in Beavercreek on April 8, 2025, followed by burial at Byron Cemetery in Fairborn, Ohio.

Joann Keeton

Winston C. Anderson

Winston C. Anderson, 82, of Kettering, passed away on March 30, 2025, at his home. He was preceded in death by his parents, Stanley and Nancy Anderson, his wife Kathleen, and his daughter Michelle Young. Winston is survived by his children Nancy, Neil, and Vanessa, as well as numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and his twin brother Frank and sister Carol. Known for his unconditional love for family, excellent cooking, and passion for fishing, music, and sports, Winston was a social butterfly who enjoyed entertaining and was a member of Shiloh Baptist Church.

Winston C. Anderson

John C. Alfano

John C. Alfano (1945-2025) is remembered for his passion for sports, particularly the Dayton Dragons and Cincinnati Reds, as well as his love for travel, adventure, and dogs. He leaves behind his children, John D. Alfano and Jennifer Hill, along with seven grandchildren who brought him great joy. John is survived by his brother Sammy and numerous extended family members, while being preceded in death by his wife Susan, parents Sam and Margaret, and sister Phyllis. His kindness and zest for life will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

John C. Alfano

Susan DeCurtins

Susan Erin DeCurtins, 68, of Troy, passed away on March 29, 2025, at Kettering Health Troy. She co-owned the Tin Peddler for 34 years and was a member of Living Word Church in Vandalia. Susan found her greatest joy in spending time with family and friends, and is survived by her husband James, her children, brothers, grandchildren, and many other relatives. Her funeral service will be held on April 4, 2025, at Marker & Heller Funeral Home, with interment at Casstown Cemetery.

Susan DeCurtins

Marcelline Ann Kennedy

Marcelline A. Kennedy, 88, passed away on March 29, 2025, surrounded by family. Born in Ohio in 1936, she was preceded in death by her husband James and is survived by her six children, eleven grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. Marcelline was known for her extraordinary capacity to love, making everyone feel accepted while always being ready to listen and support those in need. A woman of strong faith and member of the St. Leonard Faith Community, she dedicated over 20 years to her beloved book club and frequently volunteered alongside her husband. Services will be held on April 12 at St. Leonard in Centerville, with donations directed to Catholic Social Services or Hospice of Dayton in lieu of flowers.

Marcelline Ann Kennedy
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