Good morning, Preble County. Talk about finding stability in your own backyard! After a six-year revolving door of leadership, Middletown has appointed homegrown talent Ashley Combs as city manager. The 38-year-old's heartfelt declaration that "My heart is here" stands in refreshing contrast to the stepping-stone mentality that often plagues local government positions. With major redevelopment projects underway across the city, that commitment to community could make all the difference.
Elsewhere in our region, Richmond's Depot District is looking to expand its outdoor drinking hours and days, potentially boosting daytime foot traffic for local businesses. Meanwhile, the retail landscape continues to shift as Big Lots prepares to shutter all remaining locations by January. While one door closes, another opens—Ollie's Bargain Outlet is scooping up 40 locations nationwide, including Middletown's Roosevelt Boulevard store. The discount shopping tradition lives on, just under a different banner.
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☕️ What's Brewing Locally
🏙️ Middletown finds stability with homegrown city manager appointment.After six managers in six years, Middletown City Council unanimously named Ashley Combs as city manager, ending the leadership revolving door. The 38-year-old Combs, who has worked for the city for nine years in various leadership positions, was selected over fellow assistant manager Nathan Cahall following their turns as acting managers. With major redevelopment projects underway at Towne Mall, the former Paperboard site, Renaissance Pointe, and downtown, Combs emphasized her commitment to Middletown, stating "My heart is here" rather than using the position as a stepping stone.
🍹 Richmond's Depot District wants to expand drinking hours and days. The Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) may soon allow alcohol consumption from noon instead of 4 p.m., giving businesses more daytime foot traffic. The amendment would also add Wednesdays to the current Thursday-Saturday schedule, particularly to accommodate summer "Wine Walk Wednesdays" events planned for June through August. The proposal aims to increase economic impact for participating businesses in the Historic Depot District. Richmond's Common Council has referred the request to the Safety Committee for further review.
🛍️ Big Lots shutting down as Ollie's snaps up 40 stores. The discount retailer announced plans to close all remaining locations by January following bankruptcy proceedings. Ollie's Bargain Outlet is acquiring 40 Big Lots stores nationwide, including one in Middletown, Ohio on Roosevelt Boulevard. The company has already closed several area locations in Washington Township and West Chester earlier this year. Despite efforts to find a buyer for the entire business, Big Lots will terminate 555 positions at its Columbus headquarters by April, ending its presence across 48 states.
🏀 Basketball Scoreboard (Boys)
Clark Montessori's Cougars clawed their way to a 65-59 road win over Preble Shawnee on Tuesday, improving to 17-8 on the season. The Arrows couldn't quite hit the bullseye at home, dropping to 14-10 in what proved to be a tightly contested non-league battle that came down to the Cougars' defensive prowess in the closing minutes.
| Team | Opponent | Score |
|---|---|---|
 Preble Shawnee (14-10) | ||
vs Clark Montessori* | L 65-59 |
🏡 Real Estate Reveals
Cozy half-acre Eaton retreat: This charming 3-bedroom Eaton home priced at $171,900 offers 1,150 square feet of living space on a spacious half-acre lot, with recent exterior updates and convenient features like first-floor laundry and a detached garage.
Spacious acre modern updates galore: Priced at $249,900, this updated 3-bedroom, 2-bath home sits on a full acre with a fenced yard and features modern finishes plus new roof, HVAC, windows, and water heater from 2019.
Upgraded Cape Cod corner lot: This cozy $140,000 Cape Cod in Lewisburg sits on a corner lot with garage, two bedrooms on the main level, two more upstairs, and features new roof, furnace, AC, and water heater from 2022.
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