Home / Newsletters / Ohio / Preble County / April 17, 2025

🏗️ Field fight looms

Preble County • April 17, 2025

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Good morning, Preble County. The bulldozers are eyeing Miami University's beloved Cook Field as controversy swirls around a proposed $200 million "Arena District." This massive project has sparked significant pushback, with thousands signing petitions to save the recreational space while Professor David Prytherch questions the wisdom of taking on millions in debt during a time of academic budget cuts. The financial gamble raises profound questions about the institution's priorities and identity.

Meanwhile, Grammy-winning bluegrass legend Rhonda Vincent returns to the historic Sorg Opera House on April 25, bringing her world-class talent back to Middletown after a sold-out 2022 performance. In sobering local news, a Wilmington family faces tragedy after 33-year-old Kyler Whitt was charged with murder following the fatal shooting of his mother, 55-year-old Kelley Blazer, in what police describe as a "heartbreaking and tragic incident."

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☕️ What's Brewing Locally

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🏗️ Miami's iconic Cook Field faces bulldozers for a controversial arena. Professor David Prytherch voices deep concerns about the university's plan to build a $200 million "Arena District" on this beloved campus space. The project would require up to $200 million in borrowed funds, costing $6-13 million annually to service the debt during a time of budget cuts to academics. Thousands have signed petitions opposing the loss of this recreational space central to campus life. Prytherch argues this financial gamble threatens Miami's core values and educational quality for a sports vision that may not align with the university's identity.

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🎵 Bluegrass legend Rhonda Vincent returns to Middletown for encore performance. The Grammy-winning artist will grace the historic Sorg Opera House on April 25, following her sold-out show in 2022 that attracted 700 fans. Vincent, who began her musical journey at age five and was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry in 2021, brings her world-class talent to a venue that's helping revitalize downtown Middletown. Visitors can enjoy local restaurants and breweries before experiencing the eight-time Female Vocalist of the Year's performance, with tickets ranging from $40-50.

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💔 Son charged with murder after mother's fatal shooting. Kyler Whitt, 33, was arrested after allegedly killing his 55-year-old mother, Kelley Blazer, in a Wilmington apartment Tuesday night. Police responded to reports of a shooting on Brownberry Drive at 7:49 p.m., where they found Blazer dead at the scene. Whitt was immediately taken into custody and is currently being held in Clinton County Jail. "This is a heartbreaking and tragic incident," said Wilmington Police Chief Robert Wilson.

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⚾ Baseball Scoreboard

TeamOpponentScore
Tri-County North (7-2)
@ Bradford
W 16-1
Twin Valley South (3-6)
vs Ansonia
W 4-2

🥎 Softball Scoreboard

Tri-County North delivered a softball clinic Tuesday, blanking Bradford 11-0 in a dominant league performance that balanced their season record at 6-6. The Panthers' pitching staff was untouchable, serving up a shutout special that left the Railroaders searching for answers at the plate.In other WOAC action, Preble Shawnee found their groove with an 8-3 victory over National Trail, giving the Arrows their first win against three losses this season. Meanwhile, Ansonia's bats came alive in a 13-1 rout of Twin Valley South, improving the Tigers to a respectable 5-4 mark as they continue their climb up the conference standings.

TeamOpponentScore
Preble Shawnee (1-3)
vs National Trail
W 8-3
Tri-County North (6-6)
@ Bradford
W 11-0
Twin Valley South (3-3)
vs Ansonia
L 13-1
National Trail (4-6)
@ Preble Shawnee
L 8-3

🏡 Real Estate Reveals

Real estate listing image Lakeside ranch with community perks: Priced at $240,000, this 3-bedroom ranch in Lake Lakengren offers a split floor plan with recent updates including new windows and water systems, along with community amenities like boating, fishing, and private marina access.
Real estate listing image Auction home zero dollars: This foreclosure property is selling through Auction.com with a list price of $0. The online marketplace offers a chance to invest and potentially profit in this neighborhood, with support available throughout the bidding process.
Zero-dollar foreclosure opportunity awaits: 🏠 A foreclosure property with a list price of $0 is up for auction through Auction.com, offering investors a potential profit opportunity in an unspecified neighborhood with access to property updates and auction information.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

⚾ Apr. 17 - JV Baseball vs. TCN: Catch the excitement as Preble Shawnee's JV baseball team faces off against Tri-County North in a thrilling conference showdown! Join the action Thursday, April 17 at 5pm at Preble Shawnee Jr/Sr High School.
🏓 Apr. 18 - Pickleball Open Gym: Grab your paddle and join the Pickleball Open Gym at Eagles Point! Drop in for friendly competition or reserve your own court by calling 937-533-8181. The fun awaits at 310 N Barron St, Eaton.
🎸 Apr. 18 - KC Johns Live: Country sensation KC Johns brings her powerhouse vocals to Bushrod Brew Works on April 18! Catch this unforgettable live performance at 7:00 PM in downtown Eaton's favorite craft brewery.
🙏 Apr. 18 - Good Friday Worship Service: Join Gospel Light's solemn Good Friday Service at 802 East Ave, Eaton, as we reflect on Jesus' ultimate sacrifice. Experience meaningful worship that reminds us why this day matters so deeply. April 18.
🌷 Apr. 19 - Easter Tulip Bar: Celebrate spring at Hartzell Easter Tulip Bar! Sip local wines while surrounded by vibrant tulips at Olde Schoolhouse Vineyard & Winery on April 19. A perfect way to welcome the season.
🎵 Apr. 19 - Music Bingo Extravaganza: Test your music knowledge while sipping local wines at Music Bingo! Join the fun at Olde Schoolhouse Vineyard & Winery on April 19 for this perfect blend of tunes and tastings.
🕊️ Apr. 19 - Celebration of Life: Join friends and neighbors for a heartfelt Celebration of Life on April 19 at 4420 New Market Banta Rd in Lewisburg. Come share memories, support loved ones, and honor a special life.

🙏 In Remembrance

Robert L. Peters

Robert L. Peters, a 79-year-old Vietnam War veteran from Hagerstown, Indiana, passed away on April 13, 2025. After his military service, he worked as a truck driver but found his greatest joy in simple country living, gardening, foraging, and fishing. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Melinda, four children, several grandchildren, and three sisters, having been predeceased by his parents, an infant son, and two brothers. A visitation and funeral service will be held on April 18 at Preble Memory Gardens Funeral Center, followed by interment at Roselawn Cemetery.

Robert L. Peters

Judith Day

Judith Ann Day passed away peacefully at home on April 13, 2025, surrounded by family. She is survived by her husband of nearly 65 years, Darrel Day, as well as her sons, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and several siblings. Judy worked as a hostess at Beare's Restaurant for many years and was active in her community through the Salem Lutheran Church, Alpha Kappa Sorority, and James E Ryan Post 322 Auxiliary. Known as "Nana," she devoted much time to supporting her great-grandchildren in their sporting events and activities.

Edwin Bowman

Edwin L. Bowman, a 59-year-old resident of Eaton, OH, passed away on April 11, 2025, at Reid Hospital in Richmond, IN. Born on May 17, 1965, in Dayton, OH, he was preceded in death by his parents, Karl Leroy and Ruth Ellen Bowman. Visitation will be held at Gard Funeral Home on April 15-16, with funeral services taking place on April 17 at the Prices Creek Old German Baptist Brethren Church in Eldorado. Burial will follow in the church cemetery, and online condolences can be shared at the funeral home's website.

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