Good morning, Preble County. The future of recreation in our region is taking exciting shape as Middletown skates toward a permanent ice and roller rink that council members are already calling a future "gem" of the city. The proposed facility, which would replace the current portable setup, promises year-round skating fun with potential additions like broomball and even ice bumper cars—proving that sometimes the best community investments combine practical infrastructure with pure joy.
Meanwhile, educational institutions are transforming spaces to better serve their communities. Manchester University's innovative partnership with Bethany Theological Seminary creates a tuition-free pathway to master's degrees starting fall 2025, while on campus, the underutilized Martin Dining Hall is getting a fitness-focused makeover. The comprehensive recreation center will feature three specialized workout spaces, addressing students' evolving needs for both physical activity and more flexible dining options.
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69%☕️ What's Brewing Locally
🎓 Manchester University launches free master's degree pathway with seminary. The new program allows students to earn both a bachelor's from Manchester and a master's from Bethany Theological Seminary within five years at no additional cost. Starting fall 2025, participants can take graduate courses through Bethany's technology classrooms without traveling to the Richmond campus. The partnership, initiated by Manchester faculty, gives students access to five master's degrees and eight graduate certificates in theological studies. Manchester University, one of six colleges affiliated with the Church of the Brethren, aims to make advanced education more accessible while deepening students' academic and spiritual growth.
⛸️ Middletown could soon glide into year-round skating fun. Holiday Whopla, a nonprofit organization, has proposed building a permanent ice and roller skating rink to replace their current portable setup. The proposed rink would be located in a new park above an underground water management project on Main Street. With costs between $824,355 and $921,201 depending on size, the permanent facility would pay for itself in 9-10 years through public works savings while offering activities like broomball, pickleball, and possibly ice bumper cars. City council members enthusiastically supported the proposal, with one calling it a future "gem of Middletown."
🏋️ North Quad's Martin Dining Hall transforming into full recreation center. The least-used dining facility on campus will be converted into a comprehensive fitness space with three specialized workout rooms, while maintaining the basement rec area for informal use. The renovation will include a main room with strength machines and cardio equipment, a 1,000-square-foot turf room, and a dance studio with hardwood floors and mirrors. The dining hall will become a ghost kitchen similar to Bell Tower Commons, addressing student preferences for pickup options over buffet-style dining. Construction is scheduled for summer with the new facility opening by August 25.
⚾ Baseball Scoreboard
Franklin Monroe edged Tri-County North 3-2 in a nail-biter Tuesday, improving to 7-6 while handing the Panthers just their third loss of the season. The Jets continue to master the art of living dangerously, with five of their seven wins coming by two runs or fewer.Eaton's bats stayed hot as they outlasted Greenville 9-7 in Tuesday's non-league slugfest, pushing their record to an impressive 5-2. The Eagles have now won three straight, outscoring opponents 26-13 during the streak.Mississinawa Valley finally found some breathing room in the win column, squeaking past Twin Valley South 3-2 to improve to 3-8 on the season. The Blackhawks' pitching staff came through when it mattered most, holding the Panthers to just two runs after surrendering 48 in their previous five contests.
| Team | Opponent | Score |
|---|---|---|
Eaton (5-2) | ||
vs Greenville | W 9-7 | |
Tri-County North (10-3) | ||
@ Franklin Monroe | L 3-2 | |
Twin Valley South (5-8) | ||
@ Mississinawa Valley | L 3-2 | |
National Trail (4-9) | ||
vs Arcanum | L 12-2 |
🥎 Softball Scoreboard
| Team | Opponent | Score |
|---|---|---|
Eaton (7-4) | ||
@ Oakwood | W 17-2 | |
Preble Shawnee (1-6) | ||
vs Bradford | L 19-7 | |
Tri-County North (10-6) | ||
@ Franklin Monroe | W 21-0 | |
National Trail (6-9) | ||
vs Arcanum | L 14-0 | |
Twin Valley South (5-4) | ||
@ Mississinawa Valley | L 12-2 |
🏡 Real Estate Reveals
Rustic history on ten acres: This $295,000 country charmer sits on 10 acres in Dixon township with a 200-year-old log cabin core, remodeled spaces, new windows, HVAC, and outbuilding, offering both rich history and natural splendor.
Gutted house needs dream vision: For $60,000, this property is a complete blank slate, gutted to the studs and awaiting a new owner to transform it into their dream home. The seller is motivated and the price reflects a quick-sale strategy.🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla
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