Home / Newsletters / Ohio / Preble County / May 12, 2025

🦉 Owl whisperer

Preble County • May 12, 2025

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Good morning, Preble County. The nighttime wilderness of Hueston Woods has become a classroom for Miami senior Aiden Schmeling, whose hands-on research tracking saw-whet owls exemplifies experiential learning at its finest. This biology major has already secured a position with Alaska Fish and Game before even receiving his diploma—proof that sometimes the best education happens outside lecture halls, in the dark, waiting for wildlife to appear.

Meanwhile, a battle over green space has erupted on campus as students rally to protect the beloved 70-year-old Cook Field from becoming a "District Arena." With over 3,500 signatures opposing the construction plan, students are fighting to preserve both campus culture and environmental benefits. In brighter news from Brookville, Officer Timothy Beaver has earned "Officer of the Year" honors after demonstrating exceptional performance across multiple roles—from detective work to training colleagues to literally chasing down suspects who crashed a stolen vehicle.

🌤 Sky Skoop

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rain 89%
LakengrenWeather Icon
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rain 89%
CamdenWeather Icon
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☕️ What's Brewing Locally

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🦉 Miami senior tracks owls in the dead of night. Aiden Schmeling, a biology and sustainability major, has immersed himself in hands-on wilderness research throughout his college career. From banding saw-whet owls at Hueston Woods to catching giant catfish during lake water sampling, Schmeling has embraced the unpredictable nature of field work. His dedication impressed Hefner Museum director Steve Sullivan, who came to view him as a colleague rather than just a student. This hands-on experience has already paid off, landing Schmeling a job with the Alaska Fish and Game Department before his May 2025 graduation.

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🌿 Miami students fight to save beloved Cook Field from demolition. The university's plan to replace this 70-year-old recreational green space with a "District Arena" has sparked significant backlash from the student body. Despite administration claims that the project is "student-first," less than 2% of surveyed students supported building on Cook Field, while a petition to save it has gathered over 3,500 signatures. Environmental experts note that green spaces like Cook Field reduce heat island effects, improve air and water quality, and studies show they positively impact students' mental health. Students argue losing this central gathering place would diminish Miami's campus culture and community.

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👮‍♂️ Beaver outshines fellow officers to earn top police honors. Brookville Police Officer Timothy Beaver was named 2024 "Officer of the Year" for exceeding daily expectations according to Chief Doug Jerome. Beaver topped department charts for activity and citations while also training new officers and serving as both detective and patrol officer. His "lengthy" performance report highlighted numerous achievements, including a notable incident where he chased down and apprehended suspects who crashed a stolen vehicle. Chief Jerome called selecting Beaver for the award "an easy decision."

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🏡 Real Estate Reveals

Real estate listing image Modern home movie theater basement: This pristine 2004 home, listed at $379,999, features a fully remodeled basement with movie theater, new flooring throughout, and sits on a quiet, wooded corner lot.
Real estate listing image Rustic woodland retreat with workspace: A mixed barndominium-log cabin with 1,260 sq ft of living space, two bedrooms, and a workshop is available for $339,900. The property sits on two acres with a large deck, pond for wildlife enthusiasts, and a movable wood shed for additional storage.
Real estate listing image Modern ranch awaits lake lovers: Priced at $299,500, this completely renovated Lakengren ranch offers three bedrooms, two baths, and open living space on a corner lot with community amenities, featuring new kitchen, updated systems, and encapsulated crawl space.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

🎤 May 16 - Matt Osbourne: Unwind with the soulful sounds of Matt Osbourne at Olde Schoolhouse Vineyard & Winery on May 16. Sip local vintages while enjoying live music at this charming Eaton destination.
🎸 May. 16 - Jim Burns Band Debut: Groove to the rhythm as Jim Burns Band makes their energetic debut at Bushrod Brew Works! Catch these local favorites on May 16 at 117 E Main St in Eaton for a night of live music.
🏢 May 16 - Preble County Business Expo: Discover what's local and lovely at the Preble County Business Expo! Browse offerings from over 100 area businesses on May 16 at the Preble County Fairgrounds in Eaton.
🐰 May 17 - Alice in Wonderland: Fall down the rabbit hole with Preble Players' outdoor production of "Alice in Wonderland" at Garber Nature Center on May 17. Bring lawn chairs and park at TCN high school for this whimsical adventure!
🎨 May 17 - Spring Batik Art Workshop: Dive into the ancient art of batik at Preble Arts on May 17! Create your own vibrant fabric masterpiece using traditional wax-resist dyeing techniques in this hands-on workshop at 207 E Main St, Eaton.
🥫 May 17 - Drive-Thru Food Distribution: Help fight food insecurity at National Trail High School's Drive-Thru Food Distribution on May 17! Stop by 6940 Oxford Gettysburg Rd in New Paris with new distribution times to receive assistance.
🫖 May 17 - Ladies Tea Social: Sip, chat, and delight at the Ladies Afternoon Tea on May 17! The Cedar Coffee in New Paris invites you to enjoy a charming afternoon of delectable treats and wonderful company.
🎸 May 17 - Tommy Renfro Live Music: Groove to the soulful sounds of Tommy Renfro as he takes the stage at 152 OH-726 in Eaton on May 17. Come experience live local music in an intimate setting!

🙏 In Remembrance

Norma F. Mikesell

Norma Frances Mikesell, 85, of West Alexandria, OH, passed away peacefully at home on May 9, 2025, surrounded by family. Born April 15, 1940, she was known for her wit, sayings, peanut butter pie, and love of card games and dancing. After a brief courtship, she married Richard Mikesell in 1966, and devoted 59 years as his wife and 57 years as mother to Dalana and Kimberly. Norma was a loving homemaker and family foundation who will be deeply missed at family gatherings and by her surviving husband, daughters, siblings, five grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.

Norma F. Mikesell
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