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🎭 Pastry pioneers

Preble County • June 4, 2025

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Good morning, Preble County. At 79 years old, Vera Slamka still rises before dawn to create the pastries that have made Central Pastry a Middletown institution for four decades. Working 10-hour split shifts, this Colombian-born entrepreneur embodies the spirit of dedication that's also visible in Richmond, where Life Sciences Innovations (formerly Life BioSciences) is investing $155 million in a biomanufacturing facility that promises to create 235 jobs by 2025.

The region's cultural landscape is evolving alongside its economic one. After 46 seasons in its previous venue, Middletown Lyric Theatre has found a new home through a promising partnership with the Sorg Opera Revitalization Group. Their music-themed 2026 season at the 134-year-old Sorg Opera House will feature five productions, including "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown" and "Pippin"—breathing fresh life into a historic venue while celebrating diverse perspectives through performance.

🌤 Sky Skoop

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☕️ What's Brewing Locally

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🏭 Richmond's biomanufacturing future gets a new name. Life Sciences Innovations (LSI) has rebranded from its previous identity as Life BioSciences while continuing development of its manufacturing facility in Richmond, Indiana. The company is investing $155 million to build a state-of-the-art biomanufacturing plant expected to create 235 jobs when it opens in 2025. LSI's facility will focus on producing critical pharmaceutical components and supporting innovative medical treatments. The rebranding reflects the company's expanded vision and commitment to growth in the life sciences sector.

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🍩 Vera Slamka bakes love into every pastry at Central Pastry. For 40 years, this Colombian-born entrepreneur has been the heart and soul of this beloved Middletown bakery, working 10-hour split shifts despite being 79 years old. She and her husband John have weathered economic downturns, COVID-19, and road construction challenges without ever considering closing their doors. With six full-time and six part-time employees, including her son-in-law as chief baker, Vera maintains affordable prices because as she says, "I'm not here to be a millionaire."

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🎭 Historic theater partnership unveils music-themed 2026 season. Middletown Lyric Theatre and Sorg Opera Revitalization Group announced five productions to be performed at the 134-year-old Sorg Opera House. The lineup includes "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown," "The Nance," "Pippin," "Master Class," and "A Christmas Carol: A Live Radio Play with Music." This collaboration represents a new chapter for MLT, which closed its previous venue after 46 seasons. President Charley Shafor describes the partnership as the "next phase" for both organizations, with each show connecting to their mission of celebrating diverse perspectives.

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🏡 Real Estate Reveals

Real estate listing image Spacious country home near highway: Fully remodeled 3-bedroom home on nearly an acre in Northern Preble County listed at $179,900. Features new kitchen, bath, flooring, HVAC system, metal roof, and sits minutes from I-70 with a fenced yard.
Real estate listing image Brick corner paradise pool HVAC: Priced at $499,000, this Eaton brick two-story offers 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, hardwood floors, updated kitchen, and a backyard oasis featuring a 16x32 in-ground pool—all on an oversized corner lot with new HVAC.
Real estate listing image Needs furnace has cool floors: The $50,000 fixer-upper offers a LARGE living room with hardwood floors and updated windows, but requires a new furnace after relying on wood heat for 22 years. The property includes a wood-burning stove and stainless steel Maytag refrigerator.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

🍺 Jun. 6 - Tipsy Hog: Groove to live music with Tipsy Hog at Olde Schoolhouse Vineyard & Winery on June 6! Sip local wines while enjoying summer vibes at this charming Eaton venue.
🐎 Jun. 7 - OPHC Summer Jam Show: Saddle up for summer fun at OPHC Summer Jam! This APHA & All Breed Show trots into Preble County Fairgrounds on June 7, showcasing magnificent horses in action at 722 S Franklin St, Eaton.
🎤 Jun. 7 - Joe Howard: Sip and sway with Joe Howard at Olde Schoolhouse Vineyard & Winery on June 7. Enjoy live music among the vines at this charming Eaton spot, perfect for kicking off your weekend.
🎨 Jun. 7 - Art & Mess Fest: Get messy and creative at the Art & Mess Fest at Eaton Branch Library on June 7! Dive into hands-on art activities for all ages while signing up for Summer Reading Challenges.
🌲 Jun. 7 - Hueston Woods Trail Day: Grab your work gloves and join the trail maintenance crew at Hueston Woods State Park Horse Camp on June 7! Pitch in during the day, then stick around for the monthly meeting at 6pm.
🎵 Jun. 7 - Summer Kickoff with Buckeye: Kick off summer with good vibes at Buckeye Jake's Eatery! Savor delicious food and toe-tapping music on June 7 at 13 E Dayton St, West Alexandria, OH.
🏄 Jun. 7 - Slip & Slide Kickball: Slide into summer fun at the 4th Annual Slip and Slide Kickball on June 7th at 107 E Hendricks St, Camden! Everyone's welcome to this wet and wild community game—no invitation needed.
🎓 Jun. 8 - Paytin's Graduation Celebration: Celebrate Paytin's academic milestone at the Preble County Historical Society on June 8! Join the festivities from 2-5pm with food and beverages provided. Gifts appreciated but not required.
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