🏗️ Building beyond basketball

Good morning, Preble County. Milestones in construction often signal more than just new buildings—they represent visions for the future. Miami University's planned arena replacement stands as perfect evidence, promising to be far more than just a sports venue. University officials see the facility as a catalyst for regional development while creating a modern hub for student life, replacing the aging 1960s-era Millett Hall with something that serves both campus and community needs for decades to come.

Sometimes the best news arrives unexpectedly, as Englewood officials discovered with their surprise $757,000 grant windfall for downtown storm drainage improvements. The project, which narrowly missed initial funding, suddenly received leftover Ohio Public Works Commission dollars—a financial stroke of luck that will likely see construction beginning in early 2025. Meanwhile, faculty across Ohio universities are forming defensive alliances to navigate recent legislative changes affecting higher education, creating networks to share resources and strategies.

🌤 Sky Skoop

Eaton

57°

87°

Lakengren

57°

87°

Camden

55°

85°

Lewisburg

56°

88°

West Alexandria

56°

88°

Gratis

55°

88°

New Paris

56°

87°

West Manchester

56°

87°

Eldorado

56°

87°

Verona

56°

88°

West Elkton

55°

88°

☕️ What's Brewing Locally

🏀 Miami University's new arena aims far beyond just sports. The planned facility will replace the outdated 1960s-era Millett Hall with a vision that extends into enhancing overall student experience. University officials believe the new arena will serve as a catalyst for regional development while modernizing campus facilities. The project represents a significant investment in both athletics and community engagement. The arena is positioned as a multi-purpose asset for both the university and surrounding area.

💰 Englewood strikes gold with unexpected $757,000 grant windfall. The Ohio Public Works Commission awarded the city leftover funds for downtown storm drainage improvements after their application initially missed approval by one spot. City Manager Eric Smith eagerly accepted the surprise offer, directing engineers to prepare project specifications. While construction could begin as early as winter, work will most likely start in early 2025. In other business, the council approved assessments for the 2024 sidewalk program, with 42 property owners opting to pay their repair costs through property tax bills over five years.

🏛️ Ohio faculty form defense compacts against government restrictions on education. Faculty at universities across Ohio are banding together in response to what they describe as political attacks on higher education. The Trump administration has targeted institutions by demanding the end of DEI programs and restricting pro-Palestinian protests, while also freezing research grants. Ohio's Senate Bill 1, which took effect recently, has outlawed DEI programs at public colleges, prompting faculty to seek strength in numbers. While Ohio State has joined the Big Ten Mutual Defense Compact, Miami University professor Rodney Coates is working to create a similar alliance among Mid-American Conference schools to share resources and legal strategies.

Cozy updated home near downtown: A quaint two-bedroom, one-bathroom home with charming porch and updated amenities is available for $169,900 in Lewisburg, offering a spacious layout and convenient location near highways and downtown attractions.

Renovated three-bedroom near everything: This charming 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home is on the market for $199,900, featuring extensive updates including fresh paint, new flooring, appliances, furnace, and a fully fenced backyard near major routes and shopping.

Spacious updated country home: Priced at $429,900, this spacious brick country home sits on 6 acres with modern updates including new flooring, renovated kitchen with granite countertops, updated bathrooms, and recent exterior improvements.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

🔮 Jul. 2 - Create Magical Kaleidoscopes: Peek into the magical world of light and color at Brown Memorial Public Library! Children will craft their own kaleidoscopes while discovering the science behind these mesmerizing toys on July 2.

🏕️ Jul. 2 - Grow Kids Camp 2025: Adventure awaits at Grow Kids Camp 2025! Young explorers will enjoy unforgettable activities at Wilderness Ridge Retreat Center in Camden on July 2nd, creating summer memories that last a lifetime.

🎆 Jul. 4 - Party in the Park: Celebrate Independence Day with a bang at Peace Park's annual Party in the Park! Enjoy food vendors, crafts, raffles, and a car show on July 4th at 50 E Dayton St, West Alexandria.

🏍️ Jul. 4 - Bikers' Independence Day Bash: Celebrate Independence Day at Behind Bars Biker Collective with tattoos, cool gear, and unique treasures from noon to 8ish. Stick around for prime viewing of the Glow Parade and Fireworks right out front!

🧀 Jul. 4 - Lakengren Summer Concert: Celebrate Independence Day with Atlas & CO's gourmet charcuterie at Lakengren's Summer Concert! Exclusive to community members, this food truck delight awaits at the Marina on July 4th.

🐎 Jul. 5 - Western Ohio Youth Rodeo: Young cowboys and cowgirls show off their skills at the Western Ohio Youth Rodeo! Saddle up for family fun on July 5 at Bullen Equestrian Center, 722 S Franklin St in Eaton.

🎸 Jul. 5 - Heath Bowling Acoustic Set: Catch Ohio's own Heath Bowling at Bushrod Brew Works on July 5! This talented solo acoustic artist serves up original songs and favorite hits across Rock, Grunge, and Country genres at 117 E Main St, Eaton.

🦖 Jul. 5 - Jurassic DNA Expedition: Dinosaurs roar back to life at The Gym & Star Theatre on July 5! "Jurassic World: Rebirth" follows a daring expedition seeking prehistoric DNA for medical breakthroughs in this thrilling PG-13 adventure.

🙏 In Remembrance

Gene A. Emrick

Gene A. Emrick, a 94-year-old U.S. Navy veteran who served during the Korean War, passed away on June 29, 2025, at his home in Eaton. He was a skilled outdoorsman who worked as a blacksmith and horse farrier for many years, and was actively involved at Grace Lutheran Church. Gene was preceded in death by his wife Donna, daughter Kathi, grandson Elijah, and infant brother Leonard, and is survived by seven children, fifteen grandchildren, and numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held on July 8 at Grace Lutheran Church, with burial at Mound Hill Cemetery in Eaton.

Dan Day

Dan Day, Sr., an 84-year-old resident of West Alexandria, Ohio, passed away on June 26, 2025. Born in Kentucky in 1941, Dan was known affectionately as "Pap" by his grandchildren and was renowned for his personable nature, storytelling abilities, and love of hunting and fishing. He worked as a pipefitter with local 392 before retiring, often alongside his son Danny. Dan is survived by his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and extended family, having been preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Norma, his parents, and several in-laws.

Donald C. Hall

Donald C. Hall, 89, passed away on May 3, 2025, after a life that began in rural Kentucky in 1936. He was a successful State Farm Insurance agent for over 33 years and devoted member of Baptist churches in both Florida and Ohio. Hall is survived by his wife Bernice, six daughters, 13 grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren. His deep Christian faith was central to his life, followed by his love for his wife and large family.

Ricky L. "Rick" Westray

Ricky L. "Rick" Westray, 69, of Union, Ohio, passed away on June 25, 2025, at his home. Born in Dayton in 1955, Rick was a 1973 Fairview High School graduate who worked as a truck driver for Bekins Van Lines for over 25 years. He served as the music minister at Lewisburg Baptist Church, where he was a dedicated longtime member. Rick is survived by his daughter Jessica, brother Cal, granddaughter Cheyenne, and former wife Sheila, with services scheduled for July 2 at Polk Grove Cemetery and Lewisburg Baptist Church.