🚧 Road trip reroute - Preble County

Good morning, Preble County. The calendar is flipping to July, and with it comes the inevitable symphony of road closures and fireworks displays that mark our Independence Day season. Smith Park will close early Wednesday to prepare for Middletown's festival, which kicks off Thursday afternoon before culminating in a sky-illuminating finale at 10 p.m. The celebrations continue with Friday's parade, where Fire Captain Shawn McIntosh will lead the procession as Grand Marshal—a fitting tribute to our first responders during this patriotic season.

While holiday detours are temporary, more substantial traffic adjustments loom on the horizon. Starting July 7, Ohio 122 will close between Consolidated and Halderman roads for culvert replacement, with additional projects affecting Ohio 726 and 732 through 2025. In industrial news, Cleveland-Cliffs has shelved its $500 million green steel project in Middletown, citing infrastructure challenges—a decision that impacts both potential construction jobs and existing positions at the facility.

🌤 Sky Skoop

Eaton

65°

88°

Lakengren

65°

88°

Camden

65°

88°

Lewisburg

64°

88°

70%

West Alexandria

64°

88°

70%

Gratis

63°

89°

New Paris

64°

87°

West Manchester

64°

85°

Eldorado

64°

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Verona

64°

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West Elkton

63°

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☕️ What's Brewing Locally

🎆 Smith Park closing at noon Wednesday for Independence Day Festival. The Middletown park will shut down July 2 to prepare for Thursday's celebration, which begins at 4 p.m. and concludes with fireworks at 10 p.m. Middletown's Fourth of July parade is scheduled for 10 a.m. Friday, with Fire Captain Shawn McIntosh serving as Grand Marshal. The festivities are part of the city's annual Independence Day celebrations that span multiple days.

🏭 Cleveland-Cliffs abandons $500M green steel project in Middletown. The company canceled plans to replace coal-reliant furnaces with hydrogen-powered technology that would have dramatically reduced pollution. The decision comes after House Republicans called to repeal the Inflation Reduction Act, which funded the Department of Energy's grant for the facility modernization. Cleveland-Cliffs CEO cited lack of hydrogen infrastructure and rising steel tariffs as reasons for prioritizing short-term profits over the project that would have created 1,200 construction jobs and protected 2,500 existing positions. Environmental experts warn this setback threatens both community health and America's global competitiveness in clean steel production.

🚧 Preble County road closures will disrupt traffic starting July 7. The Ohio Department of Transportation announced Ohio 122 will close between Consolidated and Halderman roads for culvert replacement, with detours via U.S. 127 and Ohio 725. Ongoing projects include resurfacing on Ohio 726 between U.S. 127 and the Darke County line, expected to finish in November 2025. A chip-seal treatment is also planned for Ohio 732 between Ohio 725 and Wyatt Road, with crews working daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. once started. Real-time traffic updates are available at www.Ohgo.com.

🏡 Real Estate Reveals

Bargain foreclosure zero dollars: This foreclosure property listed for $0 could be snagged below market value at auction. Auction.com, the largest online real estate auction marketplace, invites you to save the property for updates on auction dates.

Spacious countryside retreat near Eaton: For $100,000, this property offers a serene setting on 3.595 acres just outside of Eaton, providing ample space and tranquility for potential buyers seeking a countryside retreat.

Upgraded country oasis on acreage: This $395,000 country retreat boasts a renovated 3-bedroom home on 5 fenced acres with a pond, featuring 2023-2024 upgrades including new flooring, kitchen, windows, and water system.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

🎆 Jul. 4 - Party in the Park: Celebrate independence with a bang at Peace Park's July 4th Party! Enjoy food vendors, crafts, raffles, and a car show at this family-friendly celebration on Dayton Street in West Alexandria.

🏍️ Jul. 4 - Bikers' Independence Day Bash: Rev up your 4th of July at Behind Bars Biker Collective! Score tattoos, biker gear, and unique treasures from noon to 8ish, then catch the Glow Parade & Fireworks right out front on Dayton Street.

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

🤠 Jul. 5 - Western Ohio Youth Rodeo: Saddle up for the Western Ohio Youth Rodeo at Bullen Equestrian Center! Young cowboys and cowgirls showcase their skills on July 5 at 722 S Franklin St, Eaton. Don't miss this family-friendly showdown!

🎸 Jul. 5 - Heath Bowling Live Acoustic: Catch the captivating sounds of Heath Bowling at Bushrod Brew Works on July 5! This Ohio native delivers soulful acoustic performances blending original tracks with rock, grunge, and country favorites at 117 E Main St, Eaton.

🦖 Jul. 5 - Jurassic DNA Expedition: Dinosaurs roar back to life in "Jurassic World: Rebirth" at Eagles Point Theater on July 5! Join the thrilling expedition for prehistoric DNA in this action-packed sequel, five years after Dominion.

🍽️ Jul. 6 - Monthly Community Meal: Gather around the table at our Monthly Community Meal on July 6 at 120 N Maple St in Eaton! Everyone's welcome to enjoy good food and friendly conversation at this free community gathering.

🙏 In Remembrance

Keith Stikeleather

Keith Alan Stikeleather, a 63-year-old resident of Greenville, Ohio, passed away on June 25, 2025. Known for his loving nature and free spirit, Keith worked as a proud Ironworker for over 20 years and also as a cattle-hauler. He enjoyed riding motorcycles, listening to music, and was described as a jokester who loved to laugh. Keith is survived by his parents, children, grandchildren, siblings, and extended family, who remember him as a proud father and grandfather who always celebrated his family's accomplishments.

Perry M. Brown

Perry M. Brown, 76, of New Paris, died on June 28, 2025. Born on June 13, 1949, in Akron, Ohio to Perry Parker and Josephine Gloria Brown, he was predeceased by his parents, daughter Jennifer, and sister Charmaine. He is survived by his wife of 16 years, Joanne, his children Troy and Ginger, numerous grandchildren, and other family members and friends. No services have been scheduled at this time.

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