Home / Newsletters / Ohio / Preble County / July 15, 2025

🤝 Community champions

Preble County • July 15, 2025

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Good morning, Preble County. Behind every thriving small town stands a network of dedicated individuals working tirelessly to make a difference. Brad Simpson embodies this spirit perfectly, recently receiving the "Friend of New Paris" certificate that acknowledges his years of service both in public safety leadership and with the local Chamber of Commerce. His "heart for New Paris" reminds us that communities are built by people who show up consistently, both in the spotlight and behind the scenes.

Meanwhile, leadership transitions are reshaping nearby Phillipsburg, where Josh Simpson has stepped in as temporary mayor following multiple resignations from village officials. The new administration faces immediate challenges, including financial audits and council vacancies. In Middletown, development plans hit a roadblock as city council rejected a proposed assisted living and apartment complex, with members expressing concerns about emergency services and homeownership priorities—highlighting how growth decisions often balance competing community values.

🌤 Sky Skoop

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☕️ What's Brewing Locally

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🏆 Longtime community leader honored for dedication to New Paris. Brad Simpson received a "Friend of New Paris" certificate during a July 7 village council meeting, recognizing his years of service to the community. As former chief of Northwest Fire and EMS, Simpson made lasting impacts through both public safety leadership and his ongoing work with the New Paris Chamber of Commerce. Community members praised his visible contributions and "countless acts of service behind the scenes." Simpson continues to be an active presence in the village, with officials noting his "heart for New Paris and its people is truly unmatched."

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🏛️ Phillipsburg appoints new mayor amid leadership exodus. Josh Simpson was sworn in as temporary mayor following the resignations of Mayor Shawna Newsom, Council Member Donna Mullins, and Fiscal Officer Charity Grill. Simpson, who previously attempted to recall the former mayor, will serve until December 31, 2025, and must run for re-election in November to retain the position. The village has hired Richard Ford, a traveling fiscal officer, at $125 per hour to address audit issues and assess the village's financial condition. With two council vacancies remaining, the village is seeking interested residents to submit letters of intent.

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🏢 Middletown council rejects assisted living and apartment development plan. The city council voted 3-2 against a proposal for a 124-unit assisted living facility and 144-unit apartment complex on undeveloped land. Developer Bill Morton expressed confusion over the denial, especially after unanimous planning commission approval. Council members cited concerns about increased emergency service calls and the city's goal to reduce rental properties in favor of homeownership. Morton remains committed to the project and may return with revised plans that address the council's concerns.

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🏡 Real Estate Reveals

Real estate listing image Spacious New Ranch Tax Break: Priced at $409,000, this new brick ranch offers an open floor plan with cathedral ceilings, upgraded trim, and an island kitchen, plus a potential five-year tax exemption on 50% of the property's increased value.
Real estate listing image Renovated ranch ready for families: Priced at $178,000, this completely remodeled 4-bed ranch offers modern upgrades including new kitchen, roof, and HVAC systems, plus a spacious floor plan and fenced backyard perfect for entertaining or pets.
Real estate listing image Spacious twin home needs TLC: This $144,000 twin home in Lewisburg offers 1372 sq ft of space with natural woodwork, hardwood floors, and needs minor renovations. The property features 3 bedrooms, 1.5 baths, bonus attic space, and a garage.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

🏺 Jul. 15 - Clay Hand Building Class: Get your hands dirty with clay at Claudia Hawkins' beginner-friendly hand building class! Learn essential techniques in this 3-week course starting July 15 at 207 E Main St in Eaton.
🌳 Jul. 16 - Family Tree Workshop: Unlock your family's past at the free Genealogy Workshop! Bring your documents and photos to the Preble County Genealogy Room on July 16th and get expert help breaking through those ancestral brick walls.
👩 Jul. 18 - Amanda Livingston: Unwind with live music by Amanda Livingston at the charming Olde Schoolhouse Vineyard & Winery on July 18. Sip local wines while enjoying summer melodies in this picturesque Eaton setting.
🎸 Jul. 18 - CDB Live Party @ Suds: The Crossfire Band rocks Suds for the first time on July 18! Join the party at 160 Main Cross St in Eldorado and help pack the house for this exciting live music event.
🍹 Jul. 19 - Vintage 3 Patio Party: Groove to live tunes with Vintage 3 on the patio at Olde Schoolhouse Vineyard & Winery on July 19. Bring your favorite chairs and friends for a relaxing summer evening under the stars.
🕊️ Jul. 19 - Danny & Pam's Life Celebration: Honor Danny and Pam's lives at a heartfelt celebration in Fort Saint Clair Park on July 19. Join family and friends to commemorate these special birthdays with love and remembrance at 135 Camden Rd, Eaton.
🎗️ Jul. 19 - Preble County Cancer Relay: Join the fight against cancer at Relay For Life on July 19 at Preble County Council On Aging in Eaton. Be part of the world's largest cancer fundraiser and make a difference in your community!
🍽️ Jul. 20 - Dinner on the Grounds: Join neighbors for "Dinner on the Grounds 2025" in New Paris on July 20! Savor local flavors while enjoying live concerts and art exhibitions at this unforgettable community gathering at 6751 OH-320.
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