Home / Newsletters / Ohio / Preble County / July 24, 2025

🏙 Downtown makeover

Preble County • July 24, 2025

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Good morning, Preble County. The silhouettes of downtown Middletown are changing as city officials implement a multi-faceted approach to address homelessness. New surveillance cameras and strategic partnerships are showing early signs of success according to local business owners, though the complex challenge continues to evolve with stakeholders now committed to monthly collaboration sessions to refine their community-centered solutions.

From canceled cuts to community celebrations, brighter news abounds across our region. The VA has reversed course on nationwide job reductions, now actively hiring healthcare workers to enhance veteran services. Meanwhile, Golden Gate Park is preparing to transform into a three-day festival wonderland as Brookville's 74th annual community picnic approaches, promising everything from a fishing derby to fireworks, with the soulful sounds of multiple bands creating the soundtrack to these perfect summer days.

🌤 Sky Skoop

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☕️ What's Brewing Locally

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🏙️ Middletown tackles downtown homelessness with increased surveillance and partnerships. Business owners report improvements following the installation of cameras and removal of benches in Governor's Square, though concerns persist about panhandling and displaced individuals moving eastward on Central Avenue. Local officials, including Mayor Elizabeth Slamka and Police Chief Earl Nelson, are working on implementing a panhandling ordinance while The Gathering, a faith-based outreach group, is helping connect unhoused people with housing and treatment programs. Despite progress, business owners like Jeremy Davidson expressed frustration about security measures being concentrated in one area, with stakeholders agreeing to meet monthly to discuss ongoing solutions.

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🏥 VA scraps nationwide job cuts, now hiring healthcare workers. Deputy Secretary Paul Lawrence announced during a visit to Dayton VA Medical Center that earlier plans for a "reduction in force" have been abandoned. The VA is actually adding staff in key areas like doctors, nurses, and benefits processors to improve veteran care. Lawrence noted that natural attrition has reduced staff by 17,000 since January, putting them on track to meet reduction goals without layoffs. He also highlighted the implementation of a new Electronic Health Record system at the Dayton facility, scheduled for completion by 2026.

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🎪 Brookville's 74th annual community picnic promises three days of summer fun. The free event at Golden Gate Park from July 24-26 will feature live music, activities for all ages, and culminate with a fireworks display. Thursday kicks off with a Kids Business Fair and Praise in the Park, while Friday brings Motown sounds from Soul Express. Saturday packs in the most activities, including a 5k run, fishing derby, talent show, and performances by multiple bands including headliner Payton Sampson. Visitors can also enjoy bounce houses throughout the weekend for an additional fee.

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🏡 Real Estate Reveals

Real estate listing image Woodwork gem needs TLC: Priced at $199,900, this charming Eaton home features stunning woodwork, spacious rooms, and a detached workshop, though the historic property is being sold as-is and includes an inoperable fireplace.
Real estate listing image Lakeside Brick Ranch Getaway: Charming $249,900 brick ranch in Lake Lakengren offers 3 beds, 2 baths, updated features, and a fenced yard, with community access to a private lake and amenities.
Real estate listing image Historic tavern needs renovation magic: Listed at $75,000, this historical 1839 building in Lewisburg, once a stagecoach tavern on the National Road, offers 3 beds, 1 bath, and nearly 2,000 sq ft on half an acre with original architectural features and federal tax credit potential.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

🏷️ Jul. 25 - Fair Stall Tag Pickup: Grab your stall tags for the 2025 Preble County Fair! Stop by Rotary Junction near the Butler & Darke Rural Electric Stand on July 25th from 5-8pm to get everything you need for next year's event.
🌸 Jul. 26 - County Fair Floral Show: Bloom with creativity at the Preble County Fair Floral Show on July 26! The Alpha Garden Club welcomes families to showcase their floral talents in Junior & Senior Open Classes at the Fairgrounds in Eaton.
🚜 Jul. 26 - Farm Bureau Annual Meeting: Scoop up some sweet summer fun at the Preble County Farm Bureau Annual Meeting! Join fellow farmers for ice cream at 2pm followed by the meeting at 2:30pm on July 26th at the Toney Building, Fairgrounds.
🍽️ Jul. 26 - Godown's Fixins: Groove to the soulful sounds of Godown's Fixins at Olde Schoolhouse Vineyard & Winery on July 26! Sip local wines while enjoying live music in the charming countryside setting of Eaton.
💥 Jul. 26 - Smash It Demolition Derby: Crash, boom, bang! Smash it Demolition Derby roars into Eaton on July 26, bringing metal-crunching mayhem to 722 S Franklin St. Come witness cars collide in this high-energy summer spectacle.
🍷 Jul. 26 - Ryan & Rose Wine Tasting: Sip and sway with Ryan & Rose at Olde Schoolhouse Vineyard & Winery on July 26! Enjoy live music while sampling delicious local wines in the charming countryside setting of Eaton.
💇‍♀️ Jul. 26 - Fair Hair Styling: Get your hair styled by Jasie Jane at the Preble County Fair! Supporting 4H members and offering show-ready styles July 26 at the fairgrounds (722 S Franklin St, Eaton).
🎡 Jul. 27 - Preble County Fair: Get ready for summer fun at the Preble County Fair! Join the community celebration on July 27 at the Preble County Fairgrounds in Eaton for a day of rides, food, and agricultural exhibits.

🙏 In Remembrance

James Michael "Mike" Miller

James Michael "Mike" Miller, 68, of Gratis, OH, passed away on July 21, 2025, at Vancrest Health Care Center in Eaton. Born in 1956 in Cincinnati, Miller worked as a cement mason and retired from Lithko Contracting, while also enjoying classic rock music and fishing. He was married to his high school sweetheart, Sharilyn Kay Stubbs, for 46 years and was a devoted family man. Miller is survived by his wife, daughter, three grandchildren, siblings, close friends, and his cat Cora, with private services to be held at the family's convenience.

James Michael Mike Miller

Ralph M. Newton, Sr.

Ralph M. Newton, Sr., a 77-year-old lifelong truck driver from Somerville, passed away on July 20, 2025, reuniting with his late wife Betty Jo in Heaven. He is survived by his five children, fourteen grandchildren, and several great-grandchildren, having been the last surviving sibling of his family. Ralph found joy in watching Western movies, hosting barbecue gatherings with his family, and doting on his beloved dogs, Baby Girl and Oliver. His career on the road began at age 16, where he approached his profession with quiet strength and dedication to providing for his family.

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