Good morning, Preble County. A seismic shift is underway at the Department of Veterans Affairs, where collective bargaining agreements affecting roughly 376,000 employees have been abruptly terminated. This dramatic workplace transformation comes as Secretary Doug Collins cites prioritizing veterans' interests, though union leaders and the Congressional Labor Caucus have raised serious concerns about potential impacts on veteran services and employee rights.
Meanwhile, local infrastructure improvements are addressing everyday community needs. Kroger's $3 million expansion of its Englewood Fuel Center will soon triple capacity to 18 pumps when it reopens this fall, while Clayton's environmental efforts got a $75,000 boost from the Ohio EPA. The grant funds a new brine maker that will help reduce harmful salt pollution in waterways – a perfect example of how technological upgrades can serve both practical needs and environmental protection simultaneously.
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☕️ What's Brewing Locally
🏥 VA abruptly cancels union contracts for most employees. The Department of Veterans Affairs terminated collective bargaining agreements affecting approximately 80% of its 470,000-person workforce. Only contracts covering 4,000 police officers, firefighters, and security guards will remain intact due to exemptions from a Trump executive order. VA Secretary Doug Collins claimed the move prioritizes veterans' interests, arguing unions often "fight against the best interests of veterans." Union leaders condemned the decision as retaliation against employees who spoke out against administration policies, with the Congressional Labor Caucus warning it jeopardizes vital services for veterans.
⛽ Kroger gas station expands to meet growing customer demand. The Englewood Fuel Center on Union Boulevard closed in July for a $3 million expansion project that will increase capacity to 18 pumps. The upgraded facility will continue to offer merchandise and lottery services when it reopens this fall. Kroger cited "increased customer demand" and "strategic growth in the area" as reasons for the investment. The fuel center, which originally opened in 2006, is located near the Kroger Marketplace that underwent its own $2.5 million renovation in 2021-2022.
🧂 Ohio EPA awards Clayton $75,000 to fight salt pollution.The grant will fund a new brine maker to improve snow operations in the city. Part of Governor DeWine's expanded H2Ohio Rivers Program, the funding aims to reduce environmental impact from road salt runoff, which has been increasing in Ohio waterways. Public Service Director Randy Sanders explained the new equipment will create higher-quality brine mixtures, allowing for more precise application and significantly reduced salt usage. The grant comes from $1.9 million in settlement funds from an environmental contamination case involving Cargill, Inc. and Central Salt, LLC.
🏡 Real Estate Reveals
Affordable updated home with yard: Priced at $160,000, this move-in ready 2-bedroom home features updated kitchen with stainless appliances, a master suite with walk-in closet, and outdoor living spaces including a front porch and private backyard.
Spacious countryside lot near towns: List price: $39,747. This 2.147-acre building lot sits on a country road, conveniently positioned between Eaton and Richmond, making it an ideal spot for your future home.
Remodeled countryside acre near highway: For $179,900, this fully remodeled 3-bedroom home on nearly an acre in Northern Preble County features new flooring, kitchen, bath fixtures, HVAC system, metal roof, and a fenced yard, all just minutes from I-70.🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla
💰 Financial Friday
Building an emergency fund should be a priority; aim to save three to six months’ worth of living expenses to provide a financial cushion during unexpected events or job changes, allowing you to navigate tough times with greater ease.
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