💧 Oxford tackles notoriously hard water with new softener system. The city has begun engineering a water softener to address residents' complaints about the naturally hard water from the Great Miami Buried Valley Aquifer. Students like junior Avery Caldwell have resorted to installing shower filters after experiencing waxy hair and feeling unclean after showering. While Oxford's water is safe and clean, its high calcium and magnesium content causes mineral buildup, hair breakage, and reduced appliance efficiency. Until the new system is implemented, residents can combat hard water with homemade cleaning solutions or shower filters.
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📚 Libraries face funding cuts, threatening a crucial community resource. The Department of Government Efficiency has begun reducing federal funding for the Institute of Museum and Library Services, while Ohio specifically faces a proposed $25 million budget cut. Libraries provide vital educational opportunities, foster creativity, and create safe spaces for children through free access to books and activities. With declining literacy rates in the US—approximately 34% of fourth-graders reading below basic level—libraries remain essential for educational development and community engagement. Supporting these institutions is crucial to preserve their role in society.
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🎃 Preble County towns set Halloween festivities for late October. Most communities will celebrate Trick-or-Treat on Thursday, Oct. 30, from 6-8 p.m., including Eaton, Camden, and Gratis. Some towns like Eldorado and Lewisburg will hold events on Friday, Oct. 31, while Verona plans a special celebration on Saturday, Nov. 1, featuring games, hayrides, and activities from 3-7:30 p.m. Safety remains a priority, with Eaton Police reminding parents to accompany children, ensure reflective clothing, and use crosswalks while collecting treats.
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Rural dream perfect for horses: This 102-acre countryside retreat at $1.5M offers a three-bedroom farmhouse, tillable land, rolling pastures, and three barns—one with horse stalls—just minutes from town and major routes.
Gated lakeside four-bedroom retreat: This inviting $329,000 four-bedroom home in the gated Lakengren community features a primary bedroom suite, spacious fenced yard with deck and patio, and recent updates including a new roof and gutters.