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ApplyPressure Dayton keeps your home clean and safe – on the outside.

In Business, Local News on July 25, 2025 at 4:16 pm

(Sponsored)

Learn more at http://www.applypressuredayton.com.

Super Inspirational

In Local News on July 22, 2025 at 7:39 am

Deer In Headlines II

By Gery Deer

(Editor’s note: This piece was originally published in print and online on Friday, July 11, the release date for Supeman.)

This week brings the latest film portrayal of one of pop culture’s most enduring icons: Superman. When the character first appeared in 1938, the world teetered on the edge of war. Hitler’s rise threatened Europe, and anxiety loomed large across America. In that uncertain moment, the country needed a hero—if not in real life, then at least in imagination.

Writers Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster delivered just that: a strange visitor from another planet, with powers and abilities far beyond those of mortal men. As the decades unfolded, it became clear that Superman’s true strength wasn’t found in feats of physical might. His greatest power was empathy—the ability to witness suffering and respond not with fury, but with compassion.

Even with unmatched power at his fingertips, Superman never acted to inflict fear or dominance. He led by example, embodying restraint, moral clarity, and unwavering courage—a reminder that heroism often begins not with force, but with heart.

“Superman” (2025) grossed $125 million in its opening weekend. Is this a sign that Americans need some hope?

Years ago, I wrote a “Deer In Headlines” column titled “Why the World Needs Superman.” The title was borrowed from a fictional article by Lois Lane in “Superman Returns.” In the film, Lane argues that Superman is not just relevant—but essential. Not because he’s perfect, but because of what he represents. Sometimes, hope isn’t found in the heroes themselves, but in the idea behind them—the symbols. I think we need those kinds of symbols again, maybe now more than ever.

From the disorienting echoes of artificial intelligence to the chaos of political extremism, the world feels more uncertain than it has in decades. We’re surrounded by noise, division, and anxiety. And while I know a comic book character can’t save us, the image of someone striving to do good—someone using their gifts to lift others—can still inspire. I believe that it’s not the cape that gives us courage. It’s the quiet decency of the person underneath.

If you’ve read previous editions of this column, you already know that my childhood wasn’t easy. I was born with a set of birth defects that made me feel like an outsider from the start. People saw me as “different,” weak, and sickly. That perception became a heavy burden. There were many things about myself I kept hidden—not out of shame, but from a fear of how others might treat me if they knew.

That sense of quiet isolation led me to feel a strong connection with the character of Superman—but more specifically, with his alter ego, Clark Kent. Like Clark, I grew up on a farm and carried burdens I couldn’t explain to my peers. He could blend in, unnoticed, among the crowds of Metropolis. I tried to do the same in my small corner of the world. Clark Kent was the mask that allowed Superman to experience life quietly, without ridicule. For me, it took a bit more than a pair of glasses. My disguise was silence, and I often looked to the stories of Superman for inspiration.

Becoming a writer helped exercise that isolation—the ability to give voice to what I once kept hidden. Through much of my work, I’ve been able to share parts of myself in the hope that my words might resonate with those of you carrying invisible burdens of your own. But Superman’s relevance goes well beyond the troubled emotions of a young boy.

Critics say he’s outdated, too perfect. But Superman’s enduring relevance lies not in his superpowers, but in his unselfish, unyielding commitment to do good. In a world rife with cynicism, Superman chose to blend in and understand us, to be one of us, to experience the best and worst of us. There’s humility in that—something we need more of today.

From comic panels to movie screens, Superman has become a global, unifying symbol of justice and truth. He is an immigrant – an alien – who came to our planet and our country to help us be better people. The continued stories of his heroics remind us that true strength lies in choosing compassion and service over vengeance and force. That said, I think America needs Superman now more than ever before. Up, up, and away.

Frontier Arlines flight stopped on the tarmac at CVG, passengers removed, police and K9 searches commenced

In Local News on July 21, 2025 at 7:02 pm

BREAKING – The Jamestown Comet Exclusive – approximately 6:18 PM this afternoon Frontier Airlines flight 1048 returning from Fort Lauderdale landed at the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport, but was detained on the tarmac by authorities.

Passengers were removed to a bus which took them to the terminal while police and canine officers searched baggage and plane. No word at this time about the reason for the searches, but one passenger reported they thought someone mentioned the possibility of drugs being smuggled on the plane.

No other information was available at the time.

Vintage aircraft expected for this weekend’s Barnstorming Carnival 

In Local News on July 9, 2025 at 3:08 pm

Event features Family activities, biplane rides, Car Cruise-in, and food trucks at Springfield Beckley Airport 

SPRINGFIELD, Ohio — The eleventh annual Barnstorming Carnival will be held at Springfield Beckley Airport on July 12th and 13th . As always, admission is free. 

This unique community event celebrates the planes and pilots that went all over the U.S. in the 1920s and 30s, selling rides and thrilling communities with daredevil stunts. Modern day barnstormers are as unique as their counterparts from 100 years ago, carrying on this tradition and bringing it to the community. 

Jamestown barnstormer and organizer Dewey Davenport has coordinated a fleet of unique aircraft for the two-day event from all parts of the country. More than 40 aircraft – including vintage biplanes, homebuilts and military trainers – are expected to be on display. 

One of the featured aircraft this year is a 1930 D-25 New Standard open cockpit biplane . This type of aircraft in its day — and still by many — is considered the King of the barnstormers. The front cockpit is big enough to fit a family of four! It will be one of the unique biplanes at the event. Fifteen minute biplane rides will be offered at the event for an addition cost. 

Kestrel Warbirds Rides from Dayton, Ohio will be at the event with their WWII AT-6 Texan. They will also offer unique flight experiences for an additional cost 

The Barnstorming Carnival is also excited to announce that food trucks will be onsite both days of the show. A Car Cruise in on Sunday July 13th starts at 11 and goes until 4pm. All types of cars are welcomed. Other activities for families include paper rocket building workshops, paper plate foam gliders, model airplanes demonstrations, RC flight simulators, balloon-tying clown, Face painter, Buck the Magic Cowboy, and many other activities. 

The event starts Saturday morning with a pancake breakfast hosted by the Hustead EMS department ( public is welcomed) and biplane rides at 8:00 am. For more information about the Barnstorming Carnival and biplane rides visit our website at ⁦www.barnstormingcarnival.com⁩ or call Dewey Davenport 937-877-0837 Brittany Jones 937-323-5804, Airport Manager Seth Timmerman 937-459-2193 

MEDIA NOTICE: All media interested in coordinating biplane rides for stories can contact Dewey Davenport at (937)-877-0837.

Family-Owned Company In Troy Sets New Standards For HVAC Service

In Dayton Ohio News, Local News, Uncategorized on July 8, 2025 at 11:55 am

In an industry often characterized by impersonal transactions and technical specifications, SubZero Heating and Air Conditioning, based near Troy, Ohio, stands out as one of a kind. Co-owners Trishanda and Jack Barhorst, a husband-and-wife team, whose people-first philosophy and family business culture set new standards for HVAC service in Ohio.

The couple launched the business during the pandemic, not exactly the most ideal time to get started. But their belief that service is about people and comfort is more than just a temperature setting, has helped SubZero grow into a trusted name across the region.

Jack Barhorst serves as the company’s vice president and lead technician. “We don’t just fix furnaces or install AC units,” he explained. “We show up for people when they’re uncomfortable and stressed. That’s a big responsibility—and we take it personally.”

President and CEO, Trishanda Barhorst, insists that every client at SubZero be treated like a valued neighbor, in every aspect of the business. From the moment a customer calls, they’re met with warmth, transparency, and a genuine desire to help. “When you call us, you are talking to the CEO of the company from start to finish,” Trishanda said.

From last-minute furnace repairs to full system upgrades, SubZero has made a name for itself as the go-to crew for homeowners across the region. Whether it’s routine maintenance or installing a high-efficiency system, their team shows up with know-how and heart—making sure every family stays comfortable, no matter the season.

SubZero also tackles the big stuff—office buildings, retail spaces, and large industrial facilities. Their commercial services are just as personally-focused, and just as precise. In high-pressure environments where systems are complex and every minute counts, business owners count on SubZero’s quick response times, sharp technical skills, and commitment to keeping things running smoothly.

Jack and Trishanda have created a business where customers and employees feel valued and empowered. Their crew doesn’t just know HVAC systems, but empathy and communication—skills that turn service calls into lasting relationships.

“Everything that we have in our success today really centers on the deep sense of trust we have in our relationship and because of that, we’re able to share that with others,” Trishanda said. “Employees, customers, friends, it gives us something of high value that we can pass on to others. Every person requires differently, with a different set of needs. We always want to leave something with them that matters.”

“We want your equipment to work and when it doesn’t, we’re there to fix it,” said Jack Barhorst. “Call us and we’ll get it back up and running so you can get back to your business.” (Meet the SubZero Office Assistant – Liberty)

As Trishanda and Jack look to the future, their vision remains rooted in the same principles that launched SubZero: family, service, and heart. In an industry that can sometimes feel cold, they’re proving that warmth starts with people.

For more information visit www.sub0hvac.com.

Cycling for a Cause: Support Veterans and Explore Greene County Trails.

In Dayton Ohio News, Education, Health, Local News, psychology, sociology, Uncategorized on June 27, 2025 at 11:07 am

XENIA, Ohio — On any given day, the trails of Greene County provide a scenic escape for cyclists and nature lovers alike. But on Saturday, July 19th, they will play host to a much deeper purpose: supporting the Greene County Suicide Prevention Coalition (GCSPC) Veteran Subcommittee. Registration is $50 per rider and those registered before June 30 will receive a commemorative t-shirt.

The ride will begin at the Fairgrounds Recreation Center with flexible start times between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m., allowing cyclists to ease into the event at their own pace. The event is made possible by the Greene County Parks and Trails, the volunteer Trail Sentinels, and various sponsors including Rodriguez Financial Strategies, LLC of Beavercreek, and White Allen Auto Group.

According to the GCSPC Facebook page, the non-profit organization is, “A group of dedicated mental health, law enforcement, education and other professionals and volunteers, working to reduce suicide in our community.” The subcommittee focuses on mental health and suicide prevention for veterans, service members, and their families.

“This event is about more than just cycling; it’s about community,” said Gery Deer, a Greene County Trail Sentinel volunteer and event liaison. “Our trails offer connection—both with nature and with each other—and we’re channeling that spirit into something truly impactful for veterans in our area.” Deer’s company, GLD Communications, is also a sponsor of the event.

Those who register before June 30 will receive this commemorative t-shirt.

Three planned routes of 10, 30, and 60 miles are available, accommodating cyclists of all skill levels. Along the way, participants will traverse some of the county’s most iconic pathways, including the Creekside Trail, The Little Miami Scenic Trail, Xenia-Jamestown Connector, and the Ohio to Erie Trail. Rest stops stocked with refreshments will be strategically placed to ensure riders remain energized and hydrated, and the ever-dependable Greene County Trail Sentinel volunteers will be on hand throughout the day to assist participants.

“Our role as Trail Sentinels isn’t just about ensuring safety,” said Deer. “We’re here to make the experience enjoyable and memorable for every rider. Whether someone’s doing the 10-mile route or tackling all 60 miles, we’re committed to helping them have a great day while supporting a critical cause.” In addition to riding the routes to assist riders, the Trail Sentinels will also have a support table under the shelter at Xenia Station, joined also by volunteers from the Greene County Suicide Prevention Coalition Veteran Subcommittee.

Participants and visitors to Xenia Station will have the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals, share stories, and learn more about the impactful work of the Subcommittee. Funds raised from this event will go directly to supporting programs that provide essential resources for veterans, including mental health services and outreach initiatives.

“This is a chance for people to do something they love—riding bikes—while making a real difference in the lives of our veterans and their families,” Deer added. “At a time when critical services are underfunded and undermanned, this event is proof that even a simple activity like cycling can have a profound impact when it’s done for a cause.”

From seasoned cyclists to those who are simply looking for a meaningful way to spend a day outdoors, this one-day ride offers an unforgettable experience that combines the joy of exploration with the fulfillment of giving back. To register go to, https://www.gcparkstrails.com/event/greene-county-bike-tour-for-veteran-suicide-prevention/  

If you or someone you know is in crisis, please call the 988 suicide and crisis hotline, dial 1 for veteran support.

Decades of Imagination: The Creative Legacy of Dayton’s Historic Davis Linden Building

In Dayton Ohio News, Economy, Entertainment, Local News, Technology, Uncategorized on June 19, 2025 at 9:29 am

Dayton, Ohio – The Davis Linden Building, an historic landmark located at 400 Linden Avenue in Dayton, Ohio, has long been a beacon for creative professionals seeking customized commercial spaces. Owned by Matt Dieringer of Dieringer Development, the facility continues to thrive and expand, offering a nurturing environment for artists, businesses, sculptors, photographers, and other creative professionals.

Over the years, the facility has seen good times and bad. But Matt Dieringer’s vision for the Davis Linden Building has been, and will continue to be, one of growth and community. “We are committed to provide spaces that not only meet the unique needs of our tenants but also foster a sense of belonging and collaboration,” says Dieringer. This commitment is evident in the building’s diverse range of tenants, each contributing to a vibrant and supportive community.

One of the most notable tenants is Michael Bashaw, a musician and sculptor who has located his studio in the Davis Linden Building since the 1980s. Bashaw’s long-term presence is a testament to the building’s ability to provide a stable and inspiring environment for creative professionals. “My grandfather was a tenant in the building in the 1950s, so I was well aware of it,” says Bashaw. “I was originally looking for a space where I could work on my sculpture and do music rehearsals. I’m very grateful and very fortunate to be here.”

Click here for a video interview with Bashaw.

“I’m on year two and have already outgrown one space,” says tenant Tiffany Lewis, owner of Immortelle Bijouterie, an era-inspired jewelry and clothing shop. “I love the atmosphere here – the big windows, the open concept, and that there are other artists here.”

Becca Brumfield, the building’s office manager, shared her view as both a tenant and employee. She described The Davis Linden Building as a center of creativity, business, and community. Her husband, Trevor, operates one of Ohio’s last full-service typewriter repair and sales shops, TB Writers Plus, located in the building since 2023.

The dedication of the Davis Linden Building’s management to promote a sense of community among its tenants is one of its defining features. This collaborative spirit is what sets the facility apart from other commercial spaces. In that spirit, the management will soon unveil “The C2 Initiative,” based on the idea of Creativity and Commerce. The initiative is intended to expand on that sense of community with memberships, access to shared creative space, and much more.

As Dieringer Development continues to invest in the growth and development of the Davis Linden Building, the future looks bright for this creative hub. With its commitment to providing customized spaces and fostering a strong sense of community, the Davis Linden Building will undoubtedly remain a cornerstone of Dayton’s creative scene for years to come.

For more information about the Davis Linden Building and its available spaces, visit their website, www.davislindenbuilding.com/, or call 937-498-8635.

TCN Celebrates 35 Years with Free Community Fun Day & Pancake Breakfast

In Local News on June 11, 2025 at 11:43 am

Fairborn, OH – TCN Behavioral Health is celebrating 35 years of caring for our communities, and we want you to be part of the celebration! Join us for a Community Fun Day & Free Pancake Breakfast on Saturday, July 12, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at TCN’s headquarters, 1825 Commerce Center Blvd, Fairborn.

The morning will kick off with a free pancake breakfast featuring “We Flip ‘Em and You Catch ‘Em” with Katie’s Pancakes, followed by a variety of fun and family-friendly activities including:

• Bounce houses

• Sidewalk chalk art

• Face painting

• A live “Division Feud” game show

• Kids’ coloring contest

• Art drive

• “Fill the Bus” school supply donation drive

• And much more!

This event is open to everyone, and we invite the entire community to come out and celebrate this milestone with us. Whether you’ve been part of our journey or are just getting to know us, we’re excited to share this special day with you.

TCN CARES—and this celebration is just one way we’re showing our gratitude for 35 years of support, growth, and improving lives by providing clinically excellent and accessible behavioral health services to adults and youth service across our region.

For more information about supporting us through sponsorship, donation or volunteering please call (937)376-8700 or visit www.tcn.org

 

 

Open Mic Night

In Environment, Health, Local News, Opinion, Uncategorized on June 9, 2025 at 8:22 am

Deer In Headlines II

By Gery Deer

It takes a special kind of bravery to step onto a stage, armed with nothing but your talent and a willingness to bare your soul to strangers. Open mic nights embody this raw courage, where artists of all kinds—musicians, poets, comedians—challenge themselves not only to be heard but to connect. To say they are anything less than extraordinary would be missing the heart of the matter entirely.

As I write this, I’m sitting with my brother and cousin after just stepping off the stage at Plain Folk Café in Pleasant Plain, Ohio. My family group, The Brothers & Co., which now consists of my older brother and our cousin, has been performing together for over 30 years. We’ve played at casinos, festivals, theaters, just about everywhere – as professional entertainment.  But I’d never experienced an open mic event until my cousin invited us to go as a group. He was a regular here, receiving a very “Cheers” like welcome from fellow performers when we arrived.

Every Thursday night since 2012, performers and patrons alike enjoy good food and entertainment, and the stage isn’t just a platform; it’s a crucible where artistry takes shape. The sign-in sheet, held aloft by a sombrero-wearing ceramic frog, sets the tone: quirky, welcoming, and uniquely communal. Each participant scribbles their name with a mix of anticipation and trepidation, knowing they’re stepping into an unfiltered arena. Some are regulars, others are first-timers, all are committed.

The pull of an open mic is multifaceted. For some, it’s a chance to test new material, an incubator for ideas that might someday grow into greatness. Writers spend hours pouring their souls into words; musicians craft melodies that echo with personal truths. They arrive not knowing whether their work will elicit applause, laughter, or silence—but they come anyway, driven by the need to express and improve.

Then there’s the process itself—learning not just to perfect the art, but to perform it before a living, breathing audience. Open mic performers are incredibly brave, hoping their work connects with even one person in the crowd. That’s where the beauty lies: that vulnerability becomes their strength. It’s almost a superpower, one which, for all my professional experience, can’t comprehend.

Gary Deer Jr and Gery Deer, two of the trio, The Brothers & Co., watch other performers on stage at Plain Folk Cafe.

The first time I was on stage, I was in first grade, doing a ventriloquist act in my elementary school talent show. I had studied the art for a year or so, and my mom thought I might like to show people. I agreed, and the next thing I knew, I was smack in the spotlight of the ultimate open mic set — me, a ventriloquist dummy, 250 schoolmates, teachers, and parents.

One joke, a laugh; another, some applause, and, at the end, I won first prize for my grade. That moment led to a lifetime of performing in front of audiences, from lecturing and emcee work to appearances at hometown festivals and on national TV. Yet, with all that, I can’t fathom getting up there alone, week after week, in front of a cafe full of patrons and performers. It requires a very different kind of courage.

Open mic nights strip away the barriers between artist and audience. Whether it’s a musician pouring their soul into an original ballad or a comic braving the silence between punchlines, the essence of their art is laid bare. Every strum of a guitar or carefully penned word reveals hours of effort, doubt, and hope. It’s humanity, distilled.

Most importantly, these evenings foster connection. In the glow of the stage lights, an unspoken camaraderie develops among performers and listeners alike. The applause isn’t just polite acknowledgment; it’s a collective celebration of effort and heart. That shared experience is what makes open mic nights so much more than casual entertainment—they’re gatherings where creativity finds its voice and its audience.

If you’ve never been to an open mic event, I urge you to go, not as a critic, but as a witness to the raw courage and artistry on display. You may not love every performance, but you will leave with a renewed appreciation for the grit it takes to share oneself so openly, and for all the creative souls who fearlessly challenge themselves week after week.

********

To learn more about The Brothers & Co. Entertainers or Plain Folk Cafe, visit them on Facebook at:

https://www.facebook.com/TheBrothersandCo

https://www.facebook.com/plainfolklive

GCPT Trail Sentinels set up at the bike hub to provide support and information.

In Local News on May 26, 2025 at 6:59 pm

XENIA—Volunteers of the Greene County Parks and Trails Trail Sentinel program were available Saturday, May 24th, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Visitors from as far away as South Carolina stopped by the table for suggestions on food stops and other resources along their ride. One cyclist who visited the table was on a long ride along the Erie to Ohio trail. He was documenting his journey with a YouTube channel.

Trail Sentinels are a volunteer group of experienced cyclists who support and assist on Greene County bike trails. They help with minor repairs, give directions, and contact officials in case of a problem on the trails, such as downed trees or emergencies.

Sentinels ride the trails regularly and will be on hand at the bike hub monthly. They also lead weekly Saturday rides, mornings, and evenings. Complete information available online at https://www.gcparkstrails.com/calendar/