Morning Briefing: Saturday, September 7, 2024

Looking for a fun trip that isn’t too long of a drive from Dayton?

In today’s Morning Briefing, we introduce you to our new monthly feature, “Daycations,” which aims to offer unique getaway ideas close to the region. We also look at the benefits a roundabout being planned near Warren County Sports Park might bring.

If you have thoughts or feedback on this newsletter or other news tips, please let me know at Greg.Lynch@coxinc.com.

Want to read the digital version of the newspaper? Click here for our daily ePaper.

The newsletter should take about 3 minutes, 24 seconds to read.

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DAYCATIONS: This town heavily celebrates Mothman, and a festival is happening soon

A Mothman Festival will be Sept. 21-22, 2024 in Point Pleasant, West Va. Photo courtesy of @the_mothman_museum on Instagram

Credit: Contributed

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Credit: Contributed

“Daycations” is a new monthly feature highlighting trips folks can take in a day or two from the southwest Ohio region.

Today we highlight the small town of Point Pleasant, West Virginia, where Mothman is a big deal. The city will have a festival dedicated to the creature Sept. 21-22 with food, live music, speakers and more.

• What is Mothman? The mysterious creature is described as a “menacing figure standing 6- to 7-feet tall” with large, red eyes, that could allegedly fly over 100 miles per hour.

• History: Mothman sightings began in November 1966. Some say it caused the 1967 collapse of a train bridge which claimed the lives of 46 people. Rumors of Mothman sightings continue to circulate.

• The town: There is a museum, gift shops, mini-golf, an ice cream store and a statue dedicated to the creature.

• The festival: The town’s love for Mothman culminates in an annual festival held each September. This popular event sees more than 20,000 guests annually.

• Have a suggestion for a place or event to feature? Email alex.cutler@coxinc.com.


Number of Warren County Sports Park visitors elevates Ohio 741 roundabout need

A roundabout is planned for the Ohio 741/Greentree Road intersection near Warren County Sports Park, which drew an estimated 1.2 million people last year, according to the county convention and visitors bureau. NICK BLIZZARD/STAFF PHOTO

Credit: NICK BLIZZARD/STAFF PHOTO

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Credit: NICK BLIZZARD/STAFF PHOTO

The attraction to the Warren County Sports Park by athletes and spectators is helping boost plans to build a roundabout to aid traffic flow near the Ohio 741 site.

• Sports Park: The 128-acre sports complex drew more than 1.2 million visitors last year while having an estimated $95 million economic impact locally.

• The intersection: The Ohio 741/Greentree Road intersection averaged about 11,070 vehicles per day three years ago and traffic volume is projected to rise to 13,940 per day by 2041.

• The cost: The roundabout’s $4.1 million construction is expected to be funded by a port authority bond issue to be repaid with money the county will collect through the Miami Valley Gaming TIF.

• Timetable: Construction on the roundabout is planned for next year.

• What they are saying: “With the roundabout, we anticipate delays decreasing from four to five minutes down to less than 30 seconds,” said county Engineer Neil Tunison.


What to know today

• One big takeaway: There are 16 people with connections to the Miami Valley who have been charged for their roles in the breach of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. Here’s where their cases stand.

• Tip of the day: Tips on talking to kids about depression.

Person to know today: Lester Gates. The co-owner of Invoke, at 2nd Street Market, is one of eight contestants vying for the title of “Top Vegan” and the prize of $20,000.

• Big move of the day: Auto components manufacturer Faurecia intends to close its Troy plant, laying off about 60 employees in stages beginning in November.

Quote of the day: “This is the best I’ve felt going into Week 1 since my rookie season. That’s exciting for me to be able to get these reps in training camp, and I’m going to bank all of those and continue to get better throughout this time as opposed to just getting back to base line.” — Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow.

Happening today: 5 things to know about the Dayton Greek Festival.

• Things to do: 36 local events to keep you busy in September.

• Photo of the day: Photographer Tom Gilliam recently attended the multi-Platinum recording artist Cole Swindell concert at the Rose Music Center at The Heights. Here is his gallery.

Nashville-based multi-Platinum recording artist Cole Swindell headlined Military Appreciation Night to honor local servicemen and women at the Rose Music Center at The Heights on Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024. Noah Hicks opened the show. TOM GILLIAM / CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Credit: Tom Gilliam

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Credit: Tom Gilliam