My dad is 89 and still drives. On a rainy night not long ago he backed into another car in a parking lot. A friend, age 86, while driving in a construction zone slipped off the edge of the road and struck a safety cone. Another friend, age 76, recently pulled in front of another car that was approaching faster than he realized.

Being sentenced to the loser’s bracket can be a long, long, weary road to finally emerge back up to take on a team from the winners bracket and the losers bracket is where most of the teams in the 61st Annual Clermont County Knothole Tournament have now been relegated. Tealtown (Mount Carmel-Glen Este) has the most survivors in the underground and Amelia, Bethel, Goshen, and Milford are tied with the next largest amount.

An estimated 3,500 people lined the streets of Owensville to enjoy the 158th Annual Clermont County Fair Owensville Firemen’s parade July 22. The annual parade is organized each year by the Stonelick Township Firefighter’s Association.

Gatch and Lytle are names of great importance in the history of Clermont County, and once again these families are being brought together. They are uniting to conduct an auction at the home of John and Virginia Gatch. Mrs. Gatch recently passed away at the age of 86. Her husband died years before. The auction will take place Aug. 11, beginning at 10 a.m., at the Gatch home, 5689 Bee Lane, Milford.

The Batavia Township cemeteries recently received a facelift, when rusty old fencing was removed and replaced with new fencing, courtesy of the township trustees. Being replaced are fences at five cemeteries, including the Lucy Run, Olive Branch, Greenbriar and Christian cemeteries, as well as a small private cemetery.

The Ohio State University Extension in Clermont County will present “Niche Marketing 101,” a free and informative workshop that will assist small business owner.

The Clermont County Humane Society will be celebrating a golden year. This marks the 50th year of operation for the society, which seeks to find homes for suitable lost pets and reduce the amount of stray dogs and cats in the county.

Charles Robert “Bob” Lykins, 79, of Union Township, died July 21, 2007. He worked for Beechmont Ford and was a Korean War Army veteran. Funeral services were held July 24 at the Evans Funeral Home in Milford.

Joseph C. Knabe, of Williamsburg, died July 19, 2007. He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter L. and Mary Louise Knabe. Memorial services were held July 23 at the Megie Funeral Home in Mt. Orab.

Larry S. Wagers, 58, of Goshen, died July 20, 2007. He was a truck driver for the Gibson Greeting Card Company. Funeral services were held July 24 at the Evans Funeral Home.