Jonathan McKay On October 6, 2025, Jonathan McKay, Wilmington Transit Director, spoke at the 3M Club at Ohio Living Cape May. McKay began his presentation by sharing that in August, Wilmington Transit System (WTS) transported 12,540 riders, roughly equivalent to the population of Wilmington. He stated, "We haul all walks of life... We haul from the extremely wealthy to two dollar or one dollar is all that people have in their savings." According to McKay, prior to his start as director, WTS was "one of the worst transits in the state of Ohio" and is now "a model in the state of Ohio of how to dig out from badness." Upon his appointment, the transit department expanded the hours, offering rides Monday through Friday from 6:30am to midnight, Saturday from 9am to midnight, and Sunday from 9am to 3pm. After 6:30pm, rides are only offered within city limits. McKay shared that all trips must originate or end in the city of Wilmington and that the vehicles cannot go out of state. When discussing the importance of affordable and accessible transportation, McKay shared the story of a young woman who took the city transit home from her job at a restaurant as a way to help her afford college. McKay shared that each ride within city limits is $2, or $1 for military, seniors, or those with disabilities. For trips outside of town, riders are charged $2 plus $1 per mile for the time that they are in the transit vehicle. In addition to this, WTS also offers rides to the Dayton Airport ($50) and Columbus Airport ($100). WTS transports 250 to 325 passengers a day on average. The department has 26 vehicles in the fleet (all handicap accessible but one), and 63 employees. According to McKay, the wait time varies but is usually between 15–20 minutes. Each vehicle has a list of city department phone numbers in case residents need to contact another city office. McKay also shared that WTS prides themselves on their customer service, even stating that the vehicles have umbrellas so riders can be walked to their door and avoid the rain. To learn more about WTS, visit wilmingtonohio.gov.

Pictured from left to right: Kirby Keltner (Cemetery Superintendent), Kelly Hopkins (Clinton County Veterans Service Commission Secretary), and John Walker (Clinton County Veterans Service Commission President Wilmington, OH (November 17, 2025)—The Clinton County Veterans Service Commission would like to thank Cemetery Superintendent Kirby Keltner and the staff of Sugar Grove Cemetery and Jack Rose for all their assistance in helping the Clinton County Veterans Service Commission fix or replace all of the GAR (Grand Army of the Republic) veterans' markers at Sugar Grove Cemetery. The Clinton County Veterans Service Commission is working on fixing or replacing all of Clinton County veterans' markers at all Clinton County cemeteries before our Semiquincentennial. Article Submitted by the Clinton County Veterans Service Commission

Photo from the June 14, 2025, Books In Bags event Wilmington, OH (November 18, 2025)—Just in time to get some last-minute stocking stuffers, the Friends of the Wilmington Public Library (FOL) will give you another opportunity to bag some books at the library from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20. Mark your calendars for Books in Bags in the basement of the library, 268 N. South St., Wilmington, Ohio. Those attending need to provide their own bags and may also register for door prizes. Also, at the FOL’s most recent meeting, a monetary donation was approved to help purchase books for a first-grade concert project at Holmes Elementary. The concert will focus on songs that come from books. Staying in the Christmas spirit, FOL president Jim Hayslip reminded members that books have been organized for the Clinton County HoHo Shop. Books have been boxed in the downstairs FOL room, Hayslip said. The Clinton County HoHo Shop is a nonprofit that helps families in need by providing Christmas gifts to children. The Friends of the Wilmington Public Library is a volunteer group that collects, stocks, and rotates books that are available at the library for a monetary donation (but not for resale). The adult book room is located to the immediate left upon entering the main entrance of the library. Children and young adult books are available on a bookshelf across the room from the circulation desk. Most books, except for classics, are no more than 10 years old. The FOL also donates books to organizations and events that promote reading. The group welcomes new members who can assist with special events and attend meetings at 2:30 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday of every month in the Kirk Room. The group also has a Facebook page, and Hayslip can be contacted at (937) 556-8204 if interested in becoming involved. Article Submitted by Dana Dunn

Wilmington, OH (November 11, 2025)— The Cycling Without Age, Clinton County Chapter, celebrated its first season of providing trail rides to people who would not otherwise be able to access the trail. The Clinton County Chapter, in cooperation with Clinton County Trails Coalition, has two tri-shaws. The first tri-shaw that was funded by Clinton County Health First, arrived in September of 2024. The second tri-shaw that was funded by the National Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, arrived in November of 2024. As soon as the first tri-shaw arrived from Copenhagen, Denmark, the first pilots were trained in driving the tri-shaw and hosting people who wanted to experience a trail ride. In the first year of operation, 10 pilots were trained with 4 persons still in the training process. 199 rides have been given to guests who wanted to get outside and experience a trail ride. Guests have been served from: Ohio Living Cape May Independent Living Ohio Living Cape May Assisted Living Wilmington Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Continental Manor in Blanchester The Laurels of Blanchester Clinton County Board of Developmental Disabilities International guests of Ferno-Washington from Dubai Clinton County History Center’s Talking Tombstones Event, 2024 and 2025  Toward Independence of Xenia, in which we trained 2 staff as pilots Residential Community Care from Lebanon, an adult day center Ohio Living Quaker Heights of Waynesville Mothers with daughters or sons giving rides for Mother’s Day gifts 90+ year old sisters riding together to celebrate a birthday Multigenerational family ride with Grandmas in trishaw and children and grandchildren riding along with bikes. In 2025, Cycling Without Age was promoted in Clinton County with a documentary at the Murphy Theatre and participation in the Holidazzle Parade. Cycling Without Age of Clinton County is sponsored by Wheelies on Mulberry. The tri-shaws are owned and insured by Clinton County Trails Coalition and are housed, maintained, and scheduled through Wheelies on Mulberry. The rides are completely free of charge to anyone who would like to experience a trail ride but is no longer able to do so on their own. All trail rides begin at Wheelies on North Mulberry Street and ride for 2.6 miles on the Luther Warren Peace Path to Nelson Avenue where they turn around and return to Wheelies. Many guests choose to have lunch on the patio at Trail Haus and Wheelies before or after their rides. Cycling Without Age rides are given all year long as weather permits. Rides are scheduled by calling Wheelies at 937-768-2678. Article Submitted by Bruce Saunders

Tom Dreyer Wilmington, OHIO—The National Christian Foundation (NCF) is pleased to announce that Tom Dreyer has joined the organization as Vice President for Southwest Ohio, where he will lead efforts to inspire and mobilize biblical generosity across the region. Dreyer, a respected leader in both the senior living and nonprofit sectors, previously served as Director of Business Development for Ohio Living Cape May, a leading life-plan community in Wilmington, Ohio. In that role, he helped countless families navigate life transitions with care, compassion, and integrity. “This new season is about Kingdom impact,” said Dreyer. “At NCF, we help families and business leaders build intentional giving strategies—so they can experience the joy of generosity and multiply their influence for good.” Since its founding in 1982, the National Christian Foundation has facilitated more than $21 billion in charitable grants to over 90,000 ministries and nonprofits worldwide. The foundation partners with givers, advisors, and ministries to provide innovative giving solutions—such as donor-advised funds, charitable trusts, and complex gift strategies—that simplify and amplify generosity. NCF's expertise has helped mobilize $6 billion in non-cash, complex asset gifts. By donating long-term, appreciated assets such as stocks, real estate, and business interests before the sale, individuals can potentially reduce capital gain taxes and send more to charities. “Tom brings a unique blend of marketplace leadership, relationship-building, and deep faith,” said Dwight Montgomery, President of NCF Ohio. “His heart for people and passion for stewardship make him a natural fit to help grow our mission in Southwest Ohio.” Dreyer resides in the Loveland area with his wife, Kelsey, and their daughter. He is actively involved in local church and community life and is known for his relational, hands-on approach to leadership and service. For more information about NCF or to connect with Tom Dreyer, visit ncfgiving.com or email TDreyer@NCFgiving.com.

Left to Right: Dustin Pearce, Tony Testa, Sharon Testa Tony and Sharon Testa join the podcast to share their family’s story of running The Mediterranean Restaurant & Cafe, Wilmington’s favorite Greek and Italian restaurant for nearly 20 years and counting. Listen to episode 76 of the Real Change Wilmington Podcast, ' The Mediterranean Restaurant & Cafe’s Founding Family Story ' with Tony & Sharon Testa , on your favorite podcast player below: 🍎 Apple: bit.ly/rcwp-apple 🟢 Spotify: bit.ly/rcwp-spotify 🎥 YouTube: bit.ly/rcwp-youtube 😎 Website: bit.ly/rcwp-website

Simon Heys "I was excited. I definitely had a goal to try and compete to win... At any race, you have no idea who's going to be there... When I knew the weather was going to be really bad, I just wanted to go out there, and compete, and put myself in a position to try and win... The fact that that's what ended up happening was super exciting," stated Simon Heys, Wilmington College Graduate, Class of 2024, and 2025 Columbus Marathon Winner. Heys competed in the Nationwide Children's Hospital Columbus Marathon on October 19, 2025. The Columbus Marathon is dubbed "America's Most Meaningful Race" due to the presence of patients from the children's hospital at every mile offering high fives to the runners. Heys ran the 26.2-mile marathon in 2 hours, 21 minutes, and 16 seconds. Heys grew up in Wilmington, Ohio, where he graduated from Wilmington High School in 2019. After completing his undergraduate degree at Wilmington College, Heys went on to earn his Masters in Organizational Leadership, where he partnered with the Clinton County Trails Coalition for his "immersive learning experience." Post graduation, Heys works for his family's multiple businesses by roasting coffee beans, and also for a traveling race timing company. Despite enjoying baseball as a kid, Heys recounted advice from his dad, who stated that he could be "a good baseball player, but... a great runner." Heys later began running track his freshman year of high school and experienced his "coolest moment, where [he] thought [he] could be pretty darn good," at his first Cross Country National Championship in 2021, where he finished in fifth place. Heys shared his gratitude for having "the right people throughout" his running career, including his supportive family, friends, and coaches. He recalled seeing his grandmother at the end of the Columbus Marathon as "such a cool moment." After the over two-hour race, Heys shared that he enjoyed chicken fingers and "a Dr. Pepper that tasted really good." To continue his training, Heys currently runs almost every day and averages 100 miles each week, rotating his running shoes frequently, as he would otherwise go through one pair each month. His goal is to run at the Olympic Trials in 2028, where he would need a time of 2 hours and 16 minutes to qualify. To learn more about the Columbus Marathon, visit columbusmarathon.com .

The 2025 Clinton County Veterans Day Program was held inside of the Clinton County Courthouse. Opening Ceremony was led by Clinton County Veterans Service Commissioner, Kelly Hopkins , who also announced the 2025 Veterans Day Awardees: Veterans Employer of the Year, Connection Community Veterans AW Awareness and/or Care Volunteer of the Year Award, Sean Denehy Clinton County Veteran of the Year, Harold R. Bolin Invocation was led by American Legion Post 49 Chaplin, Dr. Anthony Smith. Guest speaker was Sabina Chief of Police, Joe Noland. Roll call of memorial pavers was led by American Legion Auxiliary Post 49 Secretary, Carla Camp: Del L. Carrol, US Army Delbert A. Carrol, US Army Jesse Edward Bean, US Army 1LT Rodne R. Green (KIA), US Army Roy E. Kratzer Jr., US Army Air Corp Danielle Grace Riley, US Air Force Scott D. Stanfill, Ohio Army National Guard Richard C. Williams, Ohio Air National Guard William Ryan Wisecup, US Army Benediction was led by Pastor of Cornerstone Baptist Church, Pastor Byron McGee. For Clinton County Veterans Memorial Bricks information, please contact the Clinton County Veterans Commission located at 43 S Walnut St. Wilmington, OH 45177 or online at www.clintonvets.com . Left to Right: Carla Camp, Pastor Bryon McGee, Sean Denehy, Dr. Anthony Smith, Kelly Hopkins, Kate Duncan, Joe Noland

On November 4, 2025, the City of Wilmington Planning Commission discussed a request for the final site plan review of multi-family housing, located across from Holmes Elementary on the corner of Nelson Avenue and State Route 730. The 4.05-acre lot will host 21 total housing units, comprised of "seven multi-family residential triplex buildings," and will include parking, drives, utilities, and stormwater management. In September, the planning commission recommended approval of a request to rezone the lot from "Rural-Residential" to "Multi-Family." According to the site plan, the project, named McCoy Apartments, was filed by Attorney Matthew McCoy and is owned by Landrum Oil Company. The contractor on the project is Tag Williams, Inc., and the architect is McCarty Associates. Each building would be a single-story "residential structure" with three total housing units. The individual housing units will be 3,060 square feet, with the entire structure totaling 21,420 square feet. According to the planning commission staff report, the site plan also demonstrates two "accessory structures" that will be used as parking garages. At the conclusion of the meeting, the city planning commission approved the final site plans, as recommended in the report. In their recommendation, the staff report states, "Staff of the Commission finds that the proposed multi-family housing construction is an improvement to existing circumstances." To learn more, visit wilmingtonohio.gov/departments/planning-commission/ .

On November 4, 2025, the City of Wilmington Planning Commission discussed the approval of a Zimmer Tractor "new tractor retail and repair shop," located at 3014 Rombach Avenue, between Walmart and the 73 bypass. According to their website, Zimmer Tractor serves farmers, contractors, and homeowners by selling tractors, construction equipment, lawn care tools, farm attachments, and servicing equipment. Brian Gilliland, from Diverse Building Solutions Design, filed the application, requesting "final site plan approval." The entire lot is 44.21 acres and is currently zoned light industrial. Gilliland only requested to build the shop on an almost 6-acre lot. According to the staff report from the city planning meeting, the building will be 200 feet long, 25 feet high, and 100 feet wide. The current plan would include 50 parking spots and have "full driveway access" on Rombach Avenue. Prior to the November 4th meeting, the application was originally reviewed on October 7, 2025; however, the application was tabled due to "insufficient information and traffic concerns." According to the staff report, tabling the application allowed Gilliland to submit additional information regarding lighting, stormwater, and traffic concerns. At the conclusion of the discussion, the city planning commission recommended that the Commission approve the Final Site Plan, on the condition that Gilliland satisfy all comments provided by the city staff. The report from the meeting stated, "Staff of the Commission is supportive of the development and proposed configurations, especially given the applicants are working actively with City staff to resolve the outstanding compliance issues." For more information, visit zimmertractor.com .

Susan Valentine-Scott and Dessie Rogers The Wilmington-Clinton County Chamber of Commerce (WCC) and the Clinton County Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) opened nominations for their 6th Annual Clinton County Community Champion (C4) Awards on November 3rd. They will accept nominations for the awards honoring accomplishments from 2025 through December 5th. The categories are: Healthcare, Education, Business, Non-profit, Youth (Under 18), Public Service/Government, and Citizen. Nominees should demonstrate leadership through service, commitment to the community through special projects or activities, and should be an inspiration to others. Nominees must also live or work in Clinton County to be eligible. Dessie Rogers, Executive Director of the WCC, stated, "Since our start in 2020, we have received over 320 nominations and have honored 117 recipients. We're thrilled to... partner with the CVB to recognize our fellow businesses, community partners, and citizens who work tirelessly to make Clinton County a wonderful community to live, work, and visit... If you know of a worthy nominee, then please consider them for a 'C4' award." The C4 awards will be held on January 23, 2026, at the CVB Annual Meeting at the Murphy Theatre. The event will feature a ticketed dinner reception, the CVB annual presentation, live awards ceremony, and more. Susan Valentine-Scott, Executive Director of the CVB, stated, "This will be an amazing evening for the whole family to support our community... Come dressed to impress with our 1950s 'Jukebox Jubilee' theme!" Nomination forms are on the WCC website and can be submitted online or by mail to PO Box 826, Wilmington, OH 45177. To learn more, visit   www.wccchamber.com/c4-awards .

Top Left: Dennis Gherman, Top Right: Jamie Knowles, Bottom Left: Jason Stoops, Bottom Right: Kelly Tolliver Voters across Wilmington turned out Tuesday to elect three at-large city council members and decide the local liquor option in Ward 2A. In the November 4, 2025, General Election, Dennis Gherman (R), Jamie Knowles (R), and Kelly Tolliver (R) earned the most votes, winning the three open seats. The only contested races and issues were the city council at large seats and the local liquor option in Ward 2A. UNOFFICIAL RESULTS (12:00am November 5, 2025): Candidate Votes Jamie Knowles (R) 769 Kelly Tolliver (R) 767 Dennis Gherman (R) 701 Jason Stoops (I) 504 Prior to the election, the three Republican candidates, Dennis Gherman, Jamie Knowles, and Kelly Tolliver, shared their support of one another and the continued success of the city. Jason Stoops ran as an independent and focused his platform on bringing "accountability, transparency, and safety" to Wilmington. The remaining city council seats were unopposed: Josh Schlabach (R), Michael Snarr (D), and Don Wells (R), retaining their positions on council. A newcomer to the current city council, Jeffrey Earley (R), also won and will be representing the Fourth Ward. Former Fourth Ward Council Member Bob Osborn ran for Council President uncontested and will take on the position in 2026. The new city council will take office on January 1, 2026, and serve until December 31, 2027. In addition to the council seats, Paul Fear (R) will return as City Treasurer, and John Kaspar (R) will continue as Law Director. Residents also voted in favor the Local Liquor Option in Ward A, allowing the Wilmington Duchess, located at 2495 U.S. Route 22 and 3, to sell wine and mixed beverages on Sunday. For more information about the November 4, 2025, election, visit boe.ohio.gov/clinton/ . To learn more about Wilmington City Government, visit wilmingtonohio.gov .