WILMINGTON, OH (October 14, 2025)— The City of Wilmington announces that due to a water valve leak, water service was disrupted on October 14 in the Northeast Quadrant, specifically on N. Lincoln St., N. Walnut St., Lorish Ave., Xenia Ave., and N. South Street. This repair may also cause additional disruptions in water quality, including discolored water and/or potentially a temporary increase in lead levels in the drinking water. A boil advisory has not been issued at this time. As a standard practice, the USEPA recommends the following action to reduce possible lead exposure in drinking water: • If water has not been used for several hours, run the tap until there is a noticeable temperature drop. Then, run water for 30 seconds to 3 minutes before using it for drinking or cooking. This helps flush water that may have contained lead that may have leached from plumbing. • Use cold water for cooking, drinking, and preparing baby formula. Boiling the water will not reduce lead. • Clean your faucet aerator regularly. • For additional information, visit drinktap.org or www.epa.gov/safewater/lead Questions regarding the water service disruption and water quality notice may be made to the City Services Office at (937) 382-6509 or to the City Water Plant at (937)-382-3614. RELEASED BY: Michael Crowe, Director of Public Service City of Wilmington 69 N. South Street Wilmington, OH 45177 W: 937-382-6509 mcrowe@wilmingtonohio.gov

Main Street Pocket Park On October 18, 2025, from 11am to 2pm, Main Street Wilmington (MSW) will host its 3rd Annual 'Merchant Trick-or-Treat' since 2020. Last year, the free event drew over 700 kids. This year, the event will start at Wheelies on Mulberry, located at 171 S Mulberry Street, where children will pick up bags and a map of over 25 participating businesses, plus local landmarks like the Veterans Memorial and "pocket parks" on Main Street and Sugartree Street. Renee Walker, Vice President of the MSW board, stated, "It's just good for everybody in downtown. We need the involvement. We need people to know what our downtown offers in order to get them coming back when there's not events." For the first time, the event will begin with a 'Costume Fun Run' on the Luther E. Warren Peace Path from Mulberry Street to Nelson Avenue and back. The run will start at 10am, requires no registration, and is open to all. Sugartree Street will be shut down for bounce houses, face painting, and food trucks. To learn more, visit mainstreetwilmington.com. In addition to the downtown 'Merchant Trick-or-Treat,' Denver Park will host a 'Trunk-or-Treat' the weekend after, on Saturday, October 25, from 4pm to 6pm, where children will collect candy from local organizations and businesses. The event requires no registration and is free. According to Kenny Upthegrove, Wilmington Parks and Rec Director, families are encouraged to "come in costume and enjoy the evening." He stated that last year, over 35 businesses and organizations participated by decorating their trunks. New businesses are encouraged to reach out to sign-up. As part of the event, the Wilmington Public Library will set up a Haunted House on the park basketball court. To learn more or view event details, visit wilmingtonparks.org.

On September 18, 2025, Tobacco Plus opened in Wilmington, Ohio at 850 Rombach Avenue next to Donatos Pizza and Hot Head Burritos. The tobacco store sells cigarettes, cigars, vaping/e-cigarette products, smoking accessories, drinks, snacks, candles, and even Labubu dolls . According to David Fayyaz, an employee at the store, Tobacco Plus has roughly ten locations, mostly located in the Columbus area. They chose to open in Wilmington, their furthest south location, to try to "expand into different areas." Tobacco Plus signed the lease for the building seven months ago and began working on the inside a few months later to construct their desired setup. According to David, they hope to provide customers with a welcoming, clean, and modern atmosphere. According to David, Tobacco Plus's biggest challenge so far has been getting the word out to new customers, as there are already other vape shops in Wilmington. He stated that their quality and variety set them apart and continued on to state that the store is adding more products each month, including t-shirts. David emphasized that they plan to carry products that their customers like and will add more products based on customer requests. David also mentioned that customers of nearby businesses, including Donatos Pizza and Hot Head Burritos, sometimes overlap. "We had someone get a burrito at Hot Heads and walk over to get a battery for their vape," stated David. Wilmington City Council passed resolution R-25-36 on September 4, 2025 to "establish a temporary moratorium… not exceeding one year" on new permits, zoning approvals, or certificates of occupancy tied to the sale of “vaping/e-cigarette products” in city limits. According to the City of Wilmington Building and Zoning Department Administrative Assistant, Lou Ann Moore, "The Tobacco and Vape Shop obtained the Certificate of Occupancy on July 10, 2025, before the new temporary moratorium went into effect." For more information about city ordinances and resolutions, visit wilmingtonohio.gov .

WILMINGTON, Ohio (October 7, 2025) — In the often-cluttered world of college rankings and ratings, Colleges of Distinction prides itself as an “unconventional guide” featuring schools with engaging programs. Wilmington College recently received word of its inclusion again this year as one of the nation’s "Best Colleges," as selected by Colleges of Distinction. WC also earned program-specific recognition in business, education, and career development for the 2025-26 academic year (NOTE: COD does not yet provide special recognition for many academic areas in which the College is also historically strong). WC President Corey Cockerill lauded the faculty and staff for “giving so much of themselves” to the students they serve, and their key role as mentors in students’ journey for finding their purpose. “Their dedication and commitment set the standard for excellence at Wilmington College,” she added. “This recognition as a College of Distinction is a direct reflection of their hard work and the meaningful impact they have on our students' lives." COD’s criteria for membership on both the Ohio and national levels highlight engaged students, great teaching, a vibrant community, and successful outcomes. Tyson Schritter, chief operating officer for Colleges of Distinction, said his staff was impressed with WC’s commitment to implementing high-impact educational practices. He lauded the College’s “effective dedication” to student success. “Wilmington College has proven itself to be at the forefront of American higher education with a modern, student-centered approach to teaching,” he said in citing the institution’s dedication to hands-on learning and leadership development opportunities, along with fostering close relationships between students, faculty, and staff. “With a unique learning environment, its programming engages students with character-building programs,” he added. Schritter cited WC’s focus on experiential learning opportunities, service, diversity, and global education, undergraduate research, first-year success, internships, and numerous other opportunities for hands-on learning. Article Submitted by Wilmington College

Photo: left to right, Back row: Sarah Stevenson, Stephanie Tharp, Tracey Meyers, Stephanie Butler, Nancy McCormick, Front row: Mary Alexander, Karla Barker, Shawnika Seitz WILMINGTON, Ohio (October 7, 2025) —Members of the Wilmington Hope House Board of Directors and staff gathered on Saturday, October 4, for a morning retreat dedicated to reflection, collaboration, and planning for the future. The group participated in a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) analysis to thoughtfully assess where the organization stands today and how it can best serve the community in the years ahead. Discussion centered on Hope House’s mission to provide women and children with a safe, compassionate place to stay during times of crisis. Board and staff members shared ideas for strengthening programs, expanding community partnerships, and improving facilities to better meet the growing needs of local families. The retreat also offered an opportunity to reaffirm Hope House’s commitment to helping women renew their faith in themselves, rebuild their confidence, and take the next steps toward independence and stability. “Hope House is more than an emergency shelter; it’s a place where women begin to believe in themselves again,” said Executive Director Karla Barker. “Our planning session reminded us why this work matters so deeply. Together, we are ensuring that Hope House will remain a place of safety, hope, and new beginnings for years to come.” Wilmington Hope House provides emergency overnight shelter to women and their accompanying children in Clinton County. The organization works in partnership with local churches, agencies, and volunteers to offer compassion, safety, and support to those in need. Volunteers are essential in the success of Wilmington Hope House. If you would like more information on how you can help, please contact us at hopehouse45177@gmail.com. Article Submitted by Wilmington Hope House

Health Alliance Donated Bench to Local Trail "It's community, community meaning Clinton County Oriented, " stated Kay Fisher, President of the Health Alliance of Clinton County (HACC), about the organization. The HACC was started in 1951 by the wives of Clinton Memorial Hospital physicians, and was originally called the Clinton Memorial Hospital Guild. When the hospital sold in 2010 and became a for-profit hospital, the HACC could no longer operate under CMH, so they moved "under the umbrella" of the Clinton County Foundation. According to Kay, the HACC has "two main programs," the Cancer Patient Assistance Program (CPAP) and the Scholarship Program (SP), that both support their mission of providing financial assistance to aid with local health needs. Through CPAP, the health alliance provides assistance to individuals with cancer that live in the county or are treated in the county. They have assisted with utilities, COBRA costs, nutritional supplements, medication, and more. According to Kay, they have even provided a comfortable recliner to an individual who was unable to sit in their living room with their family due to uncomfortable furniture. The SP is for individuals working in the medical field in Clinton County who want to further their education. The scholarships are roughly $2,ooo and can be applied for each year, as there is no limit. Kay stated that the program has even helped a hospital accountant earn their MBA. To fund all their programs, including the CPAP and SP, the HACC raises money through investments, donations, grants, and special events. At their 2025 Golf Classic at Snow Hill Country Club, they raised roughly $20,000. They are also hosting Dueling Piano International at the Murphy Theatre on October 18, 2025, at 7:30pm. Tickets for the interactive show can be purchased from the Murphy. In addition to the CPAP and SP, the HACC has also supported many other local organizations like the Aging Up Center, the Clinton County Trails Coalition, and Community Care Hospice. According to Kay, the HACC is not limited to their current programs and encouraged individuals to apply for grants that "fit the health needs of Clinton County." She also stated that the HACC is always welcoming new members. To learn more or join the HACC, visit healthallianceclintoncounty.org .

Kat Reynolds addresses the Wilmington City Council during the public comments portion of the meeting. At the October 2, 2025, Wilmington City Council meeting, residents shared their concerns regarding crime and homelessness in Wilmington during the public comments portion of the meeting. First, Todd Vance addressed the city council and stated that his biggest concern was the homeless population. He spoke about his mother-in-law, emphasizing her age and stating, “My mother-in-law… walks the streets out here and picks up trash, the homeless trash that they throw on the ground.” He compared Wilmington to California and stated, “I don’t wanna live here anymore.” Jakob Hockett, an employee for Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness (PATH), shared the positives and negatives of what he’s seen, as he has been working in Wilmington for over two years. According to Jakob, local programs for homeless veterans are “great” and the veterans are not homeless for very long. He even mentioned that he has been working with Sugartree Ministries and stated, “It is making an impact… I promise you that there is effort being made for movement either by me, [Sugartree] ministry. There are people that are pushing for movement.” Jakob noted that there is a “huge uptick” in families in need of housing, specifically single women with children and disabled elders. In addition to Jakob, Alexis McKee from PATH spoke about their service to Clinton County. She stated that so far, PATH has served 150 individuals in Clinton County, 31 more individuals than they served last year at this time. McKee acknowledged the “influx” of individuals and stated that, in addition to losing four beds at “the homeless shelter,” the region also lost its domestic violence shelter. She mentioned that the nation is in a housing crisis and shared that they have seen multigenerational families living in tents at state parks. She also called attention to the large senior population that lacks support. Mckee stated, “There are a lot of situations where [Sugartree] ministry comes in and saves the day for children, for seniors, for veterans.” Another public comment participant, Kat Reynolds, spoke about the ongoing drug epidemic and the trauma endured by individuals and children with insufficient housing. In her experience as the Clinton County Care Coordinator for the Hope Line, she stated that she has supported 209 individuals this year. Lastly, Jane Johns shared her frustration about homelessness and crime in Wilmington, stating that she is “fed up.” Johns said, “I wanna know when the City of Wilmington is going to stop coddling the behavior in this town and start enforcing the laws that are in the books and our ordinances. Y’all sit up there every other week and you say you’re gonna do something and jack shit gets done.” Johns stated that she wants Buckley Brothers, the landlord of Sugartree Ministries, to be addressed and declared as a “public nuisance.” She continued on to claim that she witnessed a drug deal in the pocket park on Main Street and stated, “I sent every single one of you [on city council] an email showing you a drug deal… I got a reply from two of you.” She called for “law and order” and the enforcement of the ordinances. Later in the meeting, Councilman David Nanstead called attention to the same incident Johns referenced and stated that they would hate to see the privately owned pocket park close due to crime. In response to the public comments about homelessness, Mayor Pat Haley stated that he has been trying to address the issue for three years. He stated, “We’re in a no-win situation. We [either] don’t do enough or we’re doing too much, depends on who you talk to.” Haley later continued, “Not all crime in Wilmington, Ohio, is committed by the homeless population, but I think in the three years that I’ve been involved, there is a population that frequents My Father’s Kitchen that causes problems.” He shared that he had meetings with local religious societies and Lee Sandlin, Director of Sugartree Ministries, during his term to discuss the problem. Haley mentioned a need for training, education, and mental health support in Wilmington, but claimed that the only means the city has to solve the problem right now is through arrests and putting them into the court system for a judge to send them to treatment. He also stated, “We’ve been trying to change some of the things that go on in the city, and what’s happened, we’ve been attacked, we’ve been… insulted. As I said several times, here I am, a former sheriff, and I’m accused of no confidence by the police department.” Haley then claimed that crime has decreased in the past year by 50 percent. He concluded by discussing roadblocks and expressing that it would be uncommon for a judge to sign off on declaring Sugartree Ministries as a “nuisance,” as it would be a “radical thing.” Council President Matthew Purkey asked the mayor if the roadblocks were coming from city council, which the mayor denied. Purkey then asked the mayor if he had met with the board of Sugartree Ministries, as Councilman Michael Snarr and Police Chief Josh Gibson, who were both present at the city council meeting, are part of the board. Purkey stated, “I think it would be most effective to start to build up those conversations and find solutions.” To learn more or watch previous city council meetings, visit wilmingtonohio.gov.

Traffic Signal Poles on Rombach Avenue WILMINGTON, OH (October 3, 2025) — The City of Wilmington informs the public that Capital Electric will be removing the traffic signal poles near the El Dorado Mexican Restaurant and PNC Bank on Rombach Avenue beginning Monday, October 6th, and lasting through Friday, October 10th. While work is underway, lane shifts and closures will be in place and may change frequently. Motorists will be able to pass through the intersection, but traffic delays are anticipated. The City of Wilmington asks that all motorists be patient, reduce speed, and exercise added caution when traveling near this work zone. Questions regarding the work may be made to the City Services Office at (937) 382-6509. RELEASED BY: Michael Crowe, Director of Public Service City of Wilmington 69 N. South Street Wilmington, OH 45177 W: 937-382-6509 mcrowe@wilmingtonohio.gov

Student Volunteers WILMINGTON, OH (October 3, 2025) — TriHealth Clinton Regional Hospital proudly hosted its 18th annual Brake for Breakfast event, welcoming hundreds of community members who stopped by to enjoy breakfast and receive important breast health education — all without leaving their cars. The event, held in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, encourages women to take a moment out of their busy mornings to focus on their health. Each participant received a breakfast bag along with educational materials promoting the importance of early detection and routine screenings. “Brake for Breakfast has become one of our most meaningful traditions and an important way we engage with the community,” said Tom Daskalakis, President and Chief Operating Officer of TriHealth Clinton Regional Hospital. “By providing education and encouragement in such a positive setting, we’re helping to raise awareness and empower women to take proactive steps for their health. Early detection saves lives, and this event is a wonderful reminder of that.” TriHealth Clinton Regional Hospital extends its heartfelt thanks to all who attended, as well as to the dedicated volunteers and local students who made the event possible. Their enthusiasm, kindness, and commitment to community health helped ensure a smooth and successful morning. Through events like Brake for Breakfast, TriHealth Clinton Regional Hospital continues its mission to deliver surprisingly human care — seeing, hearing, and healing the people of Clinton County and beyond. About TriHealth Clinton Regional Hospital TriHealth Clinton Regional Hospital (formerly Clinton Memorial Hospital) is part of the TriHealth system, one of Greater Cincinnati’s leading integrated health networks. Established in 1951, the hospital provides a full range of inpatient and outpatient services and is committed to improving the health and wellness of Clinton County and surrounding communities. Learn more at trihealth.com or follow TriHealth on Facebook, X (Twitter), and YouTube. For media inquiries, please contact: Lisa Crachiolo TriHealth Clinton Regional Hospital 610 West Main Street Wilmington, OH 45177 Director Growth, Outreach & Marketing TriHealth Clinton Regional Hospital 937-283-9847 Article Submitted by Trihealth Clinton Regional Hospital

Victor Castillo with his wife and three children. At Fiesta Veracruz Mexican Restaurant, located at 37 West Locus Street in Wilmington, Ohio, Victor Castillo—the owner—prides himself on creating an environment where they serve “good food, quick, with good service.” Victor came to Wilmington, Ohio, in 2002, along with a large Hispanic community, as a result of Airborne’s presence at the airpark. Victor earned a business degree in Mexico and began working and managing Mexican restaurants after arriving in the United States. While serving, he met his now wife, Crystal, and got married a few years later. According to Victor, he spoke very little English at first and had to rely on texting to get to know each other. Today, the couple has three children. Victor always dreamed of owning his own business. He remembers walking into the old Casano’s Pizza restaurant (where Fiesta Veracruz is now) and appreciating the interior and their patio. When Casano’s went out of business, Victor sought out the building owner in hopes of leasing the space to open a new Mexican restaurant. He talked with another tenant in the building and found that one of the three owners was Bill Marine, so Victor left his phone number at Bill Marine Ford and received a call three days later. When Bill asked him why Wilmington needs another Mexican restaurant, the ambitious and bright-eyed entrepreneur replied, “I know I can do it, I have a big vision. I know Wilmington needs more restaurants.” The building owners initially only wanted to sell, but Victor was able to negotiate and start with a lease in May of 2016. Fiesta Veracruz opened on August 3rd of that same year because “the community was waiting,” even though their liquor license would take almost a year afterwards to get, according to Victor.  Several years later, in 2022, Victor finally purchased the building when he was financially ready and all three previous building owners were on the same page. He now owns the entire building, including the spaces occupied by the barbershops and salons, and the upstairs, which is used for storage. The name for the restaurant was inspired by Victor’s home state in Mexico, Veracruz. Veracruz is a major port located in the Gulf of Mexico/America. He explained that when selecting a name, his family liked the idea of ‘Fiesta’, which means ‘party’ in Spanish, because when they visit Veracruz, “it’s a party there.” He continued, “Every time we go there, all [my family] sees is fiesta… because that’s our tradition there,” explaining that celebrations are common in Mexico when someone comes to visit who you haven’t seen in a long time. Victor’s father, 13 siblings, and their families still reside in Veracruz, Mexico.  According to Victor, when they created the menu at Fiesta, they tried to be mindful of consumer preferences and also used many family recipes. The most popular dish on the menu is Arroz Con Pollo (or “ACP”)—rice, grilled chicken, and cheese. “People like the simple stuff,” said Victor. He mentioned that the dish is a top seller among all ages.  During the initial confusion of the pandemic, Victor chose to close for a month for his employees’ and their families’ safety. During this time, he made repairs to the restaurant, but then had to get creative, so he started designating hours for servers, even when the restaurant was carry-out only. “We tried to make sure that everybody had enough to survive,” said Victor, and he was very appreciative of the community’s support. According to Victor, he enjoys owning a restaurant in Wilmington because it allows him to connect with the community through events and fundraising opportunities, while also providing for his family and staff. He stated, “Our wonderful employees play an instrumental part in the success of the restaurant.  I couldn’t ask for a better group of people.” He also expressed his appreciation for the community for being “welcoming and supportive.” He continued, “That’s one of my favorite things, to be a part of this beautiful community.” In addition to their dine-in and take-out services, Fiesta Veracruz also offers catering. They can cater any event, according to Victor, and have even catered weddings that requested servers. Fiesta Veracruz also has a delivery service at Ole Town Tavern, where customers can scan a QR code at the tavern and have food delivered. Regarding positive changes he hopes to see, Victor expressed that he would like to see the schools, churches, and community work together for local children. He specifically mentioned discouraging drug use, which he believes would solve many other issues in the community. He also hopes to see more business development in Wilmington and encourages individuals to support local businesses.  In light of Cinco De Mayo coming up on May 5th, Victor noted that the restaurant will have a special dish for the holiday. He touched on the importance of the holiday for not only Mexico, but also the United States. He explained that Mexico’s victory against France in the Battle of Puebla may have also helped prevent France from aiding the Confederacy during the Civil War. Fiesta Veracruz is open Mon–Thu 11am to 10pm, Fri–Sat 11am to 10:30pm, and Sun 11am to 9pm. To learn more about Fiesta Veracruz, visit fiestaveracruzmexicanrestaurant.com.

Top Left: Sara Fear, Top Right: Kirstin Harris, Bottom Left: Erick Hildebrandt, Bottom Right: Tim Wiederhold Wilmington City Schools has four candidates campaigning for three seats on school board. Early voting is October 7, 2025 through November 2, 2025. Election Day is November 4, 2025. A replacement school board member for Bill Liermann, who resigned on September 22, 2025, will be chosen by the current remaining school board members and announced on October 27, 2025. The appointee will serve the remainder of Liermann's term, through December 31, 2027. Sara Fear I am Sara Fear, proud Wilmington High School graduate and community leader. With 23 years in banking and a continued education in Marriage, Family, and Human Relations with a minor in Child Development, I bring both professional experience and a deep passion for education. I am active in Wilmington Rotary, Leadership Clinton, youth sports, and my church, and I believe in honesty, open communication, transparency, and safe schools. Though I do not have children of my own, I am “Aunt Sara" to many kids in Wilmington-and l'll fight for every student's success. Your voice matters. Your vote matters. Together, we can build a stronger future. GO CANES!! (Submitted by Sara Fear) Kirstin Harris I’m a Clinton County-raised mom of three who loves to be involved in bettering the community. My husband is a Wilmington graduate, and my boys are in Kindergarten, 2nd, and 7th grade–we are all proud to be Hurricanes! I am actively involved through Wilmington PTO, where I helped bring enrichment opportunities to students, and Kiwanis Club of Clinton County, where I’ve helped create affordable, year-round swim lessons in our area. After joining the WCS Strategic Planning Committee and seeing the good work that goes on behind the scenes, I decided to run for election for the WCS Board of Education. If elected, my priorities are as follows: Support academics by ensuring staff have the resources and support they need, and students feel safe and ready to learn. Be fiscally transparent and help families understand where funds are going and why. Celebrate and share the many positive things happening in our schools while addressing existing and future challenges. I think WCSD is heading in the right direction and I want to be a part of the positive change! I am a parent and community leader who is passionate about our schools, families, and kids. I will listen, learn, and work hard to make decisions I’m proud of. I would be honored to earn your vote. Go Cane! (Submitted by Kirstin Harris) Erick Hildebrandt My name is Erick Hildebrandt, and I am running for a seat on the Wilmington City School Board. I am a 1995 graduate of Wilmington High School and attended Laurel Oaks as an adult student to attain my FAA Airframe and Powerplant rating. I am currently the Director of Aircraft Maintenance for Nationwide Insurance’s corporate flight department in Columbus. I am a strong supporter of our district as I see the many learning opportunities and diverse set of extracurricular outlets for our students. In addition, Laurel Oaks provides them with a career tech pathway if they so choose. With that said, we need to strengthen our standardized test scores as this is the best reflection of mastery of subject content and engagement in the classroom. The district has made progress, but more work lies ahead. Furthermore, as with many school districts, the financial challenges that currently face Wilmington are a priority. Working to navigate through the current funding climate will take an understanding of the hurdles the district is faced with to find solutions that are agreeable to the community it serves. I have spent the last 30 years building my career in aviation. I understand what it takes to function in a highly regulated, budget conscious field and feel I can contribute these skills to the future success of our district. (Submitted by Erick Hildebrandt) Tim Wiederhold My name is Tim Wiederhold, a 2011 Wilmington High School graduate and 2015 Wilmington College graduate. I’m the son of lifelong educators, one of whom served Wilmington for his entire 30-year career. Education is fundamental to our community, and I believe it’s essential for our children’s future. I met my wife at Wilmington High School, and she’s been teaching at Wilmington City Schools for ten years. Our first grader attends WCS, and I want to provide him with the best educational experience possible. I’m currently on the school board, appointed in May 2024 to fill a vacancy. If elected, I’ll focus on five main areas of improvement: Enhance communication with stakeholders, ensuring our availability and willingness to engage in constructive dialogue to achieve common goals for students and staff. Rebuild community trust by opening doors to volunteer opportunities for parents and families to provide engaging events for students. Ensure financial transparency and accountability by working with the treasurer and superintendent to effectively steward funds. Plan for the future with the use of our new five-year strategic plan that is in its final stages of completion. I would also like to pursue a single campus plan with new buildings for all grade levels. Please support me and WCS with your vote on November 4th. (Submitted by Tim Wiederhold)

Donning hard hats and shovels, participants in the groundbreaking were, from the left, Coach Bud Lewis, Jerry Scheve's brothers Ken and Tom Scheve, Athletic Director Matt Croci, Scheve's great friend, Cathy Reed, President Corey Cockerill, Board member Daniel Buckley, Board Chair J. Brent Bill, Trustee David Raizk, Bill Ramseyer's widow, Mary, and MSA Design's Nestor Melnyk and Bill Baker. WILMINGTON, Ohio (October 1, 2025)— Wilmington College honored Jerry Scheve’s legacy not only with words but with action when it broke ground for the Scheve Athletic Center during Homecoming on Sept 27. President Corey Cockerill noted, “Every once in a while, a life leaves an impact so deep that it changes the trajectory of an institution. For Wilmington College, that life was Coach Jerry Scheve’s. We celebrate a man whose quiet strength shaped generations, and we lay the foundation for a future that will carry his vision forward for decades to come.” Scheve, who donated a record $23 million to the College, was a highly respected accounting professor and championship women’s basketball coach at WC who passed away in May. He coached the Lady Quakers for 30 years before retiring in 2021. His 2004 team won the NCAA Division III national championship, the pinnacle of his 518 career wins. He is a member of the Cincinnati and Ohio Basketball Halls of Fame, as well as WC’s Athletic Hall of Fame. The groundbreaking ceremony included College officials, members of Scheve’s family, and representatives of MSA Design, Megan Construction, and Motz Engineering. Construction of the Scheve Athletic Center is set to start this spring. The facility is part of Scheve’s record $23 million “Cornerstone gift” to the College, the bulk of which he designated under the umbrella of fostering athletic excellence. The Center, which is adjacent to Hermann Court, will feature a grand entrance to WC’s athletics complex, with the Scheve-Ramseyer-Lewis Hall of Champions providing access to the former Quaker Recreation Center (QRC). Cockerill quoted Scheve’s own words spoken after the 1993-94 season as especially fitting for the day. “Success is a journey, and we were having a pretty good trip. But the road to success is always under construction.” The president added, “Always under construction doesn’t mean unfinished or incomplete — it means that we are never done striving, never done improving, never done building better, That is the spirit of Wilmington College, and it is exactly what Jerry demanded from his players and students: to never stop learning, to never stop growing, to never stop building toward something better.” Cockerill described the Scheve Athletic Center as a place of preparation for success. “Inside its walls, student-athletes will put in the time, the focus and the discipline required to compete at the highest level,” she said. “They will prepare together — not just to win games, but to build lives of integrity, perseverance, and leadership.” Scheve wished to build the Hall of Champions as a means of recognizing the College’s significant success in its athletic programs throughout its history. Its namesakes are Scheve and, per his wishes, two other legendary WC coaches, Bill Ramseyer and Bud Lewis, both of whom are enshrined in WC’s Athletic Hall of Fame. Ramseyer coached WC’s football team from 1972 to 1990, a tenure that included an NAIA runner-up season, multiple championships, and 17 consecutive winning campaigns. He also served as director of athletics from 1974 to 1989. Ramseyer, who died in 2021, is WC's longest-serving football coach at 19 years and has the most wins with 144. He is a member of seven halls of fame, including the NAIA. Lewis coached the men’s soccer team for 43 years, from 1975 through 2017. His coaching resume features 506 wins, a national final-four season, several NAIA top-10 finishes, and 20 conference and district championships. The coach of 26 All-Americans at WC is a recipient of the National Soccer Coaches Association of America’s prestigious Bill Jeffrey Award (2004) and a member of several halls of fame, including that of the Ohio Collegiate Soccer Association. Cockerill noted the legacies forged by these three great coaches and how the Hall of Champions that bears their names will remind us of the buzzer-beaters, the championships, and the heartbreaks that “shaped character as much as any victory.” It will feature the trophies, banners, photos, newspaper headlines, and stars of the College’s storied history in athletics. “And it will invite new champions to follow in those footsteps!” Other speakers at the ceremony included Board of Trustees members J. Brent Bill, chair, and Daniel Buckley, who served as chair when Scheve’s gift was received this spring, and Director of Athletics Matt Croci. “Like Jerry Scheve, Wilmington College is mostly quiet, humble, and unassuming, but has the drive and vision to make amazing things happen,” Bill said. “Thanks to Jerry’s generosity, such things are happening. All you have to do is see the ‘Pardon Our Dust’ signs around campus. Even more than the visible, though, is the renewed vigor and sense of purpose that permeates this community.” Buckley, too, recognized the “upward arc” the College has taken and the role of Scheve’s gift in helping fuel this renaissance. He posed the question, “How can we be worthy of Jerry Scheve’s legacy?” Buckley said, perhaps, the answer lies in Scheve’s mantra he drilled into each of his players: “Play with the poise and intensity of a national championship team.” He spoke of faithfully carrying out Scheve’s wishes for his gift through its support for athletic excellence, peace and conflict resolution programming, and international affairs. “We must indeed deliver, with the poise and intensity of national champions, the mission that Jerry’s gift embodies: to educate, inspire, and prepare students for lives of service and success,” Buckley added. Croci recalled his conversations with Scheve during the 2024-25 academic year and the coach’s ideas on fostering excellence in athletics. ”That was his word, excellence. What does it look like and how do we get there?” Croci said. “There is no doubt Jerry’s gift will change the trajectory of our athletics program forever. It will significantly affect people, programs, and physical spaces.” Croci noted the Hall of Champions was “born from the notion of celebrating our wins and being proud of what we’ve done. Bud Lewis and Bill Ramseyer were the names that Jerry immediately said had to be included in this project — and it’s hard to argue with their accomplishments. That is an example of excellence that we want to celebrate.” The new construction associated with the Scheve Athletic Center and Hall of Champions also includes a new façade extending throughout the Elm Street-facing section of the facility. Scheve’s gift has already resulted in numerous improvements to the existing part of the building and Hermann Court, including new bleachers and scoreboards in Fred Raizk Arena and a renovated weight training facility with new equipment. Also, the former QRC — now Scheve Athletic Center— features a gymnasium, weight training area, fitness center, Spinning room, wrestling room, locker rooms, and other amenities, many of which are being improved for the benefit of all students. On April 3, the College will break ground on the jewel in the crown of Scheve’s gift, the Jenna Parlette Running Center, which features an indoor track and other sports and recreational amenities. In addition, the College this summer announced the reinstatement of men’s and women’s tennis and golf as varsity sports, which is also funded through Scheve’s Cornerstone gift. WC hopes to field intercollegiate teams starting in fall 2026. Article Submitted by Wilmington College