Superintendent Tim Dettwiller At the June 25, 2025, Wilmington City School (WCS) Board Meeting, Superintendent Tim Dettwiller, and Director of Business Operations Curt Bone, shared updates about the 2025 Strategic Plan and Transportation Task Force. According to Dettwiller, the group had 10 meetings with Education Specialist, Dan Roberts, and have now proposed a vision statement that reads, "Empowering students to learn, lead, and serve with purpose." The group also created a mission statement, "Every student to be future ready by providing a safe, diverse, and challenging environment." In addition, they set four main goals, regarding behavior responses, community support, enhanced learning opportunities, and ensured financial stability. According to Dettwiller, the goals have several action steps below each in order to achieve them. Dettwiller stated, "Each of those action steps... there's a lot of communication, collaboration, engagement all the way through." The formal strategic plan and action steps will be provided at the next board meeting on August 25, 2025. During the board meeting, Bone shared updates regarding the Transportation Task Force, which was created to solve bussing issues. According to Bone, they have had five meetings since April. To solve the transportation issues, they plan to increase "group stops" in some subdivisions and other areas where it is "feasible." Bone also discussed "rolling blackouts," where they would plan to cut specific bus routes on a given day if needed. The blackouts would rotate and parents would have advanced notice. According to Bone, the blackouts would only be implemented as a safety net . He stated, "If staffing levels increase, this will never even be implemented at all." WCS is also looking at a new routing software that would review the bus routes for the 26–27 school year. This year, WCS will also upgrade their bus camera system to ensure a total of six working cameras per bus. Drivers will also be able to put their own behavioral referrals into the system directly, improving communication and dialogue with principals. To learn more about WCS, visit wilmingtoncityschools.com .

WILMINGTON, Ohio (August 19, 2025)— Mr. Gordon Cordell was an assistant coach for our JV softball team for the 21-22 and 22-23 seasons. Mr. Cordell was also under contract as our sports photographer for those two years. All FBI and BCI background checks were on file and did not reveal any past issues of concern. To date, no Wilmington City School students have filed complaints, with school personnel, against Mr. Cordell. To our knowledge no hidden video recording devices were found in school facilities. Upon his arrest, the district cut all ties with Mr. Cordell as a coach and athletic photographer.  Statement Submitted by Superintendent Tim Dettwiller

WILMINGTON, Ohio (August 18, 2025)— The City of Wilmington is pleased to announce that construction of three new pickleball courts at Denver Williams Memorial Park officially begins today, Monday, August 18, 2025. The courts will be located between the splash pad and the skate park. Work is being performed by OHeil Site Solutions. Construction is expected to be completed by September 30, 2025, weather permitting. As construction is now underway, park-goers should anticipate increased noise levels, construction equipment in and around the work area, and temporary closures or restricted access near the project site. The City of Wilmington asks that park-goers obey all posted signs and fencing, do not enter the active work zone, and supervise children and pets closely while in the park. We appreciate the community’s understanding and patience during this improvement project and look forward to opening the new courts for public play in just a few weeks. Questions regarding the work may be made to the Parks and Recreation Office at (937) 374-9455. RELEASED BY: Michael Crowe Director of Public Service City of Wilmington 69 N. South Street Wilmington, OH 45177 W: 937-382-6509

Marnie Reed and Shanon Bene At the Clinton County Board of Developmental Disabilities (CCBDD), located at 180 E. Sugartree Street, they believe in determining "how" can an individual do something, not "if" an individual can do something. Shanon Bene, Transition Coordinator at the CCBDD, stated, "It's all about determining how an individual can be independent in their community, can be successful, can be employed, not if they can be employed or independent." Marnie Reed, Family Support Liason, stated, "My best suggestion from one parent to another, call and find out what the CCBDD can provide to you." The CCBDD currently serves roughly 300 individuals from age birth to adulthood in the county. Those individuals have a Service and Support Administrator who helps connect them with things large and small, like essential resources or just a friend to talk with. According to Marnie and Shanon, it's "hard to pinpoint all services offered" because the individuals they serve are so diverse. CCBDD also works with the Department of Education, Clinton County Health Department, Job and Family Services, local schools, and others. Marnie and Shanon stated that Ohio's county board of developmental disabilities system started in 1967 and is unique, as it is not present in every state. Prior to the creation of the boards, there was no system. The Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities oversees each county and each county board. Each county board is governed by 7 members. When the CCBDD first began in Clinton County, they operated out of the basement of a local church. They were then located in the Nike Center before it was sold last year to the World Equestrian Center. Their current location on Sugartree Street is "more efficient with taxpayer money," according to Marnie, because their employees are now all located in one building. This year, Marnie and Shanon are also working on bringing "Ohio Sibs" to Clinton County, a support program for siblings of individuals with developmental disabilities. Listen to the full story on episode 73 of The Real Change Wilmington podcast. Learn more at co.clinton.oh.us/boardofdd/

Nathan Thirey In June of 2025, Nathan Thirey, Owner of NT Contracting, opened his storefront in downtown Wilmington, located at 94 South Street. When remodeling the office, Nathan was hoping to create an "inspiring space" that acted as a "3D billboard" to showcase all the services NT Contracting can provide. Nathan is originally from Wilmington, where he grew up on a hog farm. When he was roughly 15 years old, he worked at a custom cabinet business in town. Nathan attended Wilmington College for two years before transferring to Cedarville University. He stated that he would come home every Sunday to attend Dove Church, where he is now an Elder. After graduating college and working at Enterprise Rent-A-Car for a few years, Nathan decided that he was not happy and joined forces with one of his brothers, who also loved woodworking, to start a local cabinet business. The two of them ran the business together for almost ten years. In 2016, Nathan decided that he wanted to get into general construction and full-scope remodeling, so he branched out and started NT Contracting. One of Nathan's favorite parts of his business is walking into a space, envision plans, and "dream again" with his clients. NT Contracting uses rendering software and a local architect to create blueprints. For projects that go beyond finished interior work or require a specialist, NT Contracting works with several local businesses to ensure expert work in each area, including: Branham Brothers Plumming, On Again Electric, Domain Roofing, Ellis Exteriors, and Schutte Mechanical. Nathan stated, "I think what you end up with at the end result, like when all those people come together, I think your end product's actually a lot more professional." Some of NT Contracting's notable community projects include work on Trail Haus and Charlie's inside The Murphy. In addition, Nathan has a passion for educating children. NT Contracting donates a portion of their proceeds to Pistos School in Montrouis, Haiti to help educate 500 students. Dove Church also sponsors the same school. To learn more about NT Contracting, visit ntcontractingllc.com .

WILMINGTON, Ohio (August 13, 2025)— Last Friday, we communicated that we were working on a sewer line in the high school auditeria. Once the pipes for the original issue were exposed and gravel pulled out of the lines, they were able to run cameras further back into the lines to make sure there were no additional problems before closing up the hole. Unfortunately, late Tuesday night, we found an additional major failure in this line under the kitchen. The repairs for this major failure will take additional time to complete. Evaluation of the severity of the additional line failure is underway, as well as the completion of the repairs on sections we have already identified. Based on the need to address the sewer line failure properly and to develop a modified plan for the opening of school we will postpone the opening of Wilmington High School and Wilmington Middle School until Monday August 18, 2025. Wilmington High School and Wilmington Middle School will be closed Thursday and Friday August 14 and 15th. Denver and Holmes Elementaries will open as scheduled. Article by Wilmington City Schools

Resident Assistants traverse the campus mall to their next training session on Tuesday afternoon. The RAs were among the first in what will be waves of students converging on the campus this week. WILMINGTON, Ohio (August 13, 2025)— Wilmington College is welcoming new and returning students this week as the institution’s 155th academic year formally starts on Monday (Aug. 18). WC enters the new year with great optimism, coming on the heels of an anticipated 5 percent enrollment increase and a 10-year retention high, another completed year with a balanced budget and a sense of excitement fostered by this summer’s announcement of a record $23 million gift. President Corey Cockerill presided at the annual Opening Year Meeting, a convocation of faculty and staff on Monday (Aug. 18) morning at which campus updates were shared, new employees introduced, and service milestones recognized. “For me, it feels like the first day of school; I feel such excitement for the year ahead.” In her message to the faculty and staff, Cockerill shared that the College’s strategic plan, In Common Cause, is making great strides as it enters its second year. Indeed, the anticipated 1,100-student enrollment this fall already meets the plan’s goal. She also noted that the College can offer $1.3 million in new scholarships this year as a result of recent gifts from donors and successful grants. This summer, the College announced a $23 million gift from a former professor and Hall of Fame women’s basketball coach, Jerry Scheve, who passed away in May. He designated the funds to go toward athletics excellence, peace and conflict resolution programming, and international affairs. The centerpiece is the Scheve Athletic Center, which features a Hall of Champions and the Jenna Parlette Running Center. While those construction projects will commence starting later this year, numerous manifestations of the gift are being realized in the athletics complex with new bleachers, scoreboards, and the renovation of a weight training facility renovation to name a few. At last year’s Opening Year Meeting, Cockerill introduced a playlist of songs on WC’s Spotify channel, an eclectic mix of music, each exemplifying a slice of the College’s ethos and distinctiveness. This year, she proposed several additions submitted by members of the College community. Informed by the College’s great progress, Queen’s “Don’t Stop Me Now” was a popular selection, as were the New Radicals’ “You Get What You Give,” Bon Jovi’s “Because We Can,” the Beach Boys’ “Good Vibrations” and “Three Little Birds (Everything Gonna Be Alright)” by Bob Marley and the Wailers. The president is especially fond of Jack Johnson’s “Upside Down,” which includes the lyrics, “Who’s to say what’s impossible?” Cockerill beamed as she welcomed the College’s employees to the new school year. “Wilmington College is special, it’s magical!” While cohorts of Resident Assistants and Peer Navigators arrived earlier for training, student athletes in fall sports arrive on Wednesday, new students on Thursday, and returning students throughout the weekend. The New Student Orientation program runs from Thursday afternoon through Saturday, with fall semester classes starting on Monday (Aug. 18). Article Submitted by Wilmington College

Jen Purkey, Brad Heys, and Alex Rhinehart Southridge Brewing, located at 1030 S. South Street in Wilmington, officially opened on June 20, 2025, after a six month renovation by founders and owners, Alex Rhinehart, Jen Purkey, and Brad Heys. "For us, the mission... has always been to create a community space for people to hang out, and to have a good experience from food and beer," stated Alex, Head Brewmaster. Alex grew up in Wilmington and graduated from both Wilmington High School and Wilmington College. He later moved to Hawaii to earn his Masters degree, then moved to northern Ohio to teach at Mount Union University, while also starting his Doctorate degree at the University of Idaho. Upon seeing a job opening at Wilmington College (WC), his alma mater, he applied and moved back to Wilmington to teach there. A few years into his career, he developed some personal issues with the healthcare system and higher education, and decided a career as an athletic trainer and sports medicine educator wasn't for him. He left to work at the General Denver with Jen and Brad for a while, then four years later became a brewer at Warped Wing and later, Fibonacci Brewing. After years of discussing opening a brewery together, Alex, Jen, and Brad decided to buy the old Brausch Brewery building. It wasn't their first choice, but when the deal changed in December, the three decided to act. According to Alex, "Brad, Jen, and I... have our areas of expertise... it's a unique set of three people that came together." Their hope was to provide a light, family-friendly feel by creating "regions," including, a lounge area, dining area, and game area for children. In addition to Jen's "upscale American pub food," Alex's beer menu ranges from American Stouts to Brown Ales, or "drinking beer" as he says. All of the beers have name connections to the Southridge area, the people involved, or their place of origin. Listen to Southridge Brewing's full story on episode 74 of the Real Change Wilmington podcast or visit southridgebrewing.com .

Wilmington Police Department At the July 3, 2025, Wilmington City Council meeting, Chief Detective Jack Coates spoke about the police union's "vote of no confidence" in Mayor Pat Haley, expressing his frustration due to the alleged hiring of a private firm to investigate Sugartree Ministries. Coates provided city council members with signed contracts between the city and Silvania Investigative Services (SIS) for over $14,000 to perform covert operations, despite Haley's previous denial, according to Coates. He claimed the administration allocated a $50,000 operative budget to investigate Sugartree Ministries, which he forwarded to the State Auditor and Ohio Attorney General. Coates also accused city administration of using personal emails on contracts to prevent them from being public record. To conclude his speech, Coates stated, "I'm asking City Council to remove all administration that I've named and place them on administrative leave with no access to city buildings, city computers, or any other form or record that they may attempt to destroy, and ask [city law director] Mr. Kaspar to consider a Brady designation for the mayor, as he lied to the American people, who put their faith in him to run a municipality." Later in the meeting, Nick Eveland, Public Safety Director, spoke out against the accusations, noting that pending lawsuits did not allow him to share everything. He stated, "The allegations that were made about Sugartree Ministries and the investigation of Sugartree Ministries is total bunk." He claimed the city planned to conduct an investigation, but did not intend to target Sugartree Ministries specifically, but instead planned to put an undercover officer by UDF and Speedway. He stated, "We thought that would lead us to some of the alleged buys that were taking place down at Sugartree Ministries." According to Eveland, the city proposed and considered a contract with SIS; however, the operation was leaked. Eveland defended that while the city swore in a potential officer for this, that did not mean they were hired, only that they took an oath to protect the city. To learn more or watch previous city council meetings, visit wilmingtonohio.gov

Tammy Shadley (LEFT) receives ICAA's Ernest Sheetz Mentor Award from Aimee Bell, an advancement officer at Case Western Reserve University who is ICAA's immediate past president. WILMINGTON, Ohio (August 1, 2025)— The Independent College Advancement Associates (ICAA) selected Tammy Shadley as its 2025 recipient of the prestigious Ernest A. Sheetz Mentor Award. The award, which has been presented annually since 2002, recognizes an advancement professional who has displayed outstanding mentoring skills. Shadley, who serves as vice president for advancement at Wilmington College, received the award at this week’s ICAA Summer Conference in Columbus, where she presided as 2024-25 ICAA president. A Wilmington College alumna, Shadley has a long and successful history with the institution. Before being named vice president in 2024, she served for 27 years in the areas of advancement, academic affairs, information technology, and institutional research. As vice president for advancement, she oversees the areas of advancement services, alumni and family engagement, major gifts, annual fund, and prospect management. Informing the award for mentorship, Shadley leads a young staff of advancement professionals. Also, this year, Shadley worked closely with a donor whose $23 million gift is the largest in WC’s 155-year history. In addition to serving as ICAA president until her term ends in September, she is the executive board secretary to the Clinton County Convention and Visitors Bureau and a member of the Jenzabar Advancement Advisory Board and the Association of Advancement Services Professionals. She was a 2012 inductee into The Outstanding Women of Clinton County. Article Submitted by Wilmington College.

Photo By Moon Goddess Photography On August 9th, 2025, the Clinton County Leadership Institute (CCLI) will host its 16th Dinner in the Fields at McFadden Farm, located at 6112 State Route 729 in Sabina, Ohio. Each year, CCLI highlights a different area of the county by selecting a farm to host a meal in the field. The McFadden Farm is a fourth generation grain farm that has operated since 1951. Over the years, the McFaddens transitioned from farming livestock to now farming all "row crops," such as corn and soybeans. It is currently operated by Michael, Matt, and Steve McFadden. Elizabeth Huber, CCLI President and organizer of the Dinner in the Fields, stated, "[We're] making it... more than just a dinner [to] a whole event when you go." She mentioned the menu this year will feature ribs using a homemade barbecue sauce, sponsored by Wilmington Savings Bank and prepared by Bob Schaad. The dinner will also include traditional sides like baked beans and corn provided by Lee Farms. According to Elizabeth, they are "using as much local produce as [they] can." For dessert, CCLI will host an entertaining pie auction to collect funds for the Leadership Clinton Youth Program, a leadership program for high-schoolers from each school district in Clinton County. The event as a whole raises money for CCLI's adult leadership program. Both the youth and adult programs provide breakfast, lunch, and a snack to their participants during their 8 leadership classes held each month from September to April. According to Elizabeth, the money raised at Dinner in the Fields allows CCLI to keep the costs of the leadership program well below the cost of similar programs in other communities, and entirely free for high schools to send their students. At the event, Sabina Native, Patrick Roush, will provide acoustic entertainment. Sabina High School FFA, Wilmington High School FFA, and Wilmington's volleyball team will be volunteering to help with parking and serving. This year, parking will be on-site with shuttles available. To learn more about Dinner in the Fields, please visit leadershipclinton.org .

WILMINGTON, Ohio (July 31, 2025)— At Wilmington College, “Built for Purpose” is more than a slogan — it’s a philosophy that shapes every student’s journey. Each program, initiative and experience is designed to help students uncover their purpose, achieve their goals and and make a lasting impact in their communities and beyond. To amplify this mission, Wilmington College is launching Purpose Can’t Wait, a bold, strategic marketing campaign that brings the Built for Purpose brand to life through compelling storytelling, targeted outreach and innovative engagement. The campaign is designed to make the brand dynamic, relatable and action-driven. Its goal is to increase the College’s visibility and enhance knowledge of WC’s compelling story to prospective students and their families beyond traditional recruitment areas. The launch closely follows the recent announcement of a record $23 million gift that promises to transform the athletics section of the campus, as well as support the mission-related areas of peace and conflict resolution programming and international affairs. President Corey Cockerill shared a special message about the new endeavor with the College’s current students. “This campaign is about one thing: helping more students discover what they’re meant to do — and giving them a place to start, a place like Wilmington College,” she said. “Because your purpose isn’t something you find after college, it’s something you actively build here — through every class, conversation, setback, breakthrough and late-night ‘What am I doing with my life?’ moment. You know that better than anyone!” Cockerill said the campaign’s storytelling will share students’ stories and, when they share it, they’re showing future students what’s possible when they choose Wilmington College. “Our students are living it — now let’s share it!” A special website — PurposeCantWait.com — details the campaign and features video profiles of students whose Wilmington College experience has transformed their lives. Also, a video piece is designed to give those who’ve never been to Wilmington College an “I can picture myself here” series of images and calls to action. Whether students are driven by academics, athletics, service or career ambition, there’s a path for them at WC. See how Jase, Faith, Trinity and Garrett found their path to purpose at Wilmington College. WC believes that purpose isn’t something to be postponed — it’s something to be pursued with passion and urgency. Purpose Can’t Wait is a movement that inspires action. The Purpose Can’t Wait campaign is a call to action for all who believe in the power of education to change lives. Article Submitted by Wilmington College