Left to Right: Josh Schlabach (1st Ward), Don Wells (3rd Ward), Jeffrey Earley (4th Ward), Jamie Knowles (At Large), Dennis Gherman (At Large), Kelly Tolliver (At Large), Mary Kay Vance (Auditor), Pat Haley (Mayor) On August 6, 2026, Wilmington City Council approved an ordinance prohibiting public urination and defecation, while final readings of an ordinance regulating public camping were moved to September 3 to allow for revisions. The ordinances prompted discussion among council members, police, the city prosecutor, and administration about giving law enforcement additional tools while ensuring the city's laws are legally sound. Parks Director Kenny Upthegrove submitted a letter read at council describing ongoing problems encountered by park employees, including people sleeping on park equipment. Councilmen Earley and Tolliver expressed frustration that these types of issues have continued and argued that police need additional authority. Mayor Haley's Chief of Staff, Mike Cluxton, said, "We're beating the same horse to death that we started two and a half years ago, and we are no further along." Wilmington Police Chief Josh Gibson raised concerns about the language of the proposed camping ordinance, particularly with prohibiting any person from sleeping on public property. He said it could unintentionally apply to someone who becomes tired while driving, pulls over, and takes a nap in a park. Gibson supported addressing the problem, but recommended narrowing the ordinance. Chief Municipal Prosecutor Sarah Barger agreed that action is needed but also recommended revisions. Barger objected to the phrase "no person shall" sleep on public property, saying it could technically include everyone from a sleeping toddler to an elderly resident resting on a bench. She warned that an overly broad ordinance could face a legal challenge and create additional court expenses. Councilman Schlabach supported revising the legislation while raising the broader question of what happens to people after they are removed from public property. He referenced a program in Newark that connects people charged with certain nonviolent offenses with rehabilitation, counseling, medical care, and other resources. Mayor Pat Haley said he does not believe it is the city's responsibility to construct and operate housing for people experiencing homelessness, noting that Wilmington lacks the money and staff necessary to operate a facility. Wilmington Safety Director Nick Eveland recounted a recent situation involving a woman experiencing a mental health crisis. Police contacted Sugartree Ministries, which helped locate treatment in Cincinnati. "I know there's people in this room that don't think highly of Sugartree," Eveland said. "But where else would you go at that time of night to find somebody who could take care of this woman?" After being released, the woman was sent back to Wilmington wearing only a paper hospital robe. "Now, that isn't exactly treatment," Eveland said. Eveland said the incident illustrates a larger challenge facing both the city and law enforcement. Police can enforce laws and make arrests, he said, but officers cannot provide the mental health, addiction and social services that some individuals need. When it came time to vote, Schlabach moved to give first reading of ordinance 26-45 while reiterating that the police chief and prosecutor recommended revisions. Council approved first reading, while Schlabach and Knowles voted to move second and third readings to September 3. Learn more at wilmingtonohio.gov.

"When we know how to read and write, we have endless possibilities in the world. When we have a literate community, it directly impacts the community... It helps keep citizens informed," stated Jacque Proctor, owner and founder of Empowering Literacy, a literacy coaching program for children. Jacque spent most of her childhood in Wilmington, attending Holmes Elementary and graduating from Wilmington High School. She shared that she struggled to read as a child, stating, "I didn't want kids to struggle the way that I struggled, so I thought, "How can I help make a different experience for students?'" She moved to northern Indiana for college, but later moved back and began long-term substitute-teaching at Wilmington City Schools. Now, she has been teaching for 16 years and currently works for Clinton Massie Local Schools. Jacque has her masters degree, Montessori training, Orton-Gillingham training, and has experience helping struggling readers. In addition to her personal experience, Jacque was inspired to open her business because she struggled with reading as a child. She took an online business class in October of 2025 and began coaching students in January of 2026. According to Jacque, her program is for struggling readers aged four to seven years old, as her skill set is in developing the foundational skills. She begins with a "Ready to Read" assessment to identify where a child is at with literacy. Then, she hosts a 45 minute coaching session to come up with a plan for the child. She determines the length of time needed to help the child improve, plans homework, and then the family can begin practicing. When the program is complete, families will have a celebration to highlight what went well and discuss anything that didn't go well. Jacque can host any part of the process both virtually or in-person. According to Jacque, the difference between Empowering Literacy and a tutor is that she teaches parents how to teach their children. She stated, "When you're the parent, if you've learned how to do it, you now know how to practice [forever]." She shared the story of a child who learned 23 out of 26 letter sounds within a week and could read short books within two weeks. To learn more about Empowering Literacy, visit empoweringliteracy.org.

Clinton Regional Hospital celebrated two major milestones this weekend: 75 years of serving the community and its first anniversary as part of the TriHealth family. The hospital hosted a community celebration on Sunday, August 30, from 2pm to 5pm in front of the Medical Office Building at 610 W Main Street in Wilmington. The event recognized the hospital’s history while highlighting investments and expanded services made during its first year with TriHealth. For three-quarters of a century, Clinton Regional Hospital has served as a hometown hospital for generations of Clinton County families. Hospital leaders said joining TriHealth has opened a new chapter focused on strengthening local healthcare and expanding the services available close to home. During Sunday’s celebration, attendees had an opportunity to hear about TriHealth’s investments in the hospital, meet new physicians and learn about new and expanding services. Wellness checks and health information were also available. The afternoon featured local dignitaries and proclamations, physician speakers, picnic food and refreshments, community organizations, and opportunities for fellowship. President of Clinton Regional Hospital, Tom Daskalakis, described the anniversary as a celebrate of both the hospital’s longstanding connection to Clinton County and its future. “This celebration marks an important milestone for our hospital and our community,” the hospital shared in an invitation to community supporters. “We are celebrating our first anniversary as part of the TriHealth family and the significant investment TriHealth has made in our hospital to strengthen our services and better serve the people of Clinton County.”

Left to Right: Kirstin Harris, Tim Wiederhold, Kim DeWeese, Bill Davis, Erick Hildebrandt, Sara Fear WILMINGTON, Ohio (August 27, 2026)—Wilmington City Schools has earned the Auditor of State Award for the 2024–25 audit period, recognizing the district for its clean audit and strong financial reporting. The distinction is awarded to public entities that meet specific criteria established by the Ohio Auditor of State’s Office. With only 13% of public entities in Ohio receiving the award, the recognition is a meaningful achievement for Wilmington City Schools. Under the leadership of Treasurer Kim DeWeese, Wilmington City Schools has maintained strong standards for accuracy, accountability and responsible financial management. To receive the Auditor of State Award, entities must submit financial reports by required deadlines and complete an audit with no findings for recovery, material citations, material weaknesses, significant deficiencies, questioned costs or other financial concerns. “This recognition reflects the care and attention Kim and our team put into managing the resources entrusted to Wilmington City Schools,” said Dr. Kesia McCoy, superintendent of Wilmington City Schools. “Being responsible with our district’s finances is an important part of serving our students and community. It allows us to stay focused on making the best use of our resources to support our students, staff and schools. For more information about Wilmington City schools, visit wilmingtoncityschools.com.

ADA Compliant EZ Kayak Launch & Handicapped Parking Area "We've been in business for 10 years, We're doing our largest project, so we are growing... We have good people, good teams," stated Wade Hall, President of Friends Caring for Cowan Lake, a nonprofit founded to support Cowan Lake State Park. The state park, located at 1750 Osborn Road, needed additional support in 2016 when the state reduced its budget. Wade was inspired and created a group to provide enhancements. Wade grew up locally, attending Clinton Massie Local School District. He attended the University of Cincinnati, became an electrical engineer, and recently retired. In addition to Friends Caring for Cowan Lake, Wade is also the president of Friends of Clarksville, another local nonprofit. In 2016, Wade took a course called, Ohio Certified Volunteer Naturalist, and became involved with Caesar Creek State Park, despite Cowan Lake being his "home lake." Inspired by the course and the state budget cuts, Wade set up a 501(c)(3) nonprofit to support Cowan Lake. The group's official mission is to preserve and enhance the natural resources of Cowan Lake State Park. The group has 13 board members and five executive positions. Friends Caring for Cowan Lake's first project was a raptor flight center for injured birds. They also renovated the original nature center and converted the building next door into a nature center classroom. Wade shared that their biggest project began this year. The organization put in an ADA-compliant kayak launch on the campground beach and hope to add a handicap parking lot near the launch. In addition to those projects, they recently fixed a bridge that was taken out by a beaver dam. The group also put in 28 holes of disc golf in the park, 19 professional holes and nine more relaxed holes. Wade shared that the group's projects are mostly funded by grants and donations. Friends Caring for Cowan Lake also hosts events like maple syrup workshops, youth trout fishing, family fishing days, and the American Lotus Festival. Wade shared that with both projects and events, the group works closely with the park manager and naturalist. They also work with the Boy Scouts, local schools and churches, and individuals who are interested in nature and community service. For the 250th anniversary of America, they are converting the current Treetop Trail into the Trail of Heroes. The trail will have eight signs highlighting local heroes from different services on each sign. Individuals will be able to submit veterans via form for the spots. The group's meetings are held on the first Tuesday of each month at 6pm. Learn more at fb.com/friendscaringforcowanlake/.

"Without the community, we wouldn't have anything full. Everybody that's here is from Wilmington... This community is amazing [and] I can't wait to get out there and explore more," stated Stephanie Cotrell, Director of Business Development at Ohio Living Cape May, located at 175 Cape May Drive. Stephanie started working with Ohio Living in 2021 at the Waynesville campus and later began her role at Cape May in October of 2025. Stephanie has been working in healthcare since 2013, but previously served in the United States Air Force. Ohio Living began in 1922 and was previously called Ohio Presbyterian Retirement Services. According to Stephanie, they re-branded to Ohio Living in 2016. Cape May came to Wilmington in 1998, when Ohio Living was seeking a "rural setting" to open a new location. They added a long-term care skilled nursing center in 2014 and recently added a memory care center in 2025. Ohio Living has 11 total campuses across the state and has always acted as a religious, nonprofit ministry. Cape May features 47 independent living villas, 37 apartments, 31 assisted living apartments, and 23 long-term care rooms. Within the 31 assisted living apartments, there are 21 memory care rooms and 10 traditional rooms. Seventeen of the long-term care rooms host individuals that need 24-hour nursing care and assistance, while the remaining six are for individuals who need skilled rehabilitation. In addition to their residential offerings, Cape May also hosts a bi-monthly Monday Morning Men's Club (3M Club) and a monthly Speaker's Corner, both featuring speakers from the community. Both clubs are unique to Cape May and do not exist at any other Ohio Living campuses. According to Stephanie, the 3M Club began in 2008 and the Speaker's Corner began a few years ago, initiated by the previous director of business development, Tom Dreyer. Stephanie shared that Cape May is planning to build eight new villas on some additional land; however, they cannot begin building until all eight are sold. To learn more about Ohio Living Cape May or get on the waiting list, visit ohioliving.org.

Child Care Resources in Wilmington, Ohio Find answers to your childcare needs here. Links to assistance eligibility, applications, as well as licensed childcare providers in the area and if they accept vouchers or are private pay only. You will also find foster care and adoption information here. Table of Contents Child Care Providers (view) Financial Assistance (view) Youth Programs (view) Other Resources (view) Child Care Providers Clinton County Community Action Program Head Start Clinton Center Address: 333 Clinton St. Wilmington, OH 45177 Phone: (937) 481-5064 Payment: Accepts ODJFS Voucher(s) Learn More: Website Clinton County Early Learning Center Address: 1600 Alex Dr. Wilmington, OH 45177 Phone: (937) 481-5681 Payment: Accepts ODJFS Voucher(s) Learn More: Website Holmes Elementary School Address: 1350 W Truesdell St, Wilmington, OH 45177 Phone: (937) 382-2750 Payment: Accepts ODJFS Voucher(s) Learn More: Website Erdman Center for Early Learning (Head Start) Address: 789 N. Nelson Ave. Wilmington, OH 45177 Phone: (937) 382-8365 Payment: Accepts ODJFS Voucher(s) Learn More: Website Laurel Oaks Preschool Center Address: 300 Oak Dr. Wilmington, OH 45177 Phone: 937) 382-1411 Payment: Accepts ODJFS Voucher(s) Learn More: Website Sonshine Christian Preschool & Kindergarten Address: 909 W Locust St. Wilmington, OH 45177 Phone: (937) 382-0904 Payment: Accepts ODJFS Voucher(s) Learn More: Website Timber Faith Preschool Address: 840 Timber Glen. Wilmington, OH 45177 Phone: (937) 382-2185 Payment: Accepts ODJFS Voucher(s) Learn More: Website Wilmington Cooperative Preschool Address: 74 E Locust St. Wilmington, OH 45177 Phone: (937) 382-1465 Payment: Accepts ODJFS Voucher(s) Learn More: Website Julie Wright Address: 993 Rovente Dr. Wilmington, OH 45177 Phone: (937) 725-9992 Payment: Accept ODJFS Vouchers Learn More: Website Financial Assistance Ohio Department of Job & Family Services (ODJFS) The Ohio Department of Job & Family Services offers financial assistance to eligible parents and caretakers to help them with child care costs while they engage in work, educations or job training. Families can be eligible to have all or part of their monthly child care expenses paid on their behalf. Eligibility: Website Child Care Voucher Application: PDF Voucher Accepted Child Care Programs: Website Learn More: Website Youth Programs Clinton County Youth Council (CCYC) Clinton County Youth Council (CCYC) is a free after-school youth center for students in grades 6–12. Our mission is to "help youth make healthy choices" by offering daily shelter, snacks/meals, mentoring, academic support, and recreation opportunities. Our house of operation are 3-7 pm Monday-Friday. Address: 302 W. Sugartree St. Wilmington, OH 45177 Hours: Mon–Fri 3pm to 7pm Phone: (937) 382-2828 Learn More: Facebook Other Resources Ohio Kinship Program With ODJFS the Ohio Kinship program provides support and education for family members taking care of children within their immediate family, either short or long term. Phone: 1 (844) OHIO-KAN Additional Resources for Kinship Families: Visit Website Learn More: Website Adoption Temporary and permanent care can have a lasting impact. Choosing to be a foster or adoptive parent means choosing to give a child love and stability at a time when they need it most. Adoption Rights & Responsibilities: Website Adoptive Parent Training: Website Adoption Application: Visit the Clinton County ODJFS Foster Care Foster Program Requirements: Website Foster Parent Training: Website Apply to Foster: Visit the Clinton County ODJFS Right to Life of Clinton County Educate and promote an awareness of the unborn and their inherent right to life. Learn More: Website Wilmington Child Protective Unit If you have a child that you are no longer able to care for, please reach out to the local Child Protection Unit. Phone: (937) 382-2449 Learn More: Website

Deacon David Ulmer & Dustin Pearce Deacon David Ulmer with St. Columbkille Catholic Church (Holy Saints of God Family of Parishes) joins the podcast to share about his journey from a Protestant upbringing to a Catholic faith, and discuss topics of science, history, and culture—including how the Catholic Church (as an organization) has maintained unity when its members disagree on issues. 🍎 Apple: bit.ly/rcwp-apple 🟢 Spotify: bit.ly/rcwp-spotify 🎥 YouTube: bit.ly/rcwp-youtube 😎 Website: bit.ly/rcwp-website

"Affordability, personability, knowing, and having confidence in your vet is everything. [It's] really important to have a local vet you can trust," stated Dr. David Becker, owner and managing veterinarian of Orchard Veterinary Care, located at 45 Orchard Road. In August of 2025, Dr. Becker purchased the business from Dr. Allison Bittner. Becker grew up in Wilmington and shadowed at Orchard Veterinary Care when Dr. Gano was the managing veterinarian. Despite previously planning to go into the military, his job shadow with Dr. Gano inspired him to pursue veterinary medicine. Becker went "straight to veterinary school" and worked at the clinic during school breaks. According to Becker, he always hoped to own the practice someday, stating, "I always wanted to come back to home roots and take care of the community that I grew up in." When Becker purchased the clinic, he added an additional veterinarian, Dr. Harley, and bought a second ambulatory truck. This allows them to be in "multiple locations at once." The clinic features three full-time doctors and one part-time doctor. Upon taking over, Becker also purchased new equipment, upgrading the ultrasound and shockwave therapy technology. The veterinary clinic also offers the same services that were previously offered, including small animal services, large animal services, and exotic animal services by "local, fantastic vets." Within those services, the clinic performs frequent maternity surgery on cattle, equine work, and ACL surgery for all animals. Becker shared that within the exotic animals, they see otters, capybaras, zebras, bearded dragons, snapping turtles, and more. On top of their most popular services, the clinic also performs dentistry, surgery, imaging, and lab work on the animals. Becker shared that the office works with MedVet to keep surgeries affordable for individuals. Orchard Veterinary also features a "Pet Owner Portal," where owners can stay up-to-date on their pet's condition and more. Dr. Becker emphasized the importance of giving back to the community through service at the clinic, sharing that "maintaining humility, ethics, [and] practicality with clients disseminates throughout the community." Orchard Veterinary frequently works with PAWS Humane Society, Young's Dairy, and more. The clinic also serves the animals at the Clinton County Fair. Dr. Becker hopes to renovate and expand the building in the next five years. He would like to add a large animal haul-in facility, more small animal rooms, and a triage space. To learn more about Orchard Veterinary Care, visit orchardvetcare.net.

The 6th Annual Clinton County School Supply Drive will once again provide free backpacks and school supplies to local families on Saturday, August 15, from 2pm to 5pm at First Christian Church, 120 Columbus Street in Wilmington. Organizers Jason Stoops and Leah Lorenz said the event exists to, “Help local kids be prepared for school and take pressure off the parents who have enough going on.” Students attending school in Clinton County are eligible to receive supplies. Families should bring proof that they live in the county or that their child attends a Clinton County school, and the student must be present. The event is free and will provide backpacks and school supplies for students from Pre-K through college. Amazon will again donate and serve food. To help remove transportation barriers, a church bus will also provide transportation for families from the Clinton County Homeless Shelter and Brownberry Apartments. The greatest current needs include 1-inch binders and college-ruled loose-leaf paper, but many additional supplies are still needed, including: Crayola crayons/markers/colored pencils, glue sticks, supply boxes, pencils, scissors, headphones/earbuds, wide or college-ruled spiral notebooks/composition notebooks/loose-leaf paper, folders, dry-erase markers, pencil pouches, highlighters, pens, and 1-inch binders. Organizers ask that all donated items be new and name-brand quality. Any unused supplies will be saved for next year's event. Donations may be dropped off at Generations Pizza, Bite Size Market, Beauty Bar & Salon, First Christian Church, Midnight Auto, Quaker Church, and the Methodist Church. Volunteers are also still needed to help with setup, distributing supplies, and cleanup. In previous years, organizers have served as many as 500 children. "It's open to everybody,"Stoops said. "All we ask is that you're a Clinton County resident and bring the child with you." Those wishing to learn more, volunteer, or support the effort can visit the Clinton County School Supply Drive Facebook group or contact organizers by email at clintoncountyschoolsupplies@gmail.com.

Submitted Photo Wilmington College’s Office of Workforce & Continuing Education announces the launch of Frontline to Management, a new training series designed to help regional employers prepare frontline employees for the transition into supervisory and management roles. The program addresses a common and costly challenge for employers: promoting a skilled frontline worker into a leadership role without giving them the tools to succeed. The one-day, eight-hour intensive sessions are built specifically for supervisors and managers in production, manufacturing, and transportation and are designed to minimize time away from work while delivering practical, industry-relevant skills. Sessions will be held on campus in Bailey Hall Fridays from 8am–5pm on the following dates: October 9, 2026, December 11, 2026, March 5, 2027, and May 14, 2027. Employers may also request onsite sessions delivered at their own facilities. The training will be led by Dennis Purcell, former Chief HR Officer for Skidmore Sales and Distributing in Cincinnati, who brings decades of frontline HR and industry leadership experience to the curriculum. Employers interested in registering supervisors, scheduling an onsite session, or learning more about the program may contact the Office of Workforce & Continuing Education at (937) 481-2299, email: workforce@wilmington.edu or online at www.wilmington.edu/workforce/workforce-training/frontline-to-management. Wilmington College’s Office of Workforce & Continuing Education partners with regional employers to design and deliver practical, industry-driven training that builds stronger supervisors, managers, and teams across Southwest Ohio.

During the Wilmington City Council meeting on July 2, 2026, Mayor Pat Haley addressed a question that he said has been circulating in the community on social media: What would the City of Wilmington receive if Amazon builds a proposed data center in the area? Haley said the city is pursuing financial assistance from Amazon to fund a new public safety facility, with a goal of securing $28 million to construct a combined police and fire headquarters. According to the mayor, the project would replace the city's aging fire station, which is about 65 years old, while bringing police and fire operations together under one roof to improve coordination, response times, and overall public safety. The proposed facility has been discussed by city officials for several months. Haley said combining emergency services into one centralized location would improve operational efficiency while also addressing concerns about emergency response delays caused by railroad crossings that can block access through parts of the city. "As Wilmington experiences steady growth, welcoming new residents, businesses, and development, it's important that our public safety services grow alongside the city," Haley said. According to Haley, a consultant hired by the city approximately seven or eight months ago estimated the cost of the new safety building at about $28 million. Rather than relying on local taxpayers to fund the project, the city is attempting to negotiate financial support from Amazon if the proposed data center moves forward. Haley said Amazon's initial proposal included $1 million upfront, which was later increased to $10 million upfront. However, he said the city's objective is to obtain the full estimated project cost upfront rather than relying on future tax revenue generated over time. "Negotiations are still ongoing. No agreement has been finalized," Haley said. The mayor also addressed claims circulating on social media regarding payments from Amazon. Haley stated that the city has not received any funds from Amazon, calling claims suggesting otherwise misinformation. "There have been no secret meetings," Haley said, explaining that negotiations are following standard economic development procedures. Haley also outlined how large economic development projects typically progress in Ohio. He explained in 2011, former Governor John Kasich signed House Bill No. 1, establishing JobsOhio as a private non-profit corporation to drive job creation and capital investment statewide. Once a company identifies a potential location, JobsOhio works with local partners—in Wilmington's case, the Clinton County Port Authority—to negotiate project details. He said confidentiality is common throughout these discussions because companies often evaluate multiple states before making a final decision. During negotiations, projects frequently operate under code names to protect proprietary business information and maintain competitiveness. Haley acknowledged that many residents have expressed concerns about the proposed data center during public comment sessions, including individuals who live outside Wilmington's city limits. While emphasizing that those opinions are important and are being heard, he also noted that the city has more than 12,000 residents whose perspectives may not always be represented during council meetings. The mayor concluded by discussing the increasing role data centers play in modern infrastructure, noting their importance in healthcare, banking, manufacturing, education, and everyday online services. "This is the sort of challenge that defines public leadership," Haley said. "The council doesn't take these decisions lightly." Negotiations between the City of Wilmington and Amazon remain ongoing, and no final agreement regarding project funding has been announced. Learn more at wilmingtonohio.gov.