WILMINGTON, Ohio (June 18, 2025)— The City of Wilmington informs the public that Reddy Electric will be replacing a traffic signal power supply at the intersection of W. Main Street and Nelson Avenue. on Tuesday, June 24, 9 am- 4 pm, weather permitting. While work is underway, the traffic signal at the intersection of W. Main St. and Nelson Ave. will not be functioning. This intersection will temporarily operate as an all-way stop. 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

WILMINGTON, Ohio (June 18, 2025)— Luther E. Warren Peace Path Temporary Closure June 18-19 LOCATION – Luther E Warren Peace Path, Wilmington, OH The City of Wilmington announces a partial closure of the Luther E. Warren Peace Path for re-pavement. The trail will not be accessible from the S. Mulberry St. entrance to the Nelson Ave. entrance. The closure will take place Wednesday, June 18, and Thursday, June 19, weather permitting. Questions regarding the closure may be made to the Office of the Director of Public Service, (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@wilmingtoh.org

Josh Roth, Alex Beres, and Beth Huber The Clinton County Port Authority (CCPA) released its first-ever Annual Report in April of 2025. The report reviewed their 2024 achievements and their plans for the future. Alex Beres, Executive Director of the CCPA, stated that, in 2024, the Port Authority brought in “more grant funding for capital projects” at the Wilmington Air Park than in the previous 13 years combined. They received $6 million from the state of Ohio for three projects while also investing $700,000 of their own funds. These projects included replacing navigational equipment on the main runway, replacing the roof on buildings A and F, and reopening the second runway for the first time since DHL left the Wilmington Air Park back in 2009. Additionally, they received two Brownfield Remediation Grants. They were awarded $1 million for 2022–2024 to clean up the former military shooting range and assess a former drum storage area on their premises. Then, for 2024–2026, they received $850,000 to further clean up the former drum storage area, which is currently “ongoing.” Their first annual report also detailed economic development in Clinton County, their financial overview, board, staff, partnerships, public relations, and community involvement. Wilmington Air Park is still the largest regional employer and the highest volume cargo airport in Ohio. According to Beres, staff also worked to help author and pass the Abandoned and Derelict Aircraft bill. In addition to this, the report detailed their quarterly speaker series that updates local stakeholders on Clinton County's economy. Throughout the report, the Port Authority also acknowledged its commitment to continue maintaining the Masonic Lodge on Main Street for “future redevelopment” purposes through the Wilmington DRIVE program. Finally, Beres stated, “We believe investment and development around artificial intelligence (AI) to be the next version of the canals, or railroads, the interstate highway system, or even the Apollo Project. Clinton County is well-positioned to capture part of this wave.” To learn more about the CCPA’s first annual report, visit chooseclintoncountyoh.org .

Wilmington, OH (June 16, 2025)—The TriHealth Board of Directors and Clinton Memorial Hospital (CMH) in Wilmington, Ohio, are pleased to announce plans to bring CMH into TriHealth as its sixth acute care hospital. TriHealth has signed an agreement to acquire CMH and its assets, leveraging the strengths and shared commitment to quality of CMH and TriHealth to benefit the communities they serve. “TriHealth and Clinton Memorial Hospital have a long history of collaborating to provide high-quality care to the Clinton County community,” said TriHealth President and CEO Mark C. Clement. “Bringing CMH into the TriHealth system is an exciting next step in this partnership as it will enable us to collaborate more closely with local physicians to extend TriHealth’s nationally recognized service lines, innovative population health care models, and world class specialists to Clinton County, all to serve more patients, better in the local community while creating seamless access to the most advanced tertiary care when needed.” The acquisition will strengthen and preserve CMH’s strong 75-year legacy of service to the community, ensure continued access to long-established and trusted local providers and provide the necessary clinical resources to expand and improve services. Joining TriHealth also will enhance patient access and experience for Clinton County residents by offering a seamless gateway or connection to TriHealth’s world-class specialized care and service lines such as Women’s Health, Cancer, Heart and Vascular, Neurosciences and Stroke, and more when the most advanced and complex care is required. “CMH has been serving Clinton County with high-quality hospital-based and outpatient care for nearly 75 years. As community hospitals face continuing challenges in today’s complex healthcare environment, we recognize that becoming part of a vibrant regional system like TriHealth will enable us to continue that legacy while providing seamless access to care for our patients and community for years to come,” said Tom Daskalakis, CEO of CMH. TriHealth has served the residents of Clinton County for many years including through operation of a nine-provider primary care practice, TPP Wilmington, and through a collaboration in which TriHealth physicians have provided obstetrics and lactation services to CMH since 2022. Additionally, TriHealth’s Bethesda North Hospital routinely cares for Clinton County patients referred by local providers for advanced care, demonstrating the two organizations’ ongoing commitment to serving the community through collaboration. TriHealth has a long history of successfully owning and partnering with rural hospitals to enhance care delivery, improve access and clinical outcomes and provide more care locally while providing seamless access to complex tertiary care when needed. In 2015, TriHealth partnered with McCullough-Hyde Memorial Hospital to extend its nationally recognized network of physicians, service lines and population health care models to the rural community of Oxford, OH. In recent years, TriHealth has partnered with independent organizations such as Highland District Hospital and Adams County Hospital to expand services, elevate access and care delivery, and care for more patients in their local community. “Welcoming Clinton Memorial Hospital into the TriHealth system aligns with TriHealth’s mission and vision to provide accessible, high-quality, lower cost and population health-based care to residents of Southwest Ohio and surrounding areas,” Clement said. The health systems will work with state regulators and the Clinton County Commission to complete the acquisition and transfer. The ownership transition will be seamless for patients, and both organizations are focused on the continued delivery of high-quality care throughout this process. Additionally, TriHealth and CMH are committed to ensuring a smooth transition for staff and continuing strong relationships with CMH’s trusted local providers. For more information, visit CareinClintonCounty.com . About TriHealth TriHealth is hospitals, physicians and the community working together to help people live better. We provide clinical, educational, preventive and social programs through Bethesda North, Bethesda Butler, Good Samaritan and McCullough-Hyde hospitals, and more than 140 other locations throughout Greater Cincinnati. This includes an ambulatory network, physician practices, research division, employer-based health services, hospice care and fitness and health facilities. Learn more at trihealth.com, Facebook.com/TriHealth, @TriHealth on Twitter and at YouTube.com/TriHealth. About Clinton Memorial Hospital Established in 1951, CMH Regional Health System has been providing quality healthcare to area residents for nearly 75 years. CMH Regional Health System's Clinton Memorial Hospital is a 140-bed hospital located centrally in Wilmington, Ohio, only an hour drive from three of Ohio's major metros: Cincinnati, Dayton and Columbus. CMH offers a full range of inpatient and outpatient specialized services, including emergency services, general cardiology, medical and radiation oncology, orthopedics, obstetrics, urology, ENT, and more.

WILMINGTON, Ohio (June 12, 2025)— Wilmington College announces the Dean’s List for the 2025 Spring Semester. Those full-time students receiving the Dean’s List honor accomplished a grade point average of 3.5 or better on a 4.0 scale. Also, they had a minimum of 12 graded academic hours of credit. Courses taken on a pass/fail basis are not included in the credit hour minimum.     THE SPRING SEMESTER DEAN’S LIST INCLUDES THESE OHIO RESIDENTS:     ALEXANDRIA – Ava Young  AMANDA – Logann Julian, Riley McKeska  ASHLAND – Ethan Bunce, Skylar Ramsay  ASHVILLE – Elena Cline, Baileigh Rieder  BATAVIA – Shelby Cornwell, Max Gildea, Cloey Sattler  BELLBROOK – Mary Jane Little, Olivia Trusty  BELLEFONTAIN – Stephanie Altstaetter  BELOIT – Jed Smith  BETHEL – Haley Johnson, Kendalliya Meyer  BIG PRAIRIE – Alysa Pringle  BLANCHESTER – Brendan Borneman, Kaydence Cramton, Bethany Fessler, Mae Frazee, Jillian Lewis, Briana Mobley, Luci Payne, Aubrey Powell, Kierstyn Schmidt, Braydyn Wiley  BOTKINS – Justin Shuga  BROOKVILLE – Kelli Cooke, Claire Scully  CALEDONIA – Kari Carter  CAMDEN – Kendall Miller, Kaydee Newton  CANAL WINCHESTER – Cameron Weirather  CARROLL – Adam Moneypenny, Aubrey Speakman  CEDARVILLE – Heather Dutenhaver, Blayne Ferguson, Brenden Manor, Riley Shaw  CELINA – Kymberlie Kundtz, Lauren Lochtefeld  CHILLICOTHE – Braylee Burkitt, Connor Davis, Emma Powers, Ezekial Schobelock, Emma Spect, Nathan Throckmorton  CINCINNATI – Eli Alexander, Mamadou Berry, Olivia Cupp, Jordan Domoe, Madison Ehrhardt, Zoe Johnson, Carly Rayburn, Cora Seybold, Lauren Seyfried, Andrew Thompson, DeAnna Tinsley  CIRCLEVILLE – Jaylah Captain  CLARKSVILLE – Rebekah Gwynne, Makalyla Harrington, Carter Martin, Olivia Roark  CLEVES – Lindsey Bauer, Gracie King  CLYDE – Allison Michaels  COLLINS – Holden Nuhn  COLUMBUS – Samuel Alexander, Domenic Farley, Nicholas Malagreca, Tristan Morgan  CONCORD TOWNSHIP – Anya Demshar  CORNING – Josie Crabtree  COSCHOCTOR – Brynna Kirkpatrick  COVINGTON – Kori Moore, Mara Newhouse  DAYTON – Kylie Bougneit, Kathryn Davis, Gavyn Grim, Randy Harris  DEFIANCE – Emma Limber, Logan McQuillin  DELAWARE – Benjamin Dabe, Jocelyn Franz, Judaea Wilson  DRESDEN – Isabella Baughman  EAST ROCHESTER – Lydia Sanor  EATON – Abbigail Whitesell  ELDORADO – Haley Davidson  ENON – Blaise Morris  FAIRBORN – Xavier McDougle  FAIRFIELD – Jessica Crutchleo, Abigail Leiss, Jada Pohlen  FAIRFIELD TOWNSHIP – Na'zere Neal  FINDLAY – Chloe Dorn  FRANKFORT – Ruth Beery, Josie Higginbotham, Garrett Simmons  GALENA – Brooke Elliot  GALLOWAY – Jack Sandberg  GEORGETOWN – Ely Hatten  GERMANTOWN – Reese Smith  GOSHEN – Madison Hatfield, Logan Lovins, Makenna Smallwood, Taylor Smith  GRAFTON – Maile Oswald  GREENFIELD – Gracie Bowers, Elijah Johnson, Briana Watkins  GREENVILLE – Avery Ernst, Braci Swisshelm  GROVEPORT – Johnathan Jennings  HAMERSVILLE – Dawson Hitt  HAMILTON – Jackson Beske, Lily Blevens, Lisa Brandenburg, Logan Kent, Sophia Mignery, Gabrielle Nelson, Adrienne Reynek, Alaina Reynek, Kaileigh Schneberg, Olivia Joyner  HICKSVILLE – Olivia Joyner  HILLSBORO – Mackenzie Bennett, Kyah Chaney, Madison Curtis, Gracey Dearmon, Kinsey Gilliland, Samuel Hamilton, Sydney Hamilton, Brayden Kisling, Brad Miller, KaleyJo Myers, Cole Newsome, Halle Reveal, Garen Ryan, Madison Tomko  HOPEWELL – Mykell Bowen  HUNTSVILLE – Carlie Nickel  JACKSON – Kenzie Davis  JACKSON CENTER – Kieran Yarkosky  JAMESTOWN – Josie Faris, Nathan Manley, Taylor Warner  JEFFERSON – Zane Neczeporenko  KETTERING – Jessica Dudley, Brian Kenrick  LAKEVIEW – Shelvie Snoke  LANCASTER – Reese Pittman  LEBANON – Rachel Berry, Steven Utterdyke, Alexandria Wilson  LEESBURG – Addison Bales, Caitlin Campbell, Lanie Clark, Braxton Harrison, Sydney Hooper, Grace Matthews, Wyatt Morrow, Nathan Vidourek, Sophia Young  LIBERTY TOWNSHIP – Nathan Sorn, Amanda Sung, Piper Sung, Peyton Tennis  LIMA – Kristina Zupan  LONDON – Jenna Bailey, Cole Davis, Paige Kopiec  LOVELAND – Noah Lee, Joel Sagraves, Anna Wise  LYNCHBURG – Jadelyn Massey, Sarah McKinney  MAINEVILLE – Ollie Basta, Isabelle Brown, Johnathan Nurre, Jake Pinedo  MANCHESTER – Vanessa Trotter  MANSFIELD – Kaleigh Leadbetter  MARION – Karter Simpkins  MARTINSVILLE – Ava Hester, Greta Quigley, Johnathon Tuller  MARYSVILLE – Emma Greve, Riley Sims  MASON – Benjamin Golan, Madyson Joseph  MECHANICSBURG – Shanna Caudill  MEDWAY – Gabrielle Russell  MIAMISBURG – Camryn Riddell  MIDDLEFIELD – Michael Soltis  MIDDLETOWN – Carley Baker, Morgan Sloan  MIDLAND – Bradley Brown, Aubrie Panetta   MILFORD – Cecilia Mursinna  MINSTER – Hayden Wibbeler  MONROE – Olivia Jenkins  MONTPELIER – Levi Houser  MORROW – Alexia Koenig, Corissa Oeder, Erin Tarmey  MOUNT ORAB – Austin Huff, Sarah Wolfer  MOUNT VERNON – Mattie Butler, Vivian Noble, Mia Rieder  NAVARRE – Cheyanne Westfall  NEW CARLISLE – Farell Hall, Jace Houck, Ayden McBride  NEW LEXINGTON – Andrea Groves  NEW PARIS – Addison Sparks  NEW PHILADELPHIA – Peyton Murphy  NEW RICHMOND – Emily Carter, Samantha Crellin  NEW VIENNA – Ryland Donley, Shannon Harrell, Makayla Thomason  NEW WASHINGTON – Damian Dean  NEW WESTON – Ethan Evers  NEWARK – Tyson McElroy  NEWCOMERSTOWN – Jarrett Durr  NORTH BALTIMORE – Lucy Trout  NORTH BEND – Summer Auer  NORWALK – Alexa Ward  OBETZ – Thomas Rose  OREGON – Maura Carr  OREGONIA – Rylee Panhorst  ORIENT – Delaney Sark  OSTRANDER – Nina Peak  OXFORD – Rose Bothast-Revalee  PARIS – Logan Frigyes  PATASKALA – Trent Mendenhall  PEEBLES – Amanda Hitt, Darby Mills  PEMBERVILLE – Grace Kingery  PERRYSBURG – Jackson Blakely  PICKERINGTON – Makenzie O’Neil  PLEASANT PLAIN – Nicholas Bucksath  PLYMOUTH – Mckenzie Danhoff  PORTSMOUTH – Ella Kirby  PROCTORVILLE – Leah Gorby  QUINCY – Eli Hollingsworth  REYNOLDSBURG – Zahkyria Walker  RICHWOOD – Morgan Evans  RIDGEWAY – Mary Rose  RIPLEY – Maci Haitz  ROCK CREEK – Abbey Eland  RUSSIA – Bailey Pohlman  SABINA – Ceejay Smithson, Jessee Stewart, Lauren Stonewall  SAINT PARIS – Brent Case, Benjamin Parke  SARAHSVILLE – Christian Duniver  SIDNEY – Kami Harris, Heidi Toner  SOMERSET – Margaret Finck, Jenna Snider  SOUTH BLOOMFIELD – Kalynne Walley  SOUTH CHARLESTON – Abigail Getz, Austin Miller, Madeleine Taylor  SOUTH SOLON – Emma Pitstick  SPRING VALLEY – Hanna Glaze  SPRINGBORO – Hadlea Dingledine, Jase Edmonson, Brandon Gross  SPRINGFIELD – Gabrielle Perkins, Cayden Stephens  SYLVANIA – Nathan Schnell  THORNVILLE – Emma Doherty  TIFFIN – Allison Fortney  TIPP CITY – Darryl Story  TRENTON – Niccole Lakes  TROY – Kellen Strayer  UNION CITY – Xochitl Lozano-Licona  WASHINGTON – Dylan Alltop, Saraah Duron-Babb, Jenna Griffith, Victoria Moore, Zachary Sizemore, Heaven Tolliver, Evan Weaver, Mackenzie Cory, Meghan Cory, Cameron Morris  WATERVILLE – Austin Reed  WAVERLY – Andrew Welch  WAYNESVILLE – Maggie Rinehart  WEST ALEXANDRIA – Dillion Howard, Makiah Newport, Jace Thuma  WEST CHESTER – Ashley Mullen, Benjamin Sherman  WEST COLLEGE CORNER – Mason Hornung  WEST JEFFERSON – Kassandra Simmons  WEST LIBERTY – Sophia Hardwick  WEST MILTON – Jennifer Riquelme  WEST UNION – Lucy Gabbert, Ethan Thompson  WILLIAMSBURG – Sterling Goodwin, Scarlett Robinson, Avery Vance  WILMINGTON – Marquis Adams, Rosalie Adkins, Collin Barker, Warren Barnhill, DeSean Battle, William Brooks, Samantha Bush, Tiffani Calise, Victor Castillo, Brayden Cioca, Emily Cook, Adam Conkel, Abigail Coy, Brandie Crafton, Ulonda Degahson, Liam Denehy, Jeffery Doss, Kristina Edwards, Roe Edwards, Matthew Fraley, Kaitlyn Franklin, Charles Fritz, David Goodykoontz, Tobias Griffin, Sophie Groves, DeMario Hayes, Kayleigh Heffner, Makayla Henry, Bryce Hensley, Danielle Hibbs, Henry Hildebrandt, Joy Hodge, Gavan Hunter, Olivia Iragena, James Johnson, Shelby Knapp, Kalawn Lammkin, Hillary Leforge, Allyson Long, Joy Major Hoop, Elias Malone, Sheldon Marshall, Paige Maples, Marcus McAlister, Jennifer McHenry, Carlie McCoy, Theresa Miller, Banesa Morales, Karlie Morgan, Charles Mountjoy, Katlyn Nichols, Shannon O’Boyle, Rylee Oglesby, Cody O’Neil, Daiscia Redman, Ashlyn Reynolds, Navi Sanders, Delaney Schneder, Samantha Seitz, David Shockey, Ashleigh Smith, Ashley Smith, Clayton Snavely, Devon Snyder, Ruth Stidham, Chloe Sutton, Laura Taylor, Alexis Thompson, Julia Tolliver, Jerry Trout, Tsepo Tsolo- Mohlakwana, Cassandra Tupuola, Michael Underwood, Hunter Walls, Brandon Walters, Amanda Wilhite, Joy Wu  WINCHESTER – Gabriel Moore  XENIA – Ean McGuinne, Alaiya Meaux, Madison Shouse, Cody Vanhoose    NON-OHIO RESIDENTS ON THE DEAN’S LIST      AURORA, INDIANA – Rylee Held  AVELLA, PENNSYLVANIA – Katelynn Dryer  BROOKVILLE, INDIANA – Bryce Hodapp  BROWNSBURG, INDIANA – Madeline Starnes  CALIFORNIA, KENTUCKY – Amy Hart  COATSVILLE, INDIANA – Alana Starbuck  CONNERSVILLE, INDIANA – Amy Rowe  CRANSTON, RHODE ISLAND – Emily Stall  CRESTVIEW, FLORIDA – Bryce Stout  DILLSBORO, INDIANA – Caden Baker  FALLBROOK, CALIFORNIA – Jordan Snyder  FLATWOODS, KENTUCKY – Audrey Patel  FT MITCHELL, KENTUCKY – Elijah Malek  GREENSBURG, INDIANA – Arden Muckerheide  HAGERSTOWN, INDIANA – Hayden Arnold  HAGERSTOWN, MARYLAND – Parker Basener  INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – Madeline Geminden  LAFAYETTE, TENNESSEE – Tyler Gregory  LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – Madison Vansuch  LEXINGTON, KENTUCKY – Ashton Harris  NORTH SALEM, INDIANA – Olivia Malicoat  RAVENSWOOD, WEST VIRGINIA – Riley Shockey  RICHMOND, GEORGIA – Jayden Kruse  SALEM, OREGON – Kaden Young  SOUTH LYON, MICHIGAN – Bryce Bird  ST ANNE, ILLINOIS – Zachariah McGuirt  ST LOUIS, MISSOURI – Emma Storck  ST PETERS, PENNSYLVANIA – Georgia Horosky  SYRACUSE, INDIANA – Justin Baum  TACOMA, WASHINGTON – Andre Lewis  TAYLOR MILL, KENTUCKY – Sierra McCoin  UNION CITY, INDIANA – Alexandria Partin  WARRENTON, VIRGINIA – Maren Johannesen  WEST COLLEGE CORNER, INDIANA – Mason Hornung  WILLIAMSBURG, MICHIGAN – Sterling Goodwin    STUDENTS ON THE DEAN’S LIST FROM OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES     CHIPINGE CHIMANIMANI, ZIMBABWE – Anesu Zviiteyi  HOVMANTORP, SWEDEN – Robin Petrovic Adolfsson  HUNNDALEN, NORWAY – Simen Saetheren Oefsteboe  KRISTIANSAND, NORWAY – Sondre Haugen  NORTH MOLTON, DEVON, ENGLAND – Alfie Harris  REGINA SASKATCHENWAN, CANADA- Luke Washenfelder  TRONDHEIM, NORWAY – Oliver Knut Metz-Brustad   AVONDALE, ZIMBABWE – Matthew Maramasaka  IRWIN, POLAND – Zuzanna Kulinska  BULAWAYO, ZIMBABWE – Denzel Moyo Article Submitted by Wilmington College.

WILMINGTON, Ohio (June 12, 2025)— The cast has been selected, and rehearsals are underway for Wilmington College-Community Summer Theatre’s production of the classic musical, Guys and Dolls. Show dates are July 17, 18, 19, at 7:30 p.m., and July 20, at 2:30 p.m., in Hugh G. Heiland Theatre, Boyd Cultural Arts Center on the campus of Wilmington College. Tickets go on sale online at < wc.booktix.com > starting at 9 a.m. on June 23. Based on the story and characters by Damon Runyon, with music and lyrics by Frank Loesser, and book by Joe Swerling and Abe Burrows, Guys and Dolls is widely regarded as the quintessential Broadway musical. Billed as a "musical fable," it intertwines two love stories with gambling gangsters, nightclub dancers, and the work of missionaries.  Guys and Dolls is under the direction of WC alumna Cherie Cooper-Darragh with musical direction by Matt Spradlin, accompaniment by Karen Miller, choreography by Cole Haugh and Abby Bowman, costuming by Tara Lydy, lighting design by Becky Haines, shop scene management by Linda Mead, and scene design by Gary Smith. The cast features Sterling Goodwin as Sky Masterson, Kyleigh Caves as Sarah Brown, Bryan Wallingford as Nathan Detroit, Jessica Yankel as Miss Adelaide, Shadrach Brausch as Nicely-Nicely, Tadeo Palafox as Benny Southstreet, Matt Purkey as Arvide Abernathy, Timothy Larrick as Rusty Charlie, Bekah Wall as General Cartwright, Devon Snyder as Lt. Brannigan, Luke Ruther as Harry the Horse, Tim Wiederhold as Big Jule, Kevin Wall as The Greek/Emcee, Teddy Murphy III as Joey Biltmore/cop/drunk/bookie, Colin Wood as Angie the Ox, Dalan Toups as Liver Lips Louie, Holden Wulff as Scranton Slim, Collin Chiarini as Society Max, Matthew Jones as Brandy Bottle Bates, Carissa Preston as Mimi, Carlie McCoy as the waitress and Cecelia Hunt as Agatha. The Mission Band includes Mason Schaffer, Tonja Ruther, and Emily Andrews, and the Hot Box Dancers include Heather Brausch, Vanessa Calderone, Lindsay Lydy, Carissa Preston, Dessie Rogers, and Emma Schnecker. The Havana Dancers are Heather Brausch, Vanessa Calderone, Dessie Rogers, Luke Ruther, Dalan Toups, and Colin Wood. Article Submitted by Wilmington College.

Dustin Pearce On May 12th, 2025, the Wilmington Charter City Steering Committee held their 2nd quarter public workshop at the Murphy Theatre to gather community feedback on the idea of Wilmington becoming a Charter City with a Council/Manager form of government. Background (Statutory vs. Charter) The City of Wilmington is currently a Statutory City, governed by the default statutes of the Ohio Revised Code, which outlines the structure and powers of municipalities. This is unlike a Charter City, which has its own governing document. Nearby Charter Cities include Lebanon, Loveland, Tipp City, Miamisburg, and Xenia. In fact, "68% of Ohio cities with the same population as Wilmington are a Charter City", stated Dustin Pearce, the public workshop's facilitator. Currently, Wilmington is legislated by seven city council members (plus a president) and then administered by a mayor, all elected. A charter would allow Wilmington to adopt a 'Council/Manager' form of local government, where the mayor’s role would shift from administrative to legislative, as the president over city council meetings. The legislative body's terms would extend from two years to four years, allowing them time to focus on efficiency rather than reelection. Together, these voter elected officials would hire and fire a full-time experienced city manager to oversee daily operations and key department heads, such as the chief of police, street maintenance superintendent, and transit director. A short video from the City of Westerville, Ohio, was played to give a history of Ohio's first Charter City and explain Council/Manager government. In the video, Michael Heyeck, a Westerville Councilman, compared a Charter City to a business, where city council is like a board of directors and the city manager is the CEO. He stated, "The CEO ensures continuity… The board can change, but if you have the CEO—that continuity—assures a long-term view of the city, not looking at the next election or the next council meeting... When you're building roads that last decades, when you're looking at economic development employers that we hope will be here for decades, it's much better to have that long view—and a city manager really ensures that continuity." Workshop 1 (Benefits & Concerns) At the workshop, residents discussed benefits and concerns of a Charter City. Some noted that a Council/Manager form of local government could provide "stability," "continuity," "consistency," and a "long-term vision." They wrote that the charter could be "tailored for us," lead to "more immediate accountability," "better business relationships," "experienced staff," and help with "long-term grants". Finally, residents noted that it would allow the city to have "home rule rather than state rule," and "not be so disruptive when mayors change." In regards to concerns, some participants worried about possible changes happening too quickly and wondered about the salary of a city manager. Some questioned how a Charter City would provide "more consistency", "tax benefits", "easier grant processes", and "more experienced leaders". One resident in attendance, Jason Stoops, responded to concerns by explaining Wilmington's current government: "We put a traffic light up. That's not free. We take the traffic light down. That's not free. We do these ten-year studies, but then we abandon the ten-year studies four years in... We have so many long-term city plans that nobody has followed through with because every administration goes back and forth." Pearce added that the City of Loveland's city manager attended a previous workshop and stated that he "brings in more grant money per year than his salary", and pointed to a recent grant funded parking lot in their downtown. Workshop 2 (Community Benefits) Residents wrote that more experience and consistent leadership could help address community issues ("crime" and "housing"), honor local heritage ("agriculture," "Quaker," and "small city atmosphere with big city amenities"), strategically highlight points of pride ("Wilmington College", "Air Park", and "Murphy Theatre"), and make dreams a reality ("parking" and "community rec center"). Workshop 3 (Comparing Charters) Residents analyzed Lebanon’s and Loveland’s charters, noting similarities in their structures. Then, residents broke into groups to compare and contrast the two charters' sections on their city council and city manager to gather ideas on what to possibly include in Wilmington's charter. One resident noted that it would be helpful to craft a preliminary charter so that voters know what they would be voting on. Steering Committee (Update) The Wilmington Charter City Steering Committee is currently seeking to fill their 15 member leadership committee by their next meeting on August 12, 2025 that will be from 7pm to 8pm at The Murphy Theatre. The steering committee is seeking interested key community stakeholders who represent Education, Housing, Agriculture, Senior Services, Legal, Veterans, Large Employers, Next Generation, and Politics (Conservative). Current members includes Michael Allbright (Democrat), Bruce Saunders (Recreation), Jason Vaughan (Downtown), John Wirmel (Faith), and Sydney Murtland (Homelessness). Learn more and view recordings of past meetings at wilmingtoncharter.com .

WILMINGTON, Ohio (June 11, 2025)— Luther E. Warren Peace Path Temporary Closure June 11-14 LOCATION – Luther E Warren Peace Path, Wilmington, OH The City of Wilmington announces a partial closure of the Luther E. Warren Peace Path for re-pavement and repairs. The trail will not be accessible from the S. Mulberry St. entrance to the Nelson Ave. entrance. The closure will take place Wednesday, June 11 through Saturday, June 14, weather permitting. The trail will re-open Sunday, June 15. Questions regarding the closure may be made to the Office of the Director of Public Service, (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@wilmingtoh.org

WSC Strategic Planning Session Meeting On May 13th, 2025, Wilmington City Schools (WCS) hosted their seventh Strategic Planning Session meeting. Parents, teachers, and school administrators discussed the future mission and vision statement of WCS. They also analyzed the results and responses from their 'Strategic Planning Community Survey' that was sent to 3,500 students, teachers, and other residents according to Superintendent Tim Dettwiller. Of those, 619 people responded (roughly 17 percent). Dan Roberts, Education Specialist and meeting facilitator, stated, “It’s certainly reliable data that we’ve got here.” When discussing the results, the group noted approximately 14 key takeaways, both positive and negative. The survey showed that staff strongly care about students, but the district is not staffed appropriately. Despite social media criticism, “parents feel welcome and engaged by the school.” The group noted that the “community believes they understand school financing.” The majority of survey respondents felt that WCS does not provide adequate "remedial services" and that parents are concerned with sending their students to WCS. Respondents also felt that WCS’s reputation has declined due to negative incidents, academic performance, and lack of leadership/change. Respondents felt that while WCS does not fairly and consistently administer discipline, the district acknowledges students for positive behavior. The group noted that communication across the board was mostly rated above an adequate level. Over 65% of respondents are proud to be a part of WCS, and despite recent school levy failures, over 80% believe WCS is a good investment. Regarding the survey results, Tim Wiederhold, WCS school board member, stated, “I think going into this, we all kind of assumed doom and gloom… but I don't get that from this data… the majority of it shows positivity.” The group's last meeting will be held in June. Dettwiller separately mentioned the creation of a ‘Transportation Task Force’ for the 2025–2026 school year. To learn more about WCS, visit wilmingtoncityschools.com .

Jason & Michelle Vaughan “I think that TinCap really just meant community. It just brought so many people from our area together in one place,” said Jason Vaughan, Co-Owner of TinCap Hard Cider and BBQ, with his wife, Michelle, who he met at the former Wilmington YMCA. TinCap opened in 2018 and originally started in Jason and Michelle’s basement. Their name was inspired by Johnny Appleseed’s tin cap. They’ve been at the location on Sugartree Street for 6 years. According to Jason, it took almost a year and all of his retirement to get the building ready. Prior to owning TinCap, Jason was a nurse at Clinton Memorial Hospital, and Michelle worked at Ferno. Jason's interest in home brewing began as a kid when he helped his father make beer and grandmother make wine. Jason stated, “I just always thought that was a neat process, how you took something... changed it and made it into something else.” Later in life, Jason was inspired to start making cider because his dad developed a gluten allergy and could no longer drink beer. Jason decided to leave his 25-year career in 2018 to pursue TinCap. He quickly learned it would require more help, so Michelle also left her career in 2019. However, COVID forced them to shut down less than a year later. Fortunately, since the health department originally required them to have a food license for their ice machine, they already had a pizza oven and were able to offer carry-out meals and growlers. According to Jason, "the community got behind us and saved us." Jason hopes to continue investing in Wilmington, and even has a vision of one day opening a larger music venue. He stated, "If you value your community and you value your downtown, you take care of it.” He urges others to also "invest in [your] downtown... It’s not even a risk... It's been point proven, if you invest in your downtown, you make it nice... that money... will come back." TinCap's 8th anniversary will be on June 21 from 5pm to 10pm. Listen to Jason's full story on The Real Change Podcast, episode 71 . 🍎 Apple: bit.ly/rcwp-apple 🟢 Spotify: bit.ly/rcwp-spotify 🎥 YouTube: bit.ly/rcwp-youtube 😎 Website: bit.ly/rcwp-website

Clinton County Veterans Service Commission Staff and Board Members WILMINGTON, Ohio (June 2, 2025)— All Veterans and Spouses are welcome to attend a day of enjoying meeting other Veterans and learning about the benefits that are available to them. Location: Municipal Building 418 Cherry Street, Blanchester, Ohio Morning Session: 10:00 Coffee and Donuts 11:00 A Special Speaker from the Clinton County Veterans Commission will provide information about: Veterans Benefits, Financial Assistance, Transportation, and Applying for a DD214. 11:30 A Special Speaker from the Chillicothe VA will provide information about: How to Enroll, What is Available, Doctors, Eyes, and PTSD. Lunch: 12:00 – 1:00 Hamburgers and Hot Dogs with all trimmings, Chips, Soft Drinks, Brownies, and Cookies. There will also be door prizes. Afternoon Session: 1:00 A Special Speaker from the Clinton County Veterans Commission will provide information about: Veterans Benefits, Financial Assistance, Transportation, and Applying for a DD214. 1:30 A Special Speaker from the Chillicothe VA will provide information about: How to Enroll, What is Available, Doctors, Eyes, and PTSD. Sponsors: American Legion Post 179, Auxiliary, Blanchester Parks and Recreation, Clinton County Veterans Commission, Chillicothe VA, and Boy Scouts Troop Article Submitted By: Clinton County Veteran Services

From the left are Ollie Basta, a Wilmington College senior who partnered with Main Street Wilmington's Trevor Shoemaker; Vanessa Calderone, a Xavier University Junior who partnered with Ruth Brindle of the Clinton County Port Authority; Gabe Moore, a Wilmington College senior who partnered with Anya Tipton of the Clinton County Regional Planning Commission; and Bekah Wall, program director. WILMINGTON, Ohio (May 27, 2025)— The Clinton Community Fellows Program officially launched this week, bringing together a dynamic group of college students for a 10-week immersive internship experience focused on leadership, service, and local impact. The Clinton Community Fellows was founded by Energize Clinton County (ECC), the Wilmington Clinton County Chamber of Commerce, and the Clinton County Regional Planning Commission (CCRPC) to engage students and recent graduates with local professional opportunities and organizations. This year, ECC has partnered with Wilmington College to administer and house the program. Now in its 2025 session, the program pairs student Fellows with local businesses and nonprofits, including Main Street Wilmington, the Clinton County Regional Planning Commission (CCRPC), and the Clinton County Port Authority—to collaborate on high-impact projects that benefit the community. Over the summer, Fellows will take on real-world challenges, develop professional skills, and contribute meaningfully to the organizations that make Clinton County thrive. “This program is about more than just summer work,” said program director Bekah Wall. “It’s about investing in the next generation of civic-minded leaders and helping them understand how community engagement and professional growth can go hand in hand.” In addition to hands-on project work, the Fellows will participate in weekly leadership seminars grounded in Simon Sinek’s Leaders Eat Last, engage in community-centered dinners, and reflect on their personal and professional growth throughout the summer. The program will culminate in a public capstone presentation on July 31st, where students will share their project outcomes with community partners and residents. The Clinton Community Fellows Program is supported by a network of local mentors, small business leaders, and public service professionals. From housing advocacy and downtown development to strategic planning, workforce engagement, and advancing public health, Fellows will contribute fresh perspectives and tangible support to a range of initiatives shaping Clinton County’s future. To learn more about the program or to follow along with the Fellows’ work this summer, visit @ClintonCommunityFellows on Facebook. Contact: Bekah Wall, Program Coordinator, Clinton Community Fellows, email: bekah.wall@wilmington.edu. Article Submitted by Wilmington College