Originally from conservative northern Ohio and growing up in Amish and Mennonite communities, Josh and Terri Schlabach have a resounding love for community no matter where they go. They believe that even though they stepped away from some of the more strict rules of their upbringings, community is a huge part of living the human experience—from mission trips in Asia, family trips to Germany, being business owners in Clinton County, and supporting our city in any way they can. While taking one of their several weekly walks, Josh and Terri saw the vacant lot right off the bike trail on North Mulberry Street and discussed Wilmington’s need for more housing in the city. “How nice would it be to have condos or homes in this location that open right on to the bike trail,” is where their conversation drifted. For months they chewed on this, waiting to see if someone would scoop up this rich real estate opportunity. When nobody did, the Schlabach’s decided to put an offer in themselves to “just see what happens”, and suddenly they had the space with the idea of building 6 condo units. Construction did not begin immediately however, they decided that their best course of action would be to sell potential buyers the idea of beautiful two story condos with walk out access to the trails. But as Josh said, “I think we would sell them if we built them, but I didn’t want to take that risk upfront,” and while they had one interested buyer and lots local enthusiasm, they decided to put it on the back burner for another idea. ‘Wheelies on Mulberry’ would be a multi-use space, housing a bike shop, outdoor recreational area, and locally run cafe. They modeled their new vision after bike cafes seen on a family trip to Germany. “It’s a pretty popular concept in Europe to have a bike shop and cafe together, and it works there,” said Josh when talking about the inspiration for the space. They also both mentioned Wilmington’s lack of access to bike repair shops or the ability to purchase quality bikes without having to drive to Xenia, Dayton, or Cincinnati. They want to offer a “step-up” to what you would find at Walmart, but still offer affordable bicycles and somewhere local to get service when needed. The Schlabach’s vision for Wheelies is that locals, tourists, and seniors will be able to come with their bikes, or rent bikes there, for a nice time on the trail. People will also be able to meet-up for a bite to eat or pick-up something to drink at ‘Trail Haus’, the new cafe space opening there and ran by Jennifer Purkey and Brad Hayes of Kava Haus. The Schlabach’s hope Wheelies will help build community while also improving health. The Schlabach’s have partnered with Cycling Without Age, an international non-profit that offers Trishaw rides for seniors and the differently-abled to help include them in community and nature. They also discussed offering different group activities, such as meet-ups with mothers for kids, and adult runners to run together. One things Terri hops to do is break the stigma that our trails are not safe. As someone who uses the trails multiple times a day, she says, “my perception is that I’m not less safe on the trails than I am on the street in Wilmington.” You can follow the progress of Wheelies on their Facebook page. As of now, their plan is to open, along with Trail Haus, beginning of April.

Amy Zimmerman is the owner of Vital Fitness on the corner of Prairie Road and Lowe’s Drive. Originally from Leesburg, Ohio in Highland County, Amy grew up on a farm and has a degree in Agriculture Communications from The Ohio State University where she developed a love for fitness. After college, Amy and a friend jumped into teaching group fitness classes in London, Ohio (without any prior experience) and they would pack the facility with 60+ people a night because nobody in town offered anything like that at the time. Amy worked as the Communications Director for the largest livestock marketing co-op east of the Mississippi River for over a decade in addition to starting her own Agriculture PR firm with her college friend. At the same time, Amy continued to teach group fitness classes at different gyms around Columbus, where she lived at the time, and then out of her barn and the old YMCA when she moved to Wilmington. Even with no plan or finances to build her own gym then, Amy would envision how that might look and feel. At that time, DHL and Airborne were big employers in Wilmington and one of Amy’s friends ran their fitness facility. The companies eventually sold the gym and leased the space to Amy’s friend who ran the business for about a year then decided she didn’t love it, and asked Amy if she wanted to buy it from her. Amy was a single mom of two children, but said yes and decided to make it work. She knew the location of the gym wasn’t going to be great because it was hard to find and DHL had already left the Airpark, so she bought the land where Vital Fitness is now with the intent to build. Amy finished her original 9,000 sq/ft building in 2014 and quadrupled the 115 members she transferred over in about 3–4 months. The old gym was called ‘Built For Fitness’, and Amy knew she wanted a new name. After  brainstorming a few ideas and praying about it, she decided on “Vital” while running on her treadmill and listening to Joel Olsteen talk about how “your health is vital”. Amy is a firm believer that fitness is way more than just the physicality of it, and that it encompasses everything—”when you exercise, it mentally makes you stronger across the board for life”, says Amy. “When you push yourself through a workout, even if it’s not the hardest workout in the world, you’re still making yourself get to the gym and following through—all which takes mental focus, consistency, and builds capacities for when harder things in life come, like break-ups, divorce, death, or loss of job.” Amy got divorced in 2008 and remarried in 2015, so she was single mom through all of the building and financing of Vital Fitness. This posed many challenges for Amy, who had never done construction before, including getting her all male contractors to talk with her about decisions. During this hard time, Amy fondly remembers taking her son, who was 8-years-old, to one of her construction meetings where money was being discussed, and then when they got home her son pulled out $10 from his piggy bank and said, “here mommy, I want to help you pay for your building.” Then, within just 2-years in her new building, Amy had the great problem of having to build-out and expand. When asked what keeps people from going to the gym, Amy said the biggest reason is self confidence—people feel like others are judging them. However, Amy says that a funny thing happens when people get in a room full of mirrors is that they focus on themselves, not those around them. Amy designed her facility so that those who are uncomfortable with a gym can walk straight in to a class or locker room without ever entering where the machines are. Amy also hears some people say they want to reach a certain fitness level before going to a gym, but she encourages everyone to just start where they are—she sees the most success from people who don’t go all-in for a time then stop, but from those who are consistent. Vital has something for everyone, including cardio/strength machines, classes, and events. Membership is $43 a person and just $5 more to add a spouse. Get 1-month free through March 31, 2024 by mentioning “real change” when signing-up.

Mayor Pat Haley spoke today at Cape May’s 3M Club about his first month in office and removing “25 No Left Turn signs on Rombach” among other updates. Watch the video to get to know our new mayor: (0min–11:10min): Changes to our Chief of Police, Evidence Room, and Public Records Requests. (11:10min–31:30min): Recap of the State of the City, School Crosswalks, Housing Developments, Downtown Retail, and Traffic. (31:30min–37:40min): Improving Transportation Department and Fire Department Building. (37:40min–47:08min): Addressing Homelessness/Vagrancy, Mental Health, Drug Abuse, Court Ordered Treatment, and In-Patient Treatment. (47:08min–1:04:21min): Questions and Answers.

The City of Wilmington announces the successful  conclusion of its years-long battle over improper charges associated with its water  supply at Caesar Creek Lake. At its regular meeting on Thursday night, City Council unanimously approved a landmark amendment to the city’s water supply contract with  the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), marking a significant victory for  Wilmington residents. The newly-approved amendment brings cost assurance for the city, paving the way for  millions of dollars in savings over the coming years. In addition, the Council endorsed a  settlement with ODNR, which forgives over $1.2 million in contested bills dating back to  2018. The agreement also includes a $120,000 payment to cover past improper billings. Wilmington Mayor Patrick Haley expressed his gratitude, stating, “This is a huge win for  the city. We are in debt to Attorney General Yost and Governor DeWine for taking on  this fight for us.” The dispute stemmed from a 1993 contract between the city and ODNR for water  supply from Caesar Creek Lake. Under a separate agreement between ODNR and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, bills for lake operations and maintenance were passed on  to the city by ODNR. In 2017, the city began questioning the skyrocketing bills, citing concerns over fairness  and accountability. The city's inquiries were initially disregarded, as the Corps  maintained the position that the city bore full liability for the contents of the bills. Despite these challenges, city officials remained steadfast in their commitment to rectify  the situation. Brian Shidaker, former Director of Public Service and Public Safety, reflected on the  struggle, “We were fighting the good fight against a giant, much like David facing Goliath. We understood the importance of rectifying this injustice for the betterment of  our city.” A myriad of irregular charges with no apparent connection to water supply came to light  during exhaustive scrutiny of the billing data, revealing questionable expenses that included: Attendance at Cincinnati boat shows Solar Panel Repairs Thousands of Unexplained Labor Hours A Washer and Dryer Birdseed Charges Related to Corps facilities other than Caesar Creek Lake Heating and Cooling Equipment at the Visitor’s Center Travel Expenses Cedar Chip Bedding for Duck Boxes Maintenance of Nature Trails and Parking Lots Pedestrian Bridges A Bobber the Water Safety Dog Costume The Ohio Attorney General's Office initiated legal action in 2020 by suing the federal  government in the U.S. Court of Federal Claims. Allegations included breach of contract  due to improper operations and maintenance charges, breach of good faith, and improper interest charges. Judge Carolyn N. Lerner concurred with the state’s  arguments, citing the Corps’ opaque records and arbitrary billing process as violations  of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing. This ruling spurred settlement  discussions between the state and federal governments, resulting in an agreement in  August. Under the settlement, the federal government will pay the state $595,691.30. Additionally, starting in 2024, the state's and thus the city's contribution to operation  and maintenance expenses at Caesar Creek Lake will be a flat rate of $197,500, with  adjustments for inflation in subsequent years. "The most significant outcome for the city is the certainty of costs,"remarked Public  Works Director Rick Schaffer. "Under the previous system, the 2024 operations and  maintenance bill would have been nearly $600,000, and the 2025 bill would have exceeded $800,000. These escalating expenses would have eventually bankrupted the  water department."

Real Change Wilmington started one year ago with the simple intention of preventing panhandling. We never intended to make a newspaper, but we listened to our community and have enjoyed the opportunity to highlight positive reasons to be proud to call Wilmington home. In 2024, our newspaper has a slightly different format and LARGER TEXT to help our senior readers. Previously, our newspaper was 11.5in x 11in to mimic a traditional newspaper, however, we are testing out a taller and skinnier size so Pam Moore at Uptown Printing on Main Street can print our newspaper in-house and have her machine automatically staple it together. This will reduce our costs from $1.40/ea to $0.90/ea and reduce our print time from a week to just a few hours—giving us more time to collect content and deliver news faster. Our new format also has advertisers in mind to help cover our costs, and help local businesses reach customers. While we still don’t know what we are doing, we are continuing invest in our community by hiring a full-time writer in hopes of increasing our publication to monthly. Our newspaper can be found at Kroger, Fiesta Veracruz, and Sam’s Meats, Kava Haus, Kairos, and other local businesses. Have ideas for what you want to read in our next edition? Contact us on our website!

CLINTON COUNTY SERVICES FOR THE HOMELESS 2023 ANNUAL REPORT The Clinton County Homeless Shelter held their annual board meeting on Wednesday, January 24, 2024. Board Members for 2024 include: Robyn Allen, Billie Baker, Becky Boris, Bill Davis, Sam Jackson, Dan Mayo, Nancy McCormick, Renee Quallen, and Barbara Saville. Election of officers approved for 2024 are as follows; President:  Dan Mayo, Vice President:  Bill Davis, Secretary:  Becky Boris,  Assistant Secretary:  Sam Jackson, Treasurer:  Billie Baker, Assistant Treasurer:  Robyn Allen, The following annual report was presented at the meeting by Denise Stryker, Executive Director: In November of 2023, the Clinton County Homeless Shelter celebrated 35 years of operations! We celebrated this milestone anniversary with an open house that included the theme “A pass to the North Pole.”  Guests attending the celebration had the chance to tour and see the labor of love and work of our phenomenal volunteers, board members, staff, and community supporters who have made this milestone anniversary possible! The “Pass to the North Pole” included stops where participants made crafts, collected reindeer food, received a candy cane, and visited the Dolly Parton imagination Library where volunteers read during story time. Upon arriving at the North Pole, guests received a 35-year anniversary ornament and refreshments were served. We are so thankful for the donations of children’s pajamas and food for the food pantry that we received from those attending the event. A highlight of the day was the dedication and ribbon cutting of the Pastor Elizabeth Looney Men’s House, The Molly Frances Donation House and the opening of the newly built donation shed. Families of all three were present for the dedications. Tom, Janet, and Mark Matrka were recognized for twenty-two years of volunteering at the shelter and the endless projects completed. Our friends, Tom and Mark Matrka and Jim Krusling were recognized for the countless volunteer hours and supplies donated to build the newly opened donation shed that houses furniture, appliances, and household items donated to help those leaving the shelter and anyone who needs help. Special guest, Ohio State Representative Bill Dean attended the celebration and presented a proclamation recognizing the shelter’s 35-year milestone anniversary. The Shelter's nine volunteer board members meet each month to oversee operations and make important decisions on behalf of those we serve. The annual meeting is held in January. The Shelter employs two full-time and seven part-time staff members. In addition, previous and current residents of the Shelter "pay it forward" by sharing their time and talents to volunteer at fundraising events, serve on the resident advisory committee, help maintain Shelter property, and to lend a hand wherever needed. Our on-site access coordinator continues to provide administrative support for the Clinton County Coalition on Homelessness by scheduling and attending quarterly steering and membership meetings, and regular workgroup meetings with the following four committees:  temporary housing, service resources, prevention, and rehousing. The networking and collaborations with Sugartree Ministries, Hope House, local mental health providers and other social service organizations improves the lives of those experiencing homelessness and a crisis. We are forever grateful to live in a community where we work together as a team, to improve the lives of others. The shelter partners with Vantage.  Vantage employs adults 55 years and older. Shelter staff provides training and supervision for Vantage employees who work an average of 20 hours a week and help with accepting and organizing donations, assisting those visiting the food pantry/Molly Frances Donation House, inventory of donations, cleaning, and answering phones. In 2023, Wilmington College Students volunteered many hours to help complete projects at the shelter. Additionally, a Wilmington College student completed her internship at CCHS. We are very thankful to receive local community support from local Churches, United Way, businesses, service organizations, and individuals and are certain that operations could not continue if not for this support. The Shelter's ability to help those in need depends on funding from various sources including grants.   In 2023, we applied for a two-year grant from The Ohio Development Services Agency Homeless Crisis Response Program (HCRP) emergency shelter grant. In December 2023, we received word that the application was approved for $234,000. Collaborations with region 16 and the important work of the rapid rehousing program continued in 2023. The decision was made that the administrator of region 16 (Fayette County Community Action Program) employ the rapid rehousing case manager. The shelter’s on-site access coordinator refers shelter residents and others in our community who are eligible to the rapid rehousing case manager and coordinates resources and services. Rapid Rehousing services were provided for twenty-two households in 2023. In September 2023, Real Change Wilmington held a fundraising event at the Clinton County Corn Festival to help our shelter residents. Three households who were living at the shelter worked at the corn festival fundraiser organized by Real Change Wilmington and then received monies to help with emergency expenses for housing, transportation, and other expenses to help them during a time of need. We are grateful for the opportunities and changes made possible by Real Change Wilmington this year and always. In May of 2023, The Board of Realtors held their annual Day of Caring Pancake Breakfast. The compassion and kindness shared by our local realtors while raising funds to help those who need a place to live is a gift which they have shared with the shelter for many years now and we are thankful to see the friendships and help they give to one another and the shelter for so many years! Each Spring and Fall, board members and staff organize a soup fundraiser with all proceeds helping the shelter. In 2023, One Mission Wilmington, volunteers from the Wilmington Church of God and other local Churches made soup, desserts, provided supplies, and may volunteers from One Mission Wilmington helped the day of both events. Monetary donations received from these two fundraisers help with daily operations of the shelter. The shelter continued collaboration with the Cincinnati Food Bank, and the Feed America Program. Three days a week, volunteers organize efforts to pick up donated food from Walmart and Aldi’s and distribute it to the shelter and other local organizations and Churches. The Molly Frances Donation House is open seven days a week from 10:00 am – 12:00 noon. In 2023 six-hundred-ninety households received donations of food, clothing, household items, toiletries, cleaning supplies, furniture, and many other necessities. In 2023, 151 men, women and children called the shelter home for a total of 5,967 nights and 29,835 meals and snacks were provided for those living at the shelter. One trend in 2023 that we have noted is a decrease in donations and overall revenue. We appreciate the support of so many and ask that you continue to help support the Shelter in its valuable work. We have willingly taken on some new initiatives that have been generated from discussions with the larger community the last few years but could use some additional revenue streams and donations to underwrite these efforts as we find more ways to help with this issue of homelessness that touches all of our lives. Please consider this in your budget planning for 2024. The Shelter board and staff want to thank each of you for your continued support! We are grateful to live and work in a caring and compassionate community! Please call 937-382-7058 or email denises@clintoncountyhomelessshelter.org if you would like more information about the shelter. We hope you will like us on Facebook at Clinton County Homeless Shelter “A Place to Call Home” and will visit our website at clintoncountyhomelessshelter.org.

🧡🤝🖤 Real change takes two. Our community must take their concerns to our schools with an open mind, and our schools must get in front of misinformation and unresolved frustrations so that these things don’t do further damage. We have every reason to be proud of our community and our schools. 1. “Academics aren’t good” Our academics may have been ranked 575/607 in Ohio back in 2021–2022, but last school year our test scores improved 10% or more in many areas, like Science, ELA, Math, and Algebra. To learn more, contact Director of Curriculum: Nicole.Quallen@wilmington.k12.oh.us 2. “Curriculum is foolish” Our curriculum is set at the state level and how it gets applied locally considers the needs of our students—some come from single, abusive, or addicted household. Also, roughly 50% of our students are on free or reduced lunch. To learn more, contact Director of Pupil Services: Natalie.Harmeling@wilmington.k12.oh.us 3. “Discipline is out of control” Digital alternative school recently started being offered to students with behavioral issues to remove them from those they disrespected, while still letting them earn their degree. Both staff and students are noticing improvements. For more information, contact Superintendent: Jim.Brady@wilmington.k12.oh.us 4. “There is no accountability for spending” Our costs of fuel has more than doubled in just the last few years, but still we are taking advantage of utility co-ops as well as grants and other programs to save taxpayer dollars. To learn more, contact Director of Operations: Curt.Bone@wilmington.k12.oh.us 5. “Our schools don’t need the money” Our funding is made up of less than 50% from the state, and just a small percentage from property taxes. We do eventually need our local levy to help fund our schools if we want them to continue to be able to operate. To learn more, contact Treasurer: Kim.DeWeese@wilmington.k12.oh.us 6. “Grade level centers don’t make sense” Our schools are filled with good people trying to make the best decisions they can. Grade level centers make sense in many ways—eliminate redundant admin, let teachers collaborate, and most importantly to improve student learning. To learn more, contact School Board President: Marty.Beaugardsr@wilmington.k12.oh.us

Due to HB 920 (1976), districts generally do not see a significant increase in revenue when property values rise unless there is new construction or the district falls below the “20 mill floor”. WCS received confirmation this week from the Auditor that due to the recent increases in valuations, the District effective rate is now below the 20 mill floor. Being “below the floor” has a significant impact on how much revenue the schools receive from local property taxes. WCS’s Superintendent and Treasurer conferred with the Auditor’s office, as well as the Chief of Budget and School Funding, on Wednesday, January 24th, to determine the approximate amount of additional revenue that the district will receive. WCS Treasurer, Kim DeWeese, asked the Board to hold a special meeting on Friday, 1/26/24. She shared the draft update of the 5-year forecast that will be submitted to the State once approved by the Board of Education at the February Board meeting. The District is now able to include in that forecast a firm number for property tax revenue that will significantly reduce the District’s annual deficit by approximately 50%. While the additional revenue isn’t enough to offset the annual deficit entirely, it is enough to significantly reduce it. This will allow the District to extend the current carryover funds, relieving the immediate financial stress. What does this mean for the community and WCS families? Friday morning, the Board voted unanimously to remove the March ballot request for a new tax. The Board also rescinded the transportation reduction and fees that were initially planned in the event that a levy failed in March. The Treasurer cautioned that even with the additional property tax revenue the forecast will still show an average annual deficit of approximately $2.5 million. However, between the current carryover and the significant additional revenue, the Board has decided to delay asking the taxpayers for a new levy for operating funds at this time. To be fiscally responsible and stretch those dollars as long as possible before returning to the ballot for additional tax funds, the Superintendent shared that the District is committed to the following: Moving the preschool to Holmes and selling the East End property. This will save the District approximately $100,000 annually in operational costs. It will also ease the transition from Preschool to Kindergarten. Continuing to utilize attrition (retirements and resignations) to adjust staffing levels each year based on current enrollment and to meet state/federal requirements for serving students with disabilities. Continuing to seek out additional cost-saving measures without negatively impacting the quality of services. WCS Superintendent, Jim Brady, shared that the District will be creating a ‘Cane Community Committee' of caring citizens, parents, and staff to be involved in the process of fiscal planning and school progress. Through this committee, they hope to do the following: ● Foster a culture of mutual respect and dialog ● Further the community’s understanding of school finances ● Engage the community in conversation about the state of the existing school buildings and create a shared vision for the future of the District ● Share District initiatives and school progress Per WCS Treasurer, the official 5-year forecast will be submitted to the State and posted online as soon as the Board officially approves it at the next regular meeting on February 26, 2024.

The Clinton County Homeless Coalition met on Thursday January 25, 2024 for their first meeting since the start of the new year. The CCHC Steering Committee is seeking volunteers with experience setting up 501c3 nonprofits, to help them obtain their 501c3 status while still keeping the current setup of the CCHC. If you would like to volunteer contact Joel at clintoncountyhomelesscoalition@gmail.com. The Prevention Committee welcomes Kayla Luncan with the Talbert House as their new chair. A meeting about the transition will take place next month, more details to follow. The Temporary Housing Committee spoke on the "supply and demand" of temporary and long term housing in Clinton County. Following the Homeless Survey they put out, it was found that Clinton County has adequate temporary housing solutions such as drop in shelters, homeless shelters, and funding hotel stays in emergent situations but lacks in long term housing. Stating that currently there are 400 full units in low income long term housing but 700 people on the waiting list. Combatting this the Temporary Housing Committee is looking into options like finding land to build tiny homes on, potentially purchasing an apartment complex, and sending people out to more robust and larger shelters. Focusing on getting "low-risk" families and individuals into permanent housing, to be able to focus on "high-risk" individuals needing housing and other services for mental health and addiction treatment. Finally, they are working with several city departments including the zoning committee and fire department to get their new emergency shelter up to code. The Service and Resource Committee followed up with the situation at Green Meadows Campground, in which the land was sold and the 34 "active dwelling" residents of the campground were to vacate the premises by the end of 2023. Working with lawyers and the new landlord of Green Meadows they worked out a plan where the residents could pay to receive an extend time to stay (end of March 2024) to get their affairs in order and find housing. Currently out of the 34 active dwellings the Service and Resource Committee is happy to report that they are "low 20's" left in the number of people searching for housing at this time. The Rapid Rehousing Committee reported that their new grant started on 01/01/2024 and that they are still the access point for Clinton County. The Clinton County Homeless Shelter reported that since their 35th anniversary celebration in November 2023, they have dedicated two of their shelters, the Men's Shelter is now the Elizabeth J. Looney Men's Shelter and the donation center was dedicated in honor of Molly Dullea. They also reported on the current amount of people staying at the shelter, which is 17 including 4 children. Finally, the CCHC would like to invite the public to show their support of their "Statement of Compassion" address given by Lee Sandlin at the Wilmington City Council meeting on February 15, 2024 at 7pm.

The Wilmington City School District’s Board of Education held a Special Board Meeting on Thursday, January 18, 2024 for a Board Work Session to discuss school fees, extra-curricular fees, and potential cuts for the 2024–25 school year. The district has placed a 1% Earned Income Tax levy on the March 19, 2024 ballot to support current expenses and ongoing permanent improvements. Earned Income Tax does not tax retirement income, interest, dividends, capital gains, or social security. The Board was in agreement that regardless of the levy result in March, the Preschool will be moved from East End to Holmes Elementary. The move will allow the district to sell the 100+ year old building and property, saving approximately $100,000 annually in operational costs. The move is also in line with research showing that it eases the transition to Kindergarten when a preschool is housed in the same building as Kindergarten. Additionally, the Board is working on a resolution to implement the following beginning with the 2024-25 school year to address the annual deficit if there is no new tax passed in March 2024. No transportation will be provided for 9th–12th grade students. School Fees as follows: K–5th: $35/student; 6th–8th: $100/student; 9th–12th: course dependent (minimum $100/student). Extracurricular Fees as follows: 9th–12th: $250 per season per student (maximum $500 per student); 7th–8th: $200 per season per student (maximum amount $400 per student). Each year the district adjusts staffing levels based on enrollment, class sizes, and state/federal requirements for serving students with disabilities. If the levy passes in March 2024, the 1% Earned Income Tax would start on January 1, 2025. The District would utilize carryover funds until receiving income tax in April 2025, thus avoiding implemented fees and reductions outlined above. If the levy fails, the District will implement the above plan beginning with the 2024–25 school year to address the average annual deficit of $4.7 million. The district provides facts, financial information, and FAQs on their website at wilmingtoncityschools.com/levy or you can contact the WCS Treasurer’s Office at (937) 382-1641.

Owner of Beckers SMASH-tastic Burgers, Clinton Becker, visits the podcast to share his rollercoaster story of real change! He’s gone from “Dirtbag Clinton” who went to prison in Florida for time sharefraud, to “Honest Car Guy” who has helped locals raise thousands of dollars for charity, to the now “Harry Potter of Burgers” who serves the best smash burgers in Wilmington! Shout out to his amazing wife, Rose, and their family for sticking by his side through it all. Clinton’s commitment to integrity and passion for serving others without expecting anything in return is both respectable and inspiring—but please, do not challenge this real life “burger wizard”, he has gone to prison and will smash your face in. 😘🍔 Listen to the full interview on our website or your favorite podcast player now: 🍎 Apple: https://bit.ly/rcwp-apple 🤖 Google: https://bit.ly/rcwp-google 🟢 Spotify: https://bit.ly/rcwp-spotify 🎥 YouTube: https://bit.ly/rcwp-youtube 😎 Website: https://bit.ly/rcwp-website

“Our Community Our Schools” $1,000 Student Scholarship Form Real Change Wilmington’s motto is “we are a community of empowered individuals”, and we believe that extends to our children. So we are offering a $1,000 scholarship to any graduating senior at Wilmington High School who would submit an essay addressing our schools’ desire to pass our levy, and our community’s resistance to it. Essays must propose a common ground solution on how both parties can move forward as well as follow the rules and regulations below. Essay Rules & Regulations: Prompt: Write a 1–2 page essay addressing our school’s desire to pass our levy and our community's resistance to vote for it, and present a resolution for both parties to move forward. 1. Essays must fairly represent both sides in a positive, constructive, and lighthearted way: POSITIVE: We believe we can solve problems we face CONSTRUCTIVE: We work through challenges without anger LIGHTHEARTED: We remain human and laugh along the way 2. Essays must include cited quotes from 2 members of our schools’ staff and 2 members of our community. 3. Each submission must include: The student’s original essay. Do not plagiarize or use AI—no amount of money is worth someone’s self respect. A photo of the student. Proof of the student’s enrollment in an accredited college or university. A signed copy of the media release with parent or legal guardian’s consent. 4. Deadline for essays is FEBRUARY 29, 2024 at 11:59PM: Submit essays to info@realchangewilmington.com Scholarship recipient will be announced in March 2024 Essays may be published at the discretion of Real Change Wilmington Additional questions can be addressed to info@realchangewilmington.com