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If you haven’t listened to our full podcast interview with Shelby Boatman, executive director of the Clinton County History Center, here is a brief overview and visual tour of the center. Listen along as Shelby gives some interesting historical tidbits about the History Center and Clinton County. Connecting with our local history gives a sense of pride in being part of this great community. If you want to get connected with our local history visit Shelby and staff at the CCHC Thursdays & Fridays 1p.m. to 4p.m. and Saturdays 10a.m. to 2p.m. Listen to the full podcast with Shelby here: Inside the Clinton County History Center (w/Shelby Boatman)

Real Change Wilmington sits down with Clinton County History Center Executive Director Shelby Boatman, to discuss her role as executive director, passion for local history, and events upcoming at the Clinton County History Center. Boatman is a Wilmington native, graduating from Wilmington High School in 2013, obtaining her undergrad in 2017 from Ashland University, and later masters from NKU in 2020. During the interview, Boatman discusses her taking her current position after volunteering time during her college years. Since becoming executive director Boatman has brought many exciting new exhibits and events to the Clinton County History Center and has great plans for the upcoming seasons. To get in touch with the Clinton County History Center you can visit the museum Thursdays and Fridays 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., and on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Additional visits can be made by request. You can also give the CCHC a call at (937) 382-4684 and follow them on social media @ClintonCountyHistory on Facebook and Instagram.

“Love them or hate them, Sugartree Ministries is part of our downtown, and the building itself could use some work”, said local business owner (and contributor of Real Change Wilmington), Dustin Pearce, at City Council on Thursday, June 1, 2023. “Regardless of whose job it should be to fix this problem, I believe Wilmington is a community of empowered individuals who take responsibility and get to work. So we made a plan to ‘Beautify Sugartree’. The main project involves improving the landscaping on Main Street. Every plant and other item needed is listed on a wedding registry-like website that allows the community to get involved and contribute. “We want our community to look nice, we also want our community members to experience the pride of knowing, ‘I helped do that’” said Pearce. The project also involves removing and replacing the current signage, moving the vegetable garden behind the building for easier access, and encouraging the city to fix the street signs and crosswalks. To contribute, visit realchangewilmington.com/beautifysugartree. If you would like to help install your contribution, email info@realchangewilmington.com after your purchase to schedule a time to do so. The main landscaping project aims to be compete by the end of June.

Wilmington City Schools has wrapped up their 2022–23 school year. The staff gathered for their last meeting of the school year on May 25th and recognized staff for their years of service at WCS, honored retiring staff members, revealed this year’s Classified Staff MVPs, and announced the 2022–23 Williams Award recipients. Retiring this year are Jeff Stevenson (WHS), Deborah Murphy (Denver), and Stephanie Moreton (Denver). Stevenson taught a total of 39 years, with 24 of them at WHS. Deborah Murphy has worked at WCS in multiple capacities for over 35 years, with the last 33 as the Library Media Aide at Denver Elementary. Stephanie Moreton worked at WCS for 29 years in the Food Service Department. The impact of these retiring staff members is significant and they will be missed at WCS. Each year the Wilmington Schools Foundation selects a number of teachers to be recognized for their outstanding contributions at WCS. The Williams Award was established in 1996 by the WHS Class of 1945. It honors the memory of two devoted teachers, Woodrow and Esther Williams, who dedicated their professional lives to excellence in education. The awards are presented each year to teachers who reflect the enthusiasm, dedication, preparation, and inspiration that Woodrow and Esther Williams exhibited. The recipients this year were Erin Moore (WHS), Holly Young (WMS), Dan Elmeier (Denver), and Larita Harris-Jones (Holmes). This is an outstanding group of teachers who go above and beyond each and every day for their students. Each year the District also collects nominations for the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award for a Classified Staff member (transportation, cafeteria, custodial, monitors, aides, etc). The MVP is a Classified employee who has gone above and beyond for the students during the school year. They are nominated by their peers, with the finalists chosen by the Administration. This year 2 were chosen as MVPs. From WHS, Mr. G (AKA Dr. G) was recognized for his outstanding contribution to the District as Campus Monitor at WHS. He has quickly become an invaluable part of the WHS staff. (Note: To the students he is the mysterious Mr. G... their current theory is that he is ex-CIA!). The 2nd MVP of the 2022–23 school year is Nancy Johnson (Holmes). Nancy has worn many hats in the building this year and has done so with a positive attitude and willingness to jump in wherever and whenever needed. While the school year has ended for students and many staff members at WCS, there are many staff members that work through the summer to get ready for the next school year. This summer, there are construction projects happening at Holmes, Denver, and WHS. At Holmes and Denver elementary buildings, the existing floor plans are being renovated to accommodate a secure entry to both schools and move the existing main office spaces to a new location adjacent to the secure entry vestibules. The project is funded through Federal ARP (ESSR) money. Additionally, the Federally funded Summer Lunch Program is back at Wilmington Middle School. All children 18 years and younger in the Wilmington community can eat lunch for free Monday through Friday. Menus and details can be found at wilmingtoncityschools.com/foodservice. Jim Brady, WCS Superintendent, shared, “As the school year comes to an end, I would like to take a moment to say Thank You to all of our employees that remain committed to the students they serve.”

Clinton County celebrates Memorial Day on this beautiful Monday May 29th. Gathered at the Veterans Memorial starting the day with a speech from Commissioner Mike McCarty which highlighted the reasons for honoring those we have lost in the fight for ongoing freedom. McCarty also spoke on the recently passed local, Paul Dean "Oakie" Waddell, who brought his young grandson to the memorial to coin it as "a whispering place" to honor Clinton Countians who have fought bravely in wars. The ceremony concluded with 11 locals being honored with a brick being placed at the monument. A parade organized by the American Legion will walk to Sugar Grove Cemetery where guest speaker Shelby Boatman will honor JW Williams Denver Jr. and his service in WWII resulting in the loss of his life in Okinawa, Japan. Thank you to all the brave men and women of Clinton County who have fought, are fighting, and those who plan to enlist to protect the lives and freedoms of our country! Happy Memorial Day!

Wilmington City Schools (WCS) board meeting on Monday, May 22, 2023 at Wilmington Middle School (WMS). Before the board started their official business, WMS reported that grades 6–8 improved end-of-year testing scores and recognized student council members, including one student who recently saved a former classmate from choking on a mint in the bathroom by performing the Heimlich. After the board conducted their official business, they set a date of Monday, June 5th from 4pm–8pm to discuss what will be the impact of the levy failure on May 2, 2023, and to plan for the 5th attempt at passing the levy in November of this year.

Council Agrees to Move Public Comments to a 'Town Hall Meeting' Due to Recent Disruptions City Council President, Mark McKay, presented City Council and attendees with a new City Council Meeting guide following a disruptive past few council meetings. Council members then agreed to look into only having the public speak on agenda items if they sign up prior to the meeting, and move all other public comments to a separate 'Town Hall Meeting'. The new guidelines for City Council meetings are as follows: After the presenting of the new guidelines, M.McKay opened the floor for the Council Members to discuss and share ideas. All members agreed a Town Hall forum, where citizens are welcome to share their issues without the formalities of council would potentially help ease the frustrations of the citizens. Law Director, Brett Rudduck, Addresses Recent 'Sunshine Act' Violation Accusations Law Director, Brett Rudduck, responds to accusations from last City Council meeting that elected officials and city employees have violated Sunshine Act laws. Mayor, John Stanforth, Recognizes City Employees In light of National Economic Development Week (May 8–12,2023) Mayor John Stanforth presented Executive Director of the Clinton County Port Authority, Alex Beres, with a proclamation. Beres started as executive director of the Port Authority in February 2023, after leaving his former position of policy analyst in the Office of the Secretary, with the US Department of Transportation in Washington DC. Beres brings several years worth of economic development expertise with him in both the private and public sectors, which have lead the Port Authority Board to entrust him with the role. Mayor John Stanforth also discusses upcoming law enforcement memorial ceremony and commends Code Enforcement Officer, Annen Vance for her work to clean up the city. Updates on Road Projects, School Crossings, and Option to Possibly End City Recycling Program Safety & Service Director, Brian Shidaker, and City Engineer, Paul Goodhue, presented to City Council an update on several ongoing city projects, including: no turn on red not working correctly, oversized street signs downtown, and crossing projects to improve padestrian safety. In addition, Shidakerto updates City Council on the costs of the city's recycling program along with the options to possibly make changes or end the program altogether for them to decide. Independent Mayoral Candidate, Jason Stoops, Apologizes for His Part in Crime Concerns Group During the public forum Independent Mayoral Candidate, Jason Stoops, offered an apology for "having been part of creating the Facebook page 'Wilmington Ohio Crime Concerns'." Stoops read the following statement:

Wilmington Chamber of Commerce and Clinton County Workforce Collaborative hosted the Clinton County Job and Resource Fair on Wednesday May 3rd. The event hosted a mix of 58 unique jobs and resources for our community and all of Clinton County. Career opportunities included healthcare, education, and civil service amongst other things. Resources varied from, addiction recovery, homeless resources and youth services. Full list of employers and resource providers below for those who did not get to attend. Employers Ahresty Wilmington Corporation 2627 S. South Street, Wilmington ahresty.com/careers Hiring For: Automotive Manufacturing Air Transport International Wilmington Air Park, Wilmington atsginc.com/careers Hiring For: Aviation Airborne Maintenance & Engineering Services Wilmington Air Park, Wilmington atsginc.com/careers Hiring For: Advanced Manufacturing, Aviation Amazon Wilmington Air Park, Wilmington search.amazondelivers.jobs/employment/wilmington-fulfillment-center-jobs Hiring For: Warehouse BrightFarms 780 Davids Drive, Wilmington brightfarms.com/join-our-team Hiring For: Drivers, Harvesters, Packers City of Wilmington 69 N. South Street, Wilmington wilmingtonoh.org/municipal-services/human-resources/job-opportunities Hiring For: City Services, Firefighters/EMTs, Police Officers Clinton County Community Action Program Head Start 789 N. Nelson Avenue, Wilmington clintoncap.org/employment Hiring For: Early Childhood Education Clinton County Job & Family Services 1025 S. South Street, Wilmington co.clinton.oh.us/departments/JobandFamilyServices Hiring For: Social Services Clinton County Sheriff’s Office 1645 Davids Drive, Wilmington clintonsheriff.com/careers Clinton Memorial Hospital 610 W. Main Street, Wilmington cmhregional.com/careers Hiring For: Distribution Assistant, Echo Tech, Environmental Services, Lab Tech, LPN, Maintenance Mechanic, Medical Assistant, Nutrition Services Aid, PBX Operator, Radiology Tech, Registered Nurse, and more Clinton-Massie Local Schools 2556 Lebanon Road, Clarksville cmfalcons.org/departments/human_resources/employment_opportunities Hiring For: Classroom Aides, Custodians, Food Service Columbus Hospitality 123 Gano Road, Wilmington columbushospitality.com/current-openings Community Options 6699 Tri-Way Drive, Mason cciohio.com/employment Hiring For: Healthcare Council on Aging of Southwestern Ohio 2333 Rombach Avenue, Wilmington help4seniors.org/about/careers/open-positions Cox Paving 2754 US 22, Washington Court House jrjnet.com/jurgensen-companies-home/careers Hiring For: Construction Crown Staffing 55 E. Locust Street, Wilmington—Staffing Agency Location crownstaffing.com/careers Hiring For: General Labor, Machine Operator, Welding Custom Molded Products 92 Grant Street, Wilmington custommolded.com/category/employment Hiring For: Plastics Manufacturing Diverse Building Solutions 256 W. Curry Road, Wilmington diversebuild.com/careers/ Hiring For: Construction Elite Staffing 3350 Progress Way, Wilmington—Staffing Agency Location careers.elitestaffinginc.com/en-US/search Express Employment Professionals 1037 Rombach Avenue, Wilmington—Staffing Agency Location jobs.expresspros.com Hiring For: Drivers, Landscapers, Manufacturing HealthSource of Ohio 140 W. Main Street, Wilmington healthsourceofohio.org/about-us/careers Hiring For: Healthcare Hearthside Food Solutions 3350 Progress Way, Wilmington hearthsidefoods.com/careers Innovative Engineered Solutions 2695 Progress Way, Wilmington iengineeredsolutions.com/careers Hiring For: CNC Machinist Kirkwood Camp & Adventure Park 5719 OH 73, Wilmington gokirkwood.com/join Hiring For: Admissions, Food Service, Game Operators, Grounds Keeping, Housekeeping, Life Guards, and more Makeshark Website Marketing 100 W. Main Street, Wilmington makeshark.com Nippon Seiki North America 12555 US 22 & OH 3, Sabina nsna.com/careers Hiring For: Maintenance, Manufacturing Ohio Living Cape May 175 Cape May Drive, Wilmington careers.ohioliving.org Hiring For: Environmental Services, Food Service, Healthcare Ohio State Highway Patrol 950 Rombach Avenue, Wilmington statepatrol.ohio.gov/recruitment-and-training Pennant Moldings 12381 E. Washington Street, Sabina pennant-us.com/pennant-careers The Reserves Network 938 W. Main Street, Hillsboro—Staffing Agency Location careers.trnstaffing.com Hiring For: Assembly, Machine Operators, Manufacturing, Production, Shipping/Receiving ServiceMaster by Angler 1524 E. 2nd Street, Dayton servicemasterrestore.com/servicemaster-by-angler-dayton Southern Ohio Educational Service Center 3321 Airborne Road, Wilmington—Administration Location southernohioesc.org/Employment Hiring For: Education, Healthcare Southern State Community College 100 Hobart Drive, Hillsboro sscc.edu/hr/work-at-sscc.shtml Surge Staffing 1665 Rombach Avenue, Wilmington—Staffing Agency Location surgestaffing.com/jobs Hiring For: Industrial Cleaners, Greenhouse Workers, Industrial, Manufacturing, Mechanical Team Driving School 19577 US 68, Fayetteville teamdrivingschools.com/employment.phtml Hiring For: Driving Instructor UFP Industries 940 Cherry Street, Blanchester ufpi.com/careers Hiring For: Manufacturing, Operations Wilmington City Schools 341 S. Nelson Avenue, Wilmington—Administration Location wilmingtoncityschools.com/departments/employment-9/employment-12 Hiring For: Education Wilmington College 1870 Quaker Way, Wilmington wilmington.edu/about/employment Hiring For: Education Wilmington Savings Bank 184 N. South Street, Wilmington wilmingtonsavings.com Hiring For: Customer Service Representative Resource Providers 4C for Children 513-221-0033 4cforchildren.org A resource and referral agency for child care options and career navigation supports in the child care industry. Autumn Behavioral Health Center 586 W. Main Street, Wilmington—937/599-4028 autumntreatment.com A comprehensive behavioral health clinic offering psychiatry, medication management, medication assisted treatment, individual counseling, group counseling, and case management services. BrightView 485 W. Main Street, Wilmington—866/934-7450 brightviewhealth.com Outpatient medication assisted treatment programs for long-lasting recovery. Clinton County Board of Developmental Disabilities 4425 State Route 730, Wilmington—937/382-7519 co.clinton.oh.us/boardofdd Providing services for people with Developmental Disabilities, serving all ages, beginning at birth. Clinton County Community Action 789 N. Nelson Avenue, Wilmington—937/382-8365 clintoncap.org Providing services to assist with early learning, childcare, utilities, rent, housing, energy efficiency for homes, and services for seniors. Clinton County Farmers Market clintoncountyfarmersmarket.com A local farmers market held every Saturday (May 13 to October 14) in the parking lot of the Clinton County Courthouse, offering special programming for children, adults, seniors, and families. Clinton County Homeless Shelter 390 W. Main Street, Wilmington—937/382-7058 clintoncountyhomelessshelter.com Providing emergency shelter, rapid rehousing, meals, laundry services, and a food pantry. Clinton County Resource Center 94 N. South Street, 3rd Floor, Wilmington—937/383-4114 Providing programming and interventions for strong-willed youth and their families. Get Covered Ohio getcoveredohio.org A program of the Freestore Foodbank that supports people through the process of applying for and maintaining health coverage through Medicaid and the Federal Marketplace. The Hopeline 513-477-6694 thehopelineoc.org Helping those struggling with substance abuse and their families navigate through the confusing network of treatment and recovery in Southwest Ohio. Legal Aid Society of Greater Cincinnati 215 E. 9th Street Suite 200, Cincinnati—513/241-9400 lascinti.org Assisting low-income individuals overcome a wide variety of barriers to gain or retain employment, including prior criminal records, loss of housing, school discipline, lack of transportation, debt, and guardianship of children. NAMI Southwest Ohio 4055 Executive Park Drive, Suite 450, Cincinnati—513/351-3500 namiswoh.org Providing mental health resources and information on classes, support groups, and awareness programs. OhioMeansJobs Clinton County 1025 S. South Street, Wilmington—937/382-7762 co.clinton.oh.us/OhioMeansJobs Providing assistance to job seekers, including resume development, interviewing skills training, and job search support. Employment plans, supportive services, and skills upgrades are available for eligible participants. Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities ood.ohio.gov State of Ohio agency empowering Ohioans with disabilities through employment, disability determinations, and independence. PCG—Healthcare pcgintl.com/healthcare-services A pathway for in-home healthcare jobs for aides and nurses in Clinton County. Real Change Wilmington realchangewilmington.com Providing easy on-line access to local resources for addiction to veteran's services, local news, events, volunteer opportunities, and podcast interviews with local leaders. Recovery Centers of America Providing inpatient substance use treatment and intervention, including detox and residential programs. Westminster Court Apartments of Episcopal Retirement Services 901 & 905 Cherry Street, Blanchester—937/783-3467 episcopalretirement.com/communities/affordable-living/westminster-court An affordable living senior property providing a variety of options and services.

Updated May 2, 2023 at 9:29pm Below are results for contested candidates and issues only. For full results, visit the Clinton County Board of Elections at https://www.boe.ohio.gov/clinton/election-info/election-night-results/ Republican Primary Candidates For Mayor (vote for not more than 1) John Stanforth - 549 (32.07%) Pat Haley - 1163 (67.93%) For Member of Council First Ward (vote for not more than 1) Josh Schlabach - 252 (59.29%) Kelly Tolliver - 173 (40.71%) For Judge of the Municipal Court (Vote for not more than 1) (Unexpired term ending 12-31-2027) Judy A. Gano - 1638 32.68% David M. Henry - 2405 47.98% Brett W. Rudduck - 970 19.35% Issues Ballot Proposed Income Tax Wilmington City School District A majority affirmative vote is necessary for passage. Shall an annual income tax of 0.75% on the school district income of individuals and of estates be imposed by the Wilmington City School District, for 5 years, beginning January 1, 2024, for the purpose of current expenses and general ongoing permanent improvements? For the Tax - 1679 46.66% Against the Tax - 1919 53.34%

Real Change Wilmington sits down with Clinton County Community Action Program (CCCAP) Director Jane Newkirk and Educational Programs Director Teresa Borden to discuss the services that CCCAP offers, upcoming events, and local outreach. Newkirk has been in her position of Director since 2020 but worked internally in the company several years before accepting the position. She oversees the day to day operations of the entire company, plans events and outings, and works closely with the community to make sure that CCCAP has a strong and welcoming presence in Wilmington. Borden started with CCCAP in 2022, and prior to worked for Fayette County Head Start as their Assistant Director. Borden works closely with the directors of each of their childcare centers, The Erdman Center for Early Learning (Head Start), The Clinton Street Center (ages 3–5), and The Early Learning Center (ages birth–3), to maintain a quality level of care for all the children coming through their doors. Community Action has been a vital part of Wilmington since 1965 providing housing, childcare, senior services, utility assistance, food pantry and much more. If you are interested in volunteering or utilizing their services reach out to CCCAP at (937) 382-8365, or visiting their office at 789 N. Nelson Ave.

The Clinton County Advisory Committee would like to thank everyone who supported their parking lot fundraiser today at the Clinton County Homeless Shelter. There were several who assisted, including Connection employees. Darlene Pitzer, the chair of the resident advisory committee at the Clinton County Homeless Shelter, is excited to share that today’s parking lot sale fundraiser generated $732.00 to help those living at the shelter. The fundraiser helps with ID’s, birth certificates, and other necessary items needed to gain employment and housing. Employees of Connection volunteered to help with the fundraiser today. Connection provides each employee one 8-hour day a year to volunteer at an organization of their choice. The Advisory Committee and Clinton County Homeless Shelter want to thank Connection and their dedicated employees for their support.

We made the paper. Literally, we MADE the paper! The first print edition of our community news, events, and resources on our website and mobile app is now available in printed form around town. Find Real Change Wilmington (and our sweet stickers) at Kava Haus, Kairos Coffee, Sam's Meats, and other local businesses around town or visit us at 100 W Main St to request a copy. This has been a HUGE investment of time, money, and resources, but we are doing it because it's who we are—for our community. We will probably do a podcast soon on the making of the paper to catalog all of the effort and perseverance through trial and heartbreak. But now that it is finally done and launched, we are so proud of what we have made, and those who have been a part of this enormous project, even those who just cheered us along. This paper is to further our core belief, "we are a community of empowered individuals." We don't "elect" the change we want to see in the world, we "be" the change we want to see in the world. We are not a city of victims and complainers, we are a city of individuals taking responsibility and doing our part of the work—staying positive, creating solutions, and making real change. That said, we are also a city of unique quirks and quirky people who need not take life so seriously. So to celebrate the launch of our paper, our two goofballs, Dustin and Emily, decided to make a lighthearted rap video. We hope that it makes you smile. We also hope that it inspires you to go and checkout our paper! While we hope you appreciate our first attempt at a news paper/magazine hybrid with some grace, we also want feedback to make our next edition even better—we'd also love some advertisers to at least help cover the costs of printing, which we do locally at Uptown Printing. Please let us know what you think by contacting us on our website, social media, or by emailing info@realchangewilmington.com. Until next time, keep it real, Wilmington!