We highlighted local farmers 👨‍🌾 we helped local families 👨‍👩‍👧 and we had a lot of fun 😎 Hear the full story of the world’s first 🥇 Caramel Corn Cake 🌽🍰 from concept to Corn Fest on our latest podcast out 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 Well, there’s certainly more boring ways to donate money, lol 😂 No regrets! We’re proud we tried, and proud kept our commitments, even when it hurt ❤️ Next year, we just know how much to make and that we can only help 1 family instead of 4 🧠

Listen to our latest podcast with Sheri McIntosh, Owner of McIntosh Real Estate Services and President of Clinton County Ohio Board of Realtors, discussing the state of housing in Wilmington—topics include: homelessness, affordable housing, blighted properties, and new development. For more information, or to work with a real estate agent, please contact Sheri McIntosh at McIntosh Real Estate Services (www.mcintoshrealestateservices.com). 🍎 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

Bill Liermann stopped by the podcast to share about his time on City Council and his upcoming run for School Board. “I want to see us have an oversight committee appointed—we did this once before. Have citizens at large—a seven person steering committee. I’ll have someone from Port William, someone from Martinsville, somebody from those townships, so they feel like they have a stake—a seat at the table. And they will get a chance to see how the school tax money is being spent.” - Bill Liermann For full context, please listen to podcast or read his press release below: 🍎 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 February 9, 2023 Today, I filed my petitions with the Clinton County Board of Elections for one of two upcoming seats on the Wilmington City School Board of Education. Education is my passion, as evidenced by my prior time in the school board. A total of 12.5 years during two different tours of duty. Previously, I was a member from 1995-2000, then was appointed to fill a vacancy in 2007 and remained there through the end of 2015, when my term expired. Mike Flanigan, currently serving as a board member, has decided not to run for a four-year team. Mr. Flanigan has encouraged me to pursue a return to the board. Most recently, I have been a member of [Wilmington] City Council, since December 2016. Presently, I am representing the 3rd Ward and my term on City Council will conclude at years end. During the past year, several parents and community members approached me about considering a possible return to the local [WCS] school board. After discussing it with my [Hurricane] family and doing some soul searching, I feel a need to try and improve the schools, and decided it's the right thing to do. 'Our schools need improvement', and that is what I hear from many [citizens] and listen to their concerns. We need to improve test scores, better engage the community and most of all regain the trust of the voters. That is evident by the income tax levy failures. Most of all leadership is needed. Hiring Jim Brady as the new superintendent is the first step. Having known Mr. Brady personally for more than 20 years and given his educational background he is the right choice and has the ability to get the job done. My pledge, or call it my platform, will be this: accountability and transparency. We must hold our building, principals. teachers, and all administrators accountable for their performance. In the public workforce, each of us must perform and, in my opinion, nothing is different in the schools. Our youngsters [students] are our future leaders. We must do a better job preparing them for future life experiences. Providing the best education possible is what matters and taxpayer's money must be spent wisely. School funding is very complex and we must utilize state and local money where it counts. Once the money is spent, it will not come back. I have been a resident here since 1978, having been associated with previous superintendents: Rodger Borror, Dr. Charles Dowler, Randy Stortz, Gayle Ferguson, and concluding with Mr. Ron Sexton. My wife Deanna [1979 Alum], and both our sons Steve [2000 Alum] and Scott [2013 Alum] are proud WCS graduates. We care about the schools. Three times I have been a chairman or co-chair of previous school levy campaigns. Deanna, with the assistance of Buffy Boatman helped organize dances and fundraising projects to generate the money for the sign on Thorne Ave. for Rodger O. Borror Middle School. I make myself available for dialogue with parents or community members with concerns and I will listen to your opinions. We all must work together to make our schools the BEST they can be. The actual filing deadline is in August, but I am declaring my candidacy early so people know I will be on the ballot. Thank you and remember what Ron Sexton says, 'Once a Hurricane, Always a Hurricane.' Liermann can be contacted anytime at (937) 302-8060 or by email mwliermann@gmail.com. Please reach out with any questions or concerns for the school board candidate.

New owners of The Lumberton General Store, husband and wife team Sam Ginn and Emma Buchanan, stop by the podcast to talk about their journey of re-opening the store since it last closed in 2015. Emma shares memories she had as a little girl of going to The Lumberton General Store back when her grandfather owned the business, and Sam shares the couple's passion for working with local farmers to serve fresh foods to our community. For their current menu and hours, visit www.lumberton68.com. Listen to the full podcast on your favorite podcast player below. 🍎 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

On September 9, 2023 Clinton County Community Action will be holding the “10th ” Annual 5K Corn Run/Walk. By participating in this event, participants will be a part of contributing to the lives of Clinton County seniors all while getting exercise, fresh air and having a little fun. Registration fee will be $25 pre-registered by August 21 for a free t-shirt and 10th anniversary medallion. Registration forms can be obtained at the Community Action website clintoncap.org or by calling the office at 937-382-8365. You can also access the digital download below, the form will still need to be submitted to CCCAP for registration.

At the Wilmington City School (WCS) Board meeting on July 24, 2023, it was decided that effective this school year (2023–2024) there will be a “facility rental fee” for all outside groups, says Treasurer Kim DeWeese. This decision was made without needing School Board approval. The School Board did however decided that if the 1% “EARNED” income tax levy (meaning it will not affect seniors' pensions and such) does not pass on November 7, 2023, then WCS will “implement school fees and pay to participate for all extracurricular activities in the 2024–2025 school year”, said DeWeese. Transportation fees were also discussed at the meeting, but a final decision was not made at that time. Other items discussed at the meeting if the levy does not pass were: Extending the ‘one mile walk zone’ to a ‘two mile walk zone’ (two miles is state law). Dropping busing for high school students (grades 9–12). Adding a transportation fee to extracurricular events. Cutting staff (which would result in increased class sizes). Revisiting the previous plan to close East End Elementary. DeWeese stressed that “no board action was taken on these items, but these are the main talking points.“ In response to the failure to pass the last 0.75% income tax levy, concerned parents, teachers, and community members have formed a new group over the summer called ‘Friends of Wilmington City Schools’. The group’s mission is to “help restore pride in our district and reflect community values in our schools” as their website states (www.friendsofwcs.org). At their July 26 meeting, President Dustin Pearce said “our schools have done a lot to address concerns over academics and discipline, like improving test scores last year and implementing virtual schooling this year for students with behavioral issues, but that need to be communicated better”. He then urged parents and teachers who, he said, “have the most to lose”, to join in going door-to-door and talk with people to help them understand what is at stake on November 7. Also at the Friends of WCS meeting, WCS Board President, Carrie Zeigler, announced there will be a levy billboard near Walmart to help communicate the issue, and discussed options for placement of larger yard signs. For more information about the levy, or to get involved and support our community schools, visit wwe.voteyeswcs.com. For specific questions please search the Wilmington City Schools’ directory for the appropriate staff member at www.wilmingtoncityschools.com/staff-directory.

Clinton County Coalition on Homelessness (CCCH) was established in January of 2021 to relieve barriers for those experiencing homelessness in Clinton County. CCCH meetings are open to the public, and include representatives from many local and regional community resource agencies. To address the broad issue of homelessness in Clinton County, the CCCH has four subcommittees, that are: Temporary Housing Rapid Rehousing Prevention Service and Resource Michele Ricketts, who is the volunteer Chair of the 'Service and Resource' Committee, as well as the full-time Community Outreach Manager at BrightView Addiction Recovery Center in Wilmington, recently helped in the creation of a local resource event called a "A Day of Hope". The resource event, held on Tuesday, July 25 at Denver Park from 1pm to 4pm, was open to the community and included many local service agencies providing things like housing, jobs, mental health, addiction treatment, spiritual counseling, and harm reduction. "I told the CCCH, if I'm going to be the Chair the 'Service and Resource' Committee, we're not just going to get together and talk, we're going to hit the streets and help people", said Ricketts. 'A Day of Hope' was intended as a way to "go to the people", as Ricketts said, and create a safe place where people could access as many resources as possible to overcome their barriers. The event also included a cookout and activities for families and their children. Ricketts and the 'Service and Resource' Committee hopes to hold the event quarterly throughout Clinton County. 'A Day of Hope' participants included: Clinton County Homeless Shelter, BrightView, Ohio Means Jobs, Talbert House, New Life Clinic, Mental Health Recovery Board, Community Health Alliance, Sugartree Ministries, Hope House, Clinton County Community Action, Wilmington Church of God, Anew Behavioral Health, Sabina Church of God, Ohio Recovery Alliance, Access Counseling Services / Regional Harm Reduction Collaborative, Autumn Behavioral, DeCoach, Clinton County Health Department, Real Change Wilmington, and many local volunteers.

Mental Health Resources in Wilmington, Ohio Mental health is important too! Finding a provider that can help you with your unique needs of care can be overwhelming. Here you will find a list of local mental health providers with additional information. Table of Contents Counselors (view) Suicide Prevention (view) Support Groups (view) Counselors Kennedy Consulting & Training Since 1995 Dr. Kennedy has worked with murderers, football players, rape survivors, prisoners, doctors, abused children, pilots, gymnasts, shoplifters, MMA fighters, inmates, soldiers, dancers, hairdressers, CEOs, police officers, doctors, battered wives, and companies large and small. There is almost no aspect of security, violence, victimization, sports, performance, efficiency, or safety with which he is unfamiliar. He'll comfort, consult, clinically assess you, or kick your butt into gear—whichever is applicable. Address: 1550 W Main St. Wilmington, OH 45177 Phone: (937) 383-3565 Services: General Mental Health Treatment Domestic Violence Relationship Therapy Stress Management Children's Therapy LGBTQ+ Counseling Addiction/Substance Abuse Help Learn More:Website Solutions CCRC Solutions SSRC promotes wellness in mind, body and spirit through the provision of effective, affordable mental health and alcohol/drug services that promote recovery, overall health and a sense of belonging. Address: 953 S. South St. Wilmington, OH 45177 Phone: (937) 383-4441 Services: Outpatient Counseling General Psychiatric Therapy Substance Abuse Treatment Case Management Prevention Services Learn More:Website Wilmington Counseling Associates Address: 120 W Main St. Wilmington, OH 45177 Phone: (937) 383-2282 Services: General Mental Health Treatment Suicide Prevention 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in the United States. We're committed to improving crisis services and advancing suicide prevention by empowering individuals, advancing professional best practices, and building awareness. Phone: 988 (Call or Text) Learn More: Website Support Groups Alzheimer's & Dementia Support Group At Ohio Living Cape May, we understand that caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's or Dementia can be heavy at times, the goal of this group is to make the load lighter. Address: 175 Cape May Dr, Wilmington, OH 45177 (meets in Cape May Campus Center) Time: First Thursday of the Month, 6:30pm-7:30pm Phone: (937) 382-2995 Grief & Loss Support Group When experiencing grief, many people feel like strangers in unfamiliar territory. People grieve differently, and one person’s experie111rt services can help people cope. All Growing through Grief sessions are held at the Community Care Hospice located in Wilmington. Address: 1669 Rombach Ave. Wilmington, OH 45177 Contact: michellekessler@communitycarehospice.com Grief Support Group Your feelings are normal and natural. The problem is that we have been socialized to believe that these feelings are abnormal and unnatural. People say you have to let go and move on in your life, but they don't tell you what you need to accomplish that. The Grief Recovery Method Outreach Program not only makes that possible, but provides partnerships and guidance to ensure that it happens. Address: 111 South Nelson Ave. Wilmington, OH 45177 Time: Wednesday, from 8/9–9/27, 6pm to 8pm Contact: Renee Quallen (937) 481-2129 Kinship Support Group As a family member who has taken the role of primary care giver for a child relative, it can be stressful to navigate the challenges of becoming a caregiver suddenly or long-term. This support group by Beechacres Parenting Center, helps families get support and links them to resources for their specific situations. Address: 789 N. Nelson Ave. Wilmington, OH 45177 Time: 3rd Thursday of the Month Contact: withallfamilies@beechacres.org

Today, Monday July 24, 2023, Wilmington Transit System (WTS) launches a new online booking option (wilmington.sharemobility.com). The hope of the new online booking option is to make it easier for riders and their caretakers to book rides and avoid waiting on the phone. WTS stresses that their call-in option will always be an option for riders, but that the new online option and backend system for dispatchers helps free up staff and makes routes more efficient so that they can work on requests to expand services—like extended hours, more coverage in other cities in Clinton County, and a flexible fixed bus route to popular locations. To help riders with the transition, Director of Wilmington Transit System, Jessica Powell, created a video of how to sign-up and use the new online booking system:

Patrol Officer, Mathew Patrick, was recognized at City Council on Thursday, July 20 for his response to a mental health crisis on May, 5, 2023 involving a United States Armed Forces Veteran who was contemplating self­ harm. Police Chief, Ron Fithen, read the following letter at Council written by Sargent Joshua Gibson: "Patrol Officer Patrick, a United States Armed Forces Veteran himself, made contact with the veteran and immediately made a connection with him. During their encounter and interaction, Patrol Officer Patrick observed signs that this United States Armed Forces Veteran was in an emotional state which needed immediate attention by medical and mental health professionals." "Patrol Officer Patrick created a rapport with this United States Armed Forces Veteran by remaining patient, polite, calm, courteous, and genuinely taking an interest in this Veteran's emotional and mental health well-being. By Patrol Officer Patrick's approach to this situation, he was able to determine that this individual was in possession of a firearm and it was removed from his possession without incident." "Patrol Officer Patrick's relationship with this Veteran was formed in the first few minutes of interaction with him and by doing this, he was able to get this Veteran to the medical and mental health treatment that was needed. Patrol Officer Patrick then went the extra mile in this interaction, and stayed with this Veteran at the hospital long after his shift ended, ensuring that this Veteran knew he had an ally while going through a difficult time." "Patrol Officer Patrick helped take a situation that had the potential to turn out tragic, and assisted a United States Armed Forces Veteran in his time of need. He went above and beyond on this day!" "It is also my opinion that this United States Armed Forces Veteran be commended for the role that he took in own treatment. He showed the bravery to reach out to others while he was in a difficult situation. It took courage, humility, and selflessness to make the decisions that he made on this day, to seek and accept mental health treatment."

On Monday, July 17, 2023 the Wilmington Transit System (WTS) will begin using their new dispatch system. The following day, on July 18, WTS will be rolling out their new branded vans. The vans include many features to improve driver and rider experience, including a back loading wheelchair ramp. Below is a quick video that includes some of the features of the new vehicles. Then, on Monday, July 24, 2023, WTS plans to open their new dispatch system for our community to start booking trips online at wilmington.sharemobility.com (via desktop or mobile device).

Sally Buchanan recently interviewed with Real Change Wilmington to share a look inside the Clinton County Farmers' Market. Below is a video of the interview followed by highlights. Sally Buchanan is a Clinton County native who grew up in the former town of New Burlington. Her family's farm was one of the last acquired to make way for Caesar Creek. Growing up, Sally was in 4H for cooking and showing cattle and hog. She graduated from Clinton-Massie, got her nursing degree, and then worked at Clinton Memorial Hospital (CMH) for almost 30 years. Sally has three children, two of which still live in Clinton County—Dessie Rogers, Director of the Clinton County Chamber of Commerce, and Emma Buchanan, new owner of Lumberton General Store along with her husband. Sally got involved volunteering at the farmers market after her daughter, Dessie Rogers, became the manager in 2008. The previous manager, Tony Nye was ready to pass along his responsibilities. Dessie had just finished her masters degree in Wales and returned to Wilmington to lead a program called 'Grow Food, Grow Hope' during the time DHL left town. Sally started helping Dessie out at the market by doing cooking demonstrations and other odd jobs. Sally continued to volunteer when Dessie passed her role along to Bella Wall in 2016 and then in 2017, Sally and Taylor Stuckert were asked to be co-managers of the market. The Clinton County Farmers' Market is a 501 C nonprofit that gets some support from Energize Clinton County, but really relies on sponsorships from the community. Tony and the Clinton County Master Gardeners started The Clinton County Farmers' Market in 1999. The market started in front of what is now Jobs & Family Services on State Route 68, moved to Nelson, then downtown in 2008, and finally to the courthouse parking lot in 2022. The mission of The Clinton County Farmers' Market is, "to provide locally grown products and produce that are of high quality and affordability to all members of the community and Clinton County in an enjoyable and welcoming atmosphere", said Sally. The goals of the market are to let farmers have a place to sell products directly to customers, and where the community can learn about nutrition, the environment, farming, and sustainability. Vendors must be residents of Clinton County or neighboring counties that touch. In 2014, the Clinton County Health Department and CMH did a health assessment that discovers that not all citizens had access to fresh fruits and vegetables so Sally and Katie got a grand from Health First for the market's special programing to focus on vulnerable kids, families, and seniors. Making fresh food accessible to all in the community is a passion of Sally's that keeps her going every Saturday morning managing The Clinton County Farmers' Market.