Real Change Wilmington welcomes several members of the Wilmington City Schools administration and Board of Education to sit down and discuss the inner workings of the schools. We discuss topics such as: Leadership, Discipline, Curriculum, Culture, and Financials. To help ease the concerns of many of the citizens of Wilmington who will be voting on the 2023 school levy on May 2, 2023. In part 3, Financials: RCW talks money with Director of Business Operations Curt Bone and Treasurer Kim DeWeese. When proposing a tax increase on the coming levy it is important to educate the community on where the money is going, what WCS 5 year fiscal forecast looks like, and the repercussions of the levy not being passed. Understanding the financial situation for an institution as big as WCS is vital to make an informed choice when voting on May 2nd. During all sections we ask each group the same two questions: "What is the value of a public school?" and "What are some ways you can cause change without voting 'no'?" The consensus seems to be that our schools are the backbone of this community. As for creating change without just voting down the levy, many said that parents/guardians could try to be involved, as much as possible, with their student's from going to Board of Education meetings, servings with PTO, or attending extracurricular activities. Maintaining communication is an important for both sides, it allows concerns and questions to get solved and answered. This podcast is intended to help the city meet and learn the values of Wilmington City Schools. It is important to do your own research and reach out to the schools if you have additional questions. The primaries are on May 2, 2023 and we encourage everyone to get out and vote! If you want to learn more check out our other two interviews! Part 1: Leadership & Discipline and Part 2: Academics & Culture at the videos below! Part 1: Leadership & Discipline (with Jim Brady & Carrie Ziegler) Part 2: Academics & Culture (with Sam Woodruff, Nikki Quallen, and Matt Spradlin)

Real Change Wilmington welcomes several members of the Wilmington City Schools administration and Board of Education to sit down and discuss the inner workings of the schools. We discuss topics such as: Leadership, Discipline, Curriculum, Culture, and Financials. To help ease the concerns of many of the citizens of Wilmington who will be voting on the 2023 school levy on May 2, 2023. In part two, Academics & Culture RCW sees into a day at the high school while speaking with WHS Principal Sam Woodruff, Curriculum Director Nikki Quallen, and Dean of Students and Band Director Matt Spradlin. We learn about the inner workings of WCS curriculum from design to classroom, what educational standards are being met, how to see where WCS is ranking statewide, and touch on some interesting topics that are rumored in the community. These three educators have seen the classroom from both sides as a teacher and admin roll and share a unique insight to the day to day. Followed by a heartwarming story from one of Spradlin's students about the love for community band he gave her. During all sections we ask each group the same two questions: "What is the value of a public school?" and "What are some ways you can cause change without voting 'no'?" The consensus seems to be that our schools are the backbone of this community. As for creating change without just voting down the levy, many said that parents/guardians could try to be involved, as much as possible, with their student's from going to Board of Education meetings, servings with PTO, or attending extracurricular activities. Maintaining communication is an important for both sides, it allows concerns and questions to get solved and answered. This podcast is intended to help the city meet and learn the values of Wilmington City Schools. It is important to do your own research and reach out to the schools if you have additional questions. The primaries are on May 2, 2023 and we encourage everyone to get out and vote! If you want to learn more check out our other two interviews! Part 1: Academics & Discipline and Part 3: Financials at the videos below! Part 1: Leadership & Discipline (with Jim Brady & Carrie Zeigler) Part 3: Financials (with Curt Bone & Kim DeWeese)

This podcast is bravely going where no other Real Change Wilmington Podcast has gone before! We are hosting the first blind debate for the Republican candidates to provide answers to some of the pressing questions about the platforms on which each are running. Both Stanforth and Haley have different Campaign Key-Points: We asked how they view and how they would address the issues for the following topics: Business & Economic Development Transportation Housing Addiction & Mental Health Homelessness & Crime We also asked the candidates about their family background and history in Wilmington, why they are running for mayor, and response to community concerns. If you have additional questions for either candidate you can reach out: John Stanforth: mayor@wilmingtonoh.org or listen to his Podcast Interview Pat Haley: peh@cinci.rr.com or listen to his Podcast Interview Please remember to stay informed and go vote for the candidate of your choice on May 2, 2023!

Real Change Wilmington sits down with two of three of Wilmington's Republican judicial candidates on the May 2nd primary ballot. We asked both the same set of questions: family history and background in Wilmington, relationship to Mike Daugherty and what makes a good judge, what their legal experience is and why they are running for judge. Born and raised in Lebanon, OH David Henry graduated from Lebanon High School, before pursuing a degree in Communications and Public Relations from Bowling Green State University, and later attended law school at Ohio Northern. Henry started his law career at Peele Law in Wilmington, before transitioning to the Attorney General's office to serve Mike Dewine, and finally came back to be a city prosecutor for Clinton County in late 2019. If elected Henry plans to use a fair and open minded approach to provide equal justice to all citizens. Outside of the courtroom Henry enjoys spending time with his family and watching his children play sports. Lifelong Clinton Countian Brett Rudduck grew up in Wilmington, and was a 1999 graduate of Clinton Massie High School. Rudduck pursued his undergraduate degree at Miami University, and finished Law school in 2006 at William and Mary in Williamsburg, VA. With the guidance of former Judge Mike Daugherty, Rudduck began serving as the village prosecutor for New Vienna, Clarksville, Port William, and Martinsville. In 2016 Rudduck became the Law Director for Wilmington. If elected Rudduck plans to use his understanding of Clinton County to help promote fairness in the courtroom.. In his free time Rudduck enjoys spending time with his wife and 3 children. At this time, candidate Judy Gano, has declined to publish. If you have questions about Gano and her campaign reach out to her directly. This podcast is intended to help the city meet and learn the values of the candidates. It is important to do your own research and reach out to the candidates if you have additional questions. The primaries are on May 2, 2023 and we encourage everyone to get out and vote!

Real Change Wilmington sits down with both 1st Ward City Council candidates, Kelly Tolliver and Josh Schlabach. We asked them four questions: their family background and history in Wilmington, public services accomplishments, why they are running for council, and the response to public concerns and criticism. Kelly Tolliver came to Wilmington in 1984, when his father took over Tolliver farms. Tolliver’s roots run deep as his family have been farming crops in Wilmington well before his birth. Now, Tolliver runs a very successful IT company, with a building soon to be opening downtown and is the head wrestling coach for the Hurricanes. He is running for first ward seat on council to help bring Wilmington back to the place it was that he fondly remembers growing up in, so that the community will have a safe and happy place to raise their children, live their lives and thrive. Josh was born and raised in an Amish community in Holmes County, OH. After leaving the community he traveled with a humanitarian group through southeast Asia providing care and support to the disadvantaged people in the countries they visited. Finally settling in Wilmington and marrying his wife, Terri. Now, Schlabach owns and runs Ellis Fence & Home Exteriors, as well as building a bike shop and cafe on Mulberry St. Schlabach is running for first ward seat because he sees the value in a clean, safe, and prosperous city. He wants a place where his children can grow up and want to stay here for life. This podcast is intended to help the city meet and learn the values of the candidates. It is important to do your own research and reach out to the candidates if you have additional questions. The primaries are on May 2, 2023 and we encourage everyone to get out and vote!

Real Change Wilmington sits down with Courtney Hoak, Director of New Life Clinic to get a look inside their pregnancy center. Courtney shares about the many services New Life Clinic provides for moms, dads, and children, including their Baby Boutique, Counseling Services, Pregnancy Testing/Ultrasounds, STI Testing, Education Classes, Support Groups, and many others. To learn more about New Life Clinic, visit www.newlifesupport.org. They are also active on social media (including TikTok).

Real Change Wilmington sits down with Denise Stryker and Sydney Murtland from the Clinton County Homeless Shelter to discuss what lead them to their current positions, services offered by the homeless shelter, and common misconceptions about who they serve at the shelter. Both Clinton County residents with big hearts and helping hands, Stryker and Murtland really love their jobs. During our tour of the facilities you could tell from the glimmer in their eyes while telling stories of residents of the past, every person who comes to the Clinton County Homeless Shelter is treated with respect, kindness and love. The Shelter founded in 1988, has grown tremendously in the last 35 years with the generosity of the community and leaders like the Matrka Family, Darleen Myers, Pay-it-Forward Pat, and the late Pastor Looney. The shelter has grown from 1 building to 4, helping to house men, women, and families of Clinton County. This heartwarming listen will keep you smiling about the good in the world and give us hope for real change. Listen on Youtube

Real Change Wilmington sits down with owner of Midnight Auto Repair and mayoral candidate Jason Stoops this week to discuss the Clinton County Crime Concerns Facebook page, homelessness, and Stoops' running for mayor in this year's election. As a native of Wilmington Stoops does not hold back when talking about his passion for bringing awareness and resolve to the people. Be it with his involvement with Clinton County Crime Concerns online, meeting with the homeless coalition, or running for mayor, Stoops has change on his agenda daily. This open book interview shows Stoops' eccentric personality and love for his hometown. Filled with lots of serious questions and gut-busting laughter we really learn about Stoops and how he is bringing real change to Wilmington. Listen on Youtube

Real Change Wilmington sits down with city of Wilmington Police Chief Ron Fithen to learn about his career with the police department, misconceptions about the police, and what the police is doing to create real change. Chief Fithen came to Wilmington in 1991 after accepting a position with the Wilmington PD. Fithen has a family history of law enforcement, his grandfather had served as a sheriff for 40 years. Fithen fondly remembers the crisp pressed uniform his grandfather wore and the passion for helping others, that really inspired him to get into law enforcement. Straight out of high school Fithen was an EMT before deciding to attend the police academy at the age of 24, since then he has gained quite a few accomplishments with the WPD – including being the first K9 officer in Wilmington's history, working with his partner Ren staring in 1994 until his retirement from the force in 2005. In July of 2022 Mayor John Stanforth swore in Fithen as Wilmington's Chief of Police. This interview covers the police department and in a simple and straight forward way, it makes you remember that we are all striving to make Wilmington as better place to live, and we should not forget where we came from. Finally, to answer the pressing question, Chief Fithen does not have a favorite donut he prefers a Hoho and a Coca-Cola. Listen on Youtube

Real Change Wilmington sits down with Executive Director Eric Guindon from the Clinton County Youth Council (CCYC). To discuss what the CCYC is, debunk common misconceptions, and learn about the life of Eric Guindon. Guindon started with the CCYC in his own childhood, going to the location to take advantage of the skate park as a middle and high schooler before his graduation from Wilmington High School in 2003. The CCYC is Wilmington's only daily after school program for kids ages 12-18 (middle and high school), that provides a safe space for kids, offers free lessons in the musical and visual arts, promotes and teaches healthy life skills, and is a place for children to model relationships and have adult support outside of a school and home setting. They provide a snack and supper meal daily for kids, and encourage the children to help in the cooking process. These meals also serve as "community time" where the children are encouraged to sit down with no technology and speak about their day. The current open hours for the CCYC are: School Year: M–F 3pm to 7pm Summer: Open 3 days a week 3pm to 7pm (hours vary based on activities) This interview shows the great side of a community that loves it's youth and wants to see them thrive. With some interesting history on the CCYC and heartfelt moments with the kids you can tell Guindon's passion for his job. If you would like to volunteer or get more info on the CCYC reach out to Guindon at ericmguindon@gmail.com. Listen on Youtube

After a nearly four year hiatus from public events OH Living Cape May rolls out with The Speakers Corner, a public forum for the residents of both Cape May and Wilmington to learn about the services the city offers. Their first guest speaker was Jessica Powell from the Wilmington Transit System. Powell began with giving the transits' current hours, 6:30am–7:30pm, stating that they are currently working with ODOT to expand their hours to help accommodate 2nd shift workers. The transit is funded through the FTA, ODOT, and the city of Wilmington, to which they have to provide proof of need for an hours expansion. The transit consists of the office staff, dispatchers, as well as 48 drivers, for their fleet of handicap accessible minivans and minibuses. The transit's current rates for in-city limits are $2.00/per ride for citizens and $1.00/per ride for the elderly and disabled. They also offer out of town rates, starting at $1.00/per mile out of city limits. Powell also said that they will partner with JFS for people needing transportation for out of town doctors appointments, saying that the rate for out of town is the same and they charge an additional $2.00/per 5 minutes of wait time. Powell went on to say that they also offer one way trips to the airport, charging citizens between $50–$100 depending on the airport. For an out of town trip, Powell says that you will need to contact the transit to schedule ahead so they can ensure that appointments are made on time. If you are in need of the Wilmington Transit services you can contact them at (937) 382-7961, and they will soon be offering an app for online scheduling. Powell said that all feedback for the transit is welcome, encouraging people to call in and give suggestions, comments or concerns. The next guest for The Speaker's Corner is the VFW Auxiliary on March 21, 2023.

Real Change Wilmington recently toured Ahresty’s factory and sat down with in-house recruiter, Sherry Barrett, to discuss their senior leadership’s passion and commitment for providing employment opportunities for people who traditionally have a hard time passing a background-check due to felony convictions, homelessness, and or lack of transportation. As a Wilmington native, Barrett herself was hit hard in 2008 when DHL left the airpark. Both Her, and her husband-at-the-time, lost their jobs, and had their family’s household income cut in half. This seems to be a harsh reality for many in Wilmington, but Barrett decided that this was an opportunity to go back to school and shortly thereafter, through a staffing agency, found a temporary position at Ahresty. “They really took a chance on me, my first manager hired me after only being with them for four months,” says Barrett. Ahresty works closely with The Phoenix House on N. South Street to employ men who are part of their transitional housing program. The Phoenix House works with men and women who have drug and mental health related issues. Ahresty prides themselves as being one of Wilmington’s few second chance companies. As long as the individual does not have a felony that is sexual or violent in nature, or involves a firearm, they are applicable candidates for hire. Other groups that Ahresty works with are people who are in, or have graduated from, former Judge Mike Daughtery’s addiction rehabilitation program, U-Turn, and women at the Hope House. Barrett acknowledged that some of these hires that are part of The Phoenix House, U-Turn, or other rehabilitation programs, don’t always stay employed with Ahresty after their program is complete for various reasons. However, Ahresty is still committed to building into the community in this way, and helping people gain experience and leadership skills. Other issues that employees face are transportation and childcare. Barrett said they have many employees who use the Wilmington Transit System (WTS), but this causes issues for 2nd and 3rd shift employees because WTS only runs 6:30am to 7:30pm. Barrett shared that employees with no transportation find ways to make it work, “They will walk, ride bikes, and once they get to know other associates will try to get rides together, if the cab is not an available option”. Ahresty is currently working with the Clinton County Workforce Collaborative to find a transportation company to come to Wilmington with the intent of helping 2nd and 3rd shift workers. When asked about hiring people who are homeless, Barrett said that as a recruiter she is not allowed to ask if someone is homeless, but when she sees their address listed as the homeless shelter, she pieces it together. There is no judgment, much like their stance on hiring people from nontraditional backgrounds, Barrett said that Ahresty understands some people are just down on their luck, or choose to be homeless for their own reasons. Ahresty’s focus is to get the right people hired and to help support the community. Barrett shared how their Vice President, Mike Fraizer, “loves the community, and wants to help the people in Clinton, Jackson, Vinton and other surrounding counties. He has been with Ahresty for 35 years and loves this community because he grew up here.” Ahresty is currently working with several staffing agencies in Wilmington, Washington Courthouse, Lebanon, and Xenia to help employ people. Some of the biggest issues that people face when getting hired in is not having the proper documentation to fill out an I9, “You need an ID, or birth certificate, or social security card or passport. If you are homeless or struggling financially, and don’t have these items it can get expensive to get them” said Barrett. Ahresty offers employees many benefits, including access to a recently renovated and fully stocked cafe area, fitness center, 401K, company paid life insurance, as well as medical, dental, and vision insurance. Barrett explained that there is a need for an onsite child care facility, to assist parents working 2nd and 3rd shifts and for calamity days at the local schools. Barret shared about Ahresty’s ‘Helping Hands Program’, where employees can reach out to HR personally, or on the behalf of another employee, and can submit a request for financial assistance using money raised from company fundraisers. One employee who was behind on bills was referred by a friend, “we helped her get out of a hard spot. Then she came back to us and paid it back! She wanted to be part of Helping Hands and help someone else”. As a company that has been in Wilmington for over 35 years, Ahresty does many things to make the community a better place to live. Ahresty partners with Clinton County Homeless Shelter to donate food and organize an annual sock drive. Senior leadership is always looking for new ways for Ahresty to be involved in the community. One such employee, Fadial-ghawi, who has been with Ahresty since before they broke ground, heads community projects like the Cardboard City and donates much of his personal time assisting at the Habitat for Humanity. Ahresty is a Japanese company that was established in Wilmington in 1988 and has provided jobs for the county for the last 35 years. They currently have a staff of 700 employees working all three shifts making aluminum die cast parts for car manufacturers.