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Jenna Parlette Running Center Rendering WILMINGTON, Ohio (March 11, 2026)— Legendary Wilmington College Coach Jerry Scheve designated the construction of the Jenna Parlette Running Center as the centerpiece of his $23 million gift, much of which focuses on the pursuit of athletic excellence at WC. The new indoor track will take a step closer to becoming a reality on April 3, when the College hosts a public groundbreaking ceremony at 11:30 a.m. in the area off Elm Street between Herman Court and Williams Stadium. Construction is scheduled to start this summer for the facility, which will be built between the stadium and the Center for Sport Sciences. Featured speakers at the ceremony include President Corey Cockerill; J. Brent Bill, chair, Board of Trustees; Ron Combs, head cross country and assistant men’s and women’s track and field coach; Matt Croci, director of athletics; and Jeff Parlette, the uncle of the facility’s namesake, the late Jenna Parlette. The groundbreaking activity is being held in conjunction with an outdoor track meet featuring the Quakers and six other schools, beginning at 3 p.m. at Beckett Track in Williams Stadium Jenna Parlette was a student-athlete at WC who tragically died after collapsing just short of winning a collegiate cross country race at Franklin College (IN) in 2013. For many years, the College has hoped to honor her memory by building a much- needed indoor track, an initiative Scheve quietly supported. Jenna’s mother, Lisa Parlette, who has worked tirelessly to garner support for what will now become part of her daughter’s legacy, was “shocked” when she learned last year that the running center would become a reality — and that Scheve’s generosity would make it happen. “I’m so grateful and humbled,” she said in citing Scheve’s foresight and magnanimous gesture. ”Words cannot fully express the depth of our joy and gratitude to Coach Scheve for making Jenna’s dream of an indoor track at WC a reality. His generosity will touch the lives of countless athletes, students, and community members for generations to come.” Ron Combs, Jenna Parlette’s track and cross country coach, said his excitement for the Jenna Parlette Running Center is hard to put into words. “I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished in track and field and cross country, but excited for what we can do in the future with the running center,” he said. “Winter workouts, when there’s six inches of snow, we’ll be able to do the things we want to do, plus, we’ll be able to host indoor meets. This will make a huge impact on our programs and the College. I really want to make Jerry proud.” Scheve’s record $23 million gift has been described as “transformational” in positioning the institution for continued success in serving its students. Scheve was a highly respected accounting professor and championship women’s basketball coach who passed away in May 2025. He coached the Lady Quakers for 30 years before retiring in 2021. His 2004 team won the NCAA Division III national championship, the apex of his 518 career victories at WC. Article Submitted by Wilmington College

Noah Dell Champion Bridge has operated in Wilmington for more than 150 years, but its leadership says the company’s name no longer reflects its work. Owner and president Noah Dell said the company will begin doing business as 'Champion Steel Works' while keeping its legal name, Champion Bridge Company. “We’ve been Champion Bridge since 1872,” Dell said. “But the reality is we haven’t built bridges for... close to 75 years.” Dell said the company began transitioning away from bridges in the 1930s. “By the 1950s and into the 70s, we were pretty much all onto structural steel fabrication,” he said. The move away from bridges was driven by practical constraints, Dell said. Bridge work relied heavily on government agencies, smaller bridges shifted toward concrete, and Champion’s landlocked site limited the size of components it could fabricate. “A short piece for a bridge would be 80 feet long... and we can’t get 80 feet into our building,” he said. Today, Champion Steel Works fabricates structural steel for commercial and industrial projects as a subcontractor to general contractors. “[Contractors] give us a set of drawings from an architect and engineer and say, ‘We want to build this job,’” Dell said. The steel is fabricated in Wilmington and shipped to job sites, with installation handled by subcontracted crews. Dell cited the new Kettering Health project in Wilmington as an example of current work. “That big skeleton, that structural steel is the kind of stuff that comes right out of our shop,” he said. While projects like these are their business, Dell still enjoys supporting local walk-in customers and community projects like the Xidas Park pergola, General Denver's railing, Wheelies' bike rack, and others. Dell grew up in Wilmington and returned after college, joining Champion full-time in 2014. Over the years, the company passed through an employee stock ownership program before consolidating ownership as partners retired. “My dad was the last man standing in 2016,” Dell said. In recent years, Champion has grown through staffing and equipment investments. “This year we’ll fabricate probably 40% more steel than we did last year,” Dell said. The name change is about clarity, growth, and not being overlooked by new customers who need 'steel' fabrication, not 'bridge' construction. Learn more about Dell's story on episode 83 of the Real Change Wilmington podcast.

Phillip Gulley WILMINGTON, Ohio (March 5, 2026)— Quaker pastor, writer, and speaker Phillip Gulley will spend the day at Wilmington College on March 25, the centerpiece of which will be the Office of Campus Ministry’s Quaker Lecture, a community presentation on “Hope in Difficult Times” at 7 p.m. in the McCoy Room of Kelly Center. Gulley, who last visited the campus in 2019, will also discuss “Living Our Faith in Difficult Times” with students and area clergy in the afternoon. He and his wife, Joan, reside in Danville, IN., his small, boyhood hometown from which Gulley pulls many of his story characters and recollections. He has published 22 books, including the acclaimed Harmony series, which chronicles life in the eccentric Quaker community of Harmony, IN. His latest fictional series continues the exploits of Sam Gardner, first introduced in the Harmony series. The new Hope series includes A Place Called Hope, A Lesson in Hope, and A Gathering of Hope, the latter of which is his most recent fictional release. He was discovered as a prolific writer with a unique point of view by Paul Harvey, Jr., the son of the iconic broadcast commentator who once visited Gulley’s Quaker meeting in Indiana and subscribed to the congregation’s newsletter. He shared many of Gulley’s essays with his father, who once read one on the air. A publisher heard the broadcast and signed Gulley to a multi-book contract, beginning with his first book, Front Porch Tales, in the bestselling Porch Talk series of inspirational and humorous essays. Gulley, who holds degrees from Marian University in Indianapolis and Christian Theological Seminary, has also written books on theology, including If the Church Were Christian and Evolution of Faith, the latter of which proposes a fresh direction for Christianity and articulates a Christianity that, while faithful to the priorities of Jesus, is designed to help its adherents live happily, peacefully and productively in our complex world. Nobel Laureate Desmond Tutu said of that book, “In our ever-changing world, Gulley’s book is much needed,… an important book for any person of faith.” His 22nd book, titled Unlearning God: How Unbelieving Helped Me Believe, explores the process of spiritual growth, especially the re-interpretation of the earliest principles we learned about God. Gulley, a Quaker pastor for 39 years, hosted Porch Talk with Phil Gulley on the Indiana PBS affiliate WFYI and its flagship show, Across Indiana, for which he received two Emmy Awards. He is also a regular contributor to the Saturday Evening Post and writes for the popular “Home Again” column in Indiana Monthly. Article Submitted by Wilmington College

Teen Space WILMINGTON, Ohio (March 4, 2026)—Because of January weather advisories, the Wilmington Public Library’s Friends of the Library’s (FOL) first meeting of 2026 was delayed until February, when the volunteer group discussed special events planned for the calendar year and recent donation requests. Among the Wilmington Public Library (WPL) projects the FOL supported financially in 2025 were furnishings for the new teen space (pictured) on the second floor, as well as equipment for the new Makerspace and other technology additions. The FOL also donated funds for books to be purchased for a special event at Holmes Elementary School in Wilmington and donated books to several non-profit organizations in Clinton County. Additionally, the FOL held two special events where those attending could bag their own books for free or a donation. The FOL is a volunteer group that collects, stocks, and rotates books that are available at the library for a monetary donation (but not for resale). The adult book room is located to the immediate left upon entering the main entrance of the library. Children and young adult books are available on a bookshelf across the room from the circulation desk. According to the FOL bylaws, the group supports and cooperates with the library in developing services and facilities for the community that encourage reading and support the freedom to read as expressed in the American Library Association Bill of Rights. Book donations can be left in the main FOL room, but they should not be more than 10 years old unless considered a classic. The group welcomes new members who can assist with special events and attend meetings at 2:30 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday of every month in the Kirk Room. The group also has a Facebook page, and Hayslip can be contacted at (937) 556-8204 if interested in becoming involved. FOL members include Jim Hayslip (president), Sharon Clifton (vice president), Kathy Kral (treasurer), Stephanie Boris (secretary), Dana Dunn (media officer), George Cook, Ann Kuehn, Judy Elam, Vicki Wilson, Sharon Clifton, Ann Bergenfeld, Ann Sandler, Jennilou Grotevant, Jennifer Sabin, and Sharon Trivett. Article Submitted by Friends of the Library

Ken Lydy "Kids get a really good experience working with outside professionals in the theatre world," stated Ken Lydy, Director of Theatre at Wilmington High School (WHS), located at 3oo Richardson Place in Wilmington. Lydy, along with Timothy Larrick (Music Director), Amy Filip (Choreographer), Gina Sheldon (Vocal Coach), Tara Lydy (Costumer), and Matthew Spradlin (Orchestra Conductor) work with high school students to show three plays per year. This winter, Wilmington High School Theatre will present Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella in the auditeria in the high school. The group of 35 actors and 14 crew members is made up of students from all four grade levels that are involved in various other extracurriculars at the high school. The roughly two-hour show was created by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein, a "power duo from the Golden Age of Broadway,"and was originally shown on television in 1957. According to Lydy, it was "the most watched program of its time." Lydy shared that in addition to the musical's classic status, the theatre program strategically chooses shows that will fit interested students. The Wilmington High School show will follow a young woman who works "feverishly" in her home and experiences a "chance encounter" with a prince due to the help of her godmother. The play will occur daily at 7pm on Thursday, March 12 through Saturday, March 14. Then, Sunday, March 15, the play will occur at 2pm. In addition to the play, the theatre program will host 'Cinderella's Royal Ball' on March 14, 2026, at 10am for "princes and princesses" ages five through twelve. The children will be joined by Cinderella, the Prince, Fairy Godmother, and other members of the show's cast. Snacks, crafts, photo opportunities, backstage tours, and more will be available at the ticketed event. The program will also host a "Super Spring Show" in the beginning of May. Tickets for Cinderella are $10 for students and $15 for all others. Students can buy tickets ahead of time during their lunch on March 9th through 13th. To learn more about the show or reserve tickets, visit wilmingtonhs.booktix.com .

Noah Dell & Dustin Pearce Noah Dell, President of Champion Bridge Co. (now doing business as Champion Steel Works), joins the podcast to share about the company's 150 year legacy. Noah returned to Wilmington after college and is the 2nd generation owner of the business after his father acquisition in 2016 through an employee stock program. Champion moved away from bridge building in the 1930s due to the rise of concrete bridges and has since focused primarily on structural steel fabrication. Champion continues to grow through staffing and equipment investments, and according to Noah, the company will do “40% more steel than we did last year.” The name change is about clarity, growth, and not being overlooked by new customers who need 'steel' fabrication, not 'bridge' construction. Listen to episode 83 of the Real Change Wilmington Podcast, '150 Year Legacy of Champion Bridge & Steel Works' with with Noah Dell, on your favorite podcast player below: 🍎 Apple: bit.ly/rcwp-apple 🟢 Spotify: bit.ly/rcwp-spotify 🎥 YouTube: bit.ly/rcwp-youtube 😎 Website: bit.ly/rcwp-website

WILMINGTON, Ohio (March 4, 2026)— As an artist, Mary Beth Thorngren finds inspiration in the realm of dreams and the subconscious. Her work often features dream imagery in which she transforms fleeting thoughts and emotions into tangible creations. Thorngren specializes in utilizing found objects, “breathing new life” into materials that might otherwise be overlooked. Wilmington College will present an exhibit of Thorngren’s drawings, paintings, and assemblage sculptures, titled “The Sacred and Profane,” March 24 through May 8 at Harcum Art Gallery in WC’s Boyd Cultural Arts Center. An opening reception honoring the artist will be held on March 24 from 4 to 6 p.m. Normal gallery hours are weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and by special appointment arranged by the gallery curator, Hal Shunk. Thorngren noted that, through her artwork, she wishes to challenge perceptions and invite viewers to find beauty in the unexpected. “Each piece carries a story, a fragment of my journey, and a reflection of the world as I see it,” she said, noting that, in reflecting on her journey, she is grateful for the experiences that have shaped her as an artist, educator, and mentor. “My roots in Texas, my experiences living in Europe, and my life in Wilmington have all contributed to my unique artistic perspective.” With a special focus on her students and the young people at the Clinton County Youth Center, Thorngren remains committed to “pushing the boundaries” of her creativity and exploring new artistic horizons. “My aspiration is to leave a lasting impact through my art, inspiring others to embrace their creativity and see the world through a lens of possibility.” She added, “In essence, my story is one of exploration, connection, and the deep love for the transformative power of art. It is a testament to the beauty of life’s journey and the enduring impact of creativity on the human spirit.” Thorngren received her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with a strong foundation in visual arts from East Texas University and studied watercolor at the University of London before earning Texas All Level Art Certification from Texas Women’s University. She was employed in visual display management at major department stores before relocating to Wilmington, where she has instructed art and served as director of Thorngren Studio Arts since 2013. Also, she has directed the Art Club at the Clinton County Youth Center and served as an adjunct art instructor at Wilmington College, both since 2016. Her work has been exhibited in galleries from New York City and Atlanta to Denver, Columbus, and Wilmington College (2016 and 2019). Also, pieces of her work can be found in nearly a dozen corporate collections. Article Submitted by Wilmington College

"It's really an opportunity to open the doors to these local businesses and get [people] in there... It brings traffic into these businesses, " stated Elizabeth Huber, Co-founder of the Clinton County Literacy Foundation (CCLF) and organizer of the Read Across Clinton County event. According to Huber, the CCLF began with four libraries in local laundromats, and was called the "Laundromat Libraries." Their goal was to give children an opportunity to do something while "sitting idle" at the laundromats. The group received feedback that books for middle grades children were needed as well. The CCLF has continued to grow since then, managing roughly 30 bookshelves across Clinton County. In addition to the bookshelves, the CCLF provides books to teachers, local events, farmers markets, and more. The Read Across Clinton County event was inspired by Read Across America, a celebration of Dr. Seuss's birthday. The event runs from March 3rd through March 17th, and participants can pick up a passport or print one online. The passports feature local businesses and organizations individuals can visit throughout the county to pick out free books. Last year, the event featured over 40 locations. At each stop, participants receive a sticker on their passport, then for every eight stickers, they get one entry into a raffle. Participants have until March 20, 2026 to submit their passports to ccliteracyfoundation@gm- ail.com. The drawing for the prizes occurs on March 31. According to Huber, they normally raffle six to eight prizes, with the grand prize being a Kindle. She encouraged participation from all ages, as the prizes range from "infants up to homeowner adults." Huber shared that the CCLF works daily on earning local donations, and are completely funded by local donations. She mentioned that participants in the event can also donate books at the stops, as the event is centered around "books that have been loved before." She continued on to state, "The support has been more than what we ever expected." Huber shared the story of a local teacher who requested books from the CCLF and was able to fund hygiene items for students that did not have access at home. To learn more about Read Across Clinton County, visit ccliteracyfoundation.org.

WILMINGTON, Ohio (March 2, 2026)—Wilmington City Schools officially opened Kindergarten registration for the 2026-27 school year at their kick-off exploration event on February 28th at Holmes Elementary. During Kindergarten Exploration, families picked up their information packet and received assistance with kindergarten registration. Kids had a Signing Day photo opportunity with Huffy, received a free book, and had hands-on “Taste of Kindergarten” classroom activities. Parents had the opportunity to drop by question-and-answer sessions. More than 70 families attended the event. “We want families to feel supported and informed as they begin their kindergarten journey,” said Tim Dettwiller, superintendent of Wilmington City Schools. “At Kindergarten Exploration, families were able to explore Holmes Elementary, ask questions, and connect with our staff and community partners.” Children are eligible for kindergarten at WCS this fall if they are at least 5 years old on or before August 21, 2026. Kindergarten registration must be completed before Aug. 3rd to ensure that the student can start school with their peers. Families with kindergarten-eligible children can pick up a Kindergarten Registration Packet at WCS Central Office, 341 S. Nelson Ave, between the hours of 7:30am and 4:30pm on weekdays. If they prefer a digital packet, one can be requested at tinyurl.com/WCSkdgpacket (digital packet will be sent via email). Wilmington City Schools looks forward to welcoming families and helping them take the next step in their child’s educational journey. Article Submitted by Wilmington City Schools

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Caitlin Mefford and Kristin Ondulick "There is a ton of talent in Wilmington... One of the things that I'm most proud of is bringing in other [local] vendors... trying to—for lack of a better description—be the Etsy of Wilmington," stated Kristin Ondulick, 4th-generation owner of Swindler & Sons Florist, along with her sister, Caitlin Mefford. Swindler & Sons, located at 321 West Locust Street, was started over 100 years ago by Kristin and Caitlin's great-grandfather, Irvin Swindler. Irvin started his career as a factory worker, but after witnessing his older co-worker and trainer be fired, Irvin wanted more control of his financial future. So, he went to work at Moore's Greenhouse and eventually purchased the business. Irvin later changed the name during World War II to 'Swindler & Sons' in order to give his sons something to come home to after the war. Kristin and Caitlin purchased the business from their uncles in 2024. Growing up, the sisters have fond memories of helping their grandparents in the flower shop, including being paid with a can of Pepsi and holding flowers in the back of the delivery van without a seatbelt. Kristin went on to have a career in medical sales, and Caitlin had a career working with individuals with autism, yet the two always found their minds wandering back to their memories at the flower shop. Prior to purchasing Swindler & Sons, Kristin almost purchased another florist in Dayton, but said, it "didn't feel right." It wasn't until Kristin and Caitlin were both stay-at-home moms at the same time that they finally decided the timing was right to follow their dreams and purchase their family's business. Since purchasing Swindler & Sons in October of 2024, the sisters have made several updates, including bringing back their family's traditional Christmas Open House, updating the HVAC, and building a more user-friendly website to help reduce issues with national flower chains posing as local flower shops and double-charging customers. Today, the revived Swindler & Sons provides floral arrangements for all major life events, including births, birthdays, holidays, and funerals. The sisters have a strong belief in supporting the community, and in addition to flowers, the shop also provides locally sourced candles, cards, pottery, honey, lavender, chocolates, and other seasonal gifts. Caitlin stated, "I think our main goal, too, is to support the community by bringing and keeping money in the community, so people can come and buy gifts for their friends and family, but the money stays here locally." Listen to Kristin and Caitlin's full story on episode 82 of The Real Change Wilmington Podcast. Learn more about Swindler & Sons Florist at swindlerandsons.com. 🍎 Apple: https://bit.ly/rcwp-apple 🟢 Spotify: https://bit.ly/rcwp-spotify 🎥 YouTube: https://bit.ly/rcwp-youtube 😎 Website: https://bit.ly/rcwp-website

Ron Jones WILMINGTON, Ohio (February 17, 2026)— In observance of Black History Month, Wilmington College will present the American Dialogue Theatre’s production of “The Movement: 50 Years of Love and Struggle” on Feb. 24, at 7 p.m., in the McCoy Room of the Kelly Center. The event is free of charge. “The Movement” is a visual chronicle that highlights many of the political, cultural, and social markers of the 50 years since the passing of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. This theatrical production features the EMMY Award-winning actor, Ron Jones, who plays multiple characters and takes the audience on a journey through the ever-changing face of the African American experience. Through both the comedic and poignant, the show’s characters tell of the struggles and of the challenges ahead. From the “Black Power 1960s” to the “Blaxploitation ‘70s,” into the “Cosby ‘80s” and through the so-called “Post Racial” new millennia, “The Movement” is a survey of the best and sometimes worst of the African American experience. Article Submitted by Wilmington College