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WILMINGTON, OHIO (January 27, 2026)—Wilmington City Schools invites kindergarten-eligible children and their families to attend Kindergarten Exploration, a fun and informative open house designed to help families prepare for the start of kindergarten. The event will take place on Saturday, February 28, from 10am to noon at Holmes Elementary, 1350 W. Truesdell St. The open-house style format allows families to attend at their convenience and explore at their own pace. “We want families to feel supported and informed as they begin their kindergarten journey,” said Tim Dettwiller, superintendent of Wilmington City Schools. “Kindergarten Exploration allows families to explore our school, ask questions, and connect with our staff and community partners.” During Kindergarten Exploration, families will use a Kindergarten Exploration Map to visit stations throughout the building. Event highlights include assistance with kindergarten registration, a Kindergarten Signing Day photo opportunity, hands-on “Taste of Kindergarten” classroom activities, parent and teacher question-and-answer sessions, snacks, face painting, PTO information, and spiritwear for sale. Children are eligible for kindergarten at WCS this fall if they turn 5 years old on or before August 21. While families will begin the registration process at the event, kindergarten registration should be completed before August 3. Families interested in attending or learning more are encouraged to sign up online at tinyurl.com/WCSDkdg . Wilmington City Schools looks forward to welcoming families and helping them take the next step in their child’s educational journey. Holmes Elementary Dr. Marilee Tanner, Principal (937)382-2750

Tom Dreyer & Dustin Pearce Tom Dreyer joins the podcast to share about his new venture with the National Christian Foundation, joined by their president of their Ohio team, Dwight Montgomery. Tom was formerly the Business Development Director at Ohio Living Cape May and is still very involved in Wilmington by serving on the board at Wilmington-Clinton County Chamber of Commerce. Since 1982, National Christian Foundation has facilitated more than $25 billion in charitable grants to over 90,000 ministries and nonprofits worldwide. The foundation helps people maximize their charitable giving through “donor-advised funds” and donate non-cash assets( such as stocks, real estate, and even business interests) in a way that can reduce capital gain taxes so that more money goes towards the charities people choose to support. Listen to episode 81 of the Real Change Wilmington Podcast, 'The Local Team at National Christian Foundation' with Tom Dreyer and Dwight Montgomery, 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

"Shop with a Cop" Event, Mark Kraus (far right) "My goal is to have [the Clinton County Foundation] be as out front and as involved as we can be," said Mark Kraus, Executive Director of the Clinton County Foundation (CCF), located at 2333 Rombach Avenue. Kraus, originally from the Dayton area and currently a resident of Jamestown, saw the position at the CCF, and "put [his] hat in the ring." Three weeks later, Kraus took on the position. He has 36 years of prior experience in philanthropy and nonprofit management, including work with the Boy Scouts of America. According to Kraus, the foundation was managing roughly $36 million when he began and is now managing over $41 million, as the funds grew roughly 17% in 2025. The CCF started as a community foundation in 1986 and was ran by a board of trustees until 2015, when they hired their first part-time director. The foundation currently manages 117 funds that provide donations and scholarships to people in Clinton County. Of those funds, they hold four funds internally and have started five new funds in December. The minimum amount to start a fund is $25,000. Of the 117 funds, there are funds related to medical, education, arts, and more. Kraus stated, "Our work is to help the nonprofits in the community accomplish their mission." He continued on to state, "There's money there to really benefit folks of various stages in their life." The foundation's key focuses are education, health and wellness, and economic development—helping businesses give back to the community. This even includes literacy, mental health, and community involvement. Kraus spoke extensively of the challenge with literacy in Clinton County. During Kraus's leadership, the foundation started a literacy collaborative with key partners in Clinton County, including Kids Read Now, who will complete a study and create a community literacy plan. The group will then determine how to fund the plan. In addition to this, the CCF also hosts community events like 'Shop with a Cop,' where local kids get to shop for Christmas presents with a local cop. The foundation also "played a role" in the funding of the new pickleball courts at Denver Park. Learn more on episode 79 of the Real Change Wilmington Podcast or visit clintoncountyohiofoundation.org.

Submitted Photo Courtesy of Robin Studios "When things come down to the wire... in a self-defense situation or [in] the sports aspect, you have to kick your body into overdrive" said Bryce Whelchel, Co-Founder of Overdrive Jiu-Jitsu that held its first class on September 2, 2025, in Vital Fitness at 1050 Prairie Avenue. Whelchel and his wife, Kerrie Fahey, along with their fellow instructor, Hannah Parks, hold roughly ten classes a week for men, women, and children. Whelchel shared that their classes are for everyone, even those with mobility issues, stating, "There's a way to do it for everybody." Their classes feature both "Gi" and "NoGi" classes, accommodating those who would like to practice in either traditional martial arts attire or regular athletic clothes. Whelchel is originally from Dayton, Ohio, and first moved to Wilmington to attend Wilmington College (WC), where he graduated in 2016. He met Fahey while working at the same store together on campus. The two "hit it off since then" and got married in 2022. Whelchel teaches five days a week while still making time for his family, full-time job in Hamilton, Ohio, and his own jiu-jitsu training. According to Whelchel, what makes Overdrive's approach different from other jiu-jitsu classes is his focus on creating a positive experience for his students. He stated, "I provide atmosphere versus other academies... I can teach you all this knowledge, but it does no good if you don't want to come back." Whelchel shared that his philosophy is "work hard, treat people right... and really just try to be a good person." He continued, "We can all learn from one another." Parks and Fahey started a women's only class, known as the Grappling Ladies of Wilmington (GLOW). Whelchel shared that he is proud they have created an environment where women feel safe, noting that Overdrive Jiu-Jitsu has more women enrolled than men—something he said is rare for a jiu-jitsu academy. In addition to current classes, Overdrive will offer advanced classes starting in January 2026. Whelchel also hopes to purchase a "crash mat"—a thick pad used to absorb impacts—by spring of 2026. Learn more on episode 77 of the Real Change Wilmington Podcast, or visit overdrive-jiu-jitsu.gymdesk.com.

Joshua Perez & Dustin Pearce Josh Perez joins the podcast to share about Dub Town Soccer Club. You may know Josh from his family’s restaurant, El Dorado Mexican Restaurant, on Rombach Avenue in Wilmington. Josh graduated from Wilmington High School and currently helps coach their soccer team—which recently went undefeated in their regular season for the first time in school history! After teaching soccer lessons and seeing his own son excel, Josh started Dub Town Soccer Club as a way to be more involved in his students' development and give them a place to grow their skills. Dub Town Soccer Club is part of Miami Valley Youth Soccer Association. Their 2025 fall team included students from Clinton Massie Local Schools, East Clinton Local Schools, Hillsboro City Schools, Miami Trace Local Schools, Wilmington Christian Academy, and Wilmington City Schools. Josh is passionate about brining players together and supporting their creativity. Listen to episode 80 of the Real Change Wilmington Podcast, 'Dub Town Soccer Club of Clinton County' with Josh Perez, 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

Sugartree Mill Co. "Having that support from individuals locally... it makes you appreciate being in a small town and... the whole environment kind of makes you feel like you're in a Hallmark movie but in the best way possible," said Joanna Swenson, Manager and Merchandiser at Sugartree Mill Co., located at 316 E Sugartree Street. Swenson was born and raised in Wilmington, Ohio, by her parents, Randy and Diane Dell, the owners of Sugartree Mill Co. After college, Swenson started marketing for the mill and eventually moved to her position as manager. The Sugartree Mill Co. building originated in 1881 as a flour mill, later became a storage space for a construction business, and then a recycling center. In the 1990s, the mill first became an antiques and home goods store. Almost thirty years later, the store's ownership transitioned to the Dells, and they named it Sugartree Mill Co. after its location and historic structure. The Dell family restored the building to its "historical roots" and focused on offering "timeless goods and antiques." Swenson stated, "Expect an old-fashioned shopping experience... Expect home goods thoughtfully sourced by us, but then also some fun treasures in the antique section... and expect to be here for at least an hour or two... Stroll through [and] enjoy seeing the product, but then also the original structure of the mill has a lot of rich history... Kind of just take it all in as an experience, not just a shopping excursion." Sugartree Mill Co. offers a variety of home goods and also includes a"traditional antique mall section," where vendors source antiques and rent space in the mill. There is even a new products section featuring kitchenware, bath items, high-quality silk florals, candles, local honey, and more."Our goal was to have the mix of the old and new because that reflects a real home... Whenever possible we try to partner with small businesses that have products that we think would be a good fit," stated Swenson. Their biggest challenge since purchasing the mill came during COVID, shortly after their opening in July of 2019. Joanna shared that the pandemic shutdown allowed them to restore one of the original brick arches in the building. To learn more, visit sugartreemill.com.

Curt Bradshaw "I want our staff to be a champion for children—and all that we do, and all of the decisions that we make, it all has to come back to what's best for the kids," stated Curt Bradshaw, Superintendent of the Southern Ohio Educational Service Center (SOESC), located at 3321 Airborne Road in Wilmington. Bradshaw, a farmer and fourth generation teacher, started his career as a middle school teacher at Wilmington City Schools. He was later contracted through SOESC to teach gifted students at Clinton Massie, which lead to an opportunity to serve in his current administrative role. The SOESC began in 1914 as an "oversight body," created from the county school boards and the Clinton-Fayette-Highland Educational Service District. The merger transformed the organization into a "service provider," offering technology, special education, professional development, and other services. There are "four legs of the organization," including the State Support Team, Service Providers, the Southern Ohio Learning Center, and Services. 1) State Support Team works with districts to create plans and support them with needs. 2) Service Providers are contracted individuals—like physical therapists, speech pathologists, social workers, and more—who work in the school districts to provide support. 3) Southern Ohio Learning Center is a school with intervention specialists, mental health therapists, and more to help students who struggle to succeed in their home district. 4) Services provided by SOESC include curriculum development, professional development, technology services, and more. SOESC is funded through fees paid by school districts for services, grants, and state funding. Bradshaw also shared the importance of local workforce development in the community, stating, "We've got a great community, in Wilmington, in Clinton County, and really the surrounding area, and we also want to help young people understand, this is a great place to work, it's a great place to live, and it's a great place to play." Listen to Bradshaw's full story on episode 78 of the Real Change Wilmington Podcast. Learn more about SOESC at southernohioesc.org.

WILMINGTON, Ohio (January 14, 2026)— Wilmington VFW Post 6710 and PAWS Humane Society are holding a St. Valentine’s Day Massacre Polar Plunge on Saturday, February 14, beginning at 3pm, to benefit both organizations. The event will take place at Wilmington VFW Post 6710 and will feature local veterans braving cold water plunges as donations are made. Community members are encouraged to attend, make a donation, and watch as veterans take the mid-February plunge for a good cause. Attendees may also sponsor their favorite veteran for multiple plunges with additional donations. “Veterans know what it means to endure discomfort for something bigger than themselves,” said Jared Homes, Commander Wilmington VFW Post 6710. “Whether it’s making our post accessible to wounded veterans or giving abandoned animals warmth, safety, and a future, this plunge is about sacrifice. Every donation, every shiver, every cheer from the crowd matters. When the community shows up for us both, it reminds us why Wilmington is such a special place to call home.” In addition to the polar plunge, the VFW will have its full menu available for the community to enjoy during the event, and stay warm while veterans take a cold plunge. All proceeds raised will be shared between PAWS Humane Society and Wilmington VFW Post 6710. PAWS Humane Society, which serves the Wilmington area, is a no-kill, volunteer-based nonprofit animal welfare organization. The organization operates a pet adoption center housing both cats and dogs, providing shelter, food, medical care, and daily socialization. All animals are examined by a veterinarian, vaccinated, and spayed or neutered prior to adoption. Funds raised for the Wilmington VFW Post 6710 will be used to improve accessibility for local disabled veterans. Planned upgrades include paving the gravel parking lot, improving the entrance and walkway, and renovating restroom facilities to better accommodate veterans with mobility challenges due to their service and sacrifices. For more information about the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre Polar Plunge, visit the Facebook pages or websites of PAWS Humane Society or Wilmington VFW Post 6710. Article Submitted by PAWS Humane Society and Wilmington VFW Post 6710

Joshua Perez "Even if you don't know [anything] about soccer, you can see how much joy [the kids] have playing... The positivity around the field, and around the stadium is so big," stated Joshua Perez, Founder and Coach of Dub Town Soccer Club, a club soccer team for children in Clinton County. Perez's passion for soccer goes beyond the club team, as he also helps coach the Wilmington High School soccer team. Perez stated, "You unify people of every size, shape, culture, age... and it's very rarely a sport that does that." Prior to starting the club, Perez founded the Dub Town Soccer Academy with Benny Spirk, providing lessons to over 200 children. After his own son excelled in community recreation soccer, Perez started the club team to provide a place for his son and others to grow. The club team plays roughly eight other teams in the region through the Miami Valley Youth Soccer Association. Their fall 2025 team was made up of 16 students from a combination of Clinton Massie Local Schools, East Clinton Local Schools, Hillsboro City Schools, Miami Trace Local Schools, Wilmington Christian Academy, and Wilmington City Schools. Perez shared that Dub Town Soccer Club provides a positive, supportive environment, where players are given "freedom of expression" and encouraged to embrace their creativity on the field. Tryouts for spring U11 and U12 teams will be on January 14 and 15, 2026, from 6pm to 8pm at the Wilmington College indoor field. Children born between January 1, 2014, and December 31, 2015, may try out. Perez hopes to have 24 players to fill two teams. The current cost to participate is $350. Learn more on the Real Change Wilmington Podcast, or Dub Town's Facebook or Instagram pages.

Mark Kraus & Dustin Pearce Mark Kraus joins the podcast to share how the Clinton County Foundation is helping manage $41 million dollars to make a positive local impact in education, health and wellness, and economic development. Mark has a long career in business development and management for nonprofits, including The Boy Scouts of America, which took him all over the country, including California, before he came back to Ohio and settled in Jamestown with his wife. Listen to episode 79 of the Real Change Wilmington Podcast, 'Clinton County Foundation's Pillars of Education, Health, and Economic Development' with Mark Kraus, 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 (January 6, 2026)— The City of Wilmington is updating its public transit service hours following feedback from residents and a recent public meeting. Starting February 1, 2026, Wilmington Transit will operate from 6:30am to 10pm Monday through Friday, and from 9am to 10pm on Saturdays. Sunday service hours remain unchanged, running from 9am to 3pm. EXTENDED HOURS (enacted on April 1, 2025) CITY REDUCTIONS (proposed for Feb 1, 2026) COMMUNITY REVISIONS (planned for Feb 1, 2026) Mon–Fri : 6:30am to midnight Mon–Fri: 6:30am to 9pm Mon–Fri: 6:30am to 10pm Sat: 9am to midnight Sat: 6:30am to 9pm Sat: 9am to 10pm Sun: 9am to 3pm Sun: 9am to 3pm Sun: 9am to 3pm This adjustment comes after reviewing ridership data during the extended evening hours pilot, which began April 1, 2025, and after hearing from community members at the December 30th public meeting. While initial analysis suggested that late service wasn’t sustainable, feedback at the meeting and further collection of passenger data highlighted the importance of later hours for many riders. In response, the City has decided to keep transit running until 10pm on weekdays and Saturdays. City officials thank everyone who attended the meeting and shared their perspectives, as well as the entire community for their ongoing support and patience as Wilmington works to balance service and sustainability. Questions about the new schedule or other transit matters can be directed to Wilmington Transit Services at (937) 382-7964 or the mayor’s office at (937) 382-5458. Media Contact: Pat Haley Mayor 937-382-5458 phaley@wilmingtonohio.gov

WILMINGTON, Ohio (January 7, 2026)— Wilmington College continues to demonstrate steady progress and renewed momentum—a theme reflected throughout the fall meeting of the Board of Trustees. We began our time together with a moment of gratitude for our Quaker High Note feature, Patricia Thomas, whose remarkable $2 million gift will endow the Campus Minister position in perpetuity. Patricia, a former campus minister and current clerk of Wilmington Yearly Meeting, spoke about her lifelong connection to Quaker values and her belief in the transformative work of Wilmington College. Her generosity ensures that generations of students will continue to experience the spirit of peace, service, and reflection that defines our community. Her words were simple but powerful: “I feel very privileged to be able to do this.” Her gift is a testament to the quiet strength of faith and the enduring difference one life can make. That same spirit of purpose is visible throughout campus life. Vice President for Enrollment Management and Marketing, Adam Lohrey, shared that total enrollment reached 1,117 students this fall—a 6.7 percent increase from last year and more than 14 percent growth in just two years. Our main campus continues to see steady momentum as we diversify our enrollment portfolio across traditional, online, and graduate students. A total of 910 students are enrolled on the main campus, up from 863 the year prior. The Prison Education Program now serves three correctional institutions and represents about 13 percent of total enrollment. Together, these programs reflect our belief that education should meet people where they are and open new pathways for purpose and possibility. Even more significant than the numbers is what they reveal: Wilmington has achieved 10-year highs in both retention and persistence. Behind those figures are relationships—faculty who know their students by name, advisors who stay connected, coaches and mentors who encourage, and staff who help students find their way. Those quiet, consistent acts of care are the reason students are staying, succeeding, and graduating in record numbers. Our signature programs in agriculture and equine business management continue to experience record enrollment, reaffirming Wilmington’s reputation as a national leader in experiential, purpose-driven agricultural education. We are also preparing for a formal review of our proposed graduate program in agriculture by the Higher Learning Commission and the Ohio Department of Higher Education—a meaningful next step in extending our reach and relevance to the next generation of agricultural innovators and leaders. This momentum is supported by our Purpose Can’t Wait marketing campaign, which continues to deliver on a focused social media and advertising strategy—reaching new audiences, elevating our brand presence, and amplifying the authentic stories of Wilmington College students, alumni, and faculty. The campaign’s consistent storytelling is strengthening awareness and helping prospective students see themselves in our community. That same integration of learning and purpose was on full display during this year’s 35th Annual Westheimer Peace Symposium, hosted by the Peace Resource Center as part of its 50th anniversary celebration. This year’s theme, Practicing Art, Practicing Nuclear Abolition, brought artists, activists, and scholars together to examine how creative expression can inspire peacebuilding and advocacy. Wilmington College was honored to host the U.S. premiere of the PBS documentary, The Vow from Hiroshima, offering students and community members alike a powerful reminder of the human dimension of peace and the enduring impact of compassion in action. The symposium’s ongoing impact will be sustained through a new endowment established by Jerry Scheve as part of his transformational gift to the College. Our momentum extends beyond the classroom and into every corner of campus. On September 27, as part of our Homecoming Weekend, we celebrated the groundbreaking for the Scheve Athletic Center, where I had the privilege of sharing remarks alongside members of the Board of Trustees, alumni, and friends of the College. The project will include the Scheve- Ramseyer-Lewis Hall of Champions and the newly renovated Scheve Athletic Center—formerly the Quaker Recreation Center. These spaces will provide a modern, welcoming environment for recreation, wellness, and connection. Looking ahead, the Jenna Parlette Running Center will break ground on April 3, 2026, continuing the transformation of our athletic facilities and honoring the legacy of a beloved student and athlete. Vice President for Advancement Tammy Shadley shared continued progress in giving this fiscal year, supported by endowments such as the newly endowed Campus Minister position, the Westheimer Peace Symposium Fund, and new scholarships that support students from diverse backgrounds. Additional funding for international programs and student experiences reflects Wilmington’s reach far beyond our campus borders. The Many Small Steps Tour continues that connection, bringing together alumni, friends of the College, former trustees, and even prospective students and athletes. Upcoming visits will take place in Pennsylvania in November, California in December, and Florida in January—each one an opportunity to share stories of impact and purpose from Wilmington College’s vibrant community. Our institutional dashboard shows measurable gains across all seven pillars of the In Common Cause strategic plan, with about 15 percent of initiatives now complete and 70 percent actively in progress. From high-impact learning and workforce partnerships to wellness initiatives and facility improvements, our collective work continues to move us closer to the vision we share for Wilmington’s future. Every Board meeting reminds me that the institution’s greatest strength lies not in any single program or building, but in the people who bring our mission to life—faculty who teach with conviction, staff who lead with compassion, trustees who guide with wisdom, and students who seek a life of purpose. We have reached a moment where memory and momentum meet. Each success—each step—is evidence of what we can achieve when we move together. Purpose can’t wait, and neither can we. In common cause, Corey Corey Cockerill, President Featured in the photo slideshow are: Members of the incoming 2025 class flash the WC sign at the Rock-signing component of their New Student Orientation program in August. The group includes Taryn Tate, Grace Cline, Alaina Eldridge, and Ashley Bailey. Masae Shoda, who shared the story of her parents experiencing the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, speaks at the Westheimer Peace Symposium Purpose Can't Wait Article Submitted by Wilmington College