Wilmington College held its Collegiate Relay for Life on Saturday rather than in early April, and weather-wise it worked out well. The WC Collegiate Relay for Life raised $8,645 for cancer research during the annual 12-hour event designed to generate funds and raise awareness. Pictured speed-walking on the relay course on campus are Sydney Dick, left, and Sara Pope.

Wilmington College held its Collegiate Relay for Life on Saturday rather than in early April, and weather-wise it worked out well. The WC Collegiate Relay for Life raised $8,645 for cancer research during the annual 12-hour event designed to generate funds and raise awareness. Pictured speed-walking on the relay course on campus are Sydney Dick, left, and Sara Pope.

http://wnewsj.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/web1_R4L_speedwalkers_f.jpgWilmington College held its Collegiate Relay for Life on Saturday rather than in early April, and weather-wise it worked out well. The WC Collegiate Relay for Life raised $8,645 for cancer research during the annual 12-hour event designed to generate funds and raise awareness. Pictured speed-walking on the relay course on campus are Sydney Dick, left, and Sara Pope.

Lebanon — Troopers from the Lebanon State Highway Patrol Post responded Sunday to a fatal plane crash near SR 350 in Turtle Creek Township.

At approximately 5:35 pm on Sunday, Oct. 16, troopers from the Lebanon Post and deputies from the Warren County Sheriff’s Office responded to a single-plane crash in the heavily wooded area near Fort Ancient.

Two unknown bodies were removed from the plane by the Warren County coroner and the Turtle Creek Fire Department.

The FAA and the NTSB were contacted for further investigation. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

The Wilmington Kiwanis Club invites the community to attend the club’s annual Pancake Breakfast this Saturday, Oct. 22 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Wilmington Presbyterian Church, located at 840 Timber Glen Drive off Truesdell Street. The cost is $5, with children younger than 12 eating free. This fundraiser helps with the club’s community projects for the 2016-17 year like the club’s three area high school Key Clubs (Clinton-Massie, East Clinton and Wilmington), Boy Scouts, Your Father’s Kitchen, Habitat for Humanity and more. Getting ready to serve pancakes are Kiwanis Pancake Chairperson Robert “Bob” Curtis, background, and East Clinton High School Key Club President Thomas Wright, foreground.

The Wilmington Kiwanis Club invites the community to attend the club’s annual Pancake Breakfast this Saturday, Oct. 22 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Wilmington Presbyterian Church, located at 840 Timber Glen Drive off Truesdell Street. The cost is $5, with children younger than 12 eating free. This fundraiser helps with the club’s community projects for the 2016-17 year like the club’s three area high school Key Clubs (Clinton-Massie, East Clinton and Wilmington), Boy Scouts, Your Father’s Kitchen, Habitat for Humanity and more. Getting ready to serve pancakes are Kiwanis Pancake Chairperson Robert “Bob” Curtis, background, and East Clinton High School Key Club President Thomas Wright, foreground.

http://wnewsj.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/web1_kiwanis_f.jpgThe Wilmington Kiwanis Club invites the community to attend the club’s annual Pancake Breakfast this Saturday, Oct. 22 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Wilmington Presbyterian Church, located at 840 Timber Glen Drive off Truesdell Street. The cost is $5, with children younger than 12 eating free. This fundraiser helps with the club’s community projects for the 2016-17 year like the club’s three area high school Key Clubs (Clinton-Massie, East Clinton and Wilmington), Boy Scouts, Your Father’s Kitchen, Habitat for Humanity and more. Getting ready to serve pancakes are Kiwanis Pancake Chairperson Robert “Bob” Curtis, background, and East Clinton High School Key Club President Thomas Wright, foreground.

Staff and volunteers welcome guests to the grand opening of the new Wilmington Area Humane Society’s shelter during the weekend. It’s located at the I-71 and U.S. 68 North interchange. They showed visitors all the features of the new location. Guests also got a chance to see all the dogs and cats who are available for adoption.

Staff and volunteers welcome guests to the grand opening of the new Wilmington Area Humane Society’s shelter during the weekend. It’s located at the I-71 and U.S. 68 North interchange. They showed visitors all the features of the new location. Guests also got a chance to see all the dogs and cats who are available for adoption.

http://wnewsj.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/web1_humane_society_p_f.jpgStaff and volunteers welcome guests to the grand opening of the new Wilmington Area Humane Society’s shelter during the weekend. It’s located at the I-71 and U.S. 68 North interchange. They showed visitors all the features of the new location. Guests also got a chance to see all the dogs and cats who are available for adoption.

CLARKSVILLE — Students from Clinton-Massie High School joined more than 1,300 students from across the Tri-State area Thursday, Oct. 13 in at the Anthony Munoz Leadership Seminar t Xavier University’s Cintas Center.

As students participated in a day of leadership development, guest speakers shared personal experiences and insights and encouraged students to develop ideas that would have a positive impact on their school and community.

The extension Service of Challenge of the Leadership Seminar urged students to take the knowledge and skills they learned and apply them in their own community.

Rising to the challenge, students returned to CMHS with plans to strengthen the school community by organizing a clothing drive that will benefit victims of Hurricane Matthew.

Students representing CMHS included freshman Nathan Baker, Joe Hammonds, Lauren Kropp, Katherine Riggle, sophomores Faith Cottrell, Jason Martin, Clayton Sheeley, juniors Claire Carruthers, Drew Keller, Ashleigh Taylor, Anne Thompson, and seniors Sydney Leary, and Ellie Smedley.

Information for this article was provided by Diana Miller, who coordinates communications for several area schools.

Clinton-Massie student leaders take a selfie while waiting for leadership seminar to begin.

http://wnewsj.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/web1_cm-leaders.jpgClinton-Massie student leaders take a selfie while waiting for leadership seminar to begin. Courtesy photo

WILMINGTON — Photo portraits of residents, young and old and in-between, were pasted on the exteriors of walls downtown and at Denver Place Elementary over the weekend to publicize the gritty spirit of Wilmingtonians.

Once some 17 more banner photographs are installed outdoors this coming Saturday on Rodger O. Borror Middle School walls, nearly 100 portraits of community members will be featured in what’s named Project Grit.

The effort stems from Denver Place Elementary School art teacher Doug Davis.

The posters are meant to celebrate, in an artistic way, some of the positives and the grit that can be found in Wilmington.

Passers-by will probably know a lot of the people spotlighted on the posters, Davis said, and agree that the people definitely have grit.

The portrait locations downtown include the General Denver, city hall, the 94 South Building, the radio station building, and the former News Journal building, all of them brick structures.

Brick is a good bonding surface, said Davis, who added that nevertheless some of the temporary banners may come down in the weather.

At Denver Elementary, there are portraits of Denver Place students pasted on the outside walls facing Lorish Avenue and the parking lot. As an element of surprise for some of the children, there are portrait banners higher up on a chimney and the roof line, he said.

Also pictured on banners at the elementary school are crossing guard Ian Wood and former longtime teacher Virgene Peterson whose portrait is watching over the playground.

There are other facets to Project Grit, including a Facebook page Wilmington’s Got GRIT (@wilmingtongrit) and an art project opening for the entire community 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Murphy Theatre.

The event will be relatively brief but a good time, said Davis. Wilmington filmmaker Grant Peelle has produced a film which will highlight some Project Grit participants, and former mayor Randy Riley will be the emcee.

Helping put up the portrait banners Saturday were members of a Wilmington College sorority and the WHS Interact Club, plus several community members, said Davis.

Project Grit is part of a global public art initiative called the Inside Out Project. Local professional photographer Kim Law took the photographs.

The local project’s theme of “grit” is a character trait stressed by Denver Elementary Principal Karen Long.

Project Grit has the following action statement. “The key to succeeding in life, for us in Wilmington, is passion, perseverance, resilience and stamina for long-term goals: Grit. Wilmington’s got grit!”

Davis said the emphasis on grit at Denver Place Elementary offers a “growth mindset” for young students, and “fits beautifully” with the portrait project.

“We felt like the grit of students matched the grit of the community,” added Davis.

Reach Gary Huffenberger at 937-556-5768.

On the exterior wall of Wilmington City Hall that faces Locust Street are Project Grit photographs of residents Sheila and Byron McGee. (Don’t be confused: On the right edge of the News Journal photo is a window reflection of a building on the other side of the street.)

http://wnewsj.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/web1_mcgees_p_f.jpgOn the exterior wall of Wilmington City Hall that faces Locust Street are Project Grit photographs of residents Sheila and Byron McGee. (Don’t be confused: On the right edge of the News Journal photo is a window reflection of a building on the other side of the street.)

The Project Grit banner portrait of Wilmington Chief of Police Duane Weyand is strategically placed on the city hall wall that faces the municipal parking lot. The police station is located on the building’s first floor.

http://wnewsj.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/web1_chief_p_f.jpgThe Project Grit banner portrait of Wilmington Chief of Police Duane Weyand is strategically placed on the city hall wall that faces the municipal parking lot. The police station is located on the building’s first floor.

WILMINGTON — With flu season upon us, many will be going to get their vaccines. To help combat influenza, the Clinton County Health Department will provide walk-in vaccinations during regular business hours of 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays.

“We’re offering them on a daily basis as long as we have a nurse on staff,” said Monica Wood, director of nursing at the Clinton County Health Department. “What we offer here is a quadrivalent flu (vaccine) for all four vaccines available.”

The Health Department is welcoming citizens to come in without setting up an appointment. They also cover the treatment by billing it to patients’ insurance, and there are no co-pays. If one does not have insurance, they will have to pay $25 for the shots.

“One of our perks at this point is we are able to bill all types of insurance. We’ve had some changes here, we are part of a health collaborative that really goes for child immunization. You can stop in and get your vaccines without setting an appointment,” said Wood.

According to Wood, it’s a really good time to get the vaccine, with flu season picking up later in the fall and vaccines usually taking two weeks to become really effective.

“We also want people to remember to wash their hands, covering sneezes, and basic hygiene practice,” said Wood, concerning other preventive measures.

The Health Department is open Mondays through Fridays from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 111 South Nelson Avenue, Suite 1, on the west end of Wilmington.

Please call 937-382-3829 for more information.

Reach John Hamilton at 937-556-5766.

Forty-six years ago, I was just beginning to learn the anatomy and physiology of the cardiopulmonary system.

It was April of 1970. I had just started working and studying for a career in respiratory therapy. The profession at that time was called “inhalation therapy.” It was the newest of all the health care specialty careers. At that time, Miami Valley Hospital had the reputation of being an excellent teaching hospital. They already had schools for nursing, lab technology and radiology. I was excited and thrilled to be part of their newest work/study program.

I was fascinated by the career and the way the entire healthcare team work together to save lives. I also remember being completely amazed by the miracle of strength and creation that is the human body.

Anyone who has ever taken a biology class in high school knows what the heart looks like and basically how it works. I still remember dissecting the heart of a fetal-pig and a frog in Mr. Barker’s biology class at Germantown High School. Even then, I was fascinated by both the simplicity and the complexity of the heart.

Most people think about the heart in poetic, romantic and musical ways. We have all heard phrases like; he gave her his heart and his heart would be forever broken. The world of music is filled with songs like; “Expressway to your heart,” and “Goodnight, sweetheart, goodnight.” With all of the feelings that are said to reside within the heart, it is little wonder that the heart has acquired a reputation for being where love lives and where love grows.

From a purely clinical point of view, your heart is about the size of your clinched fist. It lies near the center of your chest, angled slightly down to the left. The heart is nestled between the right lung and the left lung – almost like it is cushioned between two airbags. It rests just below the lower third of the sternum and lies just above the spinal column.

In the most simplistic of terms the heart is a four-chambered pump. The two chambers on the right side of the heart pump used blood to the lungs where carbon dioxide (one of the byproducts of metabolism) is exchanged for a fresh supply of oxygen (which is needed for life). The fresh blood coming from the lungs goes into the left side of the heart where it is then pumped to the entire body. This happens constantly. If it stops for just a few seconds, you will pass out.

That’s the circulation, or plumbing, part of the heart. But what makes this amazing little organ beat? Well, that piece of magic is caused by the work of the conduction (or electrical) system of the heart.

Nestled within the muscle of the upper right chamber of the heart is a clump of specialized tissue known as the Sinoatrial (SA) Node. The functioning of the SA Node is very complex, very technical. Basically, think about what makes a firefly be able to set its tail aglow. Think about what allows an electric eel to generate a charge of electricity strong enough to knock down a large animal. Somewhere in between these two examples, is the power of the SA Node.

The SA Node is the pacemaker of the heart. Anyone who has ever been shocked knows that the shock causes their muscles to contract. You can’t stop it from happening. Miraculously, nearly every second, the SA Node generates and discharges a small electrical charge that shocks the heart muscle, causing it to contract. The contraction (or squeeze) forces the blood that is within that chamber out to the next chamber or into an artery (think about milking a cow).

The electrical impulse that started in the SA Node will travel through both upper chambers of the heart, squeezing blood down through one-way valves into the lower chambers. The flow of the electrical impulse is then delayed ever so slightly near the middle of the heart at the Atrioventricular (AV) Node.

Before passing through the muscle of the lower two chambers, the electrical impulse is conducted between the two lower chambers along two bundles of conductive tissue (like electrical wiring) to the lowest part of the heart. The impulse then flows into the muscle of the heart causing the lower two chambers to contract and squeeze the blood up and out.

Think about holding a strong umbrella upside down. If is filled with fluid, and then closed, the fluid spills up and out. That’s basically how the heart is emptied of blood. One-way valves prevent the blood from flowing back into the heart.

While you read the previous few paragraphs, your heart beat about 100 times. Your heart beats about 100,000 times every day; nearly 40 million times a year; 3 billion times in a long-lived life. You never feel your heart get tired. If more blood flow is needed due to exercise or emotion, the heart simply beats faster.

The heart is a God-given miracle of design and function. There is peace and comfort in the regular beating and the sound of the human heart. An infant will cuddle and fall asleep on its mother’s chest while listening and being comforted by the sound of their mother’s heartbeat.

I apologize if all of this information about the heart sounds too medical and technical for a Tuesday in October, but, rest assured. There is magic and majesty in the heart. Despite what I know about the clinical part of the heart, I truly believe that, while love may start in the mind, it grows and develops in the heart. The heart can be broken and mended.

My heart was completely broken ten years ago when my son Danny died. Yet, it mended. Then, it was broken again last year when my grandson was diagnosed with cancer. Again, my heart was mended and healed by family and friends.

As of today, Debbie and I have been married for 29 years. She was gone last week on a “girls trip” to Florida. My heart ached while she was gone. It felt empty. It was like a piece of my heart was missing. Then she came home.

Even after 29 years of marriage, my heart will speed up and even flutter a little whenever Debbie takes my hand, squeezes it and tells me, “Goodnight, sweetheart, goodnight.” There is love and magic within our hearts.

Randy Riley is President of Council of Wilmington.

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September 21 is celebrated throughout the world as the International Day of Peace or World Peace Day. That date was so designated by the United Nations General Assembly in 1982.

On the Wilmington College campus we celebrated the lives of 14 local Quaker men who volunteered in Europe during and after WWI. As the title of the recently dedicated plaque reads: “QUAKERS DURING WWI: CHOOSING TO RELIEVE THE SUFFERING OF WAR.” The plaque goes on to say, “During and after World War I (1914-1918), 14 local Quaker men volunteered to do medical, reconstruction and agricultural relief work, mostly in France. Twelve volunteered for service through the American Friends Service Committee, and two through the YMCA. Many returned to careers in education and ministry.”

Following this statement are the names of the 14 men, their birth and death dates and the graduation dates for the 12 who graduated from Wilmington College.

Five were members of the Wilmington Friends’ Church, four were members of Leesburg Friends’ Church and those remaining were from other area Friends’ Churches. Two of the volunteers had actually been in the military and after their release joined the American Friends Service Committee (AFSC), the others were conscientious objectors (they did alternative service). Those 12 who volunteered with the AFSC spent their time in France working with civilian victims of the war.

Of the two who volunteered with the YMCA, one, Thomas Kelly, worked in England. He found the work with this group to be unrelated to his understanding of ‘Christian’ service and moved to working with German prisoners of war. The other YMCA volunteer died of tuberculosis while serving there and is buried in France.

The local AFSC volunteers in France joined the British Friends (Quakers) and together they became known as the Anglo American Friends Mission. Both groups gained legitimacy by working under the Red Cross umbrella. On the left arm or their grey uniform was the American Red Cross symbol — ARC. On their other shoulder was the Quaker star with eight points.

Several of the AFSC volunteers did not arrive in France until the war came to an end in 1918 and some stayed into 1920 as the work with refugees continued for some time. Their time in France ranged from a few months to over one year, depending on the demand for their services.

At the conclusion of the work in France there were opportunities in other countries of Europe such as Russia and Serbia. Of the 600 Quaker volunteers (this included 50 women) many volunteered for these other fields of service. Only one of the Wilmington volunteers took advantage of this opportunity, spending many months working with Gypsies in Romania.

The relief work of the British and United States Quakers reemerged during World War II and in 1947 the two groups received the Nobel Peace Prize.

They constitute the only religious group to receive the peace prize.

Neil Snarr is a Professor Emeritus of Wilmington College.

The plaque at Wilmington College celebrating the lives of local Quaker men.

http://wnewsj.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/web1_WWIplaque.jpgThe plaque at Wilmington College celebrating the lives of local Quaker men. Courtesy photo

The Clinton-Warren Joint Fire District was called to the scene of a combine on fire in a field near the intersection of St. Rt. 350 and Yankee Road in Vernon Township Sunday. A combine owned and operated by Kirby Tolliver of Wilmington was combining soybeans when it caught fire in the engine area from dust and debris from the soybeans, according to Fire Department Capt. Mick Friend. Tolliver used a portable fire extinguisher attempting to put the fire out. There was little damage to the bean field and moderate damage to the combine, Friend said. The Clinton-Warren Fire District was on scene for about an hour.

The Clinton-Warren Joint Fire District was called to the scene of a combine on fire in a field near the intersection of St. Rt. 350 and Yankee Road in Vernon Township Sunday. A combine owned and operated by Kirby Tolliver of Wilmington was combining soybeans when it caught fire in the engine area from dust and debris from the soybeans, according to Fire Department Capt. Mick Friend. Tolliver used a portable fire extinguisher attempting to put the fire out. There was little damage to the bean field and moderate damage to the combine, Friend said. The Clinton-Warren Fire District was on scene for about an hour.

http://wnewsj.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/web1_St.-Rt.-350-Combine-Fire-1.jpgThe Clinton-Warren Joint Fire District was called to the scene of a combine on fire in a field near the intersection of St. Rt. 350 and Yankee Road in Vernon Township Sunday. A combine owned and operated by Kirby Tolliver of Wilmington was combining soybeans when it caught fire in the engine area from dust and debris from the soybeans, according to Fire Department Capt. Mick Friend. Tolliver used a portable fire extinguisher attempting to put the fire out. There was little damage to the bean field and moderate damage to the combine, Friend said. The Clinton-Warren Fire District was on scene for about an hour. Clinton-Warren JFD

Robert N. Smith, 60, of Centerville, passed away Friday, Oct. 14, 2016 at his residence.

Mr. Smith was born Dec. 7, 1955 in Wilmington, son of Wanda W. Walls Smith Galliett of Wilmington and the late Robert E. Smith.

He was a 1974 graduate of Wilmington High School. He received his bachelor’s degree from The Ohio State University. He received a master’s degree while stationed in Monterey, California with the Navy. Later, he received a second master’s degree from The Ohio State University.

Mr. Smith served in the U.S. Navy for 16 years. He had worked at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and had also been a teacher at Culver Academy in Indiana.

In addition to his mother, Mr. Smith is survived by his stepfather, John R. Galliett; and two sisters, Roberta J. Lynch of Lady Lake, Florida and Rachel J. (Dean) Dennewitz of Chillicothe.

In addition to his father, a sister, Rebecca J. McLeaster, is preceded in death.

Funeral services will be at 1: p.m. Friday, Oct. 21 at the Reynolds-Smith Funeral Home, 327 N. South St., Wilmington. Burial will be in New Antioch Cemetery. Friends may call from noon to 1 p.m. Friday, Oct. 21 at the Reynolds-Smith Funeral Home.

For more information or to sign the registry of condolences, visit www.smithandsonfuneralhomes.com.

WILMINGTON — Wilmington’s new DQ Grill & Chill celebrates its grand opening this Thursday through Saturday in appreciation of its employees and customers.

Festivities will start at 3 p.m. Thursday with a ribbon-cutting co-led by the Wilmington-Clinton County Chamber of Commerce, local DQ franchisees Keith and Carol Chambers, Dave McCollum, Operating Director for DQ, Wilmington DQ General Manager Amy Higgins, Assistant Manager Ross Chambers and Clinton County leaders.

Representatives from Clinton County United Way and Wilmington City Parks will be accepting checks from the local DQ as part of a matching contribution based on contributions made from local customers who visited and donated during an earlier held event at DQ.

We are really glad to contribute to the well-organized efforts working to advance the esteem and usability of Wilmington’s City Parks,” said Keith Chambers. “I also am quite impressed of all the good work and results that the Clinton County United Way does in the Clinton County community. We are excited to be able to show financial support of both worthy causes. In fact, we are a sponsor of this Saturday’s CC United Way Race … you can be sure the DQ Ice Cream Cone (costumed) representative will be there taking a run!”

“Some of our big news is the over $4,000 in valued prizes being given away, via a drawing held each day through November 7,” said Dave McCollum. “Customers can enter each time they visit through November 7. Some of the bigger prizes include a big screen TV, an Apple Watch-Version 2, microwaves, mini refrigerators, and yes, some delicious DQ gift certificates!”

A 75-cent DQ Ice Cream Cone — the only cone with a “curl on top” — will be a special offer through Saturday night. There will also be special-priced coupons being given out throughout the celebration.

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CLARKSVILLE — It all began when the tornado sirens sounded at Clinton-Massie Elementary School, and fourth-grade teachers Jennifer Henderson and Patty Ratliff ushered their students to their designated safe spots — the boys’ bathroom.

“Emotions were high,” said Henderson. “The kids were crying; it was awful.”

Putting the safety of her students first, Henderson’s colleague, Patty Ratliff peeked out the door, looked both ways, and then snuck out and ran down the hall to the library where she grabbed some books.

After making her way safely back to the boy’s bathroom, Mrs. Ratliff began to read to the children entrusted in her care in hopes of calming their fears and easing their minds. She acted out each character’s part, and before long the children, and Mrs. Henderson, were laughing so hard they cried tears of joy as opposed to tears of fear.

According to Henderson, it was then that the school principal opened the door to find out what kind of party was happening in the boys’ bathroom!

“So for us,” said Henderson, “the next step was obvious: we wrote a short story about our experience, and it was then that Nicky the hamster, Charlie the cricket, and Sammy the snake were born, and we began writing You’ll Never Believe What Happened in the Principal’s Office.”

Offering a generic overview — in order to protect those involved — Ratliff says they were inspired by an actual event that took place at the elementary school. One day, a teacher found a snake in the fifth-grade hallway, caught it, and took it to the superintendent’s office, who almost jumped over his desk to get away from it.

“That got the ball rolling,” said Ratliff, “and it built from there.”

According to Henderson, writing the book “was not a linear process. It took roughly two to three years to write and publish, considering we were both working full-time, and that included Patty living and teaching in Florida for a year. We used Face Time and Google Hangouts weekly to get around that hurdle and then asked Stan Kearns, the husband of retired CM teacher Ann Kearns, to do the illustrations.”

Henderson and Ratliff hosted their first book signing at the Choosy Suzy program held at Clinton-Massie High School October 4th and were humbled by the support of their CM family.

“The response has been overwhelming,” said Ratliff. “The students are very excited and proud, and it was thrilling for both of us to be able to hand a book to each of our family members and watch their reactions.”

After students learned that a second book was already in the works for the “You’ll Never Believe What Happened…” series, a student asked, “How does that work — you writing together?”

To which Henderson and Ratliff replied, “You have to have complete trust and respect each other’s thoughts and abilities. We build on each other’s strengths, and many times we end up thinking the same thing.”

Books are available for purchase through Amazon or Orange Frazer Press. Should buyers want an autographed and/or personalized copy, they can buy direct by sending a personal message through the Facebook account “Patty Ratliff Jennifer Henderson” or emailing youllneverbelievewhathappened@gmail.com. Total purchase price, including tax, is $10.62, and checks can be made out to “Limitless Productions.”

Information for this article was provided by Diana Miller, who coordinates communications from several area schools.

Co-authors Patty Ratliff and Jennifer Henderson share story time with students reading their very own, “You’ll Never What Happened in the Principal’s Office.”

http://wnewsj.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/web1_Authors-2-1.jpgCo-authors Patty Ratliff and Jennifer Henderson share story time with students reading their very own, “You’ll Never What Happened in the Principal’s Office.” Courtesy photos

Co-authors Patty Ratliff and Jennifer Henderson proudly present their first book in the “You’ll Never Believe…” series.

http://wnewsj.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/web1_Authors-1-1.jpgCo-authors Patty Ratliff and Jennifer Henderson proudly present their first book in the “You’ll Never Believe…” series. Courtesy photos

WILMINGTON — A Wilmington Air Park provider of aviation support and facility services is seeking applicants for openings, continuing the growth begun 13 months ago when online retail giant Amazon started a trial air freight operation here.

“LGSTX Services has hired many new employees over the past 13 months, most of them in full-time, first-shift morning jobs. Many of these have been cargo handlers working in a warehouse environment, and air cargo handlers who load and unload aircraft,” LGSTX Services spokesperson Paul Cunningham said Tuesday.

“As we continue to expand our operations, we’ll have full-time and part-time openings for nearly all shifts,” added Cunningham.

There is no total target number of new employees the company is looking to hire, according to Cunningham.

On Tuesday afternoon, there were 25 current openings with LGSTX listed on its website.

A Help Wanted color display ad in the News Journal’s Tuesday edition lists a variety of positions the company is seeking to fill. The full-time positions include production welders, property maintenance mechanics, equipment maintenance mechanics, and line service technicians.

Included in the category of full- and part-time positions are air cargo handlers and cargo handlers.

In addition, LGSTX Services needs a number of people for seasonal positions to keep the runways and taxiways clear of snow, Cunningham reported. “Applicants for those positions should be experienced in operating large equipment such as modern tractors, construction equipment, or combines,” he said.

The ad also lists available “casual” (temp as needed) positions such as non-CDL drivers, aircraft de-icers, and seasonal grounds maintenance.

Those interested in a position with LGSTX can view openings and apply online at www.agsjobs.com. LGSTX recently moved its Recruitment Center outside the secure airport property for the convenience of applicants, Cunningham said.

LGSTX Services Inc. is a subsidiary of Air Transport Services Group (ATSG), which is based in Wilmington. Other ATSG subsidiaries include ABX Air, Air Transport International (ATI), and Airborne Maintenance and Engineering Services (AMES).

Like LGSTX Services, Cunningham said that ABX Air, ATI, and AMES are growing and have employment opportunities; links are provided on www.agsjobs.com.

And where did LGSTX Services Inc. come from? In February 2011, ABX Equipment & Facility Services changed its name to LGSTX Services.

Then, in November 2011, ABX Cargo Services became a wholly-owned subsidiary of LGSTX Services. Two months later, ABX Cargo Services changed its name to LGSTX Distribution Services.

Reach Gary Huffenberger at 937-556-5768.

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Myah Jones of New Vienna, a freshman at East Clinton High School, recently donated 10 inches of her hair to Wigs for Kids, an organization the does not charge children for hair replacement. Myah wanted to share some of her long red hair with someone who is suffering from hair loss — she also had a preschool friend who had hair loss.

Myah Jones of New Vienna, a freshman at East Clinton High School, recently donated 10 inches of her hair to Wigs for Kids, an organization the does not charge children for hair replacement. Myah wanted to share some of her long red hair with someone who is suffering from hair loss — she also had a preschool friend who had hair loss.

http://wnewsj.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/web1_1002161746_HDR.jpgMyah Jones of New Vienna, a freshman at East Clinton High School, recently donated 10 inches of her hair to Wigs for Kids, an organization the does not charge children for hair replacement. Myah wanted to share some of her long red hair with someone who is suffering from hair loss — she also had a preschool friend who had hair loss. Courtesy photo

BLANCHESTER — The Blanchester School Board declared at Monday night’s meeting that providing the transportation of 11 students to private schools they’re attending is impractical “after a careful evaluation of all available options.”

According to Board President Chuck Shonkwiler, while each student is a resident of the district, thus making them eligible for transportation services, several factors were considered when making the decision. These included time and distance requirements, the number of pupils to be transported, costs of providing the service along with maintenance and personnel, whether it would disrupt current transport schedules, and whether other reimbursable types of transportation are available.

The parents or guardians of the 11 students will be offered payment in lieu of transportation.

The board also:

• Expressed that they wish to advertise and receive bids for the purchase of a school bus.

• Approved an assistant varsity boys basketball coach, a four-and-half-hour bus driver, five substitute teachers, and a middle school girls basketball and wrestling coach.

• Approved of the FFA’s National Convention Trip to Indianapolis Oct. 19-22.

Reach John Hamilton at 937-382-2574.

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Wilmington’s Bob Baylor teaches Tai Chi classes at Main Street Yoga studio. He has been studying Tai Chi for more than 10 years; he started teaching in Wilmington at the end of June and recently began teaching classes Wednesday mornings from 10 to 11 a.m. He welcomes students at any time — $10 for drop-in students, or $36 for a class card of four classes, or $64 for a class card of eight classes.

Bob Baylor, right, instructs his student, Peggy Short, during his Tai Chi class at Main Street Yoga. Tai Chi is a graceful form of exercise that involves a series of movements in a slow, focused manner accompanied by deep breathing. It is used for relaxation, stress reduction and other health conditions.

Wilmington’s Bob Baylor teaches Tai Chi classes at Main Street Yoga studio. He has been studying Tai Chi for more than 10 years; he started teaching in Wilmington at the end of June and recently began teaching classes Wednesday mornings from 10 to 11 a.m. He welcomes students at any time — $10 for drop-in students, or $36 for a class card of four classes, or $64 for a class card of eight classes.

http://wnewsj.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/web1_vertic_p_f.jpgWilmington’s Bob Baylor teaches Tai Chi classes at Main Street Yoga studio. He has been studying Tai Chi for more than 10 years; he started teaching in Wilmington at the end of June and recently began teaching classes Wednesday mornings from 10 to 11 a.m. He welcomes students at any time — $10 for drop-in students, or $36 for a class card of four classes, or $64 for a class card of eight classes. Photos by John Hamilton | Wilmington News Journal

Bob Baylor, right, instructs his student, Peggy Short, during his Tai Chi class at Main Street Yoga. Tai Chi is a graceful form of exercise that involves a series of movements in a slow, focused manner accompanied by deep breathing. It is used for relaxation, stress reduction and other health conditions.

http://wnewsj.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/web1_two_p_f.jpgBob Baylor, right, instructs his student, Peggy Short, during his Tai Chi class at Main Street Yoga. Tai Chi is a graceful form of exercise that involves a series of movements in a slow, focused manner accompanied by deep breathing. It is used for relaxation, stress reduction and other health conditions. Photos by John Hamilton | Wilmington News Journal

WILMINGTON — Anda Union, a world-renowned ensemble from China’s Inner Mongolia, is visiting Clinton County as part of Arts Midwest World Fest — the band’s only stop in Ohio.

Anda Union’s music comes from the vast grasslands of Inner Mongolia, where various ethnic nomadic tribes have lived for centuries. Anda’s music includes a fascinating combination of instruments such as horsehead fiddles and vocal styles such as throat singing in a performance not unlike one Genghis Khan himself may have heard.

Anda Union will provide a workshop at the Wilmington Public Library at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 20, and it will perform a public concert at the Murphy Theatre at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 22. Tickets to the Murphy show, made possible with help from Southern State Community College and the Tom E. Dailey Foundation, are $10 at the door.

The group held a musical workshop Tuesday at Clinton-Massie; other workshops will be on Oct. 19 at Southern State Community College and at East Clinton; on Oct. 20 at Cape May Retirement Village; and on Oct. 21 at Denver Place and East End elementary schools.

Anda Union formed in 2000, and the group members describe themselves as music gatherers, digging deep into Mongol traditions to keep familiar songs alive while also unearthing forgotten music. They are on a mission to stimulate their culture and re-engage young Mongols, many of whom no longer speak their own language.

“Most of the band members have been playing together since childhood,” said band member Nars. “As adults, we studied professional vocals and instruments together. We are like a family. Ten years ago Anda Union was forged, and we haven’t looked back.”

Anda means a “blood brother or sister.” For Mongolians, an anda is more important than a birth brother because one chooses a person to become an anda — a life-long blood brother. Anda Union is a brotherhood of andas. Anda Union offers audiences a rare opportunity to experience and enjoy music the world has only recently begun to know. The ensemble has toured widely with stops at major universities and cities across the United States.

Wilmington has already hosted two Arts Midwest World Fest groups: Aysenur Kolivar from Turkey visited a year ago, and Baladino from Israel visited earlier this year.

“We’re so fortunate to have these groups coming to our community,” said Maretta Alden, executive director of the Murphy Theatre. “The groups not only perform a public concert but most of the week they are in the schools and other community locations sharing their culture through workshops. I’ve listened to Anda’s CD and watched a fascinating video about the group and can’t wait for them to get here. It’s not often smaller communities like ours have the chance to host international ensembles like Anda Union at all — let alone for a full week.”

According to Alden, Clinton County typically would not have the resources to host week-long residencies of the kind Anda Union will offer. Arts Midwest, one of six U.S. Regional Arts Organizations, partners with program sponsors such as the National Endowment for the Arts and 3M to cover a substantial portion of the program cost so that communities throughout the Midwest can enjoy this rich arts experience.

Wilmington was selected as one of only nine Midwestern cities to host the 2015–2017 Arts Midwest World Fest and is the only partner community chosen in Ohio.

“It’s a real honor to be part of this program,” said Eileen Brady, a member of the Murphy Theatre board of trustees. “The music and culture Anda Union will share is so different from what we normally get to experience locally. People won’t want to miss this incredible opportunity.”

Arts Midwest’s goal is to make meaningful and lasting impressions on the communities that host this program, said David Fraher, president & CEO of Arts Midwest.

“We think week-long residencies can offer so much more than one-day visits,” Fraher said. “There are more opportunities to truly connect with each other whether through workshops in schools, concerts in the greater community, or through social gatherings. We want this to be a rich experience for the entire community.”

Anda Union will perform a full public concert at the Murphy Theatre at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 22. Tickets are $10 at the door, and children under 18 are admitted free.

http://wnewsj.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/web1_anda_2014t.jpgAnda Union will perform a full public concert at the Murphy Theatre at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 22. Tickets are $10 at the door, and children under 18 are admitted free. Courtesy photo

http://wnewsj.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/web1_murphy-logo.jpegCourtesy photo

Anda Union performs Tuesday morning for music students at Clinton-Massie. The group, part of Arts Midwest World Fest, also will provide workshops this week for Denver Place, East End, East Clinton, Southern State Community College and Cape May. A workshop will be held at the Wilmington Public Library at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 20.

http://wnewsj.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/web1_AndaUnion-at-CM-1.jpgAnda Union performs Tuesday morning for music students at Clinton-Massie. The group, part of Arts Midwest World Fest, also will provide workshops this week for Denver Place, East End, East Clinton, Southern State Community College and Cape May. A workshop will be held at the Wilmington Public Library at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 20. Courtesy photo

The Wilmington Clinton County Chamber of Commerce will have a ribbon-cutting with the Great Oaks Career X program at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 26 at Caesar Creek State Park. Great Oaks trains student with different abilities to make a smooth transition to employment and independent skills. Walk the Journey of Unique People will celebrate the students achievements in the Career X Program. The Career X program gives opportunities to explore career options through hands-on activities.

The Wilmington Clinton County Chamber of Commerce will have a ribbon-cutting with the Great Oaks Career X program at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 26 at Caesar Creek State Park. Great Oaks trains student with different abilities to make a smooth transition to employment and independent skills. Walk the Journey of Unique People will celebrate the students achievements in the Career X Program. The Career X program gives opportunities to explore career options through hands-on activities.

http://wnewsj.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/web1_Greak-Oaks.jpgThe Wilmington Clinton County Chamber of Commerce will have a ribbon-cutting with the Great Oaks Career X program at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 26 at Caesar Creek State Park. Great Oaks trains student with different abilities to make a smooth transition to employment and independent skills. Walk the Journey of Unique People will celebrate the students achievements in the Career X Program. The Career X program gives opportunities to explore career options through hands-on activities. Courtesy photo

The Clinton-Warren Joint Fire District recently spent the day at Clinton-Massie Elementary School discussing and teaching fire safety to the first-graders. The children had the opportunity to try on the firefighters’ bunker gear and see the various tools that the firefighters use, and also go through all of the trucks that were present.

The Clinton-Warren Joint Fire District recently spent the day at Clinton-Massie Elementary School discussing and teaching fire safety to the first-graders. The children had the opportunity to try on the firefighters’ bunker gear and see the various tools that the firefighters use, and also go through all of the trucks that were present.

http://wnewsj.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/web1_Clinton-Warren-JFD-at-CMES.jpgThe Clinton-Warren Joint Fire District recently spent the day at Clinton-Massie Elementary School discussing and teaching fire safety to the first-graders. The children had the opportunity to try on the firefighters’ bunker gear and see the various tools that the firefighters use, and also go through all of the trucks that were present. Clinton-Warren JFD