Greater Dayton Podcast

• Historic Snowfall: A record-breaking winter storm dropped 12.4 inches of snow on Dayton on Jan. 25, surpassing the previous record from the Blizzard of 1978. Two-day accumulation reached nearly 14 inches.
• Extreme Cold Warning: Gov. Mike DeWine has issued a warning for life-threatening cold with wind chills reaching -25 degrees. The state is shifting focus from snow removal to managing the extreme freeze; residents are urged to stay off roads.
• Emergency Response: An ODOT snowplow provided a critical escort for an ambulance transferring a baby to Cincinnati Children's Hospital during the storm.

• FirstEnergy Trial: The trial has begun for former CEO Chuck Jones and SVP Michael Dowling. They are accused of orchestrating a bribery scheme involving a $60M payment to the former House Speaker for the HB 6 bailout.
• Wrongful Conviction Liability: The U.S. Supreme Court denied Miami Township’s request to review a $45 million verdict for Dean Gillispie. The township remains liable for the judgment, which officials claim exceeds their ability to pay.
• Springfield Immigration: Local officials are bracing for a 30-day ICE enforcement surge following the expiration of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitians.
• School Bus Safety: Gov. DeWine announced $10 million in grants for 371 schools to upgrade bus safety features, including seat belts and collision avoidance tech.

• New Openings:
  • Mikey’s Late Night Slice: The Columbus-based pizza chain opens its downtown Dayton location (503 E. First St.) today, Jan. 30.
  • Currito: The first Dayton-area location opens in Washington Township on Feb. 11.
  • Wawa: A new location is being planned for Harrison Township.
• Development:
  • Intel Impact: The $20B New Albany plant is driving "sudden demand" for semiconductor manufacturing, creating growth opportunities for Dayton-area suppliers.
  • "The Pike": A mixed-use project including a cannabis dispensary is proposed for the former LexisNexis campus in Miami Township.
• Bankruptcy: Parent companies of Fazoli's and Twin Peaks filed for Chapter 11, though local Dayton locations are expected to remain open.

• Ohio State Fair 2026 Lineup:
  • Aug 1: Alison Krauss & Union Station, Aug 3: For King & Country
  • Aug 5: “Weird Al” Yankovic, Aug 7: Bailey Zimmerman
  • Aug 8: Blues Traveler, Gin Blossoms, Spin Doctors
• Cinema:
  • Oscar Nomination: Centerville grad Hannah Beachler has been nominated for Best Production Design for the Ryan Coogler film "Sinners," which is returning to local theaters.
  • Sundance: Local projects premiering include "FreeLance" (Columbus-set), "Buddy," "Carousel," and "Union County."
  • "Ohio Goes to the Movies": A statewide celebration begins in February. The Dayton Metro Library will screen "Beloved" on Feb. 26.
• Attractions: "Mama Duck," the world's largest rubber duck (61 ft), returns to Cuyahoga Falls April 24–26.

• School Zones: Kettering Police have implemented an immediate zero-tolerance policy for traffic violations in school zones.
• Dayton Police: Violent crime dropped in 2025. The city approved a $105k contract to improve "organizational culture" within the department.
• Human Trafficking: Montgomery County is launching two state-funded pilot programs ($950k total) to embed caseworkers in children services and prevent youth runaways.
• Good News: SICSA Pet Adoption placed over 90 animals into foster homes ahead of the storm. Kettering Health employees launched "Coats for a Cure" to provide winter clothing to patients.

Ohio & Regional News Digest (Condensed)

❄️ WEATHER ALERT (SW Ohio): A Winter Storm Watch is in effect Saturday morning through Sunday night. Expect 4–6 inches of snow, followed by dangerous sub-zero wind chills early next week.

Statewide

• Grid Strain: Gov. DeWine warns that rapid AI/data center expansion is threatening grid reliability and raising prices.
• Taxes: The IRS has ended paper refund checks for 2026. Refunds may average ~$1,000 higher due to tax code changes.
• Prisons: Facilities face critical staffing shortages (7.4% vacancy); Dayton Correctional is down nearly 19%.
• Travel: United adds daily nonstops from Columbus (CMH) to LAX in March.

Dayton

• Legal: Clerk of Courts Mike Foley must redo community service after a judge rejected his logged hours.
• Development: Work began on the 49.9MW "Gem City Solar" array. MVHO secured funding for a $9.6M tiny home village for the homeless.
• Economy: The 2026 outlook is mixed—auto hiring is soft, but manufacturing/tech are growing.
• Community: Warming centers are active at Rec Centers. Sinclair College won $1.1M for manufacturing education.

Suburbs & Region

• Huber Heights: Buc-ee’s grand opening set for April 6, 2026. The Marigold Festival returns in May.
• Kettering: Audit reveals $3.2M in improper benefits went to former Health execs; ex-CEO Manchur reportedly owes ~$1.5M. Police are increasing school zone enforcement.
• Fairborn / WPAFB: Wright State settled with Parallax Research (receiving $3M). Bids are due for a major new cooling plant at NASIC.
• Beavercreek: Christine Hawker appointed Fire Chief. Council approved major road/sidewalk projects.
• Cincinnati: New 20,000-capacity music venue to open at former Coney Island site in 2027.
• Trotwood: Police warn of fake "motion picture" cash circulating.
• Troy: A moratorium on new gas stations is in effect until May 30.
• Springfield: Local churches are organizing support for Haitian migrants.
• Briefs: Vandalia fixed a large sinkhole; Englewood opened a vintage candy shop; Centerville had a gas leak at Michael's Salon.

USA & Ohio

• Recall: High-risk Listeria recall issued for soft cheeses (brie, camembert).
• Politics: Rep. Mike Turner (R) filed for re-election; faces Democrat Kristina Knickerbocker.
• State Updates: Min wage rose to $11/hr. Gov. DeWine allocated $97.2M for road safety and is lobbying for a Coast Guard center in Urbana. Traffic deaths dropped 3%.
• Legislation: New bill targets childcare fraud; state law now clarifies parental consent for underage drinking in bars.

Dayton

• 2026 Infrastructure: Major reconstruction and "road diets" (lane reductions/bike paths) approved for Salem Ave, Keowee St, and E. Third St.
• Business & Community: Culture Works to manage the Masonic Center. City received ~$1.1M in first cannabis tax payout. "Manufacturing Skills Sprint" launches in April.
• Highlights: Senators urged Big East to add UD. An RTA driver saved a family from a house fire. Residents protested a new downtown safety plan.

Suburbs & Region

• Beavercreek/Fairborn: "Raider Row" commercial project on WSU land approved. WPAFB contractor Sumaria is laying off 57 staff.
• Huber Heights: QuikTrip submitted plans hours before a 1-year moratorium on new gas stations took effect.
• New Lebanon: Council-elect Keith Moody was barred from taking office due to late tax filings.
• Riverside: Angela Jackson sworn in as the city’s first female Police Chief.
• Kroger: Released 2025 stats (e.g., customers bought enough beef for 1 billion burgers).
• Vandalia: Officials warned a state proposal to cut property taxes could triple local income tax.
• Nature: Rare bobcat spotted in Twin Valley MetroPark.

State of Ohio

• Politics: Gov. DeWine endorsed Vivek Ramaswamy for governor in 2026.
• Policy: DeWine banned the general sale of THC drinks (dispensaries only) and confirmed subsidized child care is funded for 8 more weeks.
• Education: Wright State and Central State were found non-compliant with the new "Science of Reading" law for using banned textbooks.
• Taxes: Warren County plans homeowner property tax relief in early 2026.

Dayton Business & Health

• Healthcare: Premier Health and Anthem reached a multi-year deal. Area hospitals imposed visitor restrictions due to respiratory illness spikes.
• Major Deals: Joby Aviation purchased a Vandalia facility for $61.5M to build air taxis. 413 Works proposed a $20.5M secure conference center.
• Downtown: A safety working group recommended a census of the unhoused and unified policing. Teardrop Steakhouse closed.

Suburban Highlights

• Beavercreek: The Greene is adding L.L.Bean (Fall '26) and Scramblers. Dave’s Hot Chicken is open.
• Huber Heights: Buc-ee’s set mass hiring for Feb. 17–19. GameStop is closing its Huber and Troy stores.
• Centerville: Stricter zoning passed for gas stations; the city is taking its fight against a proposed Sheetz to the Ohio Supreme Court.
• Kettering: School board approved demolishing Van Buren Middle School as part of a consolidation plan.
• Miamisburg: Star City Brewing sold; rebranding as Peerless Mill Inn & Brewery.
• Xenia/Trotwood: Xenia and CSU paused their water debt dispute for 90 days. Trotwood’s former Sears site secured $3.55M in tax credits.

Dayton Business & Development

• Price Stores Closing: After 75 years, the formal wear retailer (currently in Centerville) will permanently close on Dec. 31, 2025, marking owner Edd Wimsatt's retirement. A liquidation sale for clothing, fixtures, and furniture is underway.
• Smashburger Closure: The Brown St. location near UD has permanently closed after 15 years. Locations in Miami Twp and Butler Twp remain open.
• Miami Crossing Revamp: A new master plan initiative is underway to transform the Dayton Mall area into a walkable, mixed-use town center. Public input is open at miamicrossingmasterplan.org.
• Joby Aviation Expansion: Joby is doubling manufacturing capacity in Dayton and California, aiming for 4 aircraft per month by 2027. The Dayton site focuses on high-volume parts and eventual assembly.
• CareSource HQ Growth: The Ohio Tax Credit Authority approved incentives for CareSource to expand its downtown HQ, expecting 167 new jobs and $12.5M in new payroll.
• New Housing: Design Homes plans to build 135 luxury homes ($1.3M+) in Washington Township.
• New Dining: Urban Cheesesteak Co. opens Jan. 2, 2026, at W. Social Tap & Table.

Community & Events

• RTA Holiday Rides: Free rides systemwide (buses & Connect) on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
  • Historic Christmas Trolley: Free rides Saturday, Dec. 20 (4–6 p.m.) at Wright Stop Plaza with Santa and Buddy the Elf.
  • Holiday Bus: Running through December with surprises.
• Welcome Stadium: The press box will be named in honor of the late Karen Wick-Gagnet.

Suburban News

• Beavercreek: McDonald's will demolish the closed Burger King on Indian Ripple Rd (across from The Greene) to build a new location.
• Bellbrook: The School District has removed or restricted 130 books under a new "Parent’s Bill of Rights." 36 titles were removed from lower schools; 94 high school titles now require parental permission (including Slaughterhouse-Five and The Color Purple).
• Centerville: Godfather’s Pizza on Wilmington Pike has closed and is moving to Sugarcreek Twp.
• Fairborn: Mun-o-Salwa (halal cuisine) opened a second location on Colonel Glenn Highway.
• Kettering: Council approved 3% raises for non-union staff. Mayor Peggy Lehner and Vice Mayor Jacque Fisher have retired.
• Miamisburg: Sen. Jon Husted highlighted United Grinding’s competitive apprenticeship program as a "gold standard" for workforce dev.
• Moraine: Dutch Bros Coffee is planning a new drive-thru at Ohio 741 and West Alex Bell Rd.
• Springboro: Council approved a 3% cost-of-living raise for city employees.
• Troy:
  • Parks: Officials are reviewing a major upgrade plan, including expanding Duke Park and consolidating sports leagues.
  • Taxes: The School Board reduced property tax millage for Tax Year 2025, saving homeowners ~$40/year.
• Vandalia: Residents are launching a second referendum to let voters decide on the 167-home Riverdale subdivision due to traffic concerns.

Ohio News

• Prison Reform (HB 338): The Ohio House passed a bill banning higher education programs in "high security" prisons (Level 3+). This affects ~262 Sinclair Community College students. Sponsors argue it incentivizes good behavior to earn privileges; critics note it hinders rehabilitation. The bill now moves to the Senate.
• Hemp & Marijuana (SB 56): The Senate passed legislation likely to be signed by Gov. DeWine soon.
  • Hemp Ban: Intoxicating hemp (Delta-8/THCA) will be banned from gas stations/vape shops and sold only in licensed dispensaries.
  • Pot Rules: Recreational marijuana must stay in original packaging; out-of-state cannabis possession is criminalized.
  • Funding: Signing unlocks $28.3M for local dispensary host communities.

Dayton News

• Obituary: Karen Wick, co-owner of Coco’s Bistro and DPS Board member, passed away Dec. 6 at age 64.
• White Lotus Café Retiring: Owner Yong Shoop is retiring after 21 years. Her final day at the downtown staple is Dec. 30. The business has been sold, and new owners plan to keep the menu.
• New Bakery: "5 Frenchies Old North Dayton Bakery" is opening at 700 Troy St. (formerly Evans Bakery). Owner Patrick Parin will use original Evans family recipes.
• Animal Shelter Fees: Miami County Animal Shelter proposes a 2026 fee increase for spay/neuter services; commissioners vote next week.

Greater Dayton & Suburbs

• Beavercreek: The city is purchasing 62 acres near U.S. 35 and Factory Rd for $650,000. This secures land for a future highway interchange and blocks unwanted development (like the previously rejected truck stop).
• Englewood: Kroger Marketplace (885 Union Blvd) reopened its fuel center after a $3M expansion. Deal: 20 cents off per gallon with loyalty card through Jan. 3, 2026.
• Fairborn: Michael’s House Child Advocacy Center completed a $40k renovation to add a sensory room—the first of its kind in an Ohio advocacy center—to help calm children recovering from trauma.
• Huber Heights: City Council will vote on a 12-month moratorium on new gas stations to rewrite zoning codes. This does not affect the Buc-ee’s opening in April 2026.
• Miamisburg:
  • Night Owl Barber Co.: Opens Saturday, Dec. 13 (130 N. First St.). Event: Donate canned goods or a winter jacket between 11 a.m.–4 p.m. for a free haircut.
  • Ohio Red Barn: Closing its physical storefront Dec. 20 to transition to an online model.
  • Sycamore Trails Pool: Renovations are 40% complete. Reopening is targeted for Summer 2026, though likely after Memorial Day.
• Oakwood: The Board of Education is moving offices to 400 Sugar Camp Circle after their previous building on Rubicon Rd was deemed structurally unsafe.
• Tipp City:
  • Tax Cut: Council approved a property tax rate reduction, limiting revenue increases to 5% to offset soaring property valuations.
  • Grant Contest: Tipp City Area Arts Council needs votes to win a $5,000 grant. Voting is open now through Dec. 13. Link: https://bit.ly/Carols_for_a_Cause

TBDDeWine’s Crime Crackdown: Speaking in Dayton, Governor DeWine announced a targeted initiative against the <1% of the population responsible for the majority of violent crime. The strategy specifically targets repeat offenders and illegal gun possession using data-driven deployments, aerial surveillance, and parole checks involving the State Patrol and local police.

• "Andy’s Law" Passed: The House passed H.B. 338 (82-3) in response to the death of Officer Andrew Lansing. The bill mandates stricter sentences for inmates who assault correctional staff, including life without parole for murder, seven years for assault, and three years for throwing bodily fluids.
• Ten Commandments in Schools: The Senate passed S.B. 34, requiring public schools to display at least four "historic" documents, including the Ten Commandments. Critics argue this violates church-state separation, though it aligns with recent bills introducing religious content like the "Charlie Kirk American Heritage Act."

Dayton News

• CodeRED Data Breach: The emergency alert system used by Centerville and Kettering is offline due to a security breach. User names, addresses, and passwords were stolen. While 911 is unaffected, users should change any reused passwords immediately. A new platform is coming via Crisis24.
• Manufacturing Boom: A DRMA study reveals local manufacturers added 6,340 jobs between 2023-2024. The sector now boasts a $12 billion payroll with average wages exceeding $90k, though the demand for talent remains high.
• Tech & Business: Dayton-based Niobium Microsystems raised $23M to develop advanced encryption chips. Meanwhile, gas prices in the region have dropped to four-year lows, nearing $2/gallon.
• Local Flavor: The Dessert Room opens at the Dayton Arcade on Dec. 11. Warped Wing releases its 2025 Whiskey Rebellion Imperial Stout and variants this Saturday, Dec. 6.

Suburbs & Regional

• Fairborn:
  • Peerless Expands: Peerless Technologies acquired QED Systems, growing its workforce to nearly 700 and enhancing its defense capabilities.
  • Closings & Returns: Gluten-free bakery The Neighborhood Nest will permanently close Dec. 31. Jubie’s Creamery re-releases its award-winning "Hot Honeycomb" flavor on Dec. 5.
• Kettering:
  • Traffic Change: The traffic light at Far Hills Ave and Laurelann Dr is set for removal in 2026. It is currently in a 90-day "flash mode" phase.
  • Reopening: Troni’s Italian Restaurant reopened on Nov. 28.
• Oakwood: Schools secured $18.4M in state funding for renovations, avoiding new taxes. Separately, City Council approved a new budget that includes utility rate hikes.
• Tipp City: Council is considering strict new regulations for construction explosives—including mandatory notice and pre-blast surveys—following resident complaints.
• Waynesville: Former school treasurer Ronald L. James was ordered to repay $44,222 for late fees and penalties caused by his failure to pay district bills on time.
• Miamisburg: PureMD MedSpa opened a new location at Austin Landing.
• Xenia: Common Thread, a rug tufting fiber arts studio, has opened downtown.

Ohio News

• Property Tax Relief: The General Assembly passed a package of four bills providing approximately $3.8 billion in tax reductions and credits to curb soaring property valuations. The legislation awaits Governor DeWine's signature.
• High School NIL: OHSAA member schools voted to allow high school athletes to monetize their Name, Image, and Likeness effective immediately. Restrictions: No pay-for-play, no school logos, no boosters, and deals must be reported within 14 days.
• AES Donation: AES Ohio donated $1 million to the Salvation Army’s "Gift of Power" program. Funded by shareholders, this allows for emergency electric bill assistance ($300–$500) for those ineligible for government aid.

Dayton News

• ARC Restrictions: The Montgomery County Animal Resource Center is restricting intakes to court-ordered cases for two weeks due to kennel construction. Promo: Dog adoptions are $20 through Dec. 13; short-term fosters are urgently needed.
• Busing Investigation: A Dayton Daily News investigation highlights frustrations with school busing service cuts. Causes: A 20% driver shortage since 2019, budget cuts, and state mandates to transport private, charter, and homeless students.
• Free Thanksgiving Meals:
  • Amar India: Free lunch buffet on Thanksgiving Day (11 a.m.–2 p.m.) at Amar India (Centerville), Amar India North (Miller Lane), and Jeet India (Beavercreek).
  • Miami Valley Meals: Distributing ~8,000 free frozen meals on Wednesday, Nov. 26. Locations: Trotwood-Madison HS (9–11 a.m.) and Fairborn Phoenix (Noon–2 p.m.).
• Wendy’s Promo: Eleven area locations are offering a free Jr. Bacon Cheeseburger or 4-piece nuggets this Friday, Nov. 21 (11 a.m.–8 p.m.). No purchase necessary.
• Sinclair Expansion: Sinclair Community College is investing $30 million to transform Building 8 into an Integrated Technology Education Center by Spring 2027.
• Beavercreek: A proposal to build up to 180 apartments near Wright-Patterson AFB is moving forward.
• Fairborn: AFMC (Wright-Patt) obligated nearly $83 billion in FY25, representing 38% of the total U.S. Air Force budget.
• Miamisburg: A new Chick-fil-A is in the planning stages for 10322 Springboro Pike.
• Oakwood: Forza Fitness has opened a second location in Springboro.
• Springboro:
  • "The Lawn": The Planning Commission is divided on a 35-acre mixed-use proposal (335 apartments) due to the inclusion of a gas station. The plan moves to City Council.
  • Housing: Bailey Farm Phase 2 (64 homes) and the East Street redevelopment were approved.
  • Jobs: Advanced Interior Solutions (AISI) is expanding operations, creating 45 new jobs and retaining 61.
• Trotwood: Mar’Tae Kitchen & Cocktails has opened at 5212 Salem Ave.
• Xenia:
  • The new Greene County Gene Fischer Correctional Center is complete, replacing the aging 1969 jail.
  • Common Thread Fiber Arts Studio has opened downtown.

Ohio News

• Ticket Sales Reform (HB 563): Ohio lawmakers are considering a bill to regulate platforms like Ticketmaster and StubHub. Key provisions include "all-in pricing" (upfront disclosure of total costs), banning "speculative" selling of tickets the seller doesn’t possess, and prohibiting lookalike sites that mimic official venues. Violations could result in $15,000 daily fines.
• Mail-in Ballot Deadline (SB 293): A bill eliminating the four-day grace period for mail-in ballots passed the House committee on Nov. 18. If enacted, ballots must be received by county boards by the time polls close on Election Day to be counted.

Dayton News

• Water Rates Rising: Montgomery County commissioners approved a 5% annual increase for water and sewer rates over the next five years. The hike funds $248 million in upgrades to aging infrastructure and covers rising wholesale costs from the City of Dayton.
• Speed Limit Reductions: Dayton adopted a policy to evaluate lowering speed limits from 35-45 mph to 25 mph in business districts like Wayne Ave, Salem Ave, and downtown to improve pedestrian safety.
• Mercy Health & Humana Deal: A contract agreement was reached, ensuring Humana Medicare Advantage and Managed Medicaid patients maintain in-network access to Mercy Health facilities effective Dec. 1.
• Downtown Hotels: The Convention Facilities Authority unveiled a $120 million plan for two new hotels near the Convention Center: a new $77M "HQ Hotel" and a redevelopment of the Fidelity Building into a 130-room hotel.
• New Library Café: The owners of The Ugly Duckling are opening The Book Worm Café inside the Dayton Metro Library Main Branch.
• Free Meals: Local businesses are offering free meals to combat food insecurity:
  • Get Air (Huber Heights): Hot meals/desserts Nov. 23 (2pm-4pm).
  • The Fairborn Phoenix: Turkey dinners (drive-thru) Nov. 26 (12pm-2pm).
  • The Root Beer Stande: Free kids meals for SNAP cardholders through the weekend.

Centerville

• Sheetz Approved: The Second District Court of Appeals upheld a ruling requiring the city to accept the planning commission’s approval for a Sheetz at the current Elsa’s location on Far Hills Ave.
• Ditto Bar: Now open at 68 W. Franklin St. (formerly Crabshire’s Tavern), featuring a "Cheers"-like vibe and outdoor patios.

Fairborn

• WSU Lawsuit: Wright State is prepared to spend over $2.2 million in legal fees in its suit against former research arm Parallax. Trial is set for January; WSU seeks $9.5 million+ in damages.

Kettering

• School Levy: The School Board voted to place a 5.93-mill bond issue on the May 5 ballot. The $222 million generated would fund a new middle school and a rebuild of the Fairmont HS academic wing.

Piqua

• Mall Revitalization: The former Miami Valley Centre Mall food court has reopened as The Social at Piqua Center, featuring six food vendors, a bar, an arcade, and an adventure park.

Springboro

• Mail Theft Sentencing: A man was sentenced to 180 days in jail for using sticky mouse traps to fish mail out of USPS collection boxes. He pleaded guilty to felony tampering and theft.

Government is back open. 44 Days - (47th President Joke)

Ohio news

Ohio lawmakers are rushing to pass a permanent solution for regulating intoxicating hemp (delta-8 THC) before a court order blocking the governor's ban expires Dec. 2. Both House and Senate agree on age restrictions and testing but split on sales: The Senate wants sales in licensed marijuana dispensaries, the House wants a new license for hemp retailers. Lawmakers are also adding a public smoking ban and expungement process to the state's recreational marijuana law. A key disagreement is tax revenue, with the House fighting for the 36% local government share.

AES Ohio seeks another rate increase, days after a separate hike was approved. The new 'three-year rate plan' would raise rates 3% annually from 2027-2029, a first under a new law (HB15) allowing use of forecasted data. This follows PUCO's recent approval of a separate 9% hike for AES Ohio, effective in 2026.

Dayton News

HUD canceled its Section 8 contract with West Dayton's Bancroft Apartments due to major health/safety threats. The 93-unit complex is vacant; all 52 families were relocated. Officials worry the blighted property will negatively impact the Miami Chapel and Edgemont neighborhoods, which are seeing millions in new investments.

Dayton Water is replacing the Mad River Well Field Conversion Dam to ensure a reliable raw water supply. Timely replacement keeps costs low. The Department applied for a low-interest Ohio EPA loan to cover expenses without typical interest, saving ratepayers money.

Dayton's $138M Recovery Plan updates:

• Housing: New homes are under construction in Edgemont, Wolf Creek, and South Park. Home repair programs completed 3,400+ repairs at 170+ households.
• Small Business: The 'First Floor Fund' approved $7.1M+, supporting businesses like Cozy Craft Studios.
• City Facilities: A new West Patrol station (opens 2026) is under construction. Fire Stations 15 and 16 renovations begin in early 2026.
• Community: New facilities are complete for non-profits like Ronald McDonald House and East End Community Services.

Ruskin Commons, a new park, opened outside Ruskin Elementary on a former store site. A collaboration between the City ($240,000) and the EDNDC (donated park to Dayton Public Schools), it aims to alleviate traffic, provide a new student drop-off, reduce speed limits, and create a safe space. It features student-made mosaics saying 'hope' in multiple languages.

The first-ever Dayton Pizza Week runs through Sunday, Nov. 16. Nearly 20 restaurants offer $10-$12 specialty pizzas.

Many sought the 40-year recipe for Elder-Beerman’s Swiss Melt Cookies. A 1984 investigation revealed they were sold at 'Amy's Cookies' outlets. They weren't an original recipe but sourced from an Illinois company, Party Cookies Inc. Known for imported Swiss chocolate, an exec called it the 'Cadillac of chocolate chip cookies.' The recipe is a secret.

Beavercreek

Wingstop is opening at 2476 Commons Blvd. in Beavercreek, planned for Dec. 1.

Centerville

Centerville and VFW Post 9550 launched a Veterans Banner Program. Banners will be displayed at the Veterans Memorial Plaza in Stubbs Park from spring to fall. The program was announced at the Veterans Day ceremony, honoring veterans Tony Miltenberger, Timothy Pennartz, and Federico “Fred” Rojas, Jr.

Tipp City

Tipp City Council unanimously banned all commercial marijuana businesses. Council cited a lack of economic incentive, as the state keeps all tax revenue. Others stated such businesses don't 'fit with the community,' regardless of financial benefit.