The Local Exchange Podcast

Meet 5-Year-Old Liam DeLong – Quarter-Finalist in the 2026 National Jr. Ranger Champion Competition!Join us for a fun, heartwarming conversation with Liam DeLong and his parents, Alison and Rob, as they share what it’s like to compete in the exciting 2026 Jr. Ranger contest presented by Ranger Rick and the National Wildlife Federation.At just 5 years old, Liam is a passionate little explorer from Lima, Ohio, who loves hiking, collecting rocks, spotting animals, and dreaming of visiting every National Park. He’s currently 2nd place in the Quarter-Finals and every daily vote helps him advance toward the chance to win $20,000, appear in Ranger Rick magazine, and go on an unforgettable wildlife adventure with Jeff Corwin!In this episode, Alison and Rob open up about:

• What goes into competing, from submitting photos and profiles to rallying friends and family for daily votes
• The family’s favorite outdoor adventures
• How the contest is inspiring Liam’s love for nature, dinosaurs, and other animals

Whether you’re a nature-loving parent, a Ranger Rick fan, or just enjoy hearing from adorable kids with big dreams, this episode is full of smiles, inspiration, and practical ways to raise the next generation of wildlife stewards.🎉 Vote daily for Liam (it’s free!) and help this little explorer go all the way: 🔗 https://jr-ranger.org/2026/liam-11d4Voting for Semi-Finalists ends Thursday, May 21 at 7PM PDT. Every vote counts and supports the National Wildlife Federation’s mission to protect wildlife and wild places.Subscribe so you don’t miss future episodes with more young adventurers and their families! #JrRanger #RangerRick #NatureKids #OutdoorFamily #LimaOhio

In this episode, I sit down with Shawnee Township Fire Chief Austin Miller to talk about the upcoming fire levy renewal on the May 5 ballot. We keep it straightforward: what the levy actually pays for, how much it costs the average homeowner, and why the department needs it. Chief Miller also shares what it’s been like stepping in as a first-time chief, handling big calls on I-75 and local fires, the new HAAS Alert system, firefighter mental health, and what’s coming next for the department. Let me know what you think in the comments. #ShawneeTownship #FireLevy #LimaOhio

In this episode we sit down with Andrew Benchic — local attorney at Huffman Kelley & Brock, parent, coach, and husband of a Bath teacher. Andrew is a strong advocate for the upcoming Bath School Levy and a member of the Community Action Team (CAT) that helped shape the project. He explains in depth why he supports the 5.95-mill bond for a new high school, the real costs and benefits for residents, and how it addresses aging facilities while planning for the future. We also talk about the type of law he practices, his career path, movies, the growth and activity in Downtown Lima, and more. This episode pairs perfectly with our earlier conversation with Bath School Board member Stephanie Ernest (Episode 17). Go back and check that one out here: https://youtu.be/Hso3HuBMqus?si=cwP0v1m2zicyaiVb Whether you're voting on May 5 or just want to hear a thoughtful local perspective on education and community, this one’s for you. ✅ Drop your thoughts in the comments! ✅ Learn more about the levy at BathBuildingProject.com If you enjoyed the show, please follow and subscribe so you never miss an episode: 🎧 Spotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/7JQMSOYzwbuJg4nMYAgqyl?si=OhegeB8sQZm0Z72SSC33SQ 📺 YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@TheLocalExchange #BathSchools #BathLevy #AndrewBenchic #LocalAttorney #LimaOhio #May5Election #CommunityMatters

In this episode, I talk with Cory Parent, a Shawnee Township resident, Shawnee High School alumnus, cloud engineer, and former U.S. Army intelligence trainee. We discuss his investigative series on Project BOSC, the massive data center planned for Allen County near Lima, Ohio. Cory explains the conflicting stories around the project, issues of transparency, infrastructure without reciprocity, and how big developments are bypassing local township governance. We also cover the proposed 25 MW ballot initiative and what better development could look like for rural Ohio. Read Cory’s full series here: https://substack.com/@coryparent