The Local Exchange Podcast

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