Revolutionary War connections run deeper in Delaware County than most residents realize. As America approaches its 250th anniversary, Delaware County Historical Society Executive Director Donna Meyer reveals the fascinating links between our community and the nation's founding that have remained hidden in plain sight for generations.

When the cash-strapped new American government couldn't pay Revolutionary War soldiers with money, they compensated them with "bounty lands" - including what would later become Delaware County. The more prestigious your military rank, the more acreage you received. These land grants directly shaped our community's development, with many veterans selling their properties to speculators who would eventually establish settlements. Moses Bixby, the town's founder, acquired numerous such deeds before planting the town of Delaware in 1808. Even today, our street names - like Winter Street, named after Bixby's wife's maiden name (Witter) - reflect this founding history.

Perhaps most remarkable is the discovery that over 100 Revolutionary War soldiers are buried throughout Delaware County. William Warrington, interred at Mill Creek Cemetery near Ostrander, served as one of George Washington's personal bodyguards and reportedly intercepted poison intended for the general - potentially altering American history. Warrington, who fathered 17 children through four marriages, represents just one of countless stories waiting to be uncovered.

The Historical Society has launched several initiatives to celebrate America's 250th birthday, including mapping Revolutionary War graves, creating cemetery driving tours with costumed reenactors, and establishing a Student Ambassador Program for high school students. These young history enthusiasts complete volunteer hours with local historical organizations and attend special classes on America's founding to earn ceremonial graduation cords.

Explore this rich heritage yourself by visiting the Meeker Museum (housed in an 1823 home built by Revolutionary War veteran Forrest Meeker), the Nash House Museum, or the historic jail during First Friday tours. The Delaware County Historical Society offers walking tours, driving guides, and research resources to help uncover the revolutionary history hiding beneath our feet.

Connect with your community's revolutionary past and join in celebrating America's 250th anniversary through these upcoming events and historical explorations. Visit delawareohiohistory.org to learn more about how our local story intertwines with the nation's founding narrative.

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Senator Brenner pulls back the curtain on Ohio's legislative process, sharing significant wins for wildlife rehabilitation and consumer protection while breaking down what matters most in the massive state budget bill moving through Columbus.

The interview begins with a deep dive into Senate Bill 152, which addresses a critical gap for wildlife rehabilitation centers. Currently unable to humanely euthanize severely injured animals due to opioid crisis legislation, these centers must hire veterinarians, causing delays, increased suffering, and higher costs. The bill that passed unanimously out of the Senate creates a pathway for properly trained staff to administer euthanasia when necessary, and will potentially become law before the end of June.

Equally important is the Senate's consumer protection effort through Senate Bill 155, which addresses real estate "wholesaling" practices where buyers purchase homes without disclosing their intention to resell them at a higher price immediately. Rather than banning the practice, the legislation requires transparency, particularly in protecting vulnerable homeowners, such as seniors and those in economic distress.

The conversation shifts to the 5,565-page state budget, where Senator Brenner highlights property tax relief measures including expanded homestead exemptions, a flatter income tax structure, and school funding guarantees. The Senator articulates an innovative approach to funding economic development using Ohio's $4.8 billion in unclaimed funds rather than direct tax dollars, with built-in protections to ensure returns on investment.

Throughout the discussion, we see how legislative choices directly impact Ohioans, from managing property tax burdens for seniors to addressing the statewide housing shortage through zoning reforms and allocations from the housing trust fund. For listeners concerned about school funding, the Senator provides context on the significant increases in per-pupil spending despite what he says are declining student populations in many districts.

Want to follow these developments? The Senator explains how to access the full budget bill and summary documents at ohiosenate.gov, with final negotiations between the House, Senate, and Governor concluding by the June 30th deadline.

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Affordable housing in Delaware County has reached a crisis point, with average home prices exceeding $400,000 and rental rates skyrocketing beyond what working families can afford. In this eye-opening conversation with Brandon Feller, President of the United Way of Delaware County, we explore how this critical issue impacts community sustainability and what is being done to address it.

Brandon reveals the harsh reality many families face—spending 60-70% of their income on housing leaves them vulnerable to financial disaster when unexpected expenses arise. "We're at a tipping point," he explains. "We're negatively impacting the community by not having a diverse housing stock."

The discussion covers the partnerships driving affordable housing development, the persistent challenge of NIMBY (Not In My Back Yard) attitudes, and United Way's advocacy at township, state, and federal levels to create policy change. From advocating for zoning reforms that enable accessory dwelling units to fighting for the release of $70,000 in federal funding for food and shelter, United Way tackles systemic barriers while providing direct support.

We also explore United Way's broader impact through programs like their after-school initiative, which provides safe spaces for children from challenging home environments. And their Backpacks for Scholars program, which provides school supplies for more than 2,400 students of all ages.

Curious how you can help? Visit liveuniteddelawarecounty.org to learn about volunteer opportunities, sponsorship options, or to donate directly to programs making a tangible difference in Delaware County residents' lives.

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Step into the dynamic world of Sunbury, Ohio as City Administrator Daryl Hennessey reveals how this small town is managing its dramatic evolution from village to city status. Four years after crossing the 5,000-resident threshold, Sunbury faces unique challenges balancing explosive growth with preserving its cherished small-town character. Topics covered include the following.

• The city adopted a charter giving it more local control over decision-making processes
• Assuming responsibility for state routes through the city created new maintenance obligations
• Sunbury spans about seven square miles with a disproportionately large geographic footprint relative to its population
• The city is actively diversifying its tax base away from 75% residential property valuation
• Amazon Web Services is making a $2 billion investment in a data center on the east side of Sunbury
• Approximately 2,200 new housing units are in various stages of development, with almost half being multi-family or non-traditional single-family homes
• Council has committed more than $3 million to develop JR Smith Park with active recreational amenities
• Major summer events include the Farmer's Market, Memorial Day Marketplace, 4th of July celebration, and Sunbury Sizzle and Sounds in August
• Delaware County Transit is helping with workforce access by offering flexible $2 rides from Sunbury to nearby destinations in Delaware.

For more information about development projects and upcoming events, visit www.sunburyohio.org or contact City Administrator Daryl Hennessey at dhennessey@sunburyohio.org.

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Could Ohio become the first state to completely abolish property taxes? With skyrocketing home valuations forcing seniors out of their long-paid homes and creating financial strain for countless homeowners, a group of determined citizens is fighting to fundamentally change how public services are funded.

Beth Blackmar from Citizens for Property Tax Reform joins us to share her personal story - a shocking 51.9% increase in her century-old bungalow's valuation that mirrors the experience of homeowners across the state. We dive deep into the frustrating appeals process that often provides little relief, even when professional appraisals contradict county assessments. Beth explains how only 30% of Ohio residents shoulder the entire property tax burden, with many seniors now paying monthly tax bills exceeding their original mortgage payments.

The conversation extends beyond tax policy to explore broader housing challenges facing Ohio. With Central Ohio projected to reach 3 million residents by 2050, outdated zoning codes from 70 years ago are hampering development. Business growth depends on housing availability, infrastructure investment, and thoughtful regional planning - all interconnected issues that demand proactive solutions rather than reactive policies.

What makes this movement particularly fascinating is that advocates for abolishing property taxes aren't seeking to defund schools or public services. Instead, they're challenging legislators to develop more equitable funding mechanisms that distribute costs across all Ohioans rather than concentrating them on property owners. Their petition has cleared initial hurdles, and with 500,000 signatures, Ohio voters could face this transformative question on November's ballot.

Visit reformpropertytax.com to learn more about this initiative or to get involved in reshaping Ohio's approach to funding essential services while preserving affordable homeownership.

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What happens when a school district grows from 2,000 to 24,000 students in just three decades? Superintendent Todd Meyers joins us to reveal how Olentangy Local Schools manages explosive growth while maintaining educational excellence. Topics covered include:

• 1,600 vs 16,000 per student, why making a case at the statehouse for school funding matters. "For every additional dollar we get from the state," Meyers emphasizes, "that's one less dollar we have to ask from our local taxpayers."
• District faces potential $90-100 million "clawback" of reserves needed for continued growth in the proposed budget
• Need for 5 new school buildings in the coming years to accommodate 2,000+ new students annually
• Security measures include vestibules at all entrances and school resource officers at secondary schools
• Community partnerships providing additional facilities for student activities help us achieve our educational excellence goal.

Olentangy Local Schools continues breaking records with seven state championships in just two years. From Liberty High School's football and lacrosse titles to Orange High School's back-to-back girls wrestling championships and recent boys basketball state victory, athletic excellence mirrors academic achievement. The district's robotics team just made their third appearance at the world competition, while journalism, speech and debate, and marketing programs consistently earn national recognition.

Listen to hear how the staff at Olentangy Schools is working to ensure the students' educational excellence in the future.

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