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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Every day, millions of Ohioans travel across thousands of miles of roadway without giving much thought to the complex systems keeping them safe. That changes the moment we see those dreaded orange barrels or "Road Work Ahead" signs. What happens behind those barriers? How are decisions made about which roads get fixed and when?

Matt Bruning, Press Secretary for the Ohio Department of Transportation, pulls back the curtain on the state's transportation infrastructure in this revealing conversation. From the strategic redesign of Columbus's notorious I-70/71 split (home to several of Ohio's most dangerous crash locations) to the science behind winter road treatments, Bruning offers fascinating insights into how ODOT works to keep traffic flowing safely across the Buckeye State.

Topics Include:

• The Downtown Columbus I-70/71 split project aims to reduce crashes by eliminating dangerous lane crossings
• Worker safety remains critical, with 58 ODOT crews hit so far this year compared to 84 in all of last year. The Move Over law requires drivers to change lanes or slow down when approaching vehicles with flashing lights. Bruning reminds us - "When you see road workers, remember they're real people with families waiting for them at home. Move over, slow down, and give them room to work safely."
• Infrastructure funding faces long-term challenges as fuel-efficient vehicles reduce gas tax revenue despite increased traffic. The federal gas tax hasn't increased since 1993, creating funding challenges as costs rise.
• Roundabouts significantly improve intersection safety despite public resistance. Center landscaping in roundabouts strategically forces drivers to look left at yielding traffic.
• Projects across Ohio include US 33 upgrades in Athens County and studying a potential Route 23 bypass in Delaware County.

Whether you're curious about major projects transforming Ohio's transportation landscape or simply want to understand why that pothole on your commute hasn't been fixed yet, this episode delivers valuable insights about the roads connecting our communities. Follow ODOT at transportationohio.gov for project updates, construction guides, and to report road issues in your area.

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Commodity specialists from Posival & Company discuss the far-reaching impacts of recent tariff policies on global supply chains, Central Ohio businesses, and consumer prices.

• Uncertainty is the biggest challenge, as businesses struggle to predict costs and maintain international partnerships
• Consumer goods retailers like Dollar Tree face existential challenges with tariffs up to 145% on imported products
• Reshoring manufacturing to the US isn't simple—it requires years of development, substantial investment, and higher labor costs
• Southeast Asia presents alternative market opportunities as businesses pivot away from China
• Even with tariff barriers, business continues because "people still need to eat"
• Historical context shows trade conflicts have shaped American policy since the country's founding
• The maritime shipping imbalance is stark—China built 353 ships last year while the US built only 3

For supply chain consulting or to learn more about grain commodities trading, visit https://www.pnco-international.com/.

Whether you're a business owner managing global supply chains or a consumer wondering why prices are rising, this episode offers valuable insights into the complex world of international trade during turbulent times. Connect with Max Posival and Brian Thomas at https://www.pnco-international.com/ or find them on LinkedIn.

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The global marketplace affects everyone—especially our farmers. As international trade tensions rise and tariff talks dominate headlines, Ohio's agricultural community finds itself at the center of the storm.

Wendy Osborn, Director of Market Development at Ohio Corn and Wheat, joins us to unpack what these developments mean for Ohio's vital grain industries. As the seventh-largest corn producer in America, Ohio plays a critical role in both domestic and global food systems. The United States leads the world in corn production, with Mexico standing as our largest buyer and Canada purchasing 40% of our corn ethanol exports.

Our conversation reveals how today's farmers face a double challenge: navigating potential trade disruptions while simultaneously managing historically high production costs. Modern farming operations require significant investment in advanced technology, equipment, and land—costs that continue to climb with inflation. When trade barriers arise, the impact on farmers' bottom lines can be devastating.

The episode also highlights exciting innovations in corn usage, including bioplastics development and other petroleum-product replacements. Despite current challenges, Ohio's strong transportation infrastructure and domestic livestock markets provide some stability for grain producers.

Listen now to gain a deeper understanding of how global politics affect your food supply and the farmers who grow it. Subscribe to Central Ohio Matters for more insights into the issues shaping our region's future.

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What makes your bank more than just a place to store money? For Richwood Bank CEO and President Chad Hoffman, it's about being deeply woven into the fabric of community life.

Banking doesn't usually make headlines unless something goes wrong. Yet community banks like Richwood are quietly revolutionizing how local financial institutions serve their communities while competing against national giants. Their guiding vision—"to inspire, protect, and celebrate anything that helps our communities thrive"—shapes everything from their innovative in-branch coffee shops to their emphasis on cybersecurity and stopping fraud.

Founded in 1867 and community-owned by farmers and local residents rather than institutional investors, Richwood Bank embraces technology without losing human connection. While customers can now check accounts instantly from their phones and make contactless payments, the bank has simultaneously made its physical spaces more inviting. Their unique donation-based coffee shop concept has generated nearly $1 million for local charities while increasing branch traffic.

The true value of community banking shines during difficult times. When hotels struggled during the pandemic, Richwood offered flexible payment options rather than selling their loans. During agricultural droughts and trucking industry downturns, they partnered with customers instead of pressuring them. Hoffman emphasizes, "Where you bank matters."

Beyond traditional banking, Richwood now offers marketing, payroll, financial planning, and HR consulting services to help local businesses thrive. This community-focused approach has made them the ninth fastest-growing financial institution in Ohio for seven consecutive years.

Join Host Michelle Gatchell and Richwood Bank CEO and President Chad Hoffman for this episode of Central Ohio Matters.

View the Richwood Bank website here.

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Rural communities don't always get the spotlight, but Morrow County offers surprising depth and forward-thinking leadership worth your attention. Commissioner Tim Siegfried takes us beyond the cornfields to reveal the delicate balance of preserving rural character while embracing strategic growth.

The county stands at a geographic crossroads, potentially impacted by major infrastructure projects, including a Highway 23 bypass that would connect to Interstate 71 through southern Morrow County. Located within the crucial 40-mile radius of Intel's massive development, the county's leadership has strategically positioned growth opportunities at the 61-71 and 95-71 interstate exchanges, where essential utilities are already in place.

Beyond development talk, Morrow County shines with unexpected treasures. The nationally-recognized Mid-Ohio Race Track draws substantial crowds throughout summer. Flying Horse Farm provides extraordinary camp experiences for children with developmental and physical challenges. The Cardinal Shooting Center hosts national competitions that fill local campgrounds. Meanwhile, infrastructure improvements continue with a $7 million highway department building nearing completion and a $4.3 million jail renovation project on the horizon.

Commissioner Siegfried emphasizes the county's commitment to concentrated, thoughtful development rather than scattered growth that might compromise agricultural lands. As businesses like Groovy Plants Ranch continue expanding and the county fair celebrates its remarkable 175th anniversary this year, Morrow County demonstrates how rural communities can honor their heritage while crafting a sustainable future.

Listen for insights into how small counties navigate development pressures, balance economic opportunities with preservation of character, and leverage their unique assets to create community pride and visitor appeal.

Visit Morrow County website, here.

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The economic powerhouse of Ohio's agriculture takes center stage as Kirk Merritt, Executive Director of both the Ohio Soybean Association and Ohio Soybean Council, reveals the remarkable impact of the state's soybean industry. With 25,000 farmers generating $3-4 billion in direct revenue and contributing approximately $8 billion to Ohio's economy, soybeans are far more than just another crop.

Facing a perfect storm of challenges, farmers are navigating historically low crop prices alongside stubbornly high input costs. Meanwhile, the critical Farm Bill—legislation that provides essential safety net programs for farmers—remains two years overdue. Merritt details how these programs only activate when truly needed, serving as crucial protection against unpredictable market and weather conditions. The conversation explores how trade tensions affect soybean farmers, with more than half their crop destined for export markets. Both Canada and Mexico, Ohio's first and second largest soybean customers, feature prominently in current trade negotiations, raising significant concerns about potential retaliatory tariffs similar to those that damaged exports in 2018-2019.

Particularly fascinating is Ohio's innovative approach to creating new markets for soybeans. Through partnerships with Ohio Wesleyan University and Shawnee State University, the Airable Research Lab develops commercial soy-based products like biodegradable chainsaw oil, which is now sold through major retailers nationwide. This forward-thinking strategy drives additional demand while offering environmentally sustainable alternatives to petroleum-based products.

Weather extremes continue testing farmer resilience, with last year bringing excessive spring rainfall followed by record-breaking drought in southern Ohio that decimated yields. As agriculture evolves, Merritt highlights the growing importance of technology and reliable rural broadband connectivity to optimize operations and remain competitive. Whether you're concerned about food security, environmental sustainability, or rural economic development, this eye-opening conversation reveals why soybeans matter to all Ohioans.

Discover how this humble bean impacts everything from your local economy to global trade relations. Subscribe now and join the conversation about Central Ohio's agricultural future!

Ohio Soybean Council

Ohio Soybean Association

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A perfect storm is brewing in Ohio's food security network. As state budget cuts loom and federal programs terminate, food banks across the Buckeye State face unprecedented challenges in meeting skyrocketing demand.

Jory Novotny, Executive Director of the Ohio Association of Food Banks, takes us behind the scenes of what she calls "Food Banking 101." The association, formed in 1991, serves as the backbone for 12 regional Feeding America food banks supporting 3,600 local pantries across all 88 Ohio counties. Through innovative programs like the Ohio Food Program and Agricultural Clearance Program, they've created a system that simultaneously addresses hunger while supporting local agriculture and preventing food waste.

But this carefully balanced ecosystem now faces serious threats. Governor DeWine's proposed budget includes a $7.5 million annual cut to state food programs, while the USDA has terminated the Local Food Purchase Assistance Program that connected food banks with 170 Ohio farmers and vendors. Meanwhile, although funding for programs like the Senior Box Program hasn't officially decreased, inflation means those same dollars buy significantly less food than before.

The numbers tell a sobering story: from July through December 2023, Ohio food banks served more visitors than during any comparable six-month period in nearly 35 years. Where they once provided 6-8 days worth of groceries per visit, they can now only offer about 5 days worth. Fresh produce, often the first casualty of budget constraints, has already disappeared from some distribution channels.

Beyond emergency food assistance, Novotny emphasizes the interconnectedness of hunger with other systemic issues like healthcare access. Many pantry visitors face impossible choices between affording food or medicine, highlighting why the association has expanded into healthcare outreach and "food as medicine" initiatives.

Want to help? Financial donations stretch furthest, but volunteering remains the backbone of the system. Perhaps most importantly, contact your elected officials about supporting food bank funding at both state and federal levels. After all, as Novotny reminds us: "Every person has to eat every day."

To support Ohio's food banks, visit ohiofoodbanks.org to connect with your regional food bank or local pantry for volunteer opportunities and donation information.

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