https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-local-exchange-podcast--6960630enGovernmentCopyright Jon Keskehttps://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/c1fccc5846775962afe09758014bc1bd.jpghttps://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-local-exchange-podcast--6960630Wed, 16 Sep 2026 11:24:40 +0000Jon KeskeJon Keskelocalexchangelima@gmail.comThe Local Exchange brings Northwest Ohio together through candid conversations with candidates, leaders, organizers, and business voices. Hosted by Jon Keske, we explore the issues and stories that shape our region - one authentic discussion at a time.true0560e5cd-4381-525c-b73a-85c1212de271episodichttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/episode-30-jeff-givan--75167163https://jeffgivan4ohio.com/ https://www.facebook.com/JeffGivan4ohio]]>99a1b96b-aa28-451e-a30a-183ebe600496Wed, 16 Sep 2026 11:18:31 +0000Jon KeskeJeff Givan is a first-time candidate for the Ohio House in District 78, which covers Allen County and part of northern Auglaize County. He is a co-founder of the Lima Pride Alliance. We talk about how the Ohio House works, school funding, healthcare,...https://jeffgivan4ohio.com/ https://www.facebook.com/JeffGivan4ohio]]>4198true130fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/episode-29-matt-hambleton--74963903121b5505-b250-4795-b348-29ec4d54223dMon, 07 Sep 2026 10:48:03 +0000Jon KeskeMatt is back on The Local Exchange. We start with a little Shawnee football, then get into recent issues around Shawnee Schools. After that we talk through where things stand after the first round of the Chief Austin Miller hearing.The Local Exchange...5602true129fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/episode-28-lew-modic--74775682https://voteforlew.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Lew-Modic-for-Commissioner/61579423242067/Donate page: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/modic-for-commissioner#TheLocalExchange #AllenCounty #LimaOhio #OhioPolitics #CountyCommissioner #LewModic]]>5755bc69-1377-4aaa-b81c-4bbfa3289322Tue, 01 Sep 2026 00:38:35 +0000Jon KeskeLew Modic is the Democratic candidate for Allen County Commissioner, running against incumbent Brian Winegardner in the November 3, 2026 general election.In this episode of The Local Exchange, Lew talks about what a county commissioner actually does,...https://voteforlew.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Lew-Modic-for-Commissioner/61579423242067/Donate page: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/modic-for-commissioner#TheLocalExchange #AllenCounty #LimaOhio #OhioPolitics #CountyCommissioner #LewModic]]>4342false128fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/episode-27-joe-wassink--73487010a2159f3c-5ec6-498c-b995-76610f311c3bWed, 05 Aug 2026 09:30:00 +0000Jon KeskeEpisode 27: Joe Wassink – LifeWise, Faith, and the Lifewise 5KIn this episode of The Local Exchange, Jon sits down with Joe Wassink of Lima, Ohio. Joe serves with ACTS / TV44 and has been deeply involved with LifeWise Academy in Allen County for...4269false127fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/episode-26-sov-savors--732320303f687541-6b44-4654-b2e8-84375a059232Wed, 29 Jul 2026 10:00:00 +0000Jon KeskeIn this episode of The Local Exchange, I sit down with Sov Savors — the Lima-area food reviewer who’s been making serious noise across greater Northwest Ohio.We dig into how he chooses the next restaurant, his process for creating high-quality review...5343true126fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/episode-25-dalton-smith--727182276c2eb04f-1616-4cbe-b434-527d916b627fSat, 27 Jun 2026 17:08:53 +0000Jon KeskeDalton J. Smith (attorney who was part of the legal team representing Shawnee Township Fire Chief Austin Miller during last year’s proceedings) joins us to discuss the current situation. In this conversation we cover what can be shared publicly about...7261false125fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/episode-24-jake-eilerman-419-live--72628552e5c7589b-d498-4d3f-b4ba-9dde73bcad4dMon, 22 Jun 2026 09:00:00 +0000Jon KeskeIn this episode, Jon sits down with Jake Eilerman - lifelong Lima resident, Director of Communications at 419 Live, and the man behind the camera who live-streamed the Shawnee Trustee town hall and Chief Miller’s first hearing, bringing vital...6553true124fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/episode-23-evan-skilliter--722006133dd1cfd7-d510-4c70-b202-b3e8d8be8c9cThu, 28 May 2026 04:34:53 +0000Jon KeskeEpisode 23: Evan SkilliterIn this episode, Jon is joined by Matt — back for his first podcast since Episode 17 — as they sit down with Jon’s brother-in-law, Evan Skilliter. Evan is a Bluffton University alumnus, Assistant Professor of Sport...6250false123fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/episode-22-marc-bowker--72111800

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]]>fb196787-65da-4d02-8df5-6568c98d342fFri, 22 May 2026 09:00:00 +0000Jon KeskeA long time ago in a podcast studio not too far away, Jon sat down with Marc Bowker - Lima’s own comic-book store owner, certified Heroic Coach, and real-life superhero of downtown revitalization.In this epic crossover, Marc steps out from behind the...

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]]>5769false122fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/episode-17-stephanie-ernest--72034853f5ae71ea-6e68-4f22-ab90-9e736aa67699Sat, 16 May 2026 20:08:19 +0000Jon KeskeIn this episode of Local Exchange, we sit down with Stephanie Ernest, a member of the Bath Local School District Board of Education, to talk about the proposed Bath High School project that is going to be on the ballot in May. We discuss how the...3243false117fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/episode-16-chief-miller-s-hearing-results--720348295f972e7d-e380-4087-807b-6c28871a59f0Sat, 16 May 2026 20:08:16 +0000Jon KeskeMatt and I react to the outcome of Chief Austin Miller’s termination hearing, where all charges were dismissed with prejudice. We share our thoughts on what the decision means for the fire department, the township, and the community moving...2318false116fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/episode-15-chief-miller-lawsuit-reaction--720348240baefc60-8f08-45b6-b8da-fc43ab0f7b92Sat, 16 May 2026 20:08:14 +0000Jon KeskeOriginally posted 12/13/2025We share our thoughts on the federal lawsuit filed by Shawnee Township Fire Chief Austin Miller and discuss what it could mean for the township, the fire department, and the community. The conversation focuses on potential...2353false115fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/episode-14-chris-cross--720348444451c349-9069-4e98-a26b-2448593a7f2eSat, 16 May 2026 20:08:10 +0000Jon KeskeIn this episode, we sit down with Chris Cross, Treasurer of Shawnee Schools, to discuss the financial landscape of the district. We cover the history behind Shawnee’s past deficit spending, the plan now in place to stabilize the budget, and what the...4122false114fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/episode-13-todd-washam--72034847a852bb85-730c-4024-b69e-33e0b5eb0ff2Sat, 16 May 2026 20:08:07 +0000Jon KeskeIn this episode we sit down with Todd Washam, Vice President of the Shawnee School Board, to discuss the key issues facing Shawnee Schools. We talk about efforts to improve academics, classroom sizes, staffing challenges, the condition of current...6847false113fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/episode-12-shawnee-township-emergency-meeting-recap--72034849bd1087fe-0a4c-4b1d-a5b0-15faa9a9c38fSat, 16 May 2026 20:08:04 +0000Jon KeskeWe recap tonight’s emergency meeting regarding Shawnee Township Fire Chief Austin Miller. We walk through what happened, what questions remain, and how this situation may impact the township moving forward.Originally Posted 11/26/20252131falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/episode-11-mark-triplett--72034843bee4b072-de41-4e4b-abf8-9a0113b4df80Sat, 16 May 2026 20:08:00 +0000Jon KeskeIn this episode, Matt sits down with Shawnee boys basketball head coach Mark Triplett to cover a wide range of topics, including his approach to the game, the challenges and rewards of developing young players, and what it means to be closing in on...3504false111fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/episode-10-kelly-martino--720348336fd565db-af7a-469f-a7a0-dc085aadbb5dSat, 16 May 2026 20:07:56 +0000Jon KeskeIn this episode of The Local Exchange, Jon and Matt sit down with Kelly Martino, head of fundraising for the Shawnee Stadium Capital Campaign. Kelly shares the history behind the stadium project, how the effort began, and the challenges and teamwork...3005false110fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/episode-9-election-results-recap--72034839f7d21ee8-5c42-4bb7-8656-a022f6be4561Sat, 16 May 2026 20:07:52 +0000Jon KeskeIn this episode of The Local Exchange, Jon and Matt break down the results of the recent Shawnee Township election — with Kenny Gross and Paul Neff set to take office as trustees in January. They look at voting trends, turnout, and how social media...2038falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/episode-8-tug-taviano--72034852https://www.eventbrite.com/e/rhett-walker-family-christmas-tour-tickets-1916537127139 Watch or listen to the full conversation to hear Tug’s perspective on what makes Northwest Ohio special, what our community can still improve on, and how staying grounded in purpose can open doors you never expected. Originally posted 11/4/2025 #LocalExchange #TugTaviano #LimaOhio #NorthwestOhio #CommunityConversation #faithinaction]]>28573433-2e63-47dc-a1dd-c8c8b9abbf32Sat, 16 May 2026 20:07:48 +0000Jon KeskeIn this episode of Local Exchange, we sit down with Tug Taviano, a long time Lima native, community connector, and event organizer known for bringing people together through faith, music, and service. Tug shares his personal journey, from his early...https://www.eventbrite.com/e/rhett-walker-family-christmas-tour-tickets-1916537127139 Watch or listen to the full conversation to hear Tug’s perspective on what makes Northwest Ohio special, what our community can still improve on, and how staying grounded in purpose can open doors you never expected. Originally posted 11/4/2025 #LocalExchange #TugTaviano #LimaOhio #NorthwestOhio #CommunityConversation #faithinaction]]>5310falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/episode-7-john-hollenbacher--72034854e90d6507-29ae-4d76-a5e5-f4ace9830af2Sat, 16 May 2026 20:07:45 +0000Jon KeskeIn Episode 7 of Local Exchange, we sit down with John Hollenbacher, a Shawnee resident whose family has been deeply involved in local government for generations. John has been an advocate for positive communication, community engagement, and leading...5569false17fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/episode-6-aaron-cunningham--7203484873f4b54d-abe0-432c-97f3-b2b721d55cc9Sat, 16 May 2026 20:07:41 +0000Jon KeskeIn Episode 6, we sit down with Aaron Cunningham, a graduate of Shawnee High School who fulfilled his childhood dream of becoming a firefighter. After a lifetime of public service, Aaron is now focused on giving back to his community as a candidate for...3510false16fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/episode-5-ryan-schott--7203484642257fee-3e62-4d3c-974d-ebf5ad493b31Sat, 16 May 2026 20:07:36 +0000Jon KeskeIn this episode, we sit down with Ryan Schott, a 26-year veteran of the Shawnee Township Fire Department and lifelong resident of Shawnee. Ryan recently retired in July 2025 and joins us to share insights from his decades of experience as a...5530false15fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/episode-4-mindy-molaski--7203485041f1e620-587d-4b4e-b1cb-78b01bb3e4abSat, 16 May 2026 20:07:27 +0000Jon KeskeIn this episode of Local Exchange, we sit down with Mindy Molaski, candidate for Shawnee Township Trustee. Mindy talks about what makes this community special, from friends and family to the Friday night lights that bring everyone together. She...3360false14fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/episode-3-paul-neff--72034851dc32ce98-96bc-4efb-b4ef-4ca6c7271e5dSat, 16 May 2026 20:07:21 +0000Jon KeskeIn this episode of Local Exchange, we sit down with Paul Neff, a lifetime resident of Shawnee Township whose family has called this community home for generations. Paul recently announced his retirement and is now focusing his time and energy on...3665false13fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/episode-2-chad-meyers--72034856Chad Meyers candidate for Shawnee Township Trustee, to talk about his background, his work as a local business owner, and his vision for the future of Shawnee Township. Chad shares his thoughts on leadership, transparency, and communication, as well as his perspective on community engagement and supporting first responders. We also talk about his experience with Sacred Ground MX, his approach to teamwork, and how he hopes to bring a collaborative mindset to local government. This is part of our ongoing series of conversations with candidates and community members shaping Northwest Ohio. Local Exchange – Where Northwest Ohio Comes to Talk Subscribe for more local conversations and upcoming interviews with other Shawnee Township candidates.]]>6bf04c00-2e99-46f0-bcca-a65ada5e8952Sat, 16 May 2026 20:07:16 +0000Jon KeskeIn this episode of Local Exchange, we sit down with https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UCuqOJY82psrCvzDtU70HCfQ candidate for Shawnee Township Trustee, to talk about his background, his work as a local business owner, and his vision for the future of...Chad Meyers candidate for Shawnee Township Trustee, to talk about his background, his work as a local business owner, and his vision for the future of Shawnee Township. Chad shares his thoughts on leadership, transparency, and communication, as well as his perspective on community engagement and supporting first responders. We also talk about his experience with Sacred Ground MX, his approach to teamwork, and how he hopes to bring a collaborative mindset to local government. This is part of our ongoing series of conversations with candidates and community members shaping Northwest Ohio. Local Exchange – Where Northwest Ohio Comes to Talk Subscribe for more local conversations and upcoming interviews with other Shawnee Township candidates.]]>2028false12fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/episode-1-kenny-gross--72034830b566d8f7-921b-4b66-b865-9d57a47e7339Sat, 16 May 2026 20:07:11 +0000Jon KeskeIn this first full episode of Local Exchange, we sit down with Kenny Gross, candidate for Shawnee Township Trustee, to talk about his background, why he decided to run, and his vision for the future of Shawnee Township. Kenny shares his thoughts on...3564false11fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/episode-21-the-delong-family-adventures--72012415

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]]>001d7342-5adf-4f34-9688-003551ca54a1Thu, 14 May 2026 21:53:51 +0000Jon KeskeMeet 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...

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]]>1712false121fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/chief-austin-miller--7193276053a5131c-e609-47ba-b0c4-2169fc733b50Sat, 09 May 2026 01:55:45 +0000Jon KeskeIn 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...2836false119fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/andrew-benchic--71932757https://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]]>5fd1b0fd-6547-4ee7-904d-ddff0a69d62cSat, 09 May 2026 01:55:43 +0000Jon KeskeIn 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)...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]]>6110false120fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/cory-parent--71932759https://substack.com/@coryparent]]>5c833839-a304-4061-9f92-a25828a0716bSat, 09 May 2026 01:53:28 +0000Jon KeskeIn 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...https://substack.com/@coryparent]]>2445false118full