Podcasts about Middletown

On May 15, Columbus resident Robert Alt summited the tallest mountain in the world, Mt. Everest.Since then, his journey has continued. Now he has summited six of the seven highest peaks in the world.A local author is fusing history lessons with ghost stories to create a fun and interesting way to learn Ohio history.Having already written two books in his “Ohio Kids” series and coming out with a third, Logan Lyon is continuing his family tradition of finding new ways of teaching.Middletown, Ohio is the home of the oldest documented continuously operated stained-glass studio in the United States.Their glass is acquired from all over the world and design techniques date back to the original owners.We'll learn more about the history of the BeauVerre Riordan Studio.Guests:Robert Alt, mountaineer/founder, Profound Climbing/president/CEO, The Buckeye InstituteLogan Lyons, author, The Chillicothe GhostsLinda Moorman, owner, BeauVerre Riordan StudiosIf you have a disability and would like a transcript or other accommodation you can request an alternative format.

On May 15, Columbus resident Robert Alt summited the tallest mountain in the world, Mt. Everest.Since then, his journey has continued. Now he has summited six of the seven highest peaks in the world.A local author is fusing history lessons with ghost stories to create a fun and interesting way to learn Ohio history.Having already written two books in his “Ohio Kids” series and coming out with a third, Logan Lyon is continuing his family tradition of finding new ways of teaching.Middletown, Ohio is the home of the oldest documented continuously operated stained-glass studio in the United States.Their glass is acquired from all over the world and design techniques date back to the original owners.We'll learn more about the history of the BeauVerre Riordan Studio.Guests:Robert Alt, mountaineer/founder, Profound Climbing/president/CEO, The Buckeye InstituteLogan Lyons, author, The Chillicothe GhostsLinda Moorman, owner, BeauVerre Riordan StudiosIf you have a disability and would like a transcript or other accommodation you can request an alternative format.

The aviation industry is facing a critical workforce gap, and right here in Middletown, Ohio, we are building the solution.On this episode of the What Gives Podcast, we're filming on-location at the brand-new Butler Tech Aviation Center. Joining me is Dr. William Sprankles, CEO of Butler Tech and a powerhouse in educational innovation.William is the architect of the Fifth Day Experience and is now overseeing one of the most advanced career tech facilities in the country. We're diving deep into how this $15M investment at the Middletown Regional Airport is transforming lives and fueling the regional economy.Key Takeaways:How Butler Tech is tackling the Aviation Workforce Shortage.The impact of the Aviation Education Hangar on Southwest Ohio students.Why "Student Agency" is the secret sauce to modern education.Stay tuned for the full episode!#ButlerTech #AviationCareers #EducationInnovation #MiddletownOhio #CareerTech #PilotShortage #WhatGivesPodcast #WorkforceDevelopment

There's a long history of brothers playing in the NHL. One of better known siblings currently in the league are Trevor and James van Riemsdyk, currently working to get Washington and Detroit in the playoffs respectively.Neil and Vic had the opportunity to sit down with both late in the Olympic break. The brothers shared enlightening stories from their past and present...and even gave a peek into their futures as pending UFA's.Before the interview, in Three Things You Need to Pay Attention to, Vic and Neil break down the gold medal game in men's hockey where Jack Hughes took the US to the top of the podium for the third time.On the back end, our usual personnel notes - and not all of it injury-related...IN THIS EPISODE:[01:44] - Three Things You Need to Pay Attention To.[17:14] - Welcoming in Trevor and James van Riemsdyk.[18:33] - The brothers share their preparation to resume the season Feb. 25 after having 11 days off.[20:25] - With the van Riemsdyk's being American, where's Trevor's loyalty should Canada and the U.S meet in the final with two Capitals teammates playing on Canada - and one on Slovakia as well, the Americans opponent in the semis.[22:27] - James talks about playing with current teammate and 500-goal scorer Patrick Kane. The pair first played together 20 years ago prior to them being selected 1-2 in the 2007 NHL Draft.[23:48] - When JVR was a rookie in Philadelphia in 2009-10, it was Kane's heroics which defeated the Flyers for the Blackhawks first Stanley Cup since 1961. After 17 seasons in the league, that experience has provided perspective on how difficult it is to make a Final.[25:47] - Growing up in Middletown, NJ, Trevor shares his path to the NHL was considerably different from that of his brother, but influenced by him as well.[27:57] - Parental influence.[28:50] - Competitiveness between the brothers, which extends to younger brother Brendan.[34:22] - Playing against each other in the NHL and the awareness when on the ice at the same time.[36:03] - Neil takes James back to earlier in his career when he was playing the AHL.[38:11] - Some words on younger brother Brendan, who's looking to make some inroads in the coaching circles.[40:59] - Could the older brothers play under the younger one?[42:22] - Trevor shares his experiences playing in Chicago, Carolina and Washington, including watching Alex Ovechkin break the all-time goal scoring record last spring.[47:55] - James his thoughts about the pressure of winning in Toronto, being on the 2017 team which made the playoffs of missing the three previous seasons, and now trying to help the Red Wings into the post-season after a nine-year drought.[53:30] - Trevor speaks to the challenge facing the Capitals this season. Tops in the Eastern Conference a season ago, struggling just to get in this year.[56:16] - WIth James and Trevor pending UFA's, thoughts of joining forces as, perhaps, a final NHL stop?[59:30] - Wrapping up the chat with NHL Wraparound's first active players.[1:02:15] - Personnel notes and what's ahead.X: https://twitter.com/NHLWraparoundNeil Smith: https://twitter.com/NYCNeilVic Morren: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vic-morren-7038737/NHL Wraparound Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nhlwraparound/#NHLWraparound #NHLWraparound.com #ShortShifts #NYCentric #CelebritySeries #HallofFameEdition #StanleyCupdate #SummerCoolers #Smith'sPix #NeilSmith #VicMorren #PatrickHoffman #NHL #SummerCoolers #AnaheimDucks # #BostonBruins #BuffaloSabres #CalgaryFlames #CarolinaHurricanes...

As his team prepares for the upcoming playoffs, Urbana High girls basketball coach J.R. Rawlins is this week's guest on The Final Score podcast. Rawlins talks with host Greg Swatek about the very competitive and tightly packed girls basketball landscape in Frederick County and how his talented team at Urbana fits into the mix. He talks about how he got his start in coaching and his time spent as a basketball referee in the county and the respect he has for both jobs. And he outlines the road ahead for his team at Urbana and what he expects as the Hawks head into the Class 4A West regional playoffs. Prior to that conversation, FNP sports reporter Alexander Dacy joins Greg to discuss Middletown's state championship over the weekend in the Class 2A wrestling duals and the end of the high school basketball regular season in Frederick County.

A Return Visit Reveals Restaurant Reality Just months after opening their doors, Amanda and Bill Whitson welcome back Valley Today host, Janet Michael, and SBA Virginia District Director, Carl Knoblock to share the unvarnished truth about launching Clem's Kitchen at Middletown's historic Wayside Inn. While the couple anticipated challenges, the reality of restaurant ownership has delivered surprises at every turn. Nevertheless, their commitment to quality, community, and scratch-made comfort food keeps them moving forward. Click here to listen to the September conversation. The Best-Laid Plans Meet Reality Originally, the Whitsons planned a cautious rollout—breakfast service only, with dinner introduced gradually over several months. However, customer demand quickly rewrote that script. Within just one week of opening in September, they expanded to full dinner service. "It's definitely not what we thought," Amanda admits, though she emphasizes the fun amid the exhaustion. This rapid expansion tested their team immediately, yet it also validated their concept faster than expected. Staffing: The Universal Challenge Throughout the conversation, both Amanda and Bill identify staffing as their biggest ongoing challenge. Unlike Amanda's early days working at the Wayside Inn for Leo Bernstein, today's workforce operates with different expectations and motivations. Consequently, the couple has built their culture around a simple principle: everyone does everything. Bill proudly notes that he washes more dishes than anyone else, not because he must, but because it frees his team to focus on food preparation and guest service. Meanwhile, Amanda reinforces this philosophy during every interview, making it clear that hierarchies don't exist at Clem's Kitchen—only teamwork. Furthermore, the Whitsons recognize that attracting quality staff requires competitive wages. They deliberately pay above minimum wage, understanding that employees who can cover their bills become invested team members. This strategy has paid dividends, creating a staff that genuinely cares about guest experiences rather than simply collecting paychecks. The Social Media Tightrope In addition to staffing challenges, the couple navigates the precarious world of online reviews. As Carl observes, one negative review can significantly impact a new restaurant, and responding requires finesse that's difficult to muster when you're "in the weeds" with cooking and service. Therefore, Amanda and Bill's decision to open slowly—despite the eventual rapid expansion—gave them crucial time to train their team thoroughly before facing the unforgiving court of public opinion. Scratch-Made with a Twist What sets Clem's Kitchen apart, however, isn't just their operational philosophy—it's the food itself. Amanda, who describes herself as someone who "doesn't measure anything," creates dishes that honor classic comfort food while adding unexpected elements. For instance, her twice-baked potatoes feature a crispy tater-tot exterior that Janet still raves about. Similarly, the restaurant's fresh-baked biscuits—which disappeared in just 28 minutes during a recent sausage gravy contest—come with house-made flavored butters and preserves that change regularly. Moreover, the couple prioritizes sourcing raw ingredients over pre-processed products, despite the additional labor involved. Bill emphasizes that while it's easy to source food, finding quality raw product proves much harder. Nevertheless, guests can taste the difference between hand-cut vegetables and frozen alternatives, making the extra effort worthwhile. A Menu That Evolves Initially unplanned, Clem's Kitchen now changes its dinner menu monthly—a practice that emerged from necessity but has become a strategic advantage. This rotation keeps regular customers engaged while allowing Amanda creative freedom to experiment. At the same time, certain favorites remain constant: burgers, wings, and the popular roasted chicken ensure that creatures of habit can always find something familiar. Additionally, the monthly changes help manage food costs, especially when catering events require specific ingredients that can then appear on the restaurant menu. Events: The Economic Engine Speaking of catering, Bill candidly acknowledges that special events "kept us afloat" during January's slow season. The couple brought their established catering clientele from their food truck, and now these clients enjoy the full-service venue with its bar and multiple event spaces. From corporate gatherings to weddings, these events provide crucial revenue that allows the restaurant to maintain quality ingredients and competitive wages during slower periods. In fact, Bill notes that in today's restaurant landscape, "you gotta do two, three things at once" to remain profitable. Building Community, Not Just Serving Food Beyond the business metrics, Amanda and Bill focus relentlessly on creating genuine connections. Bill regularly sits with guests, sharing coffee and conversation regardless of whether he knows them personally. Amanda has introduced personal touches like allowing regular customers to have designated coffee mugs and accepting family heirloom salt and pepper shakers from neighbors who eat there weekly. These gestures transform transactions into relationships. As Carl astutely observes, "Nine times out of ten, people come back for the relationship versus coming back for the food." This philosophy drives everything at Clem's Kitchen, from the warm greeting guests receive upon entering to the tableside chocolate milk service that makes children feel special. Looking Ahead: Spring and Beyond Looking forward, the Whitsons plan to leverage the four-acre property more fully. They're launching Friday night live music, opening their expansive patio (which adds 40% more seating capacity), and actively pursuing a farmer's market partnership. Additionally, they're exploring ways to highlight the Wayside Inn's historical significance, particularly as Virginia celebrates its 250th anniversary. Carl enthusiastically suggests that local economic development could help showcase this pre-Civil War landmark as a destination for history-focused tourism. Furthermore, Amanda dreams of eventually adding a small retail shop where guests could purchase house-made sauces, pickles, and Tricia's celebrated desserts—particularly that coconut cake that has customers asking to take whole cakes home. The Superpower of Execution When asked about their approach, Bill identifies their "superpower" simply: "We figure it out." While they acknowledge that preparation reveals blind spots, their ability to execute under pressure has carried them through every unexpected challenge. From the rapid dinner expansion to managing a 400-biscuit order that disappeared in under half an hour, the couple consistently delivers. Yet beneath this execution-focused mindset lies something deeper. As one longtime community member told Bill while shaking his hand: "It's back. Nice job. It's back." After years of the Wayside Inn lacking its heartbeat, Clem's Kitchen has restored what was missing—not through financial investment alone, but through genuine care, quality ingredients, and unwavering commitment to community. The Bottom Line Ultimately, Amanda and Bill Whitson aren't just running a restaurant—they're rebuilding a community gathering place. While the work exhausts them and challenges emerge daily, their focus remains clear: create experiences that make guests feel welcomed, valued, and eager to return. In an industry where many cut corners to maximize profits, Clem's Kitchen takes the opposite approach, betting that quality, authenticity, and human connection will sustain them through the difficult early years and beyond. As spring approaches and the patio opens, Middletown's historic Wayside Inn stands ready to reclaim its place as the heart of the community—one scratch-made meal, one warm greeting, and one genuine relationship at a time.

A Career Path Born from Industry Need Laurel Ridge Community College is addressing a critical workforce shortage head-on with its innovative Power Line Worker Program. What began as conversations with local utilities in February 2024 has rapidly transformed into a comprehensive training pipeline that's already placing graduates into high-paying careers across the region. During a recent episode of The Valley Today, host Janet Michael talks with Guy Curtis, Director of Marketing for Laurel Ridge, program manager AnnaJane Whitacre, and Derrick Dehaney, a recent graduate who's about to start his new career with Dominion Power. Together, they revealed how this intensive program is changing lives while keeping Virginia's lights on. Fourteen Weeks to Transform a Career The program packs an impressive amount of training into just 14 weeks. Students attend full-time, Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 5 PM, earning seven industry-recognized credentials along the way. "It's a lot crammed into 14 weeks," AnnaJane admits, but the comprehensive curriculum ensures graduates walk out job-ready. The training begins with four weeks of CDL Class A certification, followed by heavy equipment operator training—a program Laurel Ridge has successfully run for years. From there, students dive into specialized coursework including VDOT work zone traffic control, OSHA 10 certification, CPR and first aid, and the core power line worker curriculum. Moreover, the program covers everything from basic safety and hand tools to the exciting work of climbing poles, working with live wire, and operating specialized equipment like Digger Derrick and bucket trucks. Students also learn about the broader power industry, including the differences between generation, distribution, and transmission systems. From Skepticism to Passion Derrick's journey exemplifies the program's transformative power. Initially, he enrolled at Laurel Ridge simply to obtain his CDL. However, after researching line work on YouTube, he discovered something unexpected. "I was like, wow, these guys are climbing poles—that looks like fun," Derrick recalls. "I fell in love with it at first sight." Despite being older than many of his classmates, Derrick's construction background and athletic lifestyle prepared him well for the physical demands. "I play travel football, still play travel football," he explains. "So me being able to do this work wasn't gonna be a problem at all." Nevertheless, the program challenged him. As a father of two, Derrick juggled full-time classes with weekend security jobs to support his family. "The first couple weeks, I'm like, man, I dunno how I'm gonna do this," he admits. Yet the struggle proved worthwhile. Derrick applied to Dominion Power immediately after graduating on December 18th and received a call back right away. He starts his new career on February 16th. Industry Partnership Makes the Difference What sets this program apart is the Northwestern Virginia Power and Energy Consortium—a partnership between Laurel Ridge, Dominion Energy, local cooperatives, and contractors. This collaboration ensures the curriculum meets real-world needs while providing students direct access to employers. Throughout the program, companies visit during lunch hours to discuss employment opportunities. "The employers have to bring lunch, so they have to buy the students pizza or subs or whatever," AnnaJane explains with a smile. "And then they get the whole lunch hour to talk about employment opportunities." Furthermore, near the end of the course, companies conduct on-site interviews with students. These aren't mock interviews—they're real opportunities that often lead to job offers before graduation. "Several of the students had offers or at least follow-up interviews shortly after graduation or even before graduation," AnnaJane notes. A Career with Unlimited Potential The financial prospects are compelling. Entry-level positions start around $50,000 annually, while experienced line workers can earn well over six figures. However, the opportunities extend far beyond the initial position. As AnnaJane discovered while developing the program, the career pathways are surprisingly diverse. Graduates can specialize in transmission work on high-voltage tower lines, focus on underground systems prevalent in urban areas, or move into fiber optic installation for telecommunications companies. "It truly is a very fruitful industry with lots of opportunity," she emphasizes. Additionally, the work carries a sense of purpose that resonates deeply with graduates. "In my opinion, they're in a class with first responders," Janet observes. "You're the one that when the power goes out because of a storm, you're gonna be going out there and getting the power restored." Derrick agrees wholeheartedly. "It's a bragging experience for me," he says. "I've never bragged about a job before. It's awesome. It's really awesome." Education That Goes Beyond the Classroom The instructors' dedication particularly impressed Derrick. "Every instructor was top tier for us," he shares. "They made sure we passed the class, made sure that we got the knowledge. And if we needed help, they would literally stop class and help that individual." This supportive environment extended beyond technical training. The program fundamentally changed how Derrick sees the world around him. "Now all I do is look at power lines when I'm driving or whenever I'm outside," he laughs. "I'm like, 'Oh, that's not right. That could cause a fire.'" Making It Accessible While the program represents one of Laurel Ridge's more expensive workforce offerings, multiple funding options make it accessible. Students can apply for Fast Forward funding, G3, and FAFSA assistance. Additionally, the college offers various scholarship opportunities, including county-specific options. "Regardless, let us help you navigate those funding options that are out there," Guy Curtis encourages. The college's financial assistance team screens each student to identify all available funding sources. The Next Cohort Awaits With the first cohort's success, Laurel Ridge is gearing up for its next class starting April 13th and running through July 17th. An information session is scheduled for February 26th from 5 to 7 PM at the Middletown campus student union building. Guy Curtis emphasizes that while pre-registration is requested, anyone interested can attend to learn more about the program and ask questions. "It's worth the while to just investigate, learn more, talk to AnnaJane herself," he says. A Message to Future Students Derrick's advice to anyone considering the program is unequivocal: "Run to it. Go in, sign up." He continues passionately, "I don't know where you can get this amount of credentials and certifications within 14 weeks. After these 14 weeks are over, I'm gonna be so ecstatic because this is 1000% worth it." For those on the fence, Derrick offers reassurance: "Laurel Ridge will make sure you graduate. I can't speak highly enough for what I went through. This is my personal experience, but I just can't be more thankful for Laurel Ridge and what they've done for me and my family and my career." As Derrick prepares to climb his first pole as a Dominion Power employee, he represents not just a program graduate but a testament to what's possible when community colleges partner with industry to meet real workforce needs. Meanwhile, AnnaJane has already warned him and his classmates: "In a few years, I'll be calling y'all again" to speak to future cohorts. The waiting list, as Derrick suggests, should be out the door. For more information about the Power Line Worker Program or to register for the February 26th information session, visit laurelridgeworkforce.com/powerline.

Tracing back to 19th-century eyewitnesses, accounts describe a massive, serpent-like creature seen in the waters of New England's longest river. The most famous report occurred in 1886 near Middletown, Connecticut, when two men claimed their boat was struck by an enormous animal that raised a long neck and dark head above the surface. Additional sightings followed in later years along the river in Connecticut and Massachusetts. Though no physical evidence has ever been found, the reports fueled regional folklore, blending natural mystery, misidentification theories, and enduring river-borne intrigue.Join us today, as we cruise Within the Mists of Connecticut to tell you about the Connecticut River Monster.Facebook Fan Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/544933724571696Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/withinthemistpodcast/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@withinthemistpodcast1977 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tracing back to 19th-century eyewitnesses, accounts describe a massive, serpent-like creature seen in the waters of New England's longest river. The most famous report occurred in 1886 near Middletown, Connecticut, when two men claimed their boat was struck by an enormous animal that raised a long neck and dark head above the surface. Additional sightings followed in later years along the river in Connecticut and Massachusetts. Though no physical evidence has ever been found, the reports fueled regional folklore, blending natural mystery, misidentification theories, and enduring river-borne intrigue.Join us today, as we cruise Within the Mists of Connecticut to tell you about the Connecticut River Monster.Facebook Fan Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/544933724571696Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/withinthemistpodcast/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@withinthemistpodcast1977 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Steve Nibbs talks High School wrestling with head coach Chad Strube of Middletown High School to talk about their season and how the country shapes up this season in his eyes.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's a new leader at the helm of the Sullivan Co. Chamber of Commerce.Wurtsboro law enforcement arresting a pair of men on drug charges.A man from Middletown who reportedly locked himself in a diner bathroom and wouldn't come out is going to do time.The Community Foundation of Orange, Sullivan and Rockland has announced more than $700,000 in scholarships. 

ATLP Rewind - Originally Released January 7, 2025Model railroading, photography, history and railfanning. They all tie together for Middletown, New York's Erik Pioselli. A guy that's been listening to the podcast since day one, Erik gets the chance to tell his story, from watching the Lehigh & Hudson Railroad as a youngster to an ill-advised yet prosperous ride with a stranger turned mentor, then inheriting an amazing collection of photographs that captured railroading from New York to California. Erik shares his passion for history and the model railroad lessons he's learned through trial and error.Learn more about this episode on our website:aroundthelayout.com/rewindThank you to our episode sponsor, ScaleSigns.comhttps://scalesigns.com/Visit our website at aroundthelayout.comBecome a member of our Operating Crew for chances to win and much more!aroundthelayout.com/crewAround The Layout Podcast is a production of Thirty Five Productions LLC©2026 Thirty Five Productions LLC. All rights reserved.The views and opinions expressed by hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Thirty Five Productions LLC or our sponsors.Use of any trademarks or trade names is for identification purposes only and does not imply endorsement.No portion of this podcast may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of Thirty Five Productions LLC, except for brief quotations used for purposes of review, commentary, or promotion.

From Crisis to Opportunity When the Wrangler plant closed its doors in Page County over two decades ago, the community faced a crossroads. However, what could have been a devastating blow instead became the catalyst for educational transformation. Dr. Kim Blosser, President of Laurel Ridge Community College, talks with Janet Michael on The Valley Today to reflect on how the Luray-Page County Center has spent 20 years opening doors for students who once had limited access to higher education. Geography as Destiny Before the center opened, Page County students faced a challenging reality. Located in a valley surrounded by mountains, they endured 45-minute to 90-minute commutes to reach the nearest Laurel Ridge campuses in Middletown or Warrenton. Consequently, many students simply gave up on their educational dreams or opted for Blue Ridge Community College in Harrisonburg, which offered an easier drive without crossing mountain passes. "Students in that county had to go the furthest from any other of our localities," Dr. Blosser explains. This geographic isolation meant that Page County residents were effectively cut off from the educational opportunities available to their neighbors in other parts of the Laurel Ridge service area. A Community Rallies Fortunately, local leaders recognized the urgent need for change. When the Wrangler plant closed, the town of Luray acquired the annex building. Together, the county and town invested in renovating part of the facility, offering the college space for minimal rent. This partnership created not only a retraining center for displaced workers but also a permanent educational presence in the community. The impact proved immediate and profound. Federal Trade Act funding helped former Wrangler employees pursue new careers through education. Dr. Blosser shares the touching story of Cindy, a former plant worker who earned her associate's degree and spent her entire second career working at the Luray-Page Center—until her recent retirement after nearly 20 years of service. Meanwhile, another former employee went on to become an elementary school teacher, demonstrating how access to education can completely transform lives. Outgrowing the Original Vision As the years passed, however, the old Wrangler annex building began showing its limitations. While the space worked well for traditional classroom subjects like English and history, it couldn't accommodate science labs, electrical training, or HVAC programs. Moreover, the aging facility required increasingly costly repairs, and the town no longer owned the building—a private company did. "Our students deserved better," Dr. Blosser recalls thinking. The college began searching for alternatives, examining various existing buildings throughout the county. Yet each option presented similar challenges: they were outdated structures requiring extensive renovation with uncertain outcomes. Building a Dream Then came a breakthrough. The Jenkins family stepped forward with an extraordinary offer: they would donate land for a new campus. Located behind Walmart in a central, easily accessible location, the site seemed perfect. What followed was nothing short of remarkable. The Laurel Ridge Educational Foundation launched an ambitious fundraising campaign, ultimately raising over $4 million from Page County residents and businesses. "They were just desperate not to lose the college," Dr. Blosser notes. "They know it's the heart of economic development." Despite supply chain challenges during the pandemic—including having to switch brick suppliers mid-construction—the project moved forward with impressive speed. A Campus for the Future Today, Jenkins Hall stands as a testament to community vision and determination. Unlike traditional institutional buildings, the facility features warm wood beams, open ceilings, and panoramic mountain views. The design intentionally creates a welcoming atmosphere that reflects the natural beauty of Page County. The first floor houses specialized labs that were impossible in the old location. Students now learn electrical work, HVAC systems, and heavy equipment operation in a dedicated trades lab. Across the hall, a modern science lab enables anatomy and physiology courses—essential prerequisites for health profession programs. Additionally, the building serves as home to the region's only Physical Therapy Assisting program, drawing students from an hour and a half radius. Upstairs, the design becomes even more innovative. Three classrooms feature soundproof movable walls that collapse to create one large space accommodating up to 100 people. This flexibility allows the center to host dual enrollment graduations, chamber of commerce job fairs, and corporate meetings—addressing a critical shortage of community gathering spaces in Page County. More Than Just Classrooms Throughout our conversation, Dr. Blosser emphasizes that Laurel Ridge operates as a "comprehensive community college." This means serving everyone from adult basic education students to those pursuing the first two years of a bachelor's degree. The college offers GED preparation, English as a Second Language classes, short-term workforce training, corporate education, and traditional transfer programs. "We can serve as many as 20,000 individuals in a year," Dr. Blosser reveals. Furthermore, approximately 50 percent of transfer program classes now offer online options, providing crucial flexibility for working adults and parents. While hands-on programs like welding and phlebotomy require in-person attendance, students can increasingly customize their schedules by mixing on-campus and online coursework. The Door to Tomorrow Perhaps the most intriguing detail about Jenkins Hall involves a door on the first floor that appears to lead nowhere. However, Dr. Blosser eagerly points it out on every tour she gives. The architectural plans show this door will eventually connect via a breezeway to a second building—one that doesn't exist yet. "That door doesn't go nowhere," she insists with a smile. "There is something beyond that building. We just have to wait, and when that moment arrives, be ready to move." This forward-thinking approach reflects the same vision that transformed a closed factory into an educational hub two decades ago. As Page County continues growing—with new townhomes and developments surrounding what was once an isolated field behind Walmart—the college stands ready to expand its mission once again. Looking Ahead While Dr. Blosser modestly suggests she'll likely retire before the center's 40th anniversary, she remains confident about continued growth. The rapid changes of the past 20 years—from distance learning via Old Dominion University in a small computer room to today's sophisticated online platforms—hint at even more dramatic transformations ahead. For now, the Luray-Page County Center continues fulfilling its founding mission: ensuring that geography no longer determines educational destiny. Whether students seek workforce credentials, transfer degrees, or personal enrichment, they can find opportunities right in their own community. After 20 years, that door the Jenkins family helped open remains wide, welcoming anyone ready to walk through and discover what lies beyond.

Police in southwest Ohio's Middletown are investigating back-to-back shooting incidents; Columbus officials activate snow-hauling protocol for the first time in 18 years; former First Energy executives are now on trial for the House Bill 6 scandal; Toledo's transit system has rolled out new routes and more frequent services based on rider feedback and travel patterns.

Ohio has upgraded the charges against Michael McKee to two counts of aggravated murder — putting life without parole on the table for the alleged killing of his ex-wife Monique Tepe and her husband Spencer. McKee, a vascular surgeon whose career was allegedly falling apart, reportedly drove 300 miles to Middletown, Ohio, committed a double homicide, and drove home with the murder weapon still in his possession. The marriage lasted seven months. The divorce was eight years ago. But according to investigators, McKee never moved on. Monique's family says they "immediately knew" when they got the call. We break down what aggravated murder means in Ohio, why the alibi allegedly fell apart in one interview, and the malpractice lawsuit timeline that mirrors Monique's new happiness with Spencer. This case is a devastating example of coercive control reaching its final stage — and a reminder that restraining orders and fresh starts don't always protect the people who need it most.#MichaelMcKee #MoniqueTepe #SpencerTepe #AggravatedMurder #OhioCrime #TrueCrimeToday #CoerciveControl #DomesticViolence #StalkerKiller #ChargesUpgradedJoin Our SubStack For AD-FREE ADVANCE EPISODES & EXTRAS!: https://hiddenkillers.substack.com/Want to comment and watch this podcast as a video? Check out our YouTube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/@hiddenkillerspodInstagram https://www.instagram.com/hiddenkillerspod/Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hiddenkillerspod/Tik-Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@hiddenkillerspodX Twitter https://x.com/tonybpodListen Ad-Free On Apple Podcasts Here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/true-crime-today-premium-plus-ad-free-advance-episode/id1705422872This publication contains commentary and opinion based on publicly available information. All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Nothing published here should be taken as a statement of fact, health or legal advice.

We spoke with Jeremiah Rufini, Program Director of the Soup Kitchen at Saint Vincent De Paul in Middletown, about the upcoming Valentine's Day Sweetheart Soiree fundraiser and the community support programs offered at Saint Vincent De Paul.

The girls high school basketball game betweeen the middletown Middies and the Lakota East Thu8nderhawks is now available on demand at no charge!

A Winter Tradition Takes Root Frederick County's beloved Restaurant Week returns for its fifth anniversary, bringing 26 diverse eateries together for a week-long celebration of local flavor. Running from January 26th through February 1st, 2026, FredCo Eats has evolved from a modest 15-restaurant launch into a cornerstone event that strengthens the entire regional food economy. In this episode of The Valley Today, host Janet Michael welcomes Wendy May, Marketing Manager for the Frederick County Economic Development Authority, and Dan Myers, owner of Paladin Bar and Grill, to discuss how this initiative has transformed the local dining landscape. Recording from Paladin's original Stephens City location, the trio explores what makes this year's event particularly special. From COVID Recovery to Community Catalyst The story behind FredCo Eats reveals a strategic response to challenging times. Wendy explains that the Economic Development Authority launched the program five years ago as the region emerged from the pandemic. At that time, the organization recognized a critical gap in their community relationships—they needed stronger connections with local restaurants and agricultural producers. Rather than creating a standalone event, however, the EDA developed FredCo Eats as an umbrella brand. This approach allows the initiative to serve as a messaging hub that elevates existing efforts across the entire food economy, from farm crawls to agricultural conferences. Now, the brand is expanding into a standalone website at fredcoeats.com, which will launch in March as a comprehensive resource for anyone looking to start, scale, or expand a food or beverage business in the region. Diverse Dining Options for Every Palate This year's lineup demonstrates remarkable variety in both cuisine and participation style. Restaurants can choose from three categories: multi-course menus, meal deals, or promotional discounts. This flexibility ensures that food trucks, cafes, and fine dining establishments can all participate in ways that make sense for their operations. Among the multi-course menu participants, diners will find Carrabba's Italian Grill, Clem's Kitchen, Curry Cuisine, P2 at Woolen Mill, Paladin, Sal & Gino's, and Vault and Cellar. Meanwhile, meal deal options include Blue Ridge Baking Company, Daily Buzz Cafe (at both Middletown and Stephens City locations), Donut Dive food truck at Weber's Nursery, and Franklin's Smokin Barnyard, also operating from Weber's parking lot. Additionally, the roster features Jordan Springs Market, Laurel Cafe at Laurel Ridge Community College, Mi Ranchito, Paco's Market and Paco's Mexi Mart, Pan D Endz Jamaican Cuisine, Poblanos, Shaffer's Barbecue and Market, both Shawnee Springs Market locations, and West Oaks Farm Market. Rounding out the list, Bam Bam's Barbecue food truck, Italian Touch, and Touch of Italy offer percentage-off promotions. The Original Gangsters Eight establishments have participated every single year since the program's inception, demonstrating their commitment to the community initiative. Both Paladin locations, Vault and Cellar, Daily Buzz, Jordan Springs Market, Paco's Market, Shaffer's Barbecue, and Bam Bam's Barbecue have been there from day one. Paco's journey particularly exemplifies the growth Restaurant Week has witnessed. Starting as a food truck called Paco's Tacos during the first event, the business has since expanded to include Paco's Market and later Paco's Mexi Mart - a testament to how local food businesses can thrive with community support. Local Sourcing Takes Center Stage Dan shares his enthusiasm about this year's special approach at Paladin. For the fifth anniversary, his team is focusing heavily on local sourcing, partnering with West Oaks Farm Market for beef, Spring Valley Greens, obtaining mushrooms from his cousin Jessica Neff at Apple Hill Farm, and incorporating microgreens from Robbie D's operation. Furthermore, Dan reveals that Paige Cross at Farm to Fork (formerly Flour and Water) in Woodstock supplies all the bread for Paladin's restaurants—a behind-the-scenes collaboration that many diners never realize exists. These partnerships not only enhance menu quality but also circulate dollars throughout the local economy. The Stephens City location will feature meatballs, cast-iron cornbread, and locally sourced ingredients, while P2 in Clearbrook will offer a completely different, yet similar menu, including scotch eggs, bruschetta, mushroom carbonara, and duck—proteins that rarely appear on local menus.  More Than Just a Meal Restaurant Week offers participants the chance to win prizes through a passport program. Diners who collect stamps from three or more participating restaurants can enter drawings for prize packs, with each additional stamp beyond three counting as an extra entry. The more restaurants you visit, the better your chances of winning. Passports are available for download and printing at fredcoeats.com, with limited physical copies available at participating restaurants and the Winchester Frederick County Convention and Visitors Bureau. If diners forget to get a stamp, they can submit a photo or receipt as proof of their visit. Beyond individual participation, the event encourages businesses to support one another. Realty companies and other local businesses often bring lunch back to the office or take their teams out during Restaurant Week, creating a "biz-to-biz" camaraderie that strengthens the entire community. Strategic Timing and Lasting Impact The decision to schedule Restaurant Week during the last week of January proves strategic on multiple levels. This timing addresses the natural lull that restaurants experience after the holiday season but before Valentine's Day, providing a much-needed boost during slower months. Moreover, it gives diners a compelling reason to venture out during cold, dark winter evenings when staying home feels more appealing. For restaurant owners like Dan, the event creates exciting internal dynamics as well. His teams at the Stephens City and Clearbrook locations engage in friendly competition throughout the week, tracking which location sells more of each menu item. This competitive spirit energizes staff and drives creativity in menu development. Wendy notes that over the five years, Restaurant Week has fostered genuine relationships among participating restaurants. What began as simple cross-promotion has evolved into restaurant owners visiting each other's establishments, trying menus, meeting staff, and building lasting professional connections that extend well beyond the event itself. Looking Ahead As FredCo Eats enters its sixth year of planning, the initiative continues expanding its mission. The upcoming fredcoeats.com website will serve as a central hub connecting aspiring food entrepreneurs with resources from the county, state, and federal levels, including financing options, contacts at the Extension office, the Small Business Development Center, and the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. This evolution reflects the program's broader vision: creating a sustainable ecosystem where homesteaders can learn to scale their backyard operations, food trucks can transition to brick-and-mortar locations, and established restaurants can continue growing—all while maintaining the unique character that makes Frederick County's food scene special. Registration for future Restaurant Weeks remains open year-round, with the event consistently scheduled for the last Monday of January. As Wendy emphasizes, the more the community supports local establishments, the more these businesses can thrive and maintain the distinctive flavor that sets Frederick County apart. For complete menus, participating restaurant details, and passport downloads, visit fredcoeats.com and follow the event on Facebook and Instagram using #FredCoEats and #FredCoEatsRW.

Mayor Brett Smiley On Brown Shooting, Providence vs Boston, High Rent, RI Housewives, Gay Hate + Much MoreClub Ambition Podcast Episode 225Sponsored by:Dave's Hot Chicken (619 W Main Rd, Middletown, RI 02842)Mother Earth Wellness (Promo Code "ambition10") https://motherearthri.com/ Lil Rhody Laugh Riot Mar 26th - Mar 29th https://www.lilrhodylaughriot.com/ Big Tony's Pizza (Free Slice When You Mention Podcast) https://bigtonyspizzari.com/ https://linktr.ee/clubambitionUNCUT PATREON https://www.patreon.com/ClubAmbitionDISCORD COMMUNITY: https://discord.com/invite/M8Kmha8UqvMERCH: https://clubambition.shopListen To Podcasts: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/clubambitionWatch Spanish Podcast El Po K: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BqOENhDvdQ0&list=PLNukP3hLjNb_ITL34h3Gjue3z9KWiF-px Watch CAP: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W4YVeSYZi28&list=PLNukP3hLjNb_zwvsdwqTOGvgBb-_Ym2mL&pp=gAQBiAQBFOLLOW US!Podcast IG: https://www.instagram.com/clubambitionpodcast/Owner/Host/Editor | Victor SOUND: https://www.instagram.com/itsavibe/CAP Co-Host / Producer | Marloon: https://www.instagram.com/imfromthe401/CAP Co-Host | Noel: https://www.instagram.com/noelfrias_/CAP Co-Host | Earlyn: https://www.instagram.com/complex.mindset/El Po K Host | Maestro Vitiko: https://www.instagram.com/vitiko_baez_el_po_k?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==El Po K Co-Host | Locotron: https://www.instagram.com/iambenjaminrd?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==Graphic Designer | Edwin: https://www.instagram.com/edrebels/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@clubambition/Twitter: https://twitter.com/ClubAmbition__/-----------------------------------------------------------Want a promote your music or hire us for marketing?Email us if interested in business! - ClubAmbition401@gmail.com-------------------------------------------------------------RIP: Nipsey, Mac, XXXtentacion, Juice, Pop, Von, DMX, Virgil, Dolph, Takeoff, RHQ, CLARK KENT---------------------------------------------------------------------COPYRIGHT DISCLAIMER ALL RIGHTS BELONG TO THEIR RESPECTIVE OWNERS

​Sullivan Co Fire & Rescue on their toes in bad weather SundayFallsburg man to prison for molestationNew Starbucks in MonticelloBlood donations needed in Middletown

Humble Beginnings in a Feed Store Sarah Cohen never imagined she'd spend her life making potato chips in rural Virginia. Growing up in Washington, DC, where she worked in her family's restaurant and hotel business from age 12, she learned work ethic early. However, manufacturing knowledge? That came later—much later. In her twenties, Sarah launched Route 11 Potato Chips in an old feed store in Middletown, Virginia. The setup was as bare-bones as it gets. "We had wooden floors," she recalls, still sounding slightly incredulous. "I know it sounds like the 1800s." The operation ran on 1960s equipment, and workers literally carried potatoes through the office to reach the peeler. Most remarkably, they stirred batches of chips with a garden rake. "I thought we must be the absolute most inefficient chip factory in the world," Sarah admits. Nevertheless, something magical happened. The local community grew curious, came to watch, tried the chips, and became advocates. That grassroots support hasn't stopped since day one. The Power of Transparency From the beginning, Route 11 did something unusual for its time: they installed viewing windows. Initially, this decision stemmed from necessity rather than marketing genius. Without a packaging machine during the first year or two, the company hand-packed chips and relied on customers coming directly to buy them. The window gave visitors something to do besides standing awkwardly in a "weird little wooden building." Before long, tour buses arrived. People came out of sheer curiosity to watch food being made—a rarity in manufacturing. When Route 11 moved to Mount Jackson in 2008, the town made "fry viewing" a stipulation of the deal. Sarah and her business partner Mike embraced this transparency wholeheartedly. "We're very shameless about just showing it as it is," Sarah explains. "This is the real deal. This is how something is made." Today, this openness feels prescient. Craft breweries and artisan food makers routinely showcase their processes, but Route 11 pioneered this approach decades ago. The Partnership That Changed Everything Running a chip factory with breaking-down equipment from the 1960s proved exhausting. Sarah attended food shows unable to sell with confidence because she couldn't guarantee production without breakdowns. Then came a serendipitous encounter in a Winchester bar. Mike, who had been "fixing lawnmowers in his diapers," loved the product but saw room for improvement. An Army veteran with an engineering mindset, he brought manufacturing vision and intensity to complement Sarah's creative approach. "We are very different types of people," she notes. "He's very engineer brain, sees the world in very black and white terms, whereas I'm much more muddled." Mike's obsession with preventive maintenance transformed the operation. Eighteen years later, visitors consistently comment that the equipment looks brand new. "That's because we take care of it," Sarah says simply. "We baby it and pamper it." This philosophy stands in stark contrast to many manufacturers who adopt a "run it until it breaks" mentality. As the conversation reveals, preventive maintenance literally saves money, especially in today's world of long lead times for parts. Route 11 maintains stockpiles of commonly needed components because they can't assume availability when equipment fails. Keeping It Simple: The Ingredient Philosophy Route 11's chips contain a remarkably short ingredient list. This minimalism serves multiple purposes. First, it lets potato chips taste like potatoes—a revolutionary concept in an industry often dominated by artificial flavors and additives. Second, it reduces exposure to recalls. As Sarah explains, "The more ingredients a product has, the more exposure you have to a recall. If one ingredient gets recalled, then you've gotta pull all that product." The company operates as a gluten-free certified facility with only one allergen: dairy, found in trace amounts in their dill pickle chips. They've developed careful protocols for running dairy-containing flavors at the end of the day, followed by thorough cleaning. Interestingly, Route 11 pioneered the dill pickle chip flavor—now ubiquitous in the snack aisle. Sarah, who enjoyed mixing pickle juice with her potato chips and grilled cheese sandwiches, decided to formalize the combination. The flavor garnered press coverage, morning show appearances, and a mention in Oprah's Magazine. "It's the closest thing we've actually formulated," Sarah says. "It's our version of a Doritos." The Costco Courtship Route 11's relationship with Costco began unexpectedly. The buying team discovered their dill pickle chips at a Leesburg deli and started calling. Sarah, having just moved to Mount Jackson, felt unprepared. "I was nervous about it," she admits. Costco persisted, eventually sending their buying team to the facility. They offered flexibility: "Just do what you're comfortable with. You tell us what you can do." This approach proved crucial for a small manufacturer wary of overextending. Today, Route 11 supplies Costco's northeast region—roughly 20 Virginia warehouses. They've learned that many small businesses mistakenly believe they must supply all Costco locations nationwide. Regional arrangements exist precisely for companies like Route 11. Supplying all 90 warehouses would require two to three truckloads weekly—essentially their entire production capacity. "We need a separate Costco production facility to be able to maintain this," Sarah jokes. Instead, they've found their sweet spot: getting chips into as many Virginia locations as possible while maintaining quality and reliability. Costco's rigorous annual audits have elevated Route 11's standards. "Their standards are higher than anybody's," Sarah notes. While the company would maintain high standards regardless, having customers with such exacting requirements pushes continuous improvement. The Flavor Balancing Act Route 11 currently offers eight flavors plus seasonal varieties, including the cult-favorite Yukon Golds. When Yukon Gold season arrives, the company experiences what they call "the Gold Rush"—digging, cooking, and shipping the chips as fast as possible before they sell out. However, Sarah learned a counterintuitive lesson about flavors: more doesn't equal better. "I was very delusional," she admits about her early vision. "I thought everybody's gonna love the chips so much, they would take one of each bag." Reality proved different. People have favorite flavors, and for all potato chip companies, most customers reach for the classic salted variety. Route 11's lightly salted chips represent 60% of sales. When slower-moving flavors like Chesapeake Crab occupy shelf space, they create holes where the lightly salted should be, hampering overall sales velocity. Consequently, Route 11 actually offers fewer flavors now than when they started. To introduce a new flavor, they must discontinue an existing one. This disciplined approach extends to their mission statement, which Sarah describes as "not very exciting": make a great product in a clean and safe environment. For a single-facility operation, one recall could prove catastrophic. Larger manufacturers can shift production to different locations; Route 11 has no such luxury. Crisis and Innovation: The Ukraine Connection The war in Ukraine delivered an unexpected blow to Route 11. Ukraine supplies 90% of the world's sunflower seeds, and when shipping stopped, the entire vegetable oil market seized up. "This is how we're gonna go out of business because we can't get any oil," Sarah remembers thinking. Their oil supplier found peanut oil—more expensive and carrying the stigma of being peanut oil—but something proved better than nothing. Route 11 had to apply different labels to every single bag, creating what Sarah describes as a "dizzying" OSHA hazard. Fortunately, the situation lasted only a couple months, and loyal customers understood. Yet this crisis sparked innovation. While desperately searching for sunflower oil, Sarah discovered a North Carolina farmer preparing to press his own oil. Soon, Route 11 will receive their first tractor-trailer load of oil from this farmer—just five hours away. For the first time, they'll purchase directly from a farm rather than through distributors. "I would not have necessarily found him had we not been turning over every single rock," Sarah reflects. This development aligns perfectly with Route 11's original vision of being regional, local, and sustainable. They already work with local potato growers in Dayton, Virginia, and certified organic sweet potato growers in Mattaponi, Virginia. Adding a sunflower oil supplier completes the circle. The Sweet Spot of Growth Route 11 now employs 53 people and operates on a four-day, 10-hour workweek. They cook during the day, with no Saturday or night shifts. This schedule reflects a deliberate choice about growth and quality of life. "We could add another shift if we wanted to," Sarah acknowledges. However, additional shifts mean accelerated equipment wear, increased maintenance costs, and the prospect of 2 a.m. phone calls about breakdowns. "That's the beauty of having your own business," she says. "You can make decisions like that. We know what we can manage." This philosophy recognizes a truth many businesses miss: there's a profitability sweet spot. Beyond a certain point, scaling up means doing more work for proportionally less profit. Route 11 has found their equilibrium—large enough to matter to suppliers, small enough to maintain quality and control. Instead of adding shifts, they've focused on optimization. Recent investments include a bigger water line for faster cleaning, an additional warehouse for better organization, and new oil tanks for receiving directly from farmers. These improvements help them "eek out more pallets of product" without fundamentally changing their operational model. Retail and Tourism: The Other Revenue Stream While wholesale accounts like Costco generate significant volume, Route 11's retail operation remains vital. The facility welcomes visitors who tour the production area, purchase chips, and browse merchandise including t-shirts and tins. The company ships nationwide, serving customers far beyond their regional grocery footprint. This retail presence serves as their primary marketing channel. People experience the product, see how it's made, and become evangelists. The model has proven so successful that Mount Jackson now hosts an annual Tater Fest—a potato-themed festival celebrating the town's most famous product. Lessons from the Trenches When asked what advice she'd give aspiring food manufacturers, Sarah's immediate response is characteristically honest: "Don't do it. Whatever you do." Then she elaborates more seriously. Small business ownership is all-consuming, like having children. Everything that can go wrong does go wrong. Success requires time, money, deep pockets, and support systems. Sarah deliberately avoided investors, unwilling to be "enslaved" to return-on-investment demands or have others dictating shortcuts for profit. Realism matters, but so does a touch of delusion. "If I had been realistic, I never would've done it," Sarah admits. Vision must balance with number-crunching. She credits the Small Business Development Center where Bill helped her develop a business plan and understand concepts like breakeven points. The timeline proves sobering: Route 11 took nearly seven years to break even. During that period, Sarah worked part-time at a pizzeria while her co-founder worked as a line cook at the Wayside Inn. They put every dollar back into the business, personally making no money. "You have to be in your twenties," Sarah jokes. The energy and resilience required make this a young person's game. When people call seeking mentorship while envisioning running their company from a beach in St. Barts, Sarah's response is blunt: "No, sorry. If you're already envisioning yourself running your company from the beach, you probably should not even start." Manufacturing demands on-site presence. It's like being a conductor, orchestrating multiple moving parts simultaneously. Customers calling with problems don't want to hear ocean waves in the background. Looking Ahead Route 11's future involves maintaining and growing thoughtfully. The pandemic forced a holding pattern, but Sarah feels ready to resume trade shows and active selling now that they've optimized production capacity. Challenges loom, particularly federal government layoffs affecting the DC market—a significant customer base for Route 11. Many restaurants are closing due to reduced lunch business, and Route 11 has been part of that ecosystem. Adaptation will be necessary. Yet Route 11's greatest strength remains reliability. "The most important thing about selling to somebody is that you're reliable," Sarah emphasizes. Potato chips move quickly, and if you can't deliver on time, customers find alternatives. Route 11's commitment to reliability has built trust that transcends market fluctuations. From wooden floors and garden rakes to Costco shelves and 53 employees, Route 11 Potato Chips embodies the American manufacturing dream—not the fantasy version where entrepreneurs run companies from tropical beaches, but the real version requiring grit, adaptability, community support, and an unwavering commitment to quality. As Cohen surveys her 20,000-square-foot facility, the journey from that cramped Middletown feed store seems both improbable and inevitable. "It's just a very interesting story," she says with characteristic understatement. For anyone who's ever tasted a Route 11 chip—crispy, perfectly salted, tasting unmistakably like actual potatoes—the story is more than interesting. It's inspiring.

There's a big difference between a good burger and a great burger. For many, myself included, hamburgers have been a staple of my diet since I was a youngster. Back in the day, they were cheap and easy meals. Everybody knows some of the first fast-food restaurants were hamburger joints. One of the West Coast‘s favorite burgers is from In-N-Out Burger. They recently opened their first locations here in Middletown, Tennessee. And many people were excited. They were so thrilled, they stood in line for hours to grab an Animal-style Double-Double. I’ll wait a while before I give them a try… Click Here To Subscribe Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicGoogle PodcastsTuneIniHeartRadioPandoraDeezerBlubrryBullhornCastBoxCastrofyyd.deGaanaiVooxListen NotesmyTuner RadioOvercastOwlTailPlayer.fmPocketCastsPodbayPodbeanPodcast AddictPodcast IndexPodcast RepublicPodchaserPodfanPodtailRadio PublicRadio.comReason.fmRSSRadioVurblWe.foYandex jQuery(document).ready(function($) { 'use strict'; $('#podcast-subscribe-button-13292 .podcast-subscribe-button.modal-69928f5e2e5ed').on("click", function() { $("#secondline-psb-subs-modal.modal-69928f5e2e5ed.modal.secondline-modal-69928f5e2e5ed").modal({ fadeDuration: 250, closeText: '', }); return false; }); });

It's the first #NECWBB On The Run podcast of 2026! New Haven senior forward Aniya McDonald-Perry joins the show this week. The Middletown, CT native discusses New Haven's 2-0 start to NEC play, her journey from being a cheerleader to hoopin' it up, and the Chargers' experience in D-I so far. The NEC's Craig D'Amico recaps opening weekend of league play, who to watch, and what stories to keep an eye on as the season progresses.

Laurel Ridge Community College isn't just accepting applications—it's actively dismantling the barriers that keep people from pursuing their educational dreams. In this episode of The Valley Today, host Janet Michael talks with Guy Curtis, the college's Director of Marketing, and Brandy Hawkins Boies, Director of PR and Special Events, to explore how accessible higher education has become in the Shenandoah Valley. The conversation reveals a striking truth: whether you're a high school junior, a parent returning to the workforce, a professional seeking advancement, or even a retiree looking for a new challenge, Laurel Ridge has carved out a space for you. Moreover, the college has systematically addressed the most common objections that prevent people from walking through their doors. No Prerequisites, No Judgment "You literally have to know nothing about college to get started," Brandy emphasizes, addressing one of the most pervasive fears potential students harbor. She encourages prospective students to ignore the academic jargon and forget about needing to sound scholarly. Instead, the college meets people exactly where they are. Throughout her tenure at Laurel Ridge, Brandy has witnessed an extraordinary range of students succeed. "I've seen valedictorians graduate from high school and come here to Laurel Ridge," she explains. "We've also seen individuals that have been through unimaginable struggles in their life—maybe they took a wrong turn or maybe life just was very unkind to them." The common thread? Once these individuals found the courage to walk through the door, the college took their hand and guided them toward success. Furthermore, age presents no barrier whatsoever. The college serves everyone from dual-enrolled high schoolers to graduates in their eighties. As Brandy notes, "There is no age limit here at Laurel Ridge at all." Pathways That Make Sense Guy Curtis highlights one of the college's most valuable features: its pathway system. Rather than forcing students to commit to a specific career before they're ready, Laurel Ridge offers structured pathways that help students explore their options while making progress toward a credential. These pathways align with in-demand careers in the region, ensuring that graduates find relevant employment opportunities. Additionally, the programs remain "future-proof" in an era of rapid technological change. Guy points to healthcare, IT, skilled trades, advanced manufacturing, engineering, and education as fields where Laurel Ridge prepares students for long-term, rewarding careers with meaningful wages. For traditional students planning to transfer to a four-year institution, Laurel Ridge provides an ideal starting point. However, the college equally serves those seeking quick certifications to re-enter the workforce or gain a promotion. This flexibility allows the institution to meet diverse needs within a single community. The Financial Reality: Surprisingly Affordable When Janet raises the inevitable question about cost, Guy delivers encouraging news. Laurel Ridge charges approximately one-third the price of most four-year institutions. Beyond this baseline affordability, however, numerous funding sources make education even more accessible. Multiple Funding Streams The college helps students navigate a complex landscape of financial support, including: Federal financial aid provides the foundation for many students. Meanwhile, G3 tuition assistance targets high-demand fields like healthcare, IT, education, engineering, and public service, helping Virginians pursue careers that employers desperately need to fill. Although Fast Forward funding has faced reduced state support due to its popularity, local entities have stepped up to fill the gap. The Winchester Economic Development Authority now offers scholarships for city residents, while the Frederick County Economic Development Authority contributes additional funding. Other sources include the Hazel Family Fund, the Building the Future Fund, and various locality scholarships throughout the region. Remarkably, families of four earning up to $128,000 annually—400% of the poverty rate—typically qualify for classes at no cost through G3 and other funding sources. Guy emphasizes that many eligible students never come forward because they assume they won't qualify. "Asking for someone to help you navigate those options is the first big step," he advises. The Dual Enrollment Advantage High school students gain an even more compelling opportunity. Juniors and seniors can earn their first 30 credits at no charge through dual enrollment. This head start not only saves money but also accelerates degree completion. Guy explains the strategic advantage: "If you get those 15 credits to start with at no cost within your high school, but look to move to a degree or applied program at the college, you're already off on a great starting point." Students graduate high school with college credits already completed, positioning themselves to finish an associate's degree quickly and affordably. The Two-Year Degree Advantage Janet recalls a conversation with Jeff Sinclair, a veteran who attended Laurel Ridge before transferring to Shenandoah University's pharmacy program. His insight resonated deeply: students who start at a four-year institution and leave after two years walk away with education but no credential. In contrast, Laurel Ridge students earn an associate's degree after two years, providing a tangible qualification and a foundation for future advancement. Brandy's daughter exemplifies this pathway. After taking dual enrollment classes in high school, she completed her associate's degree at Laurel Ridge in just one additional year for under $5,000. Now pursuing her bachelor's degree online through Old Dominion University, the family appreciates having only two years of four-year tuition bills rather than four. Additionally, Brandy emphasizes a crucial fact: college credits never expire. A potential student who took classes in the 1980s still retains those credits, which can be applied toward current degree requirements. This permanence means that education remains an asset throughout one's entire life. Flexibility for Real Lives Recognizing that students juggle multiple responsibilities, Laurel Ridge offers extensive scheduling flexibility. The college provides online programs in business administration, computer science, education, general studies, liberal arts, social justice, and numerous other fields. These fully online options appeal to today's students, who increasingly prefer remote learning. For programs requiring hands-on experience, hybrid formats blend online coursework with in-person sessions. Students might meet on campus once weekly while completing the remaining work online. This approach proves particularly effective in skilled trades programs, where students combine bookwork at home with hands-on learning in the classroom, actually speeding up program completion. Evening and weekend options accommodate working professionals. Janet mentions the CDL program specifically, which offers classes during non-traditional hours to fit around work schedules. Whether you're a stay-at-home parent who can only study after the kids are in bed or a full-time employee seeking advancement, Laurel Ridge structures programs around your life. Comprehensive Support Services Beyond academics and affordability, Laurel Ridge has built what Brandy calls "a remarkable support community." These services address the real-world challenges that can derail educational goals. The Cub House This kid-friendly space opened last year, providing a solution for student parents. While not a daycare—parents must remain with their children—the Cub House offers a place where kids can play while parents study, meet with professors, or work on group projects. This simple accommodation removes a significant barrier for parents pursuing education. Food Pantry and Basic Needs Located in Cornerstone Hall on the Middletown campus, the food pantry stocks food, hygiene products, and clothing. Importantly, students face no questions or paperwork requirements. If you need food, you simply take it. This no-barrier approach ensures that basic needs don't prevent academic success. TRIO Program This federally funded program serves first-generation college students, low-income students, and students with disabilities. If you qualify for any one of these three categories, you can access additional support services designed to help you succeed. Free Tutoring Brandy shares a secret: "The A+ students, their secret is they got help, they got tutoring. They weren't ashamed to ask." The college provides free tutoring services, recognizing that seeking help demonstrates strength, not weakness. Furthermore, the college hires students as tutors, creating employment opportunities while supporting academic success. Social Work Services A full-time social worker now serves on campus, connecting students with community resources. Whatever obstacle you face—housing insecurity, transportation challenges, childcare needs, or other life circumstances—the social worker helps you find solutions. As Brandy explains, "Our main goal is to help get you to your goal of walking across the stage with your degree." Career Coaches in Every High School For high school students and their parents, career coaches stationed in guidance offices provide the first point of contact. These Laurel Ridge employees offer unbiased guidance about all college options, not just Laurel Ridge programs. They help students explore interests and potential career paths, making the transition from high school to college less daunting. Professional Development and Workforce Solutions Laurel Ridge extends beyond traditional degree programs to serve working professionals and employers. The Continuing Education and Professional Development division offers courses ranging from four-hour workshops to longer online programs. These options help individuals upskill for promotions or learn new competencies like AI literacy. Corporate training programs allow employers to develop their workforce. Companies can send employees to leadership courses or specialized training, keeping teams engaged and informed about best practices and emerging technologies. Guy highlights the new AI Immersive Tech program, a six-month certification course that equips students with AI technology, data tools, and digital skills. Looking ahead, the college will host the Laurel Ridge AI Summit on April 1st from 8:00 AM to noon, showcasing AI resources for both individuals and employers seeking to enhance their workforce capabilities. Getting Started: Simpler Than You Think Despite all these opportunities, the first step remains remarkably simple. You can walk into any campus—Middletown, the Fauquier campus in Warrenton, or the Page Center in Luray—and someone will help you. Alternatively, you can call or visit the website at laurelridge.edu. The Career Coach Site For those hesitant to make initial contact, Guy recommends starting with the Career Coach site, accessible from the homepage under "Explore Careers." This free resource allows you to browse in-demand careers in the region, marked with flame emojis for the hottest opportunities. You can take skill assessments—ranging from six to sixty questions—to identify careers that align with your interests and abilities. The site also displays real job openings from local employers like Valley Health, showing actual positions, required qualifications, and salary ranges. You can even drop a pin on specific locations—Luray, Warrenton, or even Washington, DC—to see opportunities in your preferred area. Employers can post jobs at no cost, connecting directly with students and community members exploring career options. Information Sessions and Tours Brandy's outreach team regularly hosts information sessions, both online and in person. The college also conducts open houses for specific programs, giving prospective students detailed insights into particular fields. You can schedule a guided tour or simply show up for a self-guided walk through the facilities. As Janet jokes, you might even run into President Kim Blaiser wandering the halls, ready to point you in the right direction. Guy confirms this welcoming culture: "Everyone in the college has that kind of heart of service. Regardless of who you are, whether you're maintenance or the president, they're gonna show you where you are and where you need to go." A New Year, A New You As Guy emphasizes, the new year presents the perfect opportunity for transformation—whether that means becoming a new you, a new employee, or simply a more skilled version of yourself. The first step involves reaching out and talking to someone at the college. Laurel Ridge has systematically addressed the barriers that keep people from pursuing education: cost, scheduling conflicts, lack of support services, uncertainty about career paths, and fear of not being "college material." By removing these obstacles, the college has created an environment where success becomes not just possible but probable. The stories Brandy and Guy share—from valedictorians to individuals overcoming tremendous hardships, from teenagers to octogenarians—demonstrate that Laurel Ridge truly serves all walks of life. The common denominator isn't prior achievement or perfect circumstances. Instead, it's simply the courage to walk through the door and say, "I want something better." From that moment forward, Laurel Ridge takes your hand and guides you toward your goal. With affordable tuition, flexible scheduling, comprehensive support services, and programs aligned with real career opportunities, the college has created a pathway to success that works for virtually anyone willing to take that first step. The question isn't whether Laurel Ridge can work for you. The evidence suggests it can. The real question is: what are you waiting for?

With the Middletown boys looking like the county's top basketball team and poised to make a run at a potential state championship, Knights coach John Keimig is this week's guest on The Final Score podcast. Keimig chats with host Greg Swatek about how the Knights are handling the lofty expectations with most of their team back from a season ago when they took eventual Class 2A runner-up New Town to double overtime in the state semifinals. What are Keimig's fondest memories from that playoff run? What does he like the most about this current team? Who are the key players? And what will it take for Middletown to win its first state title in boys basketball in March? Prior to that conversation, FNP sports writer Alexander Dacy joins Greg to discuss the boys and girls basketball scenes in Frederick County and what lies ahead during the holiday weeks.

12.17.2025 #RolandMartinUnfiltered: Charter School Fight Heads to Court, GOP Breaks on Obamacare, Trump Cuts Spark Hunger Crisis A yearslong fight over a Middletown charter school in Bridgeport Connecticut heads to court -- why a campus approved in 2023 still hasn't opened, and what's at stake for parents and kids... Dr. Steve Perry joins us from Capital Preparatory Schools. Four House Republicans buck Speaker Mike Johnson and side with Democrats to extend Obamacare subsidies, hear from GOP members and what's next with millions of Americans healthcare. ProPublica uncovers a man-made hunger crisis in Kenya's Kakuma refugee camp after Trump's USAID cuts, Reporter Anna Maria Barry-Jester joins us. And 50 years after NABJ's founding, co-founder Norma Adams-Wade is here to talk legacy, Black media power, and the new Jubilee Endowment push. #BlackStarNetwork partner: Fanbasehttps://www.startengine.com/offering/fanbase This Reg A+ offering is made available through StartEngine Primary, LLC, member FINRA/SIPC. This investment is speculative, illiquid, and involves a high degree of risk, including the possible loss of your entire investment. You should read the Offering Circular (https://bit.ly/3VDPKjD) and Risks (https://bit.ly/3ZQzHl0) related to this offering before investing. Download the Black Star Network app at http://www.blackstarnetwork.com! We're on iOS, AppleTV, Android, AndroidTV, Roku, FireTV, XBox and SamsungTV. The #BlackStarNetwork is a news reporting platform covered under Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the cutthroat world of MLB free agency, few stories sting like a prodigal son choosing the bright lights of Philadelphia over his Ohio roots. On December 9, 2025, Kyle Schwarber, the Middletown native who grew up idolizing the Cincinnati Reds, inked a five-year, $150 million deal to stay with the Phillies—leaving the Reds empty-handed after a spirited but ultimately underpowered pursuit. For a franchise desperate to reignite fan passion at Great American Ball Park, this was more than a missed signing; it was a gut punch to the Queen City's baseball soul. Schwarber's 2025 season was a revelation: 56 home runs—tops in the NL—and 132 RBIs, a career zenith that vaulted him to second in MVP voting. At 32, the burly designated hitter evolved into a complete force, smashing an MLB-record 23 homers against lefties and posting a .964 OPS versus them, upending his platoon woes. His raw power, infectious energy, and Wawa-endorsed Philly flair made him the perfect leadoff masher behind Bryce Harper, fueling the Phillies' championship chase. No wonder Philly locked him up; he's their clubhouse heartbeat, a grizzled leader who bet on himself and won big. The Reds, though, saw Schwarber as destiny's gift. Just 35 miles from his boyhood diamond, he could've been the thunderous bat to complement Elly De La Cruz's spark and Jonathan India's savvy—propelling Cincinnati from rebuild purgatory to playoff contention. GM Nick Krall courted him aggressively at the GM Meetings, even hosting Schwarber and wife Paige for a November tour of GABP. Their offer? A five-year pact around $125 million, with escalators—respectable, but shy of Philly's bounty. Even the Orioles matched the Phillies' terms, only to watch Schwarber's heart pull him eastward.  This miss exposes the Reds' fiscal bind: a mid-market team chasing splashy dreams without the deep pockets of NL East behemoths. Ticket sales would've surged with "Schwar Bomb" nights echoing off the Ohio River, but instead, fans are left with echoes of 2010 glory. Pittsburgh and Boston sniffed around, too, but Cincinnati's emotional pitch fell flat against cold cash.  As Schwarber preps for another Citizens Bank Park barrage, Reds Nation mourns what could've been: a homecoming homer derby that never materialized. It's a reminder that in baseball, roots run deep, but dollars dig deeper. For now, the Phillies feast on continuity; the Reds pivot to Plan B, hoping for fireworks elsewhere. But oh, what a Schwarber-shaped hole in the lineup—and the heart. Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/ Track Name Holy (Trap). Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/ Track Name Exercise (Rock). #Bengals #NFL #OffTheBench

Photo by Hush Naidoo Jade Photography on Unsplash The second hour begins with a focus on two community leaders’ perspectives on the local impact of the federal policy changes: Allen Hinkley, the Supervisor for the town of Roxbury that includes the hamlets of Roxbury and Grand Gorge, as well as the Denver-Vega Valley, Hardscrabble, West Settlement; and Glen Faulkner, the Town Supervisor for Middletown that includes Margaretville, Arkville, Fleischmanns, New Kingston and Halcottsville. Assemblyman Brian Maher (R, NYA-101) then discusses how the state is responding to these changes. The special ends with a discussion of the impact of the federal policy changes on social services that are so crucial to health, such as access to healthy food, affordable housing, and more, with the Delaware County Commissioner of Social Services Keith Weaver,  Executive Director of Delaware Opportunities Shelly Bartow, and Founder and manager of Margaretville’s The Hubb Robin Williams. To listen to the first hour, please go to this link. The post The Impact of Federal Policy Changes Part 2 appeared first on HealthCetera.

This week Alyssa Orth got a chance to sit down and interview Mr. Morgan. Listen in as we learn about his previous jobs, his journey to Middletown, and even his four cats!Enjoy the show and be sure you like, subscribe, and leave us a positive review on itunes or Spotify!  Intro/Outro and Ad Music: www.bensound.com/royalty-free-music. Edited By: Noah Palmer and Hailey.

From Rookie To Chief of Police: His Journey in Ohio. In a special episode available for free on the Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show website, also on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Youtube and most major podcast platforms, listeners are taken deep inside the world of American law enforcement through the story of Rodney Muterspaw, the retired Chief of Police from Middletown, Ohio. His journey, from a young rookie officer to one of the most respected police leaders in the United States, is chronicled in his brutally honest book, The Blue View, and shared across Facebook, Instagram, and other major news platforms. A Three-Decade Rise Through the Ranks Muterspaw's career is the embodiment of the theme “From Rookie to Chief of Police.” Born and raised in the Middletown area, he began as a patrol officer and steadily moved through the ranks: Detective, Sergeant, Lieutenant, Deputy Chief, and ultimately Chief of Police in January 2015. Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast social media like their Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn , Medium and other social media platforms. Colleagues often describe him as a leader who treated Community Policing not as an assignment but as a “philosophy.” Under his leadership, the department shifted toward change, community, and transparency, transforming both culture and morale. From Rookie To Chief of Police: His Journey in Ohio. Look for supporting articles about this and much more from Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast in platforms like Medium , Blogspot and Linkedin . His assignments over the years included Patrol Officer, School Resource Officer, Narcotics Detective, Bike Patrol Officer, Community Policing Supervisor, Field Training Officer, and leadership roles in Investigations and Narcotics. It was a full spectrum career, one that exposed him to every triumph and hardship policing can offer. The Book That Was Never Meant to Be Released What makes Rodney Muterspaw's journey stand out isn't only his service, it's the book that came out of it. Available for free on their website and streaming on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Youtube and other podcast platforms. The Blue View began as a private, personal journal he kept for thirty years. As he explains in the interview: “The hardest thing about being a police officer is you have to solve everyone else's problems when you can't even solve your own.” From Rookie To Chief of Police: His Journey in Ohio. Originally never intended for public eyes, these raw entries follow him from his first day in the police academy to his final day as Chief. Readers experience the emotions and pressure of the job, from riding in a cruiser to sitting in the Chief's office, up close and without filters. The book has been praised for its authenticity and for revealing the “behind-the-scenes” reality that most officers never talk about. Politicians, community leaders, and everyday citizens have all commented on its impact. Regardless of one's views on policing, The Blue View provides an essential perspective. The Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast episode is available for free on their website , Apple Podcasts , Spotify and most major podcast platforms. JD Vance's Connection: Middletown, Hillbilly Elegy and National Recognition Muterspaw's story intersects with another well-known Middletown narrative: Hillbilly Elegy, the bestselling memoir by JD Vance, now the Vice President of the United States. The book, film, and cultural conversation put Middletown, a city of nearly 51,000 residents, into national focus. Vance himself praised Muterspaw's book and work, recommending The Blue View and recognizing the Chief's deep commitment to the community. Middletown's history, struggles, and resilience are woven throughout Muterspaw's writings, giving readers an intimate look at a city that has become emblematic of America's Rust Belt challenges. From Rookie To Chief of Police: His Journey in Ohio. The full podcast episode is streaming now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and across Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Awards, Leadership, and National Appearances Throughout his career, Muterspaw earned numerous awards and honors, including: The Martin Luther King Jr. Drum Major Award The History Maker Award for his impact on Middletown The NAACP Award for Leadership Multiple City Manager Pro Awards Outstanding Attainment Recognition by the Ohio Senate Selection as a guest of the United States Congress at the Presidential State of the Union He appeared frequently on television, radio, and national media outlets to advocate for stronger community-police relations. From Rookie To Chief of Police: His Journey in Ohio. You can find the show on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, X (formerly Twitter), and LinkedIn, as well as read companion articles and updates on Medium, Blogspot, YouTube, and even IMDB. Life After the Badge Though retired from policing, Muterspaw remains deeply active in the community through speaking engagements, volunteer work, and leadership in local initiatives. A graduate of Middletown Christian High School, the Police Executive Leadership College, and the Southern Police Institute at the University of Louisville, he now dedicates much of his time to helping others learn from the lessons he documented in his journals. Married with three children and two grandchildren, he continues to speak openly about the pressures of policing, the cost of leadership, and the love he has for the city that shaped him. Available for free on their website and streaming on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other podcast platforms. Why The Blue View Matters The Blue View isn't just a book, it's a record of a man's life lived in service. It is a transparent and emotional account of what it means to protect a community while confronting personal challenges and professional obstacles. It offers insight into law enforcement, politics, family, and the complexities of public service. From Rookie To Chief of Police: His Journey in Ohio. Readers come away changed. As the podcast host notes in the special episode: “This is more than a police story. It's an American story, one that everyone should hear.” You can contact John J. “Jay” Wiley by email at Jay@letradio.com , or learn more about him on their website . Get the latest news articles, without all the bias and spin, from the Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast on Medium , which is free. “If you enjoy the show,” John Jay Wiley adds, “please share it with a friend or two, or three. And if you're able to leave an honest rating or review, it would be deeply appreciated.” The Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast is available for free on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and LETRadio.com, among many other platforms. Stay connected with updates and future episodes by following the show on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, their website and other Social Media Platforms. Find a wide variety of great podcasts online at The Podcast Zone Facebook Page , look for the one with the bright green logo. Be sure to check out our website . Be sure to follow us on X , Instagram , Facebook, Pinterest, Linkedin and other social media platforms for the latest episodes and news. Listeners can tune in on the Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show website, on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and most every major Podcast platform and follow updates on Facebook, Instagram, and other major News outlets. You can find the show on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, X (formerly Twitter), and LinkedIn, as well as read companion articles and updates on Medium, Blogspot, YouTube, and even IMDB. You can help contribute money to make the Gunrunner Movie . The film that Hollywood won't touch. It is about a now Retired Police Officer that was shot 6 times while investigating Gunrunning. He died 3 times during Medical treatment and was resuscitated. You can join the fight by giving a monetary “gift” to help ensure the making of his film at agunrunnerfilm.com . Background song Hurricane is used with permission from the band Dark Horse Flyer. From Rookie To Chief of Police: His Journey in Ohio. Attributions Wikipedia Amazon.com Wikipedia Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On the Morning News Express, Bob Miller welcomed local legend “Turkey” Tom McLister of Middletown to talk about how his decades of turkey-frying for friends and neighbors turned him into a true holiday icon. Tom shared the incredible story of being surprised on the Today Show in 2016, when his family and celebrity chef Bobby Flay honored his passion and expertise in what he called the “surprise of a lifetime.” From perfectly crispy birds to community tradition, it was a heartwarming and entertaining chat with one of Frederick County’s most beloved characters.

Nick Kirby and Trace Fowler break down a major revelation from the Reds Hot Stove League Show, where President Nick Krall confirmed that Elly De La Cruz played through a partially torn quad. The guys dive into who's at fault, what it means for the Reds moving forward, and how the organization handles its young stars. They also react to Kyle Schwarber's latest comments during his visit to hometown Middletown, make their pitch for why the Reds should pursue him in free agency, and debate the importance of small-market teams landing marquee players. Plus: updates on the Reds' new TV/media deal, a look ahead to the MLB non-tender deadline, and the newly released Cincinnati Reds 2026 game times.   Go to https://OmahaSteaks.com to get 50% off sitewide during their Sizzle All the Way Sale. And use code CHATTERBOX at checkout for an extra $35 off. Minimum purchase may apply. See site for details. A big thanks to our advertiser, Omaha Steaks!   Today's Episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bjnILKFnk1Y      OTHER CHATTERBOX PROGRAMING:   Chatterbox Bengals: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/chatterbox-bengals-a-cincinnati-bengals-nfl-podcast/id1652732141  Chatterbox Bearcats: https://chatterboxbearcats.podbean.com/  The Stone Shields Show: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/west-4th-and-long/id1828384424  Off The Bench: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/off-the-bench-by-chatterbox-sports/id1643010062  The Flyin Lion (FC Cincinnati): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-flyin-lion-fc-cincinnati-podcast/id1701368522  513 Golf: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjPJjEFaBD7VUSfdVvGjbr1_CmCepLWpr    DSC Commodities: https://deepsouthcommodities.com/  CALL OR TEXT 988 FOR HELP DAY OR NIGHT: https://mantherapy.org

After Linganore became Frederick County's first state champion in girls flag football, coach Brian Sweene, senior quarterback Lexi Petrie and sophomore receiver/defensive back Makenna Roberts are this week's guests on The Final Score podcast. The trio chats with host Greg Swatek about the Lancers 26-6 victory over Calvert in the state final at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore. What was it like for them to play on that type of stage? What was the significance to them of being the first state champs in county history for girls flag football? Petrie and Roberts also talk about why they decided to play girls flag football, and Sweene explains why he decided to coach it. How far has the team and the sport come in the three years it has been played on the high-school level in Frederick County? What does the future look like for the team and the players? Prior to that conversation, FNP sports reporter Alexander Dacy joins Greg to discuss soccer state finals for the Brunswick boys and the Oakdale girls, a state volleyball final for Urbana and Middletown's shocking forfeit out of the high school football playoffs. They also look ahead to this week's state football quarterfinals for Linganore, Oakdale, Urbana and Walkersville.

We chat about a few new restaurants to check out around town, plus a few high-profile closures on this week's Access Louisville podcast. To start off the show, we discuss the long-rumored return of Papalinos, a Highlands pizza joint that closed more than a decade ago but everyone remembers fondly. As of Nov. 10, it's back, this time at 1022 Clarks Lane, explains LBF Restaurant Reporter Michael L. Jones. Original chef Allan Rosenberg along with notable restaurant owner Fred Pizzonia are behind the revival, which replaces The Dirty Bird, a chicken and bluegrass restaurant also co-owned by the pair as well. This is actually one of a few moves the pair are making with their restaurants, which Jones goes over on the show (you can also read more in the link above.)After that, Digital Editor Zak Owens is on the show to talk about the demise of Against the Grain's flagship restaurant at Louisville Slugger Field. Founders Jerry Gnagy and Sam Cruz said the decision was driven by the end of the lease term and a desire to focus more fully on the company's beverage manufacturing operations. “The last 14 years have been a blast-and-a-half with so many great people … It's all been a heckuva ride,” Gnagy and Cruz wrote on Facebook. “There are no heavy hearts or regrets, only a million great memories.”Jones also tells us about Adrienne and Kris Cole, the husband-and-wife team behind The House of Marigold, which is opening a second location at 624 E. Market St. in the NuLu neighborhood in spring 2026. This will be the second House of Marigold restaurant to open in less than four years. The Coles launched their flagship Middletown restaurant at 10310 Shelbyville Road in 2023 and quickly earned accolades, including Southern Living's “Best New Restaurant in Kentucky.”We also chat about Pasta Garage Café & Market, an Italian restaurant based in Lexington, opening a Louisville location this week at 552 E. Market St. in the Gateway to NuLu building. We go over the recent closure of The Silver Dollar — a celebrated bourbon bar. The bar had been open since 2011 and made the announcement earlier this week.And we chat about Serai, a new Malaysian restaurant coming to 2311 Frankfort Avenue in early 2026. Louisville Business First previously reported that the restaurant in that space now, DiFabio's, owned by husband-and-wife duo Caitland DiFabio and Jon Riley, will close at the end of December.After that we have a brief discussion on Kentucky's role in the hemp industry and how that may change due to federal legislation which passed alongside the bill to reopen the government.Access Louisville is a weekly podcast from Louisville Business First. You can follow it on popular podcast services including Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Some Middletown Police officers had to make an unusual rescue using a garden hose as a lasso! STORY: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5VvJYpihZmY

In the swirling vortex of MLB free agency speculation, few names ignite Ohioan hearts quite like Kyle Schwarber's. The burly left-handed slugger, fresh off another cannonball season with the Phillies—where he mashed 47 homers and drew walks like a magnet—has suddenly become the belle of the Reds' rumor ball. As the 2025-26 offseason heats up, Cincinnati's front office, under Nick Krall's steady hand, is reportedly eyeing a seismic shift: luring Schwarber home to the banks of the Ohio River. Born in Middletown, just a stone's throw from Great American Ball Park, Schwarber's Midwestern roots make this feel less like a signing and more like a homecoming barbecue. The chatter kicked off in late October, fueled by anonymous whispers from "NL Central insiders" at the Winter Meetings prelude. Picture this: Schwarber, the ultimate three-true-outcomes beast (home runs, walks, strikeouts), slotting into the Reds' revamped lineup alongside Elly De La Cruz's fireworks and Matt McLain's grit. Great American, with its short porches and hitter-friendly confines, could turn Schwarber into a 50-homer demigod, boosting a rotation still smarting from Hunter Greene's injury woes. Rumor has it the Reds are dangling a five-year, $125 million pact—player-friendly opt-outs included—to outbid suitors like the Cubs (ironic family reunion?) or Yankees, who crave his October thunder. But oh, the caveats! Schwarber's defensive "adventures" in left field—more adventure than acumen—might clash with the Reds' youth movement. And at 33, is he the long-term anchor or a bridge to contention? Fans in Cincy dream of him launching moonshots over the river, channeling Pete Rose's fire with modern power. Yet skeptics point to Philly's reluctance to let him walk, given his clubhouse glue role. If it happens, it's poetic: the Middletown Hammer returning to swing for the fences in red. For now, it's all smoke and mirrors—delicious, Reds-tinted smoke. Will it ignite? Stay tuned; the hot stove's just warming up. Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/ Track Name Holy (Trap). Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/ Track Name Exercise (Rock). #Bengals #NFL #OffTheBench

Operation “Chargeback” takes down global fraud networks. An investigation reveals the dangers of ADINT. M&S profits plunge after a cyberattack. Google patches a critical Android flaw. Asian prosecutors seize millions from an accused Cambodian scam kingpin. Ohio residents are still guessing water bills months after a cyberattack. Houston firefighters deny blame in city data breach. Nikkei reports a slack breach exposing 17,000 records.The Google–Wiz deal clears DOJ review. Ann Johnson welcomes her Microsoft colleague Frank X. Shaw⁠ to Afternoon Cyber Tea. Norway parks its Chinese Bus in a cave, just in case.  Remember to leave us a 5-star rating and review in your favorite podcast app. Miss an episode? Sign-up for our daily intelligence roundup, Daily Briefing, and you'll never miss a beat. And be sure to follow CyberWire Daily on LinkedIn. Afternoon Cyber Tea On this month's segment from Afternoon Cyber Tea, host Ann Johnson welcomes Frank X. Shaw⁠, Chief Communications Officer at Microsoft, to explore the critical role of communication in cybersecurity. They discuss how transparency and trust shape effective response to cyber incidents, the importance of breaking down silos across teams, and how AI is transforming communication strategies. You can listen to Ann and Frank's full conversation here, and catch new episodes of Afternoon Cyber Tea every other Tuesday on your favorite podcast app. Selected Reading Operation Chargeback: 4.3 million cardholders affected, EUR 300 million in damages - Three criminal networks suspected of misusing credit card data from cardholders across 193 countries; 18 suspects arrested (Europol) Databroker Files: Targeting the EU (Netzpolitik) M&S profits almost wiped out after cyber hack left shelves empty (BBC News) Google releases November 2025 Android patch, fixes critical zero-click flaw (Beyond Machines) Prosecutors seize yachts, luxury cars from man accused of running Cambodia cyberscams (NPR) Cyberattack that crippled Middletown's systems shows how hackers target smaller cities (Cincinnati.com) Houston data breach exposes firefighters' personal info, union says they're being blamed (Click2Houston) Japanese publishing company Nikkei suffers Slack compromise exposing data of over 17,000 people (Beyond Machines) Google Clears DOJ Antitrust Hurdle for $32 Billion Wiz Deal (Bloomberg) Dybt i et norsk fjeld blev en kinesisk bybus splittet ad. En status på vores frygt (Zetland) Share your feedback. What do you think about CyberWire Daily? Please take a few minutes to share your thoughts with us by completing our brief listener survey. Thank you for helping us continue to improve our show. Want to hear your company in the show? N2K CyberWire helps you reach the industry's most influential leaders and operators, while building visibility, authority, and connectivity across the cybersecurity community. Learn more at sponsor.thecyberwire.com. The CyberWire is a production of N2K Networks, your source for strategic workforce intelligence. © N2K Networks, Inc. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Connecticut Yankee atomic power plant was one of the earliest commercial nuclear reactors in New England.  Though it was dismantled at the turn of the 21st century, its legacy remains, both for the landscape of the Connecticut River Valley where it once stood, and for contemporary debates about energy today.  This episode explores the plant's life and afterlife, the activists who opposed it, and the promises and perils of nuclear power in the 1960s and today, through the reminiscences of Paul Gionfriddo, a former state legislator and longtime president of People's Action for Clean Energy, a group that has advocated for conservation and renewable energy in Connecticut since the early 1970s.   This episode is presented by Dr. Amrys Williams and Jon Kozak. Williams is a historian of science, technology,and the environment who serves as the Executive Director of the Connecticut League of Museums.  Her recent research projects have focused on anti-nuclear activism, radioecology, and the public interpretation of nuclear places. Kozak is a graduate student in Public History at Central Connecticut State University and the Communications Manager for the Connecticut League of Museums. His recent research has focused on energy landscapes and the Connecticut Yankee plant.   Their guest is Paul Gionfriddo is a former state representative and mayor of Middletown, a graduate of Wesleyan University, and a retired nonprofit professional.  He has advocated for mental health and renewable energy, and served as President of People's Action for Clean Energy from 1975 until 1999.    For more information, visit these sites:   -Connecticut Yankee website: connyankee.com/ -People's Action for Clean Energy website: pacecleanenergy.org/  -1960s film of the construction of the Connecticut Yankee Nuclear Power Plant: youtube.com/watch?v=AiCYVMboju8 -The Atom and Eve, 1960s film promoting CT Yankee plant and atomic power in New England: footagefarm.com/reel-details/communications/telephone/1966---colour-atomic-energy-usa--atom-and-eve ; https://catalog.archives.gov/id/88095  -US Department of Energy Flickr Photo Stream, with many images of the Haddam Neck Plant before and during its operating lifetime: flickr.com/photos/departmentofenergy/10822396434/in/photostream/ -Connecticut Yankee Atomic Power Company, Haddam Neck Plant Records at the University of Connecticut Archives and Special Collections: archivessearch.lib.uconn.edu/repositories/2/resources/335  -Wesleyan Anti-Nuclear Protests Collection, Wesleyan University Archives and Special Collections: archives.wesleyan.edu/repositories/ua/resources/wesleyan_university_anti-nuclear_protests_collecti  -Connecticut Collections: ctcollections.org/   Production notes -Projector sound effect: cine-projector SFX.wav by Rollo145 -- https://freesound.org/s/220348/ -- License: Attribution NonCommercial 3.0 -Archival audio from: -Gene Starbecker, The Atom and Eve (Bay State Film Production Inc., 1966). -Construction of Connecticut Yankee Atomic Power Plant, produced for Connecticut Yankee by Kevin Donovan Films, Glastonbury, CT, ca. 1968. Photo Credit Photo of CY when it was in operation from the Department of Energy.   Connecticut League of Museums: ctleague.org/    This episode of Grating the Nutmeg was produced by Amyrs Williams and Jon Kozak.   GTN podcast engineer is Patrick O'Sullivan at highwattagemedia.com/   Follow GTN on our socials-Facebook, Instagram, Threads, and BlueSky. Follow executive producer Mary Donohue on Facebook and Instagram at West Hartford Town Historian. Join us in two weeks for our next episode of Grating the Nutmeg, the podcast of Connecticut history.    

Anthony Pesare served with distinction as a Major in the Rhode Island State Police and later as Chief of Police for Middletown, RI. Over the course of his career, Pesare held commanding roles in the Intelligence Unit, Detective Bureau, and Narcotics Division, and played a pivotal role in dismantling organized crime operations across New England—including cases involving the notorious Patriarca crime family. www.anthonympesare.com Books on Amazon https://a.co/d/c1stQTa Support The Podcast by Joining The Patreon! https://patreon.com/thingspolicesee?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink Sergeant Steve YouTube - @TheSergeantSteve Contact Steve - steve@thingspolicesee.com

The Trump administration has moved to axe many Biden-era green initiatives. One project impacted is in Middletown, Ohio — the hometown of Vice President JD Vance. Environmentalists had hoped that the conversion of a steel plant there from coal to hydrogen-powered furnaces could be a blueprint for future eco-friendly upgrades, but that project has been canceled. Also on the show: collective bargaining rights for Uber and Lyft drivers and a U.S.-Australia alliance concerning rare earth metals.

The Trump administration has moved to axe many Biden-era green initiatives. One project impacted is in Middletown, Ohio — the hometown of Vice President JD Vance. Environmentalists had hoped that the conversion of a steel plant there from coal to hydrogen-powered furnaces could be a blueprint for future eco-friendly upgrades, but that project has been canceled. Also on the show: collective bargaining rights for Uber and Lyft drivers in California and a U.S.-Australia alliance concerning rare earth metals.

ABA Is Not One Size Fits AllApplied Behavior Analysis (ABA) can be one of the most effective tools for helping children with autism—but it's often misunderstood. In this episode of The Autism Mom Coach, host Lisa Candera talks with Alisha Simpson-Watt, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Board-Certified Behavior Analyst, and Licensed Behavior Analyst who leads Collaborative ABA Services in Middletown, Connecticut.Alisha explains why ABA therapy should never be a one-size-fits-all approach. She shares how modern ABA focuses on individualized treatment plans tailored to the unique needs of each child and family. As both a professional and an autism mom, Alisha offers a compassionate, real-world perspective on what quality ABA looks like today—and how the field has evolved toward trauma-informed, collaborative care.Listeners will learn:What ABA therapy is and how it supports behavior change and skill buildingCommon misconceptions about ABA and how the science has advancedThe importance of parent training and collaboration in every treatment planKey questions to ask when choosing an ABA providerWhy it's never too late to start ABA therapy—and why parents deserve grace in the processIf you're an autism parent navigating the world of ABA, this episode will help you feel more informed, confident, and empowered to advocate for your child.Alicia's Links:Individual Accounts for Alisha:LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/alisha-simpson-watt-lcsw-bcba-lba-866083280Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leadingwithalisha/Collaborative ABA Services, LLCFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100086038215957Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collaborativeabaservices/LinkedIn:

This week Seth and Josh welcome Mary Elizabeth Ellis and her husband Charlie Day to the podcast! They chat all about Mary Elizabeth's childhood trips to Mississippi and Florida, growing up in a small town that has since become popular with tourists, going to New York for the first time, her church moving to funny locations, and more! They also chat about Charlie's unique childhood in Middletown, Rhode Island, his first trip meeting Mary Elizabeth's family...that coincided with a trip to the dentist, their time film It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia together, and last but certainly not least, they talk about the show that Mary Elizabeth is in: season 2 of A Man on the Inside is out November 20th (look out for a Josh Meyers appearance too!) Support our sponsors: QuinceGo to Quince.com/TRIPS for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada, tooTavolaFor a limited time save up to $300 on the Tovala smart oven when you order meals 6+ times by heading to Tovala.com/TRIPS and use our code TRIPS. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

To learn more about the upcoming Healing Summit in Middletown, Ohio, Friday, October 17, visit OasisWired.org.Learn more about the podcast hereLearn more about Give Him Fifteen hereSupport the show

Betty Kilby Baldwin and Phoebe Kilby, the authors of the 2021 book, "Cousins: Connected Through Slavery, A Black Woman and a White Woman Discover Their Past and Each Other" will be at Laurel Ridge Community College in Middletown on October 11th for a special presentation.  Barry's guest this week is the Reverend Laura Douglass who was part of the collaboration to bring the authors to Laurel Ridge for the free presentation entitled:  Reaching Across The Racial Divide.  To learn more. log on to www.laurelridge.edu/kilby

Celebrating the Launch of American Pharmacists Month 2025 “Caring for our Communities” This Week in Pharmacy (TWIRx) Friday, October 3, 2025 Episode Overview Today marks the kickoff of American Pharmacists Month 2025, a time to recognize the essential role pharmacists play across all healthcare settings. This special TWIRx episode spotlights leaders and innovators shaping pharmacy practice, technology, and patient care — and challenges the profession to embrace a 31-day journey of advocacy, community connection, and transformation. TWIRx NEWS Former Rep. Tiahrt: Pharmacy Benefit Manager bill could shut down CVS in Kansas | Opinion Read more at: https://www.kansas.com/opinion/guest-commentary/article312355904.html#storylink=cpy Neronha lawsuit against CVS Caremark can help save my Middletown pharmacy: Guest View https://www.newportri.com/story/opinion/columns/guest/2025/10/03/neronha-lawsuit-against-cvs-can-help-save-middletown-pharmacy-guest-view/86471928007/    FDA Approves Lurbinectedin Combination Regimen in Extensive-Stage SCLC https://www.pharmacytimes.com/view/fda-approves-lurbinectedin-combination-regimen-in-extensive-stage-sclc  Building an Opioid Stewardship Program in Cancer Care: Pharmacist Roles, Challenges, and Patient Safety https://www.pharmacytimes.com/view/building-an-opioid-stewardship-program-in-cancer-care-pharmacist-roles-challenges-and-patient-safety  Featured Guests Dr. Jesse McCullough, PharmD Founder, Keystone Pharmacy Insights Introducing the American Pharmacists Month 31-Day Challenge, a call to action for pharmacists to engage, educate, and elevate their communities. Bil Schmidtknecht Patient Protector Sharing insights on patient advocacy, protecting access to care, and the pharmacist's role in navigating today's healthcare complexities.   Dr. Devin Bustin, MD Chief Medical Officer, OvaryIt Dr. Lissette Logan, PharmD COO, OvaryIt Together, Dr. Bustin and Dr. Logan discuss innovative pharmacist-driven care models, treatment tracking, and platforms like PRISM designed to ensure pharmacists are recognized — and reimbursed — for their expertise.   Dr. Jill Kolesar, PharmD Dean, College of Pharmacy, The University of Iowa Highlighting the future of pharmacy education and how academia is preparing the next generation for expanded clinical and community roles. Dr. Jason Lang, PharmD Wellgistics Exploring the logistics and supply chain innovations that keep pharmacies agile in serving patient needs, especially as new therapies and technologies emerge. WELLGISTICS News: https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/healthcare-and-pharmaceutical/wellgistics-health-nasdaq-wgrx-and-theracosbio-partner-to-expand-nati-1079815  SUBSCRIBE TO TWIRx HERE:  https://open.spotify.com/show/52NZjr9asE8fLrrbsMvBlQ  Celebrating the Launch of American Pharmacists Month 2025 | TWIRx 

Earlier this year, President Donald Trump signed an executive order stopping subsidies for renewable energy sources like wind and solar power. He has called attempts to boost green energy in the US the "Green New Scam". We head to Middletown, Ohio, where a hydrogen-powered furnace for the steel mill, which was subsidised under the Biden administration, has been cancelled under President Trump. Supporters of the new furnace say it would have made a much cleaner plant in the town and created many jobs. We hear from residents, community leaders, and economists, and ask - what happens when industry clashes with politics?If you'd like to get in touch with the programme, our email address is businessdaily@bbc.co.ukPresenter: Erin Delmore Producer: Nathalie Jimenez(Picture: Cleveland-Cliffs Middletown Works in Middletown, Ohio, in 2024. Credit: Getty Images)

Jake Terrio is a deer hunter from Connecticut, who hunts in the farm country and woodlands of Connecticut from fixed stand locations passed down through the generations. He is also a talented taxidermist for Northeast Taxidermy studios in Middletown, CT, whom has worked on a few of my bucks. TO SUPPORT OUR SHOW Come to Huntstock! Check www.huntstockevents.com often for when tickets will go on sale Puchase an exhibitor booth at Huntstock! Email huntsuburbia@gmail.com Download the onX Hunt App Use code HS20 for 20% off your membership

Nick began his instructional career at Odessa National Golf Course in Middletown, DE. Since then, Nick has worked at facilities such as The Polo Club of Boca Raton (Boca Raton, FL), Ardsley Country Club (Irvington, NY), and Chester Valley Golf Club (Malvern, PA). Nick now resides in Malvern, PA where he is the Lead Golf Instructor at Merion Golf Club. Over the course of his coaching career, Nick has earned a wide variety of certifications to help give him a better understanding of the golf swing. Some of Nick's certifications include TPI: Golf Mechanics Level 2, SAM PuttLab Level 3, Aimpoint certified instructor, and is a TrackMan Certified Professional. To help further his knowledge of the golf swing, Nick has been mentored by Top 100 Golf Instructor John Dunigan for over a decade.In this conversation, we discuss his journey to his role as lead instructor at the prestigious Merion Golf Club to digging into how he uses technology and the importance of screening your players to make sure that you understand how they move. We also cover a few case studies of recent lessons and how he approaches a new student and much more. So I hope you enjoy this wide ranging conversation with Nick Iacono....enjoy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You can find out more about the upcoming Healing Summit in Middletown, Ohio, at OasisWired.org.Learn more about the podcast hereLearn more about Give Him Fifteen hereSupport the show