News Makers, presented by the Tippecanoe Gazette

Greg Enslen

Welcome to News Makers, the official podcast of the Tippecanoe Gazette! In each episode, the newspaper owner Greg Enslen brings you up close with the people shaping the future of our community—local newsmakers, business leaders, and community influencers who are making an impact in Tipp City and the surrounding areas. Through in-depth conversations, News Makers offers listeners updates and unique insights into the stories and initiatives that matter most to our community. Tune in to stay informed, inspired, and connected to the heartbeat of Tipp City! News Makers is a presentation of the Tippecanoe Gazette, a weekly print and digital newspaper published in Tipp City, Ohio. Subscribe today to the newspaper at www.tippgazette.com to enjoy weekly reporting covering local news, sports, events and items of interest.

  1. Sep 21

    What to do in Tippecanoe - News Makers, Episode 49

    We present the comprehensive schedule of forthcoming events in downtown Tipp City, foregrounding the Mum Festival as the immediate highlight and introducing Tipp the Halls as a major new holiday initiative. I, Tasha Weaver, and my colleagues at the Downtown Tipp City Partnership enumerate the principal gatherings, Friday’s car show, the Mum Festival parade and associated races, the Canal Jumpers’ Tippecanoe Cup with on-site beverage service, the Arts Council plein air festival, Ghost Tours, Merchant Trick-or-Treat, and the Yuletide Winters Gathering, while noting adjustments to parade routing and early morning event timing. We delineate the Tipp the Halls concept and its configuration in the Monroe Township building basement, describe its themed rooms and ticketed speakeasy, and explain that the space is available for private rentals through January. I emphasize the logistical particulars regarding preview-night tickets for the historic home tour, the holiday parade and tree lighting on the Saturday before Thanksgiving, and the partnership’s role in coordinating vendors, volunteers, and decorations. We solicit community support in the form of donations, sponsorships, and volunteer participation to sustain pot displays, facade grants, and event programming, and we direct interested parties to contact the partnership for reservations and further information. We invite residents and visitors to attend, participate, and contribute to ensure a vibrant and well-supported downtown season. Takeaways: I outline the schedule of downtown events, emphasizing Mum Festival and related weekend activities.We announce new initiatives like Tip the Halls, a decorated community space available for rentals and private events.I describe holiday programming including the parade, tree lighting, home tour preview night, and Yuletide gatherings that draw many visitors.We ask for community support through donations and volunteers to sustain festivals, façade grants, and promotional efforts downtown.

  2. Sep 11

    Through the Grain with Cory Routson - News Makers, Episode 48

    Through the Grain On this episode of News Makers, Greg Enslen sits down with photographer Cory of Staple Gun to talk about the art of capturing life through a different lens. Cory never went to school for photography. What started with a basic DSLR and pictures of his dog eventually evolved into a passion for 35mm film photography, street photography, and documenting the people, places, and moments that often go unnoticed. Cory discusses his transition from digital photography to film, why he believes film has more “life” and “soul,” and how shooting with a limited number of frames forces him to slow down and be intentional about every photograph. He also shares his experience photographing punk rock shows, including the challenge and reward of getting that one perfect image in the middle of hundreds or thousands of shots. A major focus of Cory’s work is downtown Dayton, where he walks the streets looking for unusual, provocative, and authentic moments. From abandoned buildings and everyday encounters to people living on the streets, Cory's black-and-white photography captures a side of Dayton that isn't always seen in traditional photography. Greg and Cory also dive into the growing resurgence of analog and physical media, comparing the experience of shooting film to listening to vinyl, watching movies on Blu-ray, and the trade-offs that come with an increasingly digital world. The conversation also explores Cory’s photography of local and touring punk bands, his use of natural and existing venue lighting, the process of selecting and editing concert photographs, and his goal of eventually making photography his full-time career. Looking toward the future, Cory shares plans for a potential photography book about downtown Dayton "Concrete Pillow", a project focused on people sleeping on the streets, with hopes of eventually donating proceeds to a local homeless shelter. If you love photography, punk rock, Dayton, street art, or the beauty found in unexpected places, this is an episode you won't want to miss. Find Cory's work: Follow Staple Gun DYT on Instagram to see more of Cory's photography and learn how to book him for events, concerts, and more.

  3. Sep 10

    Resignation Records on Sharing Local Music & Giving Back - News Makers, Episode 47

    Resignation Records: Local Music & Giving BackOn this episode of the Newsmakers Podcast, host Greg Enslen sits down with Mark, owner of Resignation Records in Troy, Ohio, to talk about the resurgence of physical music, the story behind his independent record store, and an upcoming charity concert benefiting the Health Partners Free Clinic. Mark shares how Resignation Records got its start in December 2021 after leaving a corporate career and turning a longtime passion for collecting records into a local business. What began with his personal collection of nearly 2,000 records has grown into a shop built around music discovery, personal recommendations, and the experience of browsing physical media. Greg and Mark also discuss the return of vinyl, the growing interest in CDs and even cassettes, and why physical music offers something that streaming and digital platforms can't quite replicate. From album artwork and listening to a record from beginning to end to discovering music you never would have searched for online, the conversation explores why physical media continues to attract new generations of music fans. Mark also explains what customers can find at Resignation Records, including vinyl records, CDs, cassettes, T-shirts, slip mats, speakers, record players, and select replacement needles. The store also buys used record collections and pays cash, with inventory changing regularly. The conversation then turns to an upcoming cancer benefit show on Saturday, September 26. After Mark's cancer diagnosis and surgery, local musician Brendan of Bat Thorn reached out with the idea of organizing a benefit. Mark suggested directing the proceeds toward the Health Partners Free Clinic, which provides health care to uninsured and underserved residents of Miami County and surrounding counties. The all-ages event will feature five local bands: The Frankx, Bat Thorn, Menace 2 Sobriety, the San Francisco Zodiacs, and The Quells. Tickets are just $10, with doors opening at 6 p.m. and music beginning at 7 p.m. The event will be held at American Legion Post 43, 622 S. Market St., Troy, Ohio. Whether you're a longtime vinyl collector, someone rediscovering CDs and cassettes, or simply looking for a way to support local music and a great cause, this episode is a great conversation about small business, community, music, and giving back. In This Episode:The story behind Resignation RecordsThe resurgence of physical mediaVinyl, CDs, and cassettesThe importance of music discoveryBuilding a local record store communityBuying and selling used recordsSupporting local artists and musiciansThe September 26 cancer benefitThe Health Partners Free ClinicFive local bands coming together for a good cause Resignation Records: 225 S. Market St., Troy, Ohio Benefit Concert: Saturday, September 26 | Doors at 6 p.m. | Music at 7 p.m. Location: American Legion Post 43, 622 S. Market St., Troy, Ohio Tickets: $10 | All Ages

  4. Aug 10

    Kenzie and Evey Talk About the World Part Two - News Makers, Episode 45

    News Makers Podcast — Part TwoKenzie & Evey Talk About the WorldHost Greg Enslen welcomes back 11-year-olds Kenzie and Evey for Part Two of their Kids Takeover on the News Makers Podcast! The girls continue sharing their unfiltered opinions, funny observations, and completely unexpected takes on the world. In this episode, the conversation takes a hilarious turn as Greg recounts his gondola experience, including the surprising discovery that his gondola singers apparently had no interest in singing—or even whistling. Instead, they spent their time yelling angrily at each other across the canals. Naturally, the girls have some thoughts about that! The conversation eventually turns toward pets, animals, and some very unexpected future-pet possibilities. From discussing why dogs should be spayed and neutered to debating cats, frogs, horses, ponies, and even the possibility of getting a bear, Kenzie and Evey prove that there is no topic too random for the Kids Takeover. And when it comes time to wrap things up, the girls each have their own unique way of leaving their mark—including a few Disney references that Greg definitely appreciates. It's another hilarious and unpredictable conversation with Kenzie, Evey, and Greg that proves sometimes the best conversations happen when you simply let kids talk about whatever is on their minds! In This Episode:Greg's unusual gondola experienceWhy the gondola singers weren't singingA conversation about responsible pet ownershipDogs, cats, frogs, horses, and poniesThe possibility of owning a very unusual petKing Charles Spaniels and dream petsDisney and The Jungle Book referencesKenzie and Evey's final thoughtsPlenty of laughs and completely unexpected moments Don't miss Part Two of the Kids Takeover on the News Makers Podcast! 🎙️ Hosted by Greg Enslen 👧 Featuring Kenzie & Evey 📺 News Makers Podcast — Kids Takeover, Part Two

  5. Jun 29

    Janine With Child Care Choices Part 2 - Newsmakers, Ep.44

    Real-Life Child Care Challenges Facing Miami County Families By Abbi Heckel The conversation surrounding childcare affordability and accessibility continued in Part 2 of the Newsmakers Podcast, sponsored by the Tippecanoe Gazette and hosted by Greg Enslen. Representatives from Child Care Choices of Miami County returned to the studio alongside local parent advocates to share personal stories highlighting the growing challenges families face when searching for quality childcare. Joining Executive Director Janine Rigg were Sarah Laughlin and Sierra Westcott, two Miami County mothers who recently traveled to Washington, D.C., as part of a Child Care Aware of America advocacy initiative. Their mission was simple but powerful: put real faces and real stories behind the statistics lawmakers often see when discussing childcare policy. The trip brought together childcare advocates from across the nation to meet with congressional representatives and their staff members. Child Care Choices was unique among participating organizations, serving a single county rather than an entire state or region. Despite its smaller footprint, the organization's impact resonated strongly throughout the discussions. Laughlin shared her family's journey navigating the childcare system after losing a trusted babysitter when a family member returned to work. As a self-employed massage therapist and mother of three boys with another child on the way, she described the difficulties of finding affordable childcare options while balancing work responsibilities. Her search led her to Head Start, where she experienced firsthand both the benefits and frustrations of waiting lists and limited availability. Although her children eventually secured placements, uncertainty surrounding funding and available classroom slots created months of stress and anxiety. "There were moments when we didn't know if our children would be able to remain enrolled," Laughlin explained during the podcast. "Without childcare, I couldn't work. It affects every part of a family's life." The conversation highlighted a reality many Miami County parents understand all too well: even when childcare programs exist, demand often exceeds capacity. According to Child Care Choices, many local families rely on unlicensed in-home providers simply because licensed centers and programs do not have enough openings to meet community needs. Westcott's story echoed many of those same concerns. As a single mother, she recalled placing her daughter on multiple waiting lists before eventually finding an opening. When she later lost her job, childcare expenses continued despite the loss of income, creating an incredibly difficult financial situation. Eventually, Westcott found employment at the childcare center her daughter attended. However, after leaving that position, the search for reliable care began all over again. Today, she relies on the generosity of a friend who watches her daughter while she works. While grateful for the support, she acknowledged that temporary arrangements create ongoing uncertainty. Both women said the opportunity to speak directly with congressional staff members was empowering. Sharing their experiences allowed policymakers to hear firsthand how childcare shortages affect working families, employment opportunities, and economic stability. Rigg emphasized that these personal stories are often far more impactful than statistics alone. "When lawmakers hear directly from parents who are living these challenges every day, it helps them understand the real-world consequences of funding decisions," she said. The episode also served as a reminder that Child Care Choices operates largely through grants, donations, and fundraising efforts. The organization provides resources ranging from childcare referrals and kindergarten readiness programs to professional training and advocacy initiatives throughout Miami County. For families, providers, and community members alike, Part 2 of the podcast reinforced an important message: access to affordable, quality childcare is not simply a family issue, it is a community issue that affects workforce participation, economic growth, and the future success of local children. The full episode of the Newsmakers Podcast is available now through Clock Tower Media and the Tippecanoe Gazette.

About

Welcome to News Makers, the official podcast of the Tippecanoe Gazette! In each episode, the newspaper owner Greg Enslen brings you up close with the people shaping the future of our community—local newsmakers, business leaders, and community influencers who are making an impact in Tipp City and the surrounding areas. Through in-depth conversations, News Makers offers listeners updates and unique insights into the stories and initiatives that matter most to our community. Tune in to stay informed, inspired, and connected to the heartbeat of Tipp City! News Makers is a presentation of the Tippecanoe Gazette, a weekly print and digital newspaper published in Tipp City, Ohio. Subscribe today to the newspaper at www.tippgazette.com to enjoy weekly reporting covering local news, sports, events and items of interest.

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