News Makers, presented by the Tippecanoe Gazette

Cailey & Kaylee Go To Paris - News Makers, Episode 41

On this episode of News Makers, host Greg Enslen continues his discussion with Cailey Petsch and Kaylee Foster about their trip to Europe. They tell us all about their trip to Paris! The duo took a bus from London onto a ferry that took them across the channel to France. They unfortunately were not allowed to stay on their bus for the journey across, and resorted to sitting in the cafe on the boat. There they watched the passing cliffs and scenery until they both decided to take a nap. Once in France they got to experience many exciting activities. They had dinner at Mon Marte before seeing a live performance of Moulin Rouge. The pair stayed in Paris for a total of four days, including New Years Eve and Day. They mentioned that they outpartied the group of Australians on new years eve. They enjoyed some hot wine and want to have it again. They also visited an Irish pub called O’Sullivans while in the city, and enjoyed it quite a bit. They even ordered in French at a few places and didn’t encounter any of the stereotypes of people being rude or unkind to the tourists.  They both enjoyed the food the most while in Paris. Stating that it was all incredible, and that the bread is quite different over there but that it is way better. Overall they enjoyed their time in Paris immensely and would go back. Tune in for the third and final installment of their trip where they talk about visiting Ireland! The News Makers podcast is a presentation of the Tippecanoe Gazette. For more information about the podcast or to subscribe to the newspaper, visit www.tippgazette.com.

Doug Slagel, Historical Re-enactor - News Makers, Episode 40

Join Greg Enslen and Doug Slagel on the newest episode of New Makers to hear all about war reenactments. Doug Slagel tells us about his personal experiences doing these reenactments, with reenacting the battle of antietam being one of his favorites. He mentions that the civil war reenactments used to be very popular around the 80s and until the early 2000s when WOrld War 2 reenacting started to get popular instead. Doug’s wife was the one to get him interested in war reenacting, and she wholeheartedly supports his hobby. He is currently the president of the Stillwater Civil War round table in Troy, and the Vice Commander of the Sons of Union Vets in the Dayton area. He also happens to own a Jeep from World War 2 as well.  Doug happens to have a lot of reenactment events coming up this year. He will be down in Menassas, Virginia for a reenactment on May 16th. There will be a group of reenactors at the Tipp City Senior Center on May 20th where they will be doing demonstrations with their weapons. The governor has even been invited to this event. The July 4th weekend there will be a World War 2 reenactment up in Sidney at Tawawa Park, and they are currently looking for more people to participate in this event. Doug is also putting together a Civil War reenactment in Sidney at Tawawa park on September 18th of this year. These are all great opportunities to get involved if reenacting sounds fun to you. You can also get involved by visiting usv.com [http://usv.com] to find events that are going on or people to chat with. The News Makers podcast is a presentation of the Tippecanoe Gazette. For more information about the podcast or to subscribe to the newspaper, visit www.tippgazette.com.

Cailey and Kaylee Go to Europe - News Makers, Episode 39

CAILEY AND KAYLEE GO TO LONDON By: Abbi Heckel The newest episode of the Newsmakers Podcast features host Greg Enslen interviewing Cailey Petsch and Kaylee Foster, who share the story behind their bold and spontaneous European adventure. Cailey, an article writer for the Tippecanoe Gazette known for her “Lunch Break” column reviewing local eateries, brings a natural storytelling style to the conversation. Together, the two explain how they decided to take a leap and travel abroad on December 29, 2025, embracing the unknown in search of new experiences. They describe how they used Contiki tours to find an affordable travel option, allowing them to visit destinations like London, Paris, and Galloway, Ireland without breaking their budget. Their journey began at the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky Airport, where excitement quickly set in as they prepared to cross the Atlantic. The episode highlights not just the logistics of planning such a trip, but also the sense of courage and curiosity that pushed them to go through with it. When they arrived in London, they were immediately struck by the city’s rich culture and energy. Even though they only stayed in London for 21 hours, they made every moment count, visiting iconic landmarks like Big Ben, watching the Royal Guard, enjoying a meal in Chinatown, and ending their night at a lively speakeasy and gay bar that kept them out until sunrise. Their story captures the thrill of fast-paced travel and the unforgettable memories that can come from stepping outside of your comfort zone.

Catching Up with Doug Slagel - News Makers, Episode 38

From Council Chambers to Community Legacy: Doug Slagel Reflects on Growth, Green Spaces, and Tipp City’s Future By Abbi Heckel The latest episode of the News Makers podcast, presented by the Tippecanoe Gazette, offers listeners a thoughtful and candid conversation between host Greg Enslen and former Tipp City Council member Doug Slagel. With both men now stepping away from their official roles in city government, the episode serves as a reflective look at their time in public service, while also shedding light on current developments shaping the future of Tipp City. Enslen and Slagel begin by revisiting their shared experience on the council, where they often worked closely to advocate for what they believed was in the best interest of the community. Their discussion is marked by a sense of mutual respect and a clear commitment to transparency, as they pull back the curtain on how certain decisions were made and what considerations influenced their votes. A major topic of discussion centers around a new housing development project that will bring approximately 200 homes to the area. While the project is already underway, both Enslen and Slagel reveal that they had initially supported a different vision for the site. Their preference was for light manufacturing, which they argue would have created more local jobs while minimizing traffic congestion compared to a residential expansion. The conversation highlights the complexity of balancing growth with infrastructure and long-term planning, offering a deeper understanding of the trade-offs involved in municipal decision-making. Beyond policy discussions, the episode also celebrates Slagel’s long-standing contributions to the city through his work in landscaping and park development. Known for his hands-on approach and eye for design, Slagel has played a key role in shaping many of the parks and green spaces that locals enjoy today. Although he has recently retired from his landscaping career, he shares that he has been called back to assist with a few select projects, opportunities he has gladly accepted. Still, Slagel expresses appreciation for the slower pace of retirement, joking about the simple pleasure of being able to sleep in. The conversation also turns toward the increasingly debated topic of data centers. Enslen and Slagel explore the arguments both for and against their development, particularly in terms of environmental impact. While some critics raise concerns about energy consumption and resource use, others point to advancements in efficiency and the potential economic benefits these facilities can bring. Rather than taking a hard stance, the two emphasize the importance of examining credible data and maintaining an open, informed dialogue as the issue evolves. Throughout the episode, what stands out most is Slagel’s enduring dedication to Tipp City. From his years on council to his lasting imprint on the city’s parks and public spaces, his contributions reflect a deep commitment to community well-being. Enslen’s conversation with him not only highlights past achievements but also reinforces the idea that civic engagement does not end with holding office.

Experience a Taste of Tipp - News Makers, Episode 37

EXPERIENCE A TASTE OF TIPP By: Abbi Heckel The latest episode of the Newsmakers Podcast brings a strong dose of local energy and community spirit, as host Greg Enslen sits down with Samantha McFadden to preview one of Tipp City’s most anticipated spring events: the Taste of Tipp & Business Expo. With just days to go before the May 9 gathering, the conversation highlights not only what attendees can expect, but why the event has become a cornerstone for connecting residents with local businesses. McFadden, representing the Tipp City Chamber of Commerce, emphasized that this year’s expo is shaping up to be one of the largest yet, with more than 60 exhibitors ready to showcase their offerings. Set to take place at Ginghamsburg Church, the event runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and is designed to be both accessible and family-friendly. Admission is just $5 at the door, with children 10 and under admitted free, making it an easy outing for families looking to explore the community. During the podcast, McFadden described the event as “a snapshot of Tipp City in one room,” where attendees can sample food from local restaurants and caterers while also learning about the wide range of services offered by area businesses. From home improvement experts to financial institutions and nonprofits, the expo floor promises a diverse cross-section of the local economy. Enslen guided the discussion toward what makes the Taste of Tipp unique compared to other regional festivals. McFadden pointed to the blend of culinary experience and business networking as a key differentiator. While food samples are a major draw, the event also offers meaningful engagement between businesses and residents. Each exhibitor booth, complete with a three-sided space and table setup, provides an opportunity for hands-on interaction, and many vendors will offer door prizes to encourage participation. Sponsors such as Monroe Federal Savings & Loan and Premier Health, along with several regional banks and community partners, further underscore the collaborative effort behind the event. The Taste of Tipp is more than just an afternoon of food, it’s a celebration of community identity and local entrepreneurship. Enslen and McFadden both stress that events like this play a vital role in sustaining small businesses and fostering civic pride. For residents of Tipp City and surrounding areas, May 9 offers a chance to reconnect with familiar favorites and discover new ones. As highlighted throughout the podcast, it’s not just an event to attend, it’s one you truly won’t want to miss.