Sunday tickets remain for the Renaissance Festival's Highland finale, a full moon hike lights up Gulley Park, and the week ahead brings commissioners, Carlisle football and a dry, warming forecast.

Weather

Today: 74°F, Sunny (high 74° / low 51°)

Outlook: - Monday — high 74° / low 53°, Sunny - Tuesday — high 76° / low 57°, Sunny - Wednesday — high 79° / low 63°, Mostly Sunny

No NWS alerts in effect.

Source: National Weather Service

This morning in Waynesville

1. A $30,000 Fun Run and a week of WES fun. Waynesville Elementary students earned a "teacher dance mode" day by raising $30,000 for the Fun Run, and the district says $40,000 would earn recess with Mr. Sparks. The district also announced its newest Sparty Award recipients, recognized for being respectful, responsible and kind. (district post)
2. Highland Weekend's final day. The Ohio Renaissance Festival's Highland Weekend closes today, 10:30 a.m.–7:00 p.m. at Renaissance Park; the festival says Saturday sold out but Sunday tickets are still available. Viking Weekend is next, October 3–4. (themed weekends)
3. Sunny and warming. The National Weather Service calls for a sunny 74° today and sunshine through Wednesday, when highs reach 79°, with no alerts in effect. Tonight, the Warren County Park District's Full Moon Hike at Gulley Park in Clarksville runs 7:45–8:45 p.m. (forecast)

Schools

Waynesville Elementary's Fun Run has passed $30,000, and the district named its latest Sparty Award recipients. The district says its 2025–2026 annual audit by the Ohio Auditor of State is underway, and 17 WHS students explored building-trade and engineering careers at Sinclair Community College's Built Environment Career Craze Day. On the field, football won 42-14 at Dayton Christian and heads to Carlisle Friday at 7:00 p.m.; varsity girls soccer went 1-1 this week, beating Miamisburg 3-1 and falling 2-1 to Oakwood. The Mary L. Cook Public Library's week starts Tuesday with Toddler Time, Teen Tuesday and an evening paper bag junk journal program. The Board of Education next meets Monday, October 5 at 6:00 p.m. Sources: - Wayne Local BoardDocs — https://go.boarddocs.com/oh/waylo/Board.nsf/Public - District news — https://www.wayne-local.com/district-news - Spartans / MaxPreps — https://www.maxpreps.com/oh/waynesville/waynesville-spartans/ - Mary L. Cook Library — https://www.mlcook.lib.oh.us/ - Wayne Local Schools Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/waynelocalschools

From the September 14, 2026 board meeting - A new partnership with Catalyst Counseling has placed a school-based mental health therapist in each building — Waynesville Elementary, Waynesville Middle School and Waynesville High School. - The WES PTO has raised $20,000 toward a $45,000 Fun Run goal, with proceeds going in part toward playground equipment, and has begun a YMCA partnership teaching elementary students swimming and water safety. - New English Language Arts and Math curriculum rolled out for grades 6-8, with MAP standards testing for grades 6-10. The Warren County Career Center is offering new Global Foods and Health & Nutrition classes in partnership with WHS, and driver education is now available on campus. - Principal Chip Will reported an early read on the new cell phone policy, describing a rise in student interaction, particularly at lunch. - Facility dogs are now in place at both campuses — Welkin at the secondary campus, funded by the Student Councils, and an elementary dog funded by the WES PTO. Dr. AJ Iwasko is donating veterinary services and La Bella Vida Pet Salon is providing grooming.

From Wayne Local Schools on Facebook - Sat, Sep 26 — 🏅Congratulations to our newest Waynesville Elementary Sparty Award recipients! Each month, students are recognized for… consistently demonstrating the PBIS values that help make WES a great place to learn and grow: being Respectful, Responsible, and Kind. These students were nominated by teachers and staff for the positive choices they make each day. We’re proud of you, Spartans! Keep setting a great example!… (post) - Fri, Sep 25 — 🔎WLS Fiscal Focus: Who Checks the Books? Our 2025–2026 annual audit is officially underway! So, what exactly does that… mean? 🍎Public schools in Ohio are audited by the Ohio Auditor of State at least once every two years. Think of it as having an independent set of eyes take a very close look at our financial homework. 🗂️Auditors review financial statements, records, transactions, and supporting documentation… (post) - Fri, Sep 25 — Check out these moves our Waynesville Elementary teachers and students have! We think Dolly herself would be proud 🦋… Congratulations to students for earning a TEACHER DANCE MODE day for raising $30,000 for Fun Run! Celebrating during Dolly day was an exciting bonus. The fun doesn’t stop here, our next goal is $40,000 to earn recess with Mr. Sparks! Can we get him out there swinging, sliding and playing ball… (post) - Fri, Sep 25 — We’re finally IN THE KNOW! This week, our WES first grade teachers and paras pulled off an Underground Spirit Week,… keeping students guessing while having plenty of fun! And today came the big surprise! First grade teachers transformed into some familiar YouTube education stars, and students traveled from classroom to classroom for a different Brain Break with each one. ⭐ Mrs. Janusik — Blippi ⭐ Mrs. Beach —… (post) - Fri, Sep 25 — What does it take to design, build, and power the world around us? Today, 17 WHS students got a hands-on look at careers… that do exactly that during Built Environment Career Craze Day at Sinclair Community College. Students participated in stations including - 🔧 HVAC 📐 Architecture 🏗️ Construction Management 🚁 Civil Engineering and Drones ⚡ Energy Management It was a great opportunity to explore potential… (post) - Fri, Sep 25 — Tickets - $8 Adult/$7 Student. www.daytonchristianathletics.com or CASH at the gate. SWBL Conference Passes accepted.… Lot behind stadium for handicap only. Thanks to this week’s sponsors, TWFG - Wade Insurance, Davidson Meat Processing Plant, and the Jamie Franz Manley family. (post)

Library programs (Mary L. Cook Public Library) - Tue · Sep 29, 10:30 AM — Toddler Time - Tue · Sep 29, 3:00 PM — Teen Tuesday (6th-12th Grade) - Tue · Sep 29, 6:00 PM — Paper Bag Junk Journal Program (Adult and Teen) - Wed · Sep 30, 10:30 AM — Baby Bookworms - Thu · Oct 1, 10:30 AM — Preschool Storytime - Thu · Oct 1, 3:00 PM — Teen Anime & Manga Club (6th-12th grade) - Tue · Oct 6, 10:30 AM — Toddler Time - Tue · Oct 6, 3:00 PM — Teen Tuesday (6th-12th Grade)

This week in sports

Results - Boys Soccer (JV) — Waynesville 0, Centerville 3 (Away) — box score - Girls Soccer (JV) — Waynesville 2, Miamisburg 2 (Home) — box score - Volleyball (Varsity) — Waynesville 0, Carroll 3 (sets) (Away) — box score - Girls Soccer (Varsity) — Waynesville 3, Miamisburg 1 (Home) — box score - Volleyball (Varsity) — Waynesville 0, Brookville 3 (sets) (Home) — box score - Boys Soccer (JV) — Waynesville 1, Oakwood 1 (Away) — box score - Girls Soccer (Varsity) — Waynesville 1, Oakwood 2 (Home) — box score - Volleyball (Varsity) — Waynesville 0, Eaton 3 (sets) (Away) — box score - Boys Soccer (Varsity) — Waynesville 0, Oakwood 3 (Away) — box score - Football (Varsity) — Waynesville 42, Dayton Christian 14 (Away) — box score

Upcoming - Volleyball (JV) — @ Monroe, Mon · Sep 28, 5:30 PM — details - Boys Soccer (JV) — vs Yellow Springs, Mon · Sep 28, 5:30 PM — details - Girls Soccer (JV) — @ Troy, Mon · Sep 28, 5:30 PM — details - Volleyball (Varsity) — @ Monroe, Mon · Sep 28, 6:30 PM — details - Boys Soccer (Varsity) — vs Yellow Springs, Mon · Sep 28, 7:15 PM — details - Girls Soccer (Varsity) — @ Troy, Mon · Sep 28, 7:15 PM — details - Volleyball (JV) — vs Oakwood, Tue · Sep 29, 5:30 PM — details - Volleyball (Varsity) — vs Oakwood, Tue · Sep 29, 6:30 PM — details - Boys Soccer (Varsity) — @ Carlisle, Wed · Sep 30, 6:00 PM — details - Volleyball (JV) — @ Dayton Christian, Thu · Oct 1, 5:30 PM — details - Volleyball (Varsity) — @ Dayton Christian, Thu · Oct 1, 6:45 PM — details - Football (Varsity) — @ Carlisle, Fri · Oct 2, 7:00 PM — details - Football (JV) — vs Carlisle, Sat · Oct 3, 10:00 AM — details - Volleyball (JV) — vs Batavia, Sat · Oct 3, 10:00 AM — details - Volleyball (Varsity) — vs Batavia, Sat · Oct 3, 11:00 AM — details - Girls Soccer (JV) — @ Carroll, Sat · Oct 3, 11:00 AM — details - Girls Soccer (Varsity) — @ Carroll, Sat · Oct 3, 12:45 PM — details - Boys Soccer (JV) — @ Bethel, Sat · Oct 3, 1:00 PM — details - Boys Soccer (Varsity) — vs Bethel, Sat · Oct 3, 2:45 PM — details

Local government

Next up: Warren County Commissioners, Tue, Sep 29 · 9:00 AM — agenda. Also next up: Wayne Township Trustees, Tue, Oct 6 · 7:00 PM, 6050 N. Clarksville Rd., Waynesville — latest posted agenda: Trustees Meeting Agenda, Sep 15, 2026. The Warren County Commissioners hold their weekly session Tuesday at 9:00 a.m. at 406 Justice Dr. in Lebanon, and the Wayne Township Trustees meet October 6 at 7:00 p.m. From the Village Council's September 8 minutes: Council awarded the Fifth and Sixth Street water main replacement and resurfacing contract to Ford Development Corp. (Ordinance 2026-033), approved a water-improvement security agreement for Settlers Grove Section 1 (Ordinance 2026-037), and held first readings on Ordinance 2026-038 and on Resolution 2026-039, which accepts the Budget Commission's tax rates. Sources: - Commissioners agendas/minutes — https://commissioners.warrencountyohio.gov/News/AgendaMinutes/Index - Village of Waynesville — https://www.villageofwaynesville.org/news/ and /meetings/ - Wayne Township (covers Waynesville & Corwin) — https://waynetwpwarrencooh.gov/board-of-trustees/

Village Council — minutes of the September 8, 2026 meeting (posted as part of the September 21, 2026 agenda packet), called to order 7:00 p.m., adjourned 7:45 p.m.: - Mrs. Miller moved to excuse Mr. Colvin, Mr. Lauffer, and Mr. Powell from tonights Council meeting, and Mr. Gallagher seconded the motion. (Motion: Miller, Second: Gallagher, Roll Call: 4 yeas) - Mrs. Miller made a motion to approve the minutes for the Council meeting on August 17, 2026, as written, and Mr. Nation seconded the motion. (Motion: Miller, Second: Nation, Roll Call: 4 yeas) - Mrs. Miller moved to have the first reading for Ordinance 2026-038, and Mr. Nation seconded the motion. (Motion: Miller, Second: Nation, Roll Call: 4 yeas |) - Resolution 2026-039 Resolution Accepting the Amounts and Rates as Determined by the Budget Commission and Authorizing the Necessary Tax Levies and Certifying them to the County Auditor and Declaring an Emergency Mrs. Miller moved to have the first reading for Resolution 2026-039, and Mr. Gallagher seconded the motion. (Motion: Miller, Second: Gallagher, Roll Call: 4 yeas) - Ordinance No. 2026-033 An Ordinance Accepting the Recommendation of the Village Engineer and Awardin g a Contract to Ford Development Corp. for the Fifth Street and Sixth Street Water Main Replacement and Resurfacing Project and Authorizing the Village Manager to Execute a Construction Agreement and Related Contract Documents : Mr. Gallagher moved to adopt Ordinance 2026-033, and Mr. Nation seconded the motion. (Motion: Gallagher, Second: Nation, Roll Call: 4 yeas |) - Ordinance No. 2026-037 An Ordinance Authorizing the Village Manager to Execute a Subdivision Public Improvement Performance and Maintenance Security Agreement (Water) with C. Ellis Properties, LLC and Peoples Bank, and to Accept the Associated Escrow Security, for the Installation of Water Improvements in the Settlers Grove Subdivision, Section/Phase 1. Mr. Gallagher moved to adopt Ordinance 2026-037, and Mrs. Miller seconded the motion, (Motion: Gallagher, Second: Miller, Roll Call: 4 yeas |)

full agenda/minutes packet

Wayne Local Schools Board of Education — from the district's recap of the September 14, 2026 meeting (Board President Amanda Garrett was not in attendance. There were no public participants.): - Through August the district's General Fund is tracking roughly $143,315 below forecast on revenue — Treasurer Carolyn Huber attributed the gap primarily to local tax and reimbursement collections — while expenditures are essentially on target, a year-to-date variance of about $1. Together that represents an approximately $143,316 unfavorable impact on the projected General Fund cash balance. - The district received about $5.86 million in revenue through August, roughly $20,000 more than the same period last year, and spent about $3.71 million, up roughly $86,000 from about $3.62 million a year ago. - Levy discussions will resume when Board President Amanda Garrett returns from vacation. - The Board reviewed renewal of the district's depository agreement with LCNB National Bank — a five-year term running August 22, 2026 through August 22, 2031. - The district joined the Southwestern Ohio Educational Purchasing Council's cooperative school bus purchasing program, which lets it take part in a competitive bid run for multiple districts. Participation does not obligate Wayne Local to buy a bus; that decision follows once bids and pricing are available. Huber also reviewed the age of the current fleet. - Donations recognized: $1,000 from Leslie Dye, Bradley Wolf and Randall Wolf for the Wolf Family Scholarship, and $200 from the Goldsberry family for the WES Principal's Fund. - The Board adopted a resolution declaring transportation to Summit Academy Secondary School impractical under state transportation guidelines, with families of eligible students to receive payment in lieu of transportation under Ohio Revised Code 3327. - Both the Superintendent's and the Treasurer's consent agenda items were approved.

Next meeting: Monday, October 5 at 6:00 p.m., WLS Performing Arts Center (second floor), 625 Dayton Rd. full agenda and minutes on BoardDocs

Around town

It's the last day of Highland Weekend at the Ohio Renaissance Festival (10:30 a.m.–7:00 p.m.), and the Waynesville Fall Fest is open today at 7392 E. State Route 73. The Historical Haunts ghost walks continue downtown through October, and Windmill Farm Market's Spooktacular runs through Halloween in Springboro. Looking ahead, the Ohio Sauerkraut Festival fills Main Street October 10–11 (Saturday 9 a.m.–8 p.m., Sunday 9 a.m.–6 p.m.), and the Chamber's next Business to Business networking mixer is October 28 at 5:00 p.m. at the Village Family Restaurant / Villager Pub. Sources: - Chamber — https://www.waynesvilleohio.com/ · Merchants — https://waynesvilleshops.com/

Merchant Association events (waynesvilleshops.com) - Sun, Oct 25 · 1:00 PM–4:00 PM — Trick or Treat - Fri, Nov 6 · 11:00 AM–5:00 PM — Hearthwarming Holidays - Sun, Dec 6 · 10:00 AM–4:00 PM — Waynesville Street Faire The Christmas Market

Caesar Creek State Park

Naturalist programs at the park, about five miles east of the village, over the next 14 days. Times and meeting points are ODNR's own. Check: - ODNR events calendar — https://ohiodnr.gov/go-and-do/plan-a-visit/events-calendar/events-calendar?keyword=Caesar%20Creek - Caesar Creek State Park — https://ohiodnr.gov/go-and-do/plan-a-visit/find-a-property/caesar-creek-state-park

• Fri, Oct 2 · 6:00 PM–11:00 PM — Celestial Stories of the Underground Railroad (Caesar Creek Pioneer Village)
• Fri, Oct 2 · 6:00 PM–7:30 PM — Cemetery Sunset Driving Tour and Celestial Stories of the Underground Railroad Special Event
• Fri, Oct 2 · 6:00 PM–7:30 PM — Stargazing and Storytelling and Celestial Stories of the Underground Railroad Special Event (Fifty Springs Group Camping Area)
• Fri, Oct 2 · 7:30 PM–8:30 PM — Lantern Night Hike and Celestial Stories of the Underground Railroad Special Event
• Sat, Oct 3 · 1:00 PM–3:00 PM — Field Trip to the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center
• Sun, Oct 4 · 3:00 PM–4:00 PM — Fossil Hunt at the Spillway
• Thu, Oct 8 · 1:00 PM–2:00 PM — Tree Trek
• Thu, Oct 8 · 2:30 PM–3:00 PM — Mystery Animal Meet and Greet
• Fri, Oct 9 · 3:00 PM–5:00 PM — Archery: Aim for Adventure
• Fri, Oct 9 · 7:00 PM–8:00 PM — Night Hike

Public safety

Nothing new to report here today. The National Weather Service has no active alerts for the Waynesville area this morning, and the Warren County Prosecutor has posted no press releases in the past seven days. For releases, go straight to the sources: - Sheriff — https://sheriff.warrencountyohio.gov/ - Prosecutor press — https://prosecutor.warrencountyohio.gov/Public/Press/Index

This week's events

• Wednesdays, Fridays & Saturdays through October · $20 — Historical Haunts — ghost walk of downtown Waynesville (Downtown Waynesville (Museum at the Friends Home)) — details
• Sep 26 – Oct 31 (times not published) — Windmill Farm Market Spooktacular (Windmill Farm Market, 1454 E State Route 73, Springboro) — details
• Sep 26–27 · 10:30 AM–7:00 PM — Ohio Renaissance Festival — Highland Weekend (Renaissance Park, Waynesville) — details
• Sat/Sun through Nov 1 · Sat 11–6, Sun 12–6 (next: Sep 26) — Waynesville Fall Fest (7392 E State Route 73, Waynesville) — details
• Sun, Sep 27 · 7:45–8:45 PM — Full Moon Hike at Gulley Park (Gulley Park, Clarksville) — details
• Tue, Sep 29 · 9:00 AM — Warren County Commissioners — Weekly Session (406 Justice Dr, Lebanon) — details

See the full events calendar.

Obituaries

• Jean Evon Eaton — Aug. 24, 1929 - Sep. 21, 2026 (tribute)
• Wanda Faye Cox — May 30, 1939 - Sep. 20, 2026 (tribute)

Local headlines

• "ODNR Urges Caution During Ohio’s Fall Wildfire Season" — Warren County Post, full story.
• "Ohio Renaissance Festival warns of limited parking due to heavy rain" — WHIO TV, full story.
• "Ohio mother convicted on counts of gross sexual imposition, child endangerment" — WCPO 9 News, full story.
• "Greater Cincinnati woman convicted of molesting child but not guilty of rape" — WKRC, full story.
• "Ray Davis Obituary (2026) - Wilmington, OH - Dayton Daily News" — legacy.com, full story.
• "Warren County man sentenced after stray bullet injures two women in Kroger" — FOX19 | Cincinnati, full story.
• "Ray Davis Obituary (2026) - Wilmington, OH - Greene County Dailies" — legacy.com, full story.
• "Warren County woman in sex abuse case found guilty of several charges" — FOX19 | Cincinnati, full story.

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