LifeWise expands to serve Fairbanks middle schoolers
Education, Local News, News
November 14, 2025

LifeWise expands to serve Fairbanks middle schoolers

By From JT Staff Reports 

LifeWise Academy in Milford Center is expanding its program to include Fairbanks students in grades seven and eight.

LifeWise is already available to Fairbanks first through sixth graders.

According to a release, the students will be transported from Fairbanks to Lighthouse Fellowship Church where they will receive Bible-based character education during school hours.

“Thanks to our incredibly supportive community, we’re thrilled to expand LifeWise to reach even more students,” said Whitney Shaffer, LifeWise Fairbanks Director. “We currently have 51 students enrolled, have added a second teacher and welcomed several new volunteers.”

Parents and guardians can enroll their students at www.lifewise.org/FairbanksOH. Shaffer added, “We’re deeply grateful for the parents, churches, and community members who have come alongside us. This growth simply wouldn’t be possible without their partnership.”

LifeWise Academy partners with schools to support character development, mental health and academic success. The program’s Bible lessons are taught chronologically and connect Scripture to practical character traits students can apply in their daily lives at home, school and in the community.

Founded in Hilliard, Ohio, LifeWise Academy is a released-time religious instruction program that provides public school students with Bible-based character education. With parent permission, students are released from school for one hour each week to attend classes off-campus.

For more information about LifeWise Academy, visit www.lifewise.org.

Officials prepare for 911 levy expiration
News
By Mike Williamson 
June 13, 2026
Union County officials are preparing discussions on how to approach the sheriff’s office’s 911 levy as it nears its expiration date. Sheriff Mike Justice said the 911 levy committee should shoot for J...
JA completes purchase of land near PCES
News, Plain City News
Jonathan Alder officials closed the contract for three parcels of land, shown above, located just behind Plain City Elementary School. The newly acquired land totals just over 25 acres with two larger parcels to the north and south and a third narrow strip going through the center. (Graphic submitted)
By From JT Staff Reports 
June 13, 2026
Jonathan Alder has officially completed the purchase of more than 25 acres of land adjacent to Plain City Elementary School, a move district leaders say will help position the growing district for fut...
Sharp picked as next city manager
Local News, Marysville City Council, News
By Mike Williamson 
June 13, 2026
Kimberly Sharp will be Marysville’s next city manager. Council announced this week that it selected Sharp from a pool of qualified candidates. The decision will be official pending formal approval at ...
Officials prepare for 911 levy expiration
News
By Mike Williamson 
June 13, 2026
Union County officials are preparing discussions on how to approach the sheriff’s office’s 911 levy as it nears its expiration date. Sheriff Mike Justice said the 911 levy committee should shoot for J...
JA completes purchase of land near PCES
News, Plain City News
Jonathan Alder officials closed the contract for three parcels of land, shown above, located just behind Plain City Elementary School. The newly acquired land totals just over 25 acres with two larger parcels to the north and south and a third narrow strip going through the center. (Graphic submitted)
By From JT Staff Reports 
June 13, 2026
Jonathan Alder has officially completed the purchase of more than 25 acres of land adjacent to Plain City Elementary School, a move district leaders say will help position the growing district for fut...
Sharp picked as next city manager
Local News, Marysville City Council, News
By Mike Williamson 
June 13, 2026
Kimberly Sharp will be Marysville’s next city manager. Council announced this week that it selected Sharp from a pool of qualified candidates. The decision will be official pending formal approval at ...
Dispensary eyes Jerome Township
News, Plain City, Plain City News
June 13, 2026
Representatives from Ethos Cannabis appeared before the Jerome Township Board of Trustees last week to make the case for allowing a cannabis dispensary in the township, highlighting potential tax reve...
Marysville youth basketball camp attracts large number
Sports
Colin Snyder (34) prepares to advance on defense in order to try and stop Nolan Smith from driving to the hoop. A total of 160 youth participants were involved with the annual Marysville basketball camp this week. (Journal-Tribune photo by Tim Miller)
By Tim Miller 
June 12, 2026
Marysville High School boys basketball coach Mark Tinklenberg called it the biggest boys youth hoop camp since he’s been the Monarchs’ boss. “We’ve got 160 campers who are going to be going into grade...
Richwood projects funded in state budget
News
By From JT Staff Reports 
June 12, 2026
Several projects in Union County, including two in Richwood, are slated to receive state funding after State Rep. Tracy Richardson voted in support of Ohio’s two-year capital budget bill. The legislat...