Local residents honored for their efforts in improving Clark County

The Luminaries program was created by commissioners last year to celebrate people making a difference in their community.

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The Conscious Connect

The Conscious Connect is a non-profit organization whose mission is to end urban book deserts throughout the county. It was founded by Wittenberg University graduated Karlos Marshall and Moses Mbeseha in 2015.

Since then, the organization has placed more than 30,000 free books in little libraries, barbershops, schools and churches throughout Ohio, including four local community reading parks.

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“Karlos and Moses are filling an important need in the community,” said Commissioner Rick Lohnes. “They’re showing the children of Springfield and Clark County the importance of literacy and how it will affect their lives in the future.”

Steve Waddle

Waddle, a South Charleston resident and farmer, is the man behind the legendary Clark County Fair pork chop. Started in the mid-1970’s as a fundraiser for the Clark County Pork Producers, Waddle’s pork chop has been a staple at the fair for decades.

“What people see, smell and taste is the famous Clark County Fair pork chop Steve Waddle has spent years perfecting,” said Commissioner Melanie Flax Wilt. “But that is just the most recognizable part of Steve’s lifelong efforts to promote the pork industry in Clark County.”

In addition to promoting the growth of commercial swine production in Clark County, Flax Wilt said, funds from Waddle’s iconic pork chop go towards supporting local 4-H and FFA youth.

“That’s why Clark County continues to be one of Ohio’s leading pork producing counties,” Flax Wilt said.

Mike and April Lowery

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Mike and April Lowery work to make the New Carlisle community a better place, according to Commissioner Lowell McGlothin. In addition to Mike Lowery being the Mayor of New Carlisle, the two volunteer their time to organize several events including the Heritage of Flight Festival and the New Carlisle New Year’s Eve Ball Drop.

“They are both outstanding individuals who’ve greatly improved the quality of life in both New Carlisle and Clark County,” McGlothin said. “They’ve been doing it for years.”

The new Clark County Luminaries will be honored at the June 25 Champion City Kings game at Carleton Davidson Stadium in Springfield.