Good morning, Kettering.

USAF Lt. Col. David Michael Kender, a Silver Star recipient who flew nearly 400 combat hours in Vietnam, died on Sept.

21 at age 85. He taught engineering at Wright State University for over 30 years (memorial celebration planned for November) and is honored for his lasting service.

A water main broke (Sept.

28) in a local neighborhood, and the water department has not issued a boil advisory.

EPIC Coffee Shoppe posted a closed sign at Castle Hills Shopping Plaza in Kettering, leaving uncertainty about whether the closure is temporary or permanent.

Co-owners face financial and health challenges (including a cancer diagnosis) while a voicemail message promises reopening despite Mayor Bryan Suddith stating it is permanent.

Ohio lawmakers, including Rep. Andrea White from Kettering, propose suspending the state gas tax for three months to lower pump prices and save drivers up to $80+.

Governor DeWine warns that the move may cost $700 million and impact highway funds.

Following its largest reorganization in decades, the Air Force Research Laboratory at Wright-Patterson is hiring scientists and engineers to boost tech innovations for the Air Force & Space Force.

Brig. Gen. Douglas Wickert said on Monday, Sept. 28 that the new structure preserves jobs without requiring relocations.

Montgomery County’s budget commission approved state funding for local libraries through the first half of 2027 — allocating $12.5 million to support services at venues like Wright Memorial Library.

Funding for the remainder of the year remains uncertain under the next state budget.

Ohio’s infant mortality rate improved to 6.6 per 1,000 live births but remains above the national average, with Black infants facing 12.6 deaths per 1,000 + Hispanic infants at 6.7 per 1,000.

Advocates call for policy changes as Senate Bill 396 and funding adjustments for infant care lag behind.

The owners of Dayton Mall in Miami Twp. are launching a multi-phase renovation with sheetrock, moldings, and baseboards already in place, and mural installations planned before work pauses during the busy holiday season + resumes in 2027 at 2700 Miamisburg Centerville Road.