<![CDATA[We Spend Local - Champaign & Logan County Webpages

<![CDATA[We Spend Local - Champaign & Logan County Webpages - News]]>Mon, 14 Jul 2025 11:34:58 -0400EditMySite<![CDATA[6 Reasons You Should Be Shopping Local]]>Fri, 31 Mar 2023 13:52:36 GMThttps://www.wespendlocal.com/news/6-reasons-you-should-be-shopping-local

In recent years, there has been a growing movement encouraging people to shop local. This means supporting small, independently-owned businesses in your community instead of buying from big-box retailers or online marketplaces. While it may be tempting to opt for convenience and low prices, there are many reasons why shopping local is a better choice for both you and your community. Here are the top reasons to shop local:

Support your community: When you shop at a local business, you are directly supporting your community. Local businesses are often owned and operated by people who live in the same area as you, and the money you spend at their store stays in the community, helping to boost the local economy.
Create jobs: Small businesses are a significant source of jobs in many communities. By shopping local, you are helping to create and maintain jobs in your area, which can have a ripple effect on the entire community.
Personalized service: Local businesses are often able to provide more personalized and attentive service than big-box retailers or online marketplaces. They are invested in their customers and their community, and they are more likely to go the extra mile to ensure your satisfaction.
Unique products: Local businesses often offer unique and one-of-a-kind products that you can't find anywhere else. Whether it's handmade jewelry, locally sourced produce, or artisanal baked goods, shopping local allows you to discover and support the creativity and craftsmanship of your community.
Environmental impact: Shopping local can have a positive impact on the environment. Local businesses often source their products from nearby suppliers, reducing the carbon footprint associated with transportation and shipping. Additionally, by supporting small businesses, you are helping to preserve the character and charm of your community, which can reduce the need for new development and construction.
Community building: Shopping local is a great way to build connections within your community. By frequenting local businesses, you can get to know your neighbors and fellow community members. Local businesses often sponsor community events and participate in local causes, which can help build a sense of community and connection.

In conclusion, there are many compelling reasons to shop local. By choosing to support small businesses in your community, you can help boost the local economy, create jobs, receive personalized service, discover unique products, reduce your environmental impact, and build connections within your community. So the next time you need to make a purchase, consider shopping local instead of opting for the convenience of big-box retailers or online marketplaces.

]]><![CDATA[February's Historic Artifact of the Month: Bernice Branstiter's uniform]]>Tue, 28 Feb 2023 05:00:00 GMThttps://www.wespendlocal.com/news/februarys-historic-artifact-of-the-month-bernice-branstiters-uniform

February's Historic Artifact of the Month, Bernice Branstiter's uniform, sponsored by The Peoples Savings Bank.

February's Historic Artifact of the Month, Bernice Branstiter's uniform, sponsored by The Peoples Savings Bank.

Story submitted by Champaign County Historical Society Museum.

This uniform belonged to Bernice Branstiter. She was an Aviation Machinist in the Navy 1944-45 assigned to North Island Naval Air Station, San Diego, CA
She rebuilt engines that were returned from overseas.

Interested in sponsoring a Historic Artifact? Click here!

]]><![CDATA[February Senior of the Month: Kyle Walborn]]>Thu, 16 Feb 2023 05:00:00 GMThttps://www.wespendlocal.com/news/february-senior-of-the-month-kyle-walborn

February's Senior of the Month, Kyle Walborn, sponsored by OhioMeansJobs of Champaign County

Congratulations to the February Senior of the Month, Kyle Walborn, sponsored by OhioMeansJobs of Champaign County. Kyle is a senior at Triad High School. Learn a little more about him and his accomplishments below!

School Activities and Awards:
Played baseball, football, and wrestled. Have lettered in football and wrestling.

Favorite school memory:
My favorite memory was this year's wrestling season. This was probably the highlight of my high school career in sports.

People who have been an inspiration to me & why:
My grandpa Charles has always been a big inspiration to me. I took every lesson he gave me about building and tried my best to keep ahold of that. He has made me love contracting and has inspired me to become a contractor just like him.

Lately, I have been reading:
1984 in English class and to be honest it isn't that bad. It's a dystopian book about this big brother government that controls everything you do. Well, the main character Winston isn't one to believe in the government that is controlling him.

My advice to parents:
Be stern but not a dictator. Let your kid be a kid. Always show love and try to understand where they're coming from. Being able to talk to your kids about issues freely without yelling at them makes a big difference to the life your kid will have and how they treat their children in the future. Life is too short to just yell at your kids.

My biggest regret:
Not giving everything I got in my sports last year. Who knew my wrestling season would get taken away by a broken leg?

Next year I will be:
Working out in Honda to gain money to get my contracting business started, hopefully, within the next few years.

If you are interested in sponsoring a Senior of the Month, click here!

]]><![CDATA[February Senior of the Month: Ashtin Fauber]]>Thu, 16 Feb 2023 05:00:00 GMThttps://www.wespendlocal.com/news/february-senior-of-the-month-ashtin-fauber

February's Senior of the Month, Ashtin Fauber, sponsored by OhioMeansJobs of Champaign County

Congratulations to the February Senior of the Month, Ashtin Fauber, sponsored by OhioMeansJobs of Champaign County. Ashtin is a senior at Triad High School. Learn a little more about her and her accomplishments below!

School Activities and Awards: Spanish Club President, Student Congress President, National Honor Society, Science Club, Bowling, Volleyball, and Track

Student of the Month, Artist of the Month, Most Improved Athlete, Coaches Award, 3-year Honor Roll, 3-Year Letter Winner

Favorite school memory:
Talking to Mrs. Swary everyday.

People who have been an inspiration to me & why:
My dad, for always encouraging me to try new things and working hard to give his children the best life possible.

Lately, I have been reading:
The Cruel Prince

My advice to parents:
Encourage your kids to try new things and do the things that they want.

My biggest regret:
Not truly enjoying and making the most of high school until my senior year.

Next year I will be:
Attending Ohio University and majoring in Environmental Studies. With my degree, I will get a job working for the Ohio Division of Wildlife to work on conserving and improving the wildlife and plant resources of Ohio.

If you are interested in sponsoring a Senior of the Month, click here!

]]><![CDATA[February Athlete of the Month: Emily Fisher]]>Fri, 10 Feb 2023 05:00:00 GMThttps://www.wespendlocal.com/news/february-athlete-of-the-month-emily-fisher

February Athlete of the Month, Emily Fisher, sponsored by Braden Lance Construction.

Congratulations to the February Athlete of the Month, Emily Fisher, sponsored by Braden Lance Construction.
Emily is a freshman at Urbana High School. Learn a little more about her and her athletic career below!

Full Name
Emily Maire Fisher

Grade
9th
What sports do you play?
Bowling, Track, Volleyball

What has being a student-athlete taught you?
being a student-athlete has taught me to be responsible and hardworking.

Favorite moment as a high school athlete?
Beating Graham girl's bowling team at home.

A coach/mentor that has inspired you & why?
I am inspired by all of my coaches and have learned a lot from all of them. But I would like to give a shoutout to Kurt Scott teaching me new techniques to be a better bowler.

If you are interested in sponsoring an Athlete of the Month, click here!

]]><![CDATA[February Athlete of the Month: Sam Wilhelm]]>Fri, 10 Feb 2023 05:00:00 GMThttps://www.wespendlocal.com/news/february-athlete-of-the-month-sam-wilhelm

February Athlete of the Month, Sam Wilhelm, sponsored by Braden Lance Construction.

Congratulations to the February Athlete of the Month, Sam Wilhelm, sponsored by Braden Lance Construction.
Sam is a sophomore at Urbana High School. Learn a little more about him and his athletic career below!

1. Name: Sam Wilhelm

2. Grade: Sophomore

3. What sports do you play? Basketball and Tennis

4. What has being a student-athlete taught you? Being a student-athlete has taught me to be a good team player and work well with other people.

5. Favorite moment as a high school athlete? My favorite part so far in my high school playing career is when my freshman basketball team went 5 overtimes with Shawnee in the Freshman tournament.

6. A coach/mentor that has inspired you and why? I would say my four basketball coaches because they are always pushing me to be the best player and teammate I can be.

If you are interested in sponsoring an Athlete of the Month, click here!

]]><![CDATA[January Athlete of the Month: Abby Yukon]]>Fri, 27 Jan 2023 05:00:00 GMThttps://www.wespendlocal.com/news/january-athlete-of-the-month-abby-yukon

January Athlete of the Month, Abby Yukon, sponsored by Braden Lance Construction.

Congratulations to the January Athlete of the Month, Abby Yukon, sponsored by Braden Lance Construction.
Abby is a senior at Graham High School. Learn a little more about her and her athletic career below!

1. Name: Abby Yukon

2. Grade: Senior

3. What sports do you play? Basketball and Soccer

4. What has being a student-athlete taught you? Time management is very important.

5. Favorite moment as a high school athlete? Scoring my 1,000 point

6. A coach/mentor that has inspired you and why? My dad, who is an assistant coach. I chose him because he’s always pushing me to be the best I can be. Everything I know is from him and ever since I was little I’ve always wanted to achieve big things just like my dad. He not only supports me but pushes me in ways others can’t. He’s always been there for me and I wouldn’t be where I am today without him.

If you are interested in sponsoring an Athlete of the Month, click here!

]]><![CDATA[January's Restaurant of the Month: MIXX 165]]>Fri, 27 Jan 2023 05:00:00 GMThttps://www.wespendlocal.com/news/januarys-restaurant-of-the-month-mixx-165

January's Restaurant of the Month, MIXX 165, sponsored by Your Hometown Techs.

Congratulations to January's Restaurant of the Month, MIXX 165, sponsored by Your Hometown Techs. Learn more about their passion for food, creative kitchen staff, and mission to support the community.

Owner(s): Brad Winner and the Winner Family

Favorite Menu Item: It's hard for me to select just one as we do many rotating specials and seasonal offerings, but recently I've really been enjoying our Bourbon Glazed Pork Chops with Sweet Potato Puree off of our seasonal Fresh MIXX menu.
I'm also a huge fan of our Burger of The Month Program, I regularly eat the crazy, flavor-packed burgers the chefs put together.

If you didn't own a restaurant what would you do?: The Food Industry runs in my blood, my parents have owned and operated grocery stores my entire life, so I grew up with food being part of our everyday conversations; it's difficult to imagine being in another field. I love being involved in the community and also enjoy live entertainment, so I'd have to say either public service or concert promotion.

Do you have a secret menu?: I wouldn't necessarily say it is a secret item (we like to share our creations with the world), but our "Pickle Juice" chicken wings started out as a staff member's creation and our regulars fell in love with it. Though the name is deceiving, there is no pickles or pickle juice used in the sauce, it was named after the staff member who created them; our buddy Dylan Booth was referred to as Mr. Pickles by the team and regularly mixed our Strawberry Jalapeno BBQ sauce with Cajun Dry Rub to create a delicious, sweet and spicy sauce that thousands of people have tried over the years. The "Pickle Juice" wings were so popular as an off-menu item that we added them to the core menu so new diners would be made aware of them.

How did you decide on your menu?: Our menu is a combination of dishes that we enjoy personally and the rest is built off the input of our team and customers. Our kitchen is a collaborative environment, so our chefs have free reign to explore different dishes and flavors, most of the specials and limited time features are items that the team developed.

What's your why?: I've been a foodie for a long time, when I travel I look for independently owned establishments that offer quality food and some of the best meals have come from small gastropubs, so I wanted to bring that model to our community. I also enjoy the opportunities that are presented by being in a smaller community, getting to know customers and organizations on personal level is very rewarding. Every month we partner with a different organization to help raise funds for various causes, we are proud that our "Good Eats!" program has raised roughly $40,000 since it's inception; our customers have really bought into the mission and love to see their money going to work locally for school programs, non-profit causes and other community based needs.

If you are interested in sponsoring a Restaurant of the Month, click here to learn more!

]]><![CDATA[January Athlete of the Month: Gus Ward]]>Fri, 27 Jan 2023 05:00:00 GMThttps://www.wespendlocal.com/news/january-athlete-of-the-month-gus-ward

January Athlete of the Month, Gus Ward, sponsored by Braden Lance Construction.

Congratulations to the January Athlete of the Month, Gus Ward, sponsored by Braden Lance Construction.
Christian is a junior at Graham High School. Learn a little more about him and his athletic career below!

What sports do you play? Basketball, Soccer and Golf

What has being a student-athlete taught you? It’s taught me good time management skills on how to handle practices while also getting my school work done.

Favorite moment as a high school athlete? Last year in the first round of the basketball tournament Graham beat Ponitz. One of the biggest upsets in Ohio.

A coach/mentor that has inspired you and why? Someone that has inspired me is Coach Grant Goddard. He inspired me to play and to work as hard as possible because he made me believe in myself.

If you are interested in sponsoring an Athlete of the Month, click here!

]]><![CDATA[January's Historic Artifact of the Month: Muzzys Lake sign"]]>Mon, 09 Jan 2023 05:00:00 GMThttps://www.wespendlocal.com/news/januarys-historic-artifact-of-the-month-muzzys-lake-sign

January's Historic Artifact of the Month, sponsored by The Peoples Savings Bank. Muzzys Lake sign.

January's Historic Artifact of the Month, Muzzys Lake sign", sponsored by The Peoples Savings Bank.

Story submitted by Champaign County Historical Society Museum.

In the Urbana area during the early 1960s private clubs such as Muzzys Lake did not admit people of color. Forcing those wanting to swim to find places that weren’t provided with the protection of Lifeguards. Gary Whetsel, 14, who was going to be a freshman at Urbana High School in the fall, and his cousins were some of the youths simply trying to cool off and have some fun on a warm summer day.

The place they chose was a commercial gravel pit off Old Troy Pike. Unfortunately, this resulted in the drowning death of Gary Whetsel.[1] His death led to a community call to action. In the June 28, 1963 edition of the Urbana Daily Citizen, an opinion piece read, “We do think that a community the size of Urbana should have a public place for young fellows like Gary to swim where they can receive adequate protection and even a little swimming training. Our community needs a public pool where every citizen of the community who wishes to swim can do so for a modest fee.”[2] On Tuesday, July 2, 1963 at the regular meeting of the city council, Stokes stated, “Last week, the drowning of one of Urbana’s sons has moved all of us greatly. Had democracy been working here that precious life might not have been lost – that lad could have been swimming with a Life Guard present at a public licensed recreation site.”[3] Even though there were recommendations made at this same council meeting for a public swimming area that would have been in place the following summer the new public swimming pool wasn’t open for several more years.

Interested in sponsoring a Historic Artifact? Click here!

[1] In Our Opinion. "A Place to Swim." Urbana Daily Citizen, 1963: s.
Daily Citizen . "Funeral Services Scheduled Friday For Boy Who Drowned In Gravel Pit." Urbana Daily Citizen, 1963: 1.
[2] In Our Opinion. "A Place to Swim." Urbana Daily Citizen, 1963: s.
[3] Urbana Daily Citizen. "Advisory Panel Adopts Civil Right Agenda; Negroes Ask Council For Equal ." Urbana Daily Citizen, 1963: 1.

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