Good morning, Dayton.

Developers broke ground yesterday on the $70 million Think Dayton building at the old Montgomery County Fairgrounds—now part of the onMain Innovation District—in a partnership with the University of Dayton and Premier Health.

The five-story building, which received a $35 million state grant, will open in 2027 and offer digital transformation and research spaces for government and industry.

The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce said chronic absenteeism improved statewide last school year but one in four students still missed many days, and local districts like Northridge reported rates near 50%.

Some districts such as Middletown and Clark-Shawnee cut absenteeism as officials work with families—using early intervention and support programs—to boost attendance.

Kettering City Schools offered a chance to drive a school bus as part of an effort to recruit new drivers; reporter Eileen McClory learned firsthand about the controls and challenges while meeting transportation supervisor Todd Silverthorn.

Silverthorn explained that the driver shortage continues to impact local districts—encouraging interested individuals to contact their transportation departments for training and job opportunities.

Millions of taxpayers in Dayton will see changes in their 2025 tax returns when they file next year—child tax credits will be higher and new deductions for tips and overtime will apply—after Jackson Hewitt’s chief tax officer, Mark Steber, explained the upcoming tax code changes.

Franklin City Council postponed filling the vacancy left by Councilman Denny Centers—who retired after 25 years—to let voters decide the replacement, and the top nonincumbent candidate in the Nov.

4 election will receive the appointment.

Dayton International Airport started building a new parking garage—part of a major plan to improve how passengers and visitors use the airport.

The project will finish in early December—drivers should follow airport signage as some parking areas will be temporarily closed.

A Voters Guide featuring answers from candidates in contested races for the Nov.

4 election will be online when early voting starts on Oct. 7 and candidates in Montgomery, Butler, Clark, Greene, Miami and Warren counties must submit responses by Sept. 30 while voters have until Oct. 6 to update registration.

During Child Passenger Safety Week, certified technician Kelly Stumpe advised Dayton parents that children up to age eight need a car seat or booster — every 33 seconds a child under thirteen is involved in a crash.

Calzada’s Kitchen—a family business with over ten years at Carillon Historical Park—now runs Culp’s Café and serves well-known dishes like pecan chicken salad and new options such as Avocado Toast.

The family will launch weekly specials and gourmet dinner events soon at 1000 Carillon Blvd.

Healthy Kids Running Series Fall 2025

3 PM – 4 PM — National Museum of the US Air Force — Registration fees may vary — Empowering kids with an active lifestyle through weekly running programs.

Front Street Art Hop

5-9 p.m. — Front Street — Free entry — Celebrate creativity with art, music, and food while exploring over 150 artists' works and live demonstrations.

Alex Ritchie 5k Color Run and Walk

8-11 a.m. — YMCA of Greater Dayton - YMCA at the Heights — $35-45 — Embrace the colorful fun as you run or walk for a great cause.

In Conversation with Hannah Beachler

1:15-2:45 p.m. — Foundry Theatre — Free entry — Explore the creative journey of Oscar-winning Production Designer Hannah Beachler and her local roots.

Dayton Career Fair

9:30 AM-12:30 PM — Marriott at the University of Dayton — Free entry — Connect with recruiters from local and Fortune 500 companies to explore exciting career opportunities.

Culture Kitchen: Mediterranean Evening

5-8 p.m. — 2nd Street Market — Delightful bites from Turkey and beyond — Experience a night of Mediterranean cuisine with local vendors.

Giselle

Oct 10-12 — Victoria Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience a romantic and supernatural ballet about love, betrayal, and forgiveness.

Postcard Collecting Event

10 AM – 4 PM — Calumet Center — Free entry — Explore a treasure trove of collectible postcards with expert collectors David and Joan.

Oakwood Family Fall Festival

2-5 p.m. — Shafor Park — Free entry — Enjoy family-friendly games, hayrides, and a costume parade at this annual fall celebration.

Dayton Ohio Eurogamers Meetup

6:30-11:55 p.m. — Bell, Book & Comic — Free entry — Connect with local gamers and enjoy board games together, welcoming both beginners and experts.