Show Notes
In this episode of Local Exchange, we sit down with Paul Neff, a lifetime resident of Shawnee Township whose family has called this community home for generations. Paul recently announced his retirement and is now focusing his time and energy on serving the community that’s shaped his life. We talk about his background as a third-generation farmer, the work ethic and lessons that come from a life in agriculture, and how those experiences influence his approach to leadership. Paul has attended numerous trustee meetings across townships and brings a thoughtful perspective on what makes local government effective. He shares his vision for keeping Shawnee a great place to live and his support for all township departments — including fire, police, cemetery, and the road crew — that keep the community running each day. Listen on Spotify: Local Exchange – Where Northwest Ohio Comes to Talk Subscribe for more local conversations and upcoming interviews with other Shawnee Township candidates. Originally Posted - 10/22/2025
More from The Local Exchange Podcast
Adam Preston, treasurer of the Vote No on Cable Rd campaign, joins us to break down the November ballot issue facing Lima voters. We cover who gets to vote, what the project actually proposes (center median, lane changes, sidewalks), the city’s crash data and safety argument, the $6+ million in outside funding, business concerns along the corridor, and what alternatives could look like if the current plan is rejected. A straightforward look at one of the biggest local issues on the ballot this fall.
Justin Davis has spent his life playing, promoting, and spreading music. From performing as Davis Unplugged across Northwest Ohio to organizing community events, he has dedicated himself to keeping live music alive and accessible. In this episode of The Local Exchange, we sit down with Justin to talk about the journey that brought him here, from his roots in the Delphos/Ottoville area and time in the Air Force to his ongoing passion for music. We also dive into why he is launching the Loud Music Fest in Delphos, Ohio on August 7, 2027, how the idea has evolved, and his mission to help the next generation discover and fall in love with music. Whether you are a longtime local music fan or just hearing about the festival for the first time, this conversation highlights the heart behind the event and the people working to make it happen. Follow Justin and stay updated on the Loud Music Fest and Davis Unplugged: https://www.facebook.com/LoudMusicFestOhio #LocalExchange #JustinDavis #LoudMusicFest #DelphosOhio #DavisUnplugged #LiveMusic #NorthwestOhio
Episode 31: Carl Taylor – Lima Bean Chorus Carl Taylor has spent most of his life in barbershop and men’s singing groups and picked up multiple contest wins along the way. He talks about the Lima Beane Chorus, the Lima chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society that has been together since 1946, four-part harmony, life on the risers, and what it takes to keep that sound alive. He also my first guest to perform on my podcast!
Jeff Givan is a first-time candidate for the Ohio House in District 78, which covers Allen County and part of northern Auglaize County. He is a co-founder of the Lima Pride Alliance. We talk about how the Ohio House works, school funding, healthcare, and why he decided to run. https://jeffgivan4ohio.com/ https://www.facebook.com/JeffGivan4ohio
Matt is back on The Local Exchange. We start with a little Shawnee football, then get into recent issues around Shawnee Schools. After that we talk through where things stand after the first round of the Chief Austin Miller hearing. The Local Exchange Where Northwest Ohio Comes to Talk