Our Top Ten Stories of 2025: Part One

Vol. III, No. 211 - A look back at some of the most popular stories here at Civic Capacity in 2025

As has been the tradition here at Civic Capcaity over the last couple years, this publication takes the last couple days of the year to look back at some of them most popular stories that broke through in 2025. And whether these stories helped explain how government works, or dived deep into what happened in our communities in real time, all of these stories were widely read and circulated, by you, our loyal readers.

For those that are paid subscribers, enjoy clicking on the stories and take a look back at 2025 and feel free to comment on which one of these stories were some of the most impactful in our community. For that are not paid subscribers, what are you waiting for? You get access to our entire catalog of work and the ability to join the conversation. More than that, you get to support an effort that works to provide information to every corner of the community without annoying paywalls. And you can get this for less than $1 per week!

Number 10 - Broken Pipes and Fractured Trust

Back in February, the City of Troy had one of the largest water main breaks in the city’s history. It was a break that cut water to a large portion of the community in the dead of winter and it took city crews hours just to locate the break. The communications aspect of this was the focus of this edition, and many people are still trying to figure out what an “advisory warning” is.

Number 9 - Integrity and Trust Go Missing at City Hall

Back in August, Troy’s Mayor took to social media saying it was “unbelivable” that a local building saved by preservationists was on the market. The Mayor then doubled down by appearing on local television stations to tell people that the community has been “slapped in the face”.

Number 8 - Looking at Charter and Statutory Cities

The basic laws that govern how Troy is run is fundamentally different than those that treat Piqua and Tipp City. The difference? Piqua and Tipp City have locally produced City Charters. Troy’s rules come directly from the Ohio Revised Code. We looked at the differences and similarities between Charter and Statory Cities in this edition from back in March.

Number 7 - County Commissioners Talk Corrections

There has been a lot of talk about the need for a new county jail by the Sheriff and the County Commissioners. And as we turn to 2026, that talk is going to be more intense, as voters will be asked to support a sales tax increase for a new facility. But, the conversation really got started back in March, as this story looked at a study that was completed that talked about the need for a new facility.

Number 6 - Early Voting Starts Today

One of the most important goals of this publication is to get residents to take a more active role in the civic life of their community. One of the easiest ways to do that is to go and exercise your right to vote. Back in October, this publication dedicated an ediiton to the benefits of early voting in the community.

Thanks for looking at the first half of our top ten list. Tomorrow, for New Year’s Eve, we will look at our top five stories of 2025. Any guesses on what it might be? Our paid subscribers are more than welcome to leave a comment and venture their best guess!

A New Handbook to grow Civic Capacity!

Recently, we created a new digital handbook, “The Citizen’s Guide to Public Records”. This handbook is designed to help residents have a better understanding of public meetings and meeting records. It’s filled with templates, ideas and other information that will open a new world of public affairs.

Also, if you have ideas for future handbooks, please let us know at pinnaclestrategiesltd@gmail.com.

Want to Learn More About Troy’s Businesses?

Our publication has recently released our September 2025 Economic Abstract, the most comprehensive and up-to-date report on the businesses and industries in the City of Troy. For those that want to understand our community’s business and industries, this is a must-have report.

Thank you to our New Media Partners!

Recently, many of our stories has been showing up on the local news website, www.mymiamicounty.com. We are grateful for the good folks for sharing our work with their audience and we would encourage our readers to check them out at their website!

Our publication would also like to recognize the good work being done at www.piquanewsnow.com. Piqua News Now is a new web-based news and information site for the Miami County area, with a specific focus on Piqua!

In addition, the good folks at Piqua News Now have started a new, 24-hour streaming YouTube channel. This channel is awesome with continuous weather updates and more importanly, it provides a 24-hour audio feed from county wide dispatch. Check it out here!

You Can Help Support This Work!

Our readers and subscribers have been asking for a new way to support the work being done here at Civic Capacity! Some of our readers do not like the idea of having to sign up for another subscription service. Some of our subscribers occasionally want to give more support through a one-time transaction.

Civic Capacity is partnering with “Buy Me A Coffee” to give our readers, subscribers and friends an opportunity to give one-time support to Civic Capacity. Personally, I don’t like coffee, but I will never turn down a nice iced tea. If you feel compelled to support this effort, just click the button below. In other words, this is an online tip jar.

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