08/27/2026
Rumors, Misinformation, and the Facts About the Lake Waynoka Lounge
Rumors can destroy friendships, families, reputations, and communities. They always have, and they always will.
Over the past seven days, there has been a tremendous amount of discussion surrounding the Lake Waynoka Lounge. Unfortunately, some of the information being shared throughout the community and on social media is simply not accurate.
WPOA does not make operational or personnel decisions based upon rumors or conversations taking place in the basements of social media. However, several of the so called "facts" being circulated have been brought to the attention of Administration. Because these statements involve WPOA, its employees, and its leadership, we believe our members deserve factual information directly from the organization.
So, let's separate the rumors from the facts.
For approximately the past 17 months, the Lounge has been operated by an independent LLC owned by Mark Clyburn. Under that arrangement, the LLC was responsible for hiring, terminating, training, scheduling, and managing its employees. Those individuals were employees of the LLC, not WPOA.
A simple comparison is our restaurant. WPOA does not hire, terminate, schedule, or supervise the restaurant's servers, line cooks, or dishwashers. Those employment decisions belong to the independent operator. The Lounge operated under a similar arrangement.
As part of the Lounge lease, the independent operator was expected to operate the establishment professionally and in accordance with applicable laws and requirements of the State of Ohio.
Unfortunately, Administration became aware of circumstances that raised significant concerns regarding compliance and the potential risk those circumstances created for WPOA.
Last week, General Manager Todd Wilkin contacted the State of Ohio to self report several concerns and seek guidance regarding those matters. Through those conversations, it became increasingly apparent that changes needed to occur.
Earlier this week, WPOA met with Mr. Clyburn and formally terminated the Lounge lease. The decision was made because the continued operation under the existing arrangement presented an unacceptable level of risk to the Association.
Now, let's address one of the biggest rumors directly.
Last week, Denise's employment with Mark Clyburn's LLC was terminated.
That decision was made by Mark Clyburn.
It was not made by General Manager Todd Wilkin.
It was not made by WPOA President Mike Bisbe.
It was not made by the WPOA Board.
The Board did not meet and vote to terminate Denise.
Despite several different versions of that story being circulated throughout the community, repeating something does not make it factual.
Yesterday, General Manager Wilkin had the opportunity to meet personally with Denise. We are very pleased to share that Denise graciously accepted an offer to work for WPOA and will be back at the Lounge this evening.
In fact, General Manager Wilkin has met with all of the employees who were recently working at the Lounge, and each has agreed to employment with WPOA to assist with Lounge operations as needed.
So, if you have become accustomed to seeing Denise, Rachael, and Jess when you visit the Lounge, you can expect to continue seeing those familiar faces.
There is another rumor that needs to be addressed because it has crossed a very different line.
Statements have circulated suggesting that the Lounge is currently cash only because General Manager Wilkin is somehow pocketing or stealing the money. Another version suggests that General Manager Wilkin and President Bisbe are collecting the cash for a "big Christmas."
These accusations are completely false.
Accusing identifiable individuals of stealing Association funds is a serious allegation and should not be made casually or without evidence.
The actual explanation for the Lounge temporarily operating on a cash only basis is considerably less exciting.
The existing Point of Sale system belongs to Mark Clyburn and is connected to his accounting system and banking arrangements. Continuing to process transactions through that system could result in Lounge proceeds being directed through accounts associated with the former operator.
Obviously, WPOA is not going to do that.
A new Point of Sale system has already been identified and is scheduled to be installed on Monday, August 31. Once installation and employee training are completed, the Lounge will again be able to accept credit card payments.
Until then, the Lounge will temporarily remain cash only.
We recognize this is a lengthy update. Unfortunately, when misinformation travels faster than facts, sometimes the facts require a little more space.
We also recognize that a Facebook post cannot reasonably address every question, rumor, or concern that has surfaced during the past week.
Therefore, rather than continuing conversations through secondhand information and social media speculation, General Manager Todd Wilkin would like to invite members to come directly to the source.
Today at 1:00 p.m., General Manager Wilkin will be available at the Lodge to discuss the recent events surrounding the Lounge and answer questions from our members to the extent that those questions can appropriately be answered.
If you have heard something and want to know whether it is true, come ask.
If you have questions about why the lease was terminated, come ask.
If you have questions about the transition or the future of the Lounge, come ask.
Healthy communities are built through communication, facts, and a willingness to speak directly with one another.
Rumors may travel quickly.
The truth still matters.
We hope to see you at the Lodge today at 1:00 p.m.
