Controversy isn’t common at Bellville Village Council meetings, but recent tension over a proposal to reduce the mayor’s position to part time has brought raised voices and uncomfortable silences to the village meetings. The first reading of an “Ordinance to Add a Section 31.08 to designate the mayor as a part-time position for the purpose […]
Candace Harrell, Asst. Editor
Posted inEducation
PARCC puts Common Core standards to the test
MANSFIELD, Ohio – Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC) testing is a tool utilized to measure whether students are learning what they are supposed to be learning at their grade level, explained Mid-Ohio Educational Service Center Director of Education Cheryl Cronbaugh. Cronbaugh noted that PARCC testing and Common Core standards are not the […]
Posted inEducation
Getting to the heart of Common Core: Standards and Strategies
MANSFIELD, Ohio – When asked what the downside to Common Core was, Mid-Ohio Educational Service Center Director of Education Cheryl Cronbaugh replied, “The miscommunication is the biggest downside – people confusing the Common Core with the PARCC assessments. They are not the same thing.” Standards The Common Core State Standards, according to CoreStandards.org, were launched […]
Posted inNews
Bellville mayor faces possible reduction to part-time position
Concerned residents turned out for Tuesday night’s Bellville Village Council meeting to voice their concern over the possibility of a part-time mayor. Village Solicitor Sarah Mussman read the second reading of an “Ordinance to Add a Section 31.08 to designate the mayor as a part time position for the purpose of employment benefits and to […]
Posted inLife and Culture
Cancer survivors LIVESTRONG through program at YMCA
Cancer is often difficult to discuss, and for Ann, a cancer survivor, it was nearly impossible to reveal her situation to others. “That word just scared me,” she said. “Anytime someone would talk about it, I would just shut down. But now I’m out. I don’t care who knows. Ann said she owed that courage […]
Posted inEducation
Common Core sparks concern at Clear Fork board meeting
Although Common Core and Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC) testing were not on the evening’s agenda, parents voiced their concerns to the Clear Fork Valley Local Schools Board of Education at the regular meeting Feb. 12 in Bellville. Clear Fork parent Michael Drockton read a prepared statement in which he […]
Posted inLife and Culture
Jessica Hannan Band rocks Braintree
The Jessica Hannan Band rocked Braintree Business Development Center Friday afternoon with their high-energy country music. “We are a loud band,” said lead singer Jessica Hannan. “We’re not your traditional country…it’s more of a rock-country than anything.” But what’s a country-rock band doing at Mansfield’s technology-based incubator? “Although we clearly focus on high-tech startups, we […]
Posted inNews
Discrimination: Legal in Ohio?
More than half a century after the Civil Rights Act was signed into law, discrimination is still legal – at least against lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) Americans. With marriage equality in the headlines, few realize that the LGBT community’s battle goes much further. In many parts of Ohio, for example, an LGBT person […]
Posted inBusiness
Multi-generational businesses: Snyders prove that families can work together
Multi-generational businesses face unique challenges, including spending days at work as well as at home with loved ones, possible pressure to follow in the family business, and striving to fill the shoes of the previous generation. Snyder Funeral Homes is an example of a successful multi-generational venture. Established in 1922 by Ora O. Snyder, the […]
Posted inBusiness
Entrepreneurs bank on success in downtown Mansfield
MANSFIELD, Ohio – Downtown Mansfield will soon be home to two new businesses thanks to entrepreneurs Andi Hale and Dr. Melissa McRae. The former Key Bank building at 42 N. Main St. will house Bankz Salon and Vitality Natural Wellness and Med Spa, bringing high-end salon services as well as a doctor’s office and nonsurgical […]