MANSFIELD — It was a night of firsts at the initial Mansfield City Council of 2024. It was the first night of work for new 4th Ward Councilwoman Cynthia Daley and new 6th Ward Councilwoman Deborah Mount. It was the first evening session for new Mayor Jodie Perry, new Finance Director Kelly Blankenship and new […]
Carl Hunnell
City editor. 30-year plus journalist. Husband. Father of 3 grown sons and also a proud grandpa. Prior military journalist in U.S. Navy, Ohio Air National Guard. -- Favorite quote: "Where were you when the page was blank?"
Posted inNews
What do Richland County commissioners look forward to in 2024?
MANSFIELD — What are Richland County commissioners looking forward to accomplishing in 2024? That was a topic on Tuesday morning during the board’s first meeting of the new year, less than a week after ending 2023 with an $8.4 million budget carryover from 2023. Here are their responses: Commissioner Darrell Banks: “What I’d like to […]
Posted inNews
Longtime Lexington attorney, school board member Robert Whitney dies at 88
LEXINGTON — Long-time criminal defense attorney and Lexington Local School District board member Robert H. Whitney, 88, died on Monday afternoon after a long illness. Whitney was born Oct. 18, 1935 in Lexington and graduated from Lexington High School in 1953. A resident of Troy Township, Whitey was drafted into the U. S. Army after […]
Posted inWeather
In the bleak midwinter: Grab your coats and fire up the snowblowers
“In the bleak midwinterFrosty wind made moanEarth stood hard as ironWater like a stoneSnow had fallenSnow on snow on snowIn the bleak midwinter.” MANSFIELD — Today we begin perhaps the worst two months of the year to live in Ohio. Christmas Day has come and gone. The ball has dropped at midnight on New Year’s […]
Posted inColumns, Sports
Column: Lexington super sophomores come of age against talented Shelby team
LEXINGTON — This unbeaten Lexington basketball team, laden with five sophomores, may one day win games that rival any victories in the program’s storied history. If that day does come — and there are no guarantees in life (or high school sports) — a 61-57 win on Saturday against a talented and experienced Shelby team […]
Posted inSports
GALLERY: Lexington knocks off Shelby, 61-57
Photos from Lexington’s 61-57 win on Saturday night before more than 2,000 fans at Lexington High School in a clash of two of the best basketball teams in the area. Lexington remained unbeaten at 10-0 while Shelby fell to 6-2. Sophomore Brayden Fogle led the Minutemen with 21 points and nine rebounds. Senior Alex Bruskotter […]
Posted inNews
Mansfield City Council to delay NECIC’s request to reallocate ARPA funds
MANSFIELD — A reconfigured Mansfield City Council is expected to start the new year Tuesday by doing what the previous configuration did at the end of the old one. Namely, again push back a request by the North End Community Improvement Collaborative to reallocate $1.5 million from the city’s American Rescue Plan Act funds. At-large […]
Posted inNews
Welcome Back: Former Mansfield finance director returns after 12-year hiatus
“Well, the names have all changedSince you hung aroundBut those dreams have remainedAnd they’ve turned around.” — “Welcome Back” by John Sebastian MANSFIELD — Kelly Blankenship hasn’t set foot inside the City of Mansfield Finance Director’s office since she left it 12 years ago. But you can’t blame her if John Sebastian’s lyrics from the […]
Posted inSports
Bombs away: Ontario girls hit nine triples in 44-40 win at home against Lexington
ONTARIO — Ontario coach Tracy Baxter admitted she didn’t see it coming. Neither did Lexington coach Gabby Stover. Baxter’s Warriors connected on nine of 16 three-point tries Thursday night in a 44-40 non-league, girls’ basketball win at home against Lexington. Ontario has not been a long-range threat this season, coming into the O-Rena with a […]
Posted inSports
GALLERY: Ontario stops Lexington in girls’ basketball, 44-40
Photos from Ontario’s 44-40 win at home on Thursday evening against Lexington in a non-league girls’ basketball game. Junior guard Eden Howard led the Warriors with 18 points, shooting six of nine from behind the three-point line.