MANSFIELD — The first recreational cannabis dispensary in the city may open as soon as May, according to officials with Backroad Wellness. The company, based in southeast Ohio, purchased a building at 1099 W. Fourth St. in November for $599,000, according to property records at the Richland County Auditor’s website. Backroad Wellness Vice President Brian […]
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 inCommunity Development
Mansfield City Council to accept $150K from ODNR as part of B&O Trail connector
MANSFIELD — The tunnel beneath Trimble Road is waiting for its connector trail. And that $2.1 million project — a 1.1-mile, multi-use path linking the Richland B&O Trail to Trimble — is set to begin this month as brush is cleared from the site, according to City of Mansfield engineer Bob Bianchi. Mansfield City Council […]
Posted inBoys Basketball
Lexington falls to Lutheran West in battle of state-ranked basketball powers, 67-52
SMITHVILLE — Lexington had the will Sunday night in a battle of state-ranked basketball teams. But the Minutemen just couldn’t find the way against Lutheran West. Lexington rallied from double digit deficits a few times during the finale of the Battle of Berkey event at in the Wilbur Berkey Field House before falling, 67-52. It’s […]
Posted inNews
Mansfield native commissioned as U.S. Navy officer aboard USS Ronald Reagan
BREMERTON, Wash. — A Mansfield native was recently commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Navy during a ceremony at Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor. Ens. Josef Lindhout, stationed aboard the USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), was advanced from chief aviation ordnanceman and also received the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal during the ceremony. The Navy […]
Posted inOutdoor
Iditarod is good to go: ‘Return of winter’ good news for Mansfield native musher
WILLOW, Alaska — Mansfield native Matthew Failor got the good news Friday. The mush is on for his Alaskan Husky Adventure’s 17th-Dog team. The Iditarod Trail Committee announced it intends to maintain the southern route for the 2025 edition of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, meaning the race will start around Willow and end […]
Posted inNews
RCSO investigating dead body found south of Lexington near B&O Trail
RICHLAND COUNTY — The Richland County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a dead body found Sunday morning near the Richland B&O Trail south of Lexington. The body of the white male was found 50 to 60 feet west of the bike trail, according to Tom Stortz, investigator for the Richland County Coroner’s Office. Stortz, who said […]
Posted inWeather
Groundhog Day dilemma: Phil and Buckeye Chuck offer conflicting views
So which woodchuck do you believe? Punxsutawney Phil on Gobbler’s Knob in western Pennsylvania emerged (or more aptly, was pulled) from his straw-filled lair Sunday morning and claimed through his Punxsutawney Groundhog Club members that he did indeed see his shadow. According to legend, that means six more weeks of winter are on the way, […]
Posted inNews
Roundabout: Love it or hate it, it’s working at Madison Township intersection
MANSFIELD — Putting the word “roundabout” in front of many people is like tossing chum to sharks. All they see is red. Or whatever color they associate with anger. But, according to the Ohio Department of Transportation, a $1.5 million roundabout at the intersection of Cook/Illinois and Mansfield-Lucas roads has greatly reduced accidents since it […]
Posted inNews
Authorities seize $29,851 during raid of alleged illegal casino in Bucyrus
BUCYRUS — Authorities seized $29,851 on Wednesday when a search warrant was executed at an alleged illegal casino on the city’s southwest side, according to Bucyrus police. Chief Neil Assenheimer said his officers assisted agents with the Ohio Casino Control Commission in a raid at the Golden Genie Gaming establishment at 1655 Marion Road. “The […]
Posted inNews
Bryce Witchey attorney asks for more details into allegations against client
MANSFIELD — The attorney now representing Bryce Witchey wants more details from prosecutors. Bernie Davis has filed a motion in Richland County Common Pleas Court seeking a “meaningful bill of particulars” regarding the 31-count indictment against his 28-year-old client returned by a county grand jury in August. Davis took over Witchey’s defense on Dec. 16 […]