MADISON TOWNSHIP — Steven Kopp’s business benefited from people spending time in their homes during the COVID-19 pandemic. Kopp founded Next Level Interior Renovations in 2018 and worked as a subcontractor for a few years before separating as his own contractor. Kopp, with his employees and family members, celebrated Wednesday’s grand opening of Next Level’s […]
Grace McCormick, Staff Reporter
Posted inBusiness, Community Development, News
YMCA announces new $15 million indoor sports center to be built off I-71
MANSFIELD — Cristen Gilbert, CEO of the YMCA of North Central Ohio, thinks it’s important for all children to get the opportunity to play sports. Gilbert and the YMCA announced on Wednesday that a new $12 to $15 million, 125,000 square-foot indoor sports complex will be built near the intersection of I-71 and State Route […]
Posted inLife and Culture
Retired math teacher John Calhoun celebrates sales of original word puzzle book
MANSFIELD — Almost 20 years after he retired from his teaching career, John Calhoun made a unique curriculum. Calhoun worked a part-time job about 10 years ago that left him with a lot of free time that he often used to read or listen to music. “It must have been a Friday that I was […]
Posted inNews
Mental Health and Recovery Services hosts 1st recovery picnic in Central Park
MANSFIELD — Nothing is more uplifting for Mike Sizemore than watching people tackle their substance-abuse disorders. “For people who have been able to walk through those dark places and come out the other side — there’s few things more inspiring than that,” Sizemore said. Sizemore has worked with Richland County Mental Health and Recovery Services […]
Posted inNews
Shelby breaks ground on Black Fork Commons Plaza
SHELBY — Karl Milliron has always found it easy to support Shelby revitalization projects. Growing up in Shelby and seeing it “thriving” in the 1970s and ’80s, Milliron said it’s been a while since he saw residents come together in a large group to support community growth. Karl Milliron is the son of Grant Milliron, […]
Posted inNews
Ontario City Council applies for state lead pipe service grant
ONTARIO — Ontario City Council voted Wednesday night to apply for a state grant program that aims to help communities reduce the number of lead pipes they have servicing public water systems. According to the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency’s website, the H2Ohio initiative may grant up to $50,000 for projects of identifying and mapping lead […]
Posted inNews
Madison Township advances ambulance purchase, road repairs
MADISON TOWNSHIP — Madison Township’s Trustees approved the purchase of a used ambulance at Tuesday night’s meeting. Fire Chief Ken Justus previously received approval to pay a $1,000 retainer for the ambulance located in New Jersey. The fire department will pay about $44,000 out of its current motor vehicle fund for the ambulance. Justus’ request to […]
Posted inBusiness
Barbecue supply business What’s Smoken’ opens in Ontario
ONTARIO — James Winans’ wife thought the pulled pork he made on Tuesday was worthy of Thanksgiving dinner. Winans and his family members served lunch in front of his new business, What’s Smoken’, to celebrate four months in operation. The business is located in Drug Mart Plaza at 49 Briggs Drive. Winans said he has […]
Posted inLife and Culture
Mansfield resident rides with Budweiser Clydesdales after 40 years in beer industry
MANSFIELD — In a 12-hour day, Mansfield’s Bill Burge drives from Norwalk to Amherst and Oberlin, making beer deliveries to local bars and grocery stores. Bar owners welcome him with the name “Bill the Bud Man.” Each day’s drive includes different stops, but Burge said he usually visits 10-20 locations on his delivery routes and […]
Posted inNews
Madison Township hires temporary zoning, fiscal officer
MADISON TOWNSHIP — Madison Township’s Trustees hired Sidney Fouty, member of the Township Zoning Commission, as a temporary zoning and fiscal officer on Monday night. The appointment came at a special meeting. She will be paid at a rate of $12 per permit until a full-time zoning officer is hired. Fouty will be placed on temporary […]