ONTARIO — The road to America’s 250th birthday started with baseball, classic cars and neighbors gathering under the summer sky Friday evening at Marshall Park. Ontario Liberty Fest kicked off its Fourth of July celebrations early this year with a packed schedule of activities that set the stage for an even bigger day of festivities […]
Hannah Martin
Posted inBusiness
‘At a loss for words’: State funding brings $400,000 to Taking Root Farms
MANSFIELD — What once felt years away suddenly moved within reach for Taking Root Farms. The non-profit organization will receive $400,000 through Ohio’s capital budget to build projects designed to serve adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Ohio Senate approved the capital budget June 3, and the Ohio House followed on June 10. Representative […]
Posted inSports
Two years, two titles: Ontario’s Briella Van Harlingen captures Soap Box Derby title
MANSFIELD — Briella Van Harlingen first found Soap Box Derby racing while watching other racers downtown. Now, the 13-year-old from Ontario is a repeat champion after winning Saturday afternoon at the 88th Annual North Central Ohio Soap Box Derby. “It feels really good,” Van Harlingen said of keeping her championship title. She credited a simple […]
Posted inNews
90 years in the making: Restoration of Westinghouse Home of Tomorrow part of public museum quest
MANSFIELD — For nearly 90 years, what once was a lavender-colored house at 895 Andover Rd. has stood as a reminder of Mansfield’s manufacturing past. Soon, a local group hopes it will become a window into that history. The North Central Ohio Industrial Museum (NCOIM) has signed a letter of intent with the current owner […]
Posted inNews
A Father’s Day tradition grows at North Lake Park
MANSFIELD — Jordan Bryant said he hopes a day of fishing becomes something more meaningful than just a casual outing for local families. He wants it to spark conversations, build confidence and create a bond that lasts long after Father’s Day. Fishing poles, pony rides and more will fill North Lake Park on June 20 […]
Posted inOpen Source
Open Source: Loops and Stitches aims to become Mansfield’s crafting hub
MANSFIELD — When Joann Fabrics stores closed across the country, many fiber artists found themselves wondering where they would buy the yarn brands they relied on for years. For Mansfield resident Renea Gonzalez, the issue became an opportunity. Gonzalez aims to open Loops and Stitches LLC at 728 Park Avenue East on July 11, creating […]
Posted inBusiness
‘I want everybody to have a favorite chair’: Love Furnishings opens 2nd-hand store in Mansfield
Love Furnishings, a new consignment and resale furniture store at 113 W. Fourth St., celebrated its opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Posted inLife and Culture
Bellville’s Kendall Windsor set to compete for Miss Ohio crown
BELLVILLE — As a young girl dancing in the annual Miss Ohio Parade, Kendall Windsor watched contestants glide past not knowing one day she would be standing in their shoes. The Bellville native is preparing to take the Miss Ohio stage herself, bringing with her a passion for sports, a deep appreciation for agriculture and […]
Posted inEducation
Jumping back into tradition: Central Elementary students raise $4,200 for Kids Heart Challenge
LEXINGTON — A few students at Central Elementary spent recess practicing jump rope tricks. Others asked family members to donate to a cause that was recently introduced to them. Together, those small efforts added up to $4,200 — and the return of a school tradition that was absent for more than two decades. Central Elementary […]
Posted inNews
Meeting people where they are: Community health workers recognized for service
MANSFIELD — A phone call, a ride to an appointment, or help finding the right resource can make all the difference for someone facing a difficult situation. That’s the kind of work Lavandalyn Bentley does every day as a community health worker (CHW). On Friday afternoon, Bentley and other community health workers were celebrated during […]