ONTARIO — Mayor Kris Knapp, Councilman Troy Sapp and Councilman Dave Rehfeldt bid adieu at Wednesday night’s Ontario City Council meeting. It marked the end of an era, as this was the trio’s final meeting in office. Knapp thanked his fellow council members, city staff and the community for their support throughout his role as […]
Hannah Martin
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Madison Twp. trustees OK fire dept. upgrades, discuss Facebook page
MADISON TOWNSHIP — Madison Township trustees approved the purchase of new Lifepak heart monitors and automated external defibrillators (AEDs) for the township’s fire department. The board’s approval comes after trustees previously postponed the decision to review finances following voter approval of the township’s fire levy. At earlier meetings, trustees expressed support for the equipment but […]
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Making spirits bright: The Ontario Center hosts ‘Kids Make a Card for Avita Patients’ event
ONTARIO — The holiday season is a time for connection, kindness and compassion — and this year, The Ontario Center and Avita Health System are joining forces to bring that spirit directly to patients spending Christmas in the hospital. Community members can visit The Ontario Center on Saturday Dec. 21, during extended holiday mall hours […]
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1,300 children experience the magic of Christmas at the ARC Empowerment Center
MANSFIELD — Little eyes widened, laughter echoed through the halls and tiny hands clutched newly chosen gifts. At the ARC Empowerment Center’s “Deck the Halls with Children’s Laughter” event, children experienced the wonder and joy of Christmas in a magical, hands-on way. The event, now in its fifth year, transforms the center into a festive […]
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Open Source: Avenue Church in Ontario raises more than $261K for community
ONTARIO — Avenue Church in Ontario wasn’t sure what its future would look like six years ago. “It started as a revitalization project with people saying the church was about to die,” Lead Pastor Nate Hultz noted. “We came in with an expectation to evaluate what we could be doing.” Be Generous campaign paves the […]
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Meeting Santa on their own terms: Families enjoy sensory-friendly holiday event
ONTARIO — For many families a visit with Santa is a simple holiday tradition — a quick photo, a smile and a memory made. For others, especially families of children with disabilities, the moment can feel out of reach. Located at 2291 Village Park Court, SparkJoy ABA’s sensory-friendly Santa event, however, kept the magic of […]
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From sugar to shelter dogs: Primrose’s dessert event makes a difference
MANSFIELD — What began as a cozy holiday gathering for residents at Primrose Retirement Community has grown into a full-fledged community fundraiser blending sweet treats, festive cheer and heartfelt giving. On Dec. 10, Primrose hosted its annual “Desserts in December” celebration, inviting residents, families, staff and local partners to enjoy dozens of desserts, live holiday […]
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Mansfield Noon Optimist Club continues 46-year Adopt-A-Child tradition
MANSFIELD — Long before Santa Claus makes his grand entrance Saturday morning, the Mansfield Noon Optimist Club began setting the stage Friday evening for its annual Adopt-A-Child event — a tradition that has brought Christmas joy to local children for more than four decades. The event, which began 46 years ago, serves children from four […]
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Paws with a purpose: Inside Mansfield’s movement to help 100+ shelter dogs
MANSFIELD — The Mansfield Art Center has long served as a place where creativity thrives, community meets and friendships form. The center has recently taken on a new mission — one reaching far beyond its studio walls. The art community and animal community often have the same caring spirit, Pia Douglas, studio art coordinator for […]
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Collaboration raises funds for Giving Ontario’s Christmas Toy Drive
ONTARIO — Many local children are set to have a brighter Christmas thanks to two generous donations made this week to Giving Ontario’s Christmas Toy Drive. The organization received a combined $9,100 in “big check” donations, helping fuel its mission to spread holiday cheer to kids across Richland County and beyond. The Giving Ontario Toy […]