SHELBY — Hank Keller never dreamed of owning a car wash, but the unexpected path led him to what he now calls “the things we cherish most.” The annual Small Business of the Year Awards recognized standout small businesses in Richland County for their dedication, innovation and impact on the community. The awards were presented […]
Hannah Martin
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Madison Township trustees approve temporary spending plan for 2026
MADISON TOWNSHIP — Madison Township trustees on Monday approved $4,356,212 in temporary budget appropriations for 2026, a spending plan about 6-percent less than 2025. The move came during a special meeting at the township hall at 817 Expressview Drive. For comparison, the 2025 permanent appropriations were $4,642,856.74 — $286,644 more than the temporary plan for […]
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Ontario Lions donates $3,500 to support local children’s Christmas giving project
ONTARIO — A simple act of generosity can change a child’s Christmas, and this year the Ontario Lions Club plans to make that happen. Ontario Lions Charities, Inc. presented a “big check” for $3,500 to the Ontario Police Department. Walmart store #1539 hosted the presentation Monday afternoon at 539 Lexington-Springmill Road. Since its founding in […]
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OhioHealth Mansfield adjusts protocol to get breast cancer patients faster results
MANSFIELD — For breast cancer patients, the days between surgery and learning whether chemotherapy is necessary can feel agonizingly long. It’s a period filled with anxiety, questions and fear — one where every day carries emotional and medical weight. For years, OhioHealth Mansfield Hospital’s cancer team watched their patients endure the wait. But recently, the […]
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Inside the BNOC Clothesline: A place where thrifting meets community care
BELLVILLE — A fresh coat of paint and a variety of donated items have helped create something bigger than a clothesline at the Bellville Neighborhood Outreach Center (BNOC), The space at 84 Main Street has become a place where volunteers like Jennifer Dudley witnesses small moments of hope every day. Dudley said fellow volunteer Terri […]
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Dominic fights no more: How a donor and community made the impossible possible
MANSFIELD — On Oct. 14, in the early morning around 7:30 a.m., Dominic Amesquita’s family received the call they had been waiting on for what felt like forever. “As always, seeing that number made my heart and mind jump, that maybe this was the call,” Sheryl Moran, the 16-year-old’s mother said. A day of anticipation […]
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Reindeer, carriage rides and cheer: Christmas Time in the City brings holiday magic downtown
MANSFIELD — The streets of Downtown Mansfield were booming with crowds Friday evening, but it wasn’t for the Queen of Hearts drawing. Christmas Time in the City transformed downtown Mansfield into a festive gathering place, drawing the community together for an evening of seasonal celebration. Mayor Jodie Perry expressed her thanks to the downtown Mansfield […]
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SparkJoy ABA hosts Dec. 13 sensory-friendly Santa visit designed for each child
ONTARIO — For many families, holiday traditions don’t require a second thought. For families of children with autism or special needs, they often do — and SparkJoy ABA wants to give them a place where their child feels understood. Families can join the SparkJoy ABA team at 2291-2293 Village Park Court on Saturday, Dec. 13 […]
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Lights, music, magic: Ontario welcomes the holiday season with annual tree lighting
ONTARIO — Ontario is dreaming of the kind of Christmas that Irving Berlin wrote about in 1942. During Miss Ontario Morgyn Beasley’s performance of Berlin’s holiday classic, White Christmas, at the city’s annual tree lighting, she paused mid-song and addressed the crowd. “For this next part, I want you all to join in and sing,” […]
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Ohio PROMISE helps child care providers open doors for children with special needs
MANSFIELD — When a child struggles to speak, it can cause them to grow restless and frustrated when they’re unable to communicate their needs. Situations like that are common in preschool settings, but at Madison Early Childhood Learning Center, staff are learning new strategies to help children express themselves. “We have posters up with sign […]