MANSFIELD — Ann Downs looked out across the Wonka-inspired room and saw decades of early mornings, board meetings and friendships staring back at her. “I really don’t know what to say,” Downs said. “I am just so shocked and so thankful.” The Richland Area Chamber honored Downs with this year’s ATHENA Award during its annual […]
Hannah Martin
NAMI Richland County announces free Peer-to-Peer mental health courses
ONTARIO — You don’t have to navigate mental illness alone — and NAMI Richland County wants to prove it. This spring, NAMI Richland County will offer its free, eight-session, Peer-to-Peer course, a nationally recognized program designed by and for adults living with mental health conditions. The course blends education, connection and real-world tools in a […]
From downtown to Fresh Grounds: Blackbird Bakery makes big move
MANSFIELD — Blackbird Bakery is leaving its longtime downtown location — but it’s not flying far. The bakery is spreading its wings — and this time, it’s landing at Fresh Grounds Coffee House and Roastery, 1621 W. Fourth St. in Ontario. After more than a decade inside Relax, It’s Just Coffee, Desra Wells announced Blackbird […]
Bloom and Fizz partners with local businesses for ‘Be Mine Bundle’
MANSFIELD — Love is in the air — and in a cup — at Bloom and Fizz, where a new Valentine’s Day bundle puts a locally made spin on classic holiday favorites. Just in time for the season of love, Janelle Blake, owner of Bloom and Fizz has teamed with numerous local businesses to launch […]
New housing, jobs and honeybee habitats shape Shelby’s future
Mayor Steve Schag on Monday highlighted Shelby housing growth, major industrial investment and environmental initiatives.
Spirited debate peppers Walker Lake Road rezoning issue at Ontario City Council meeting
ONTARIO — Residents filled council chambers and experienced a spirited discussion Wednesday night as Ontario City Council weighed the proposed Walker Lake Road development. Zoning, traffic impact and long-term maintenance were the hottest topics of debate. Radd Schneider, vice president of acquisitions for Redwood USA LLC, addressed questions raised during a previous council meeting, which […]
Mansfield Noon Optimist Club introduces Ontario preschoolers to Buckeye Imagination Museum
MANSFIELD — Foam blocks scattered across the Buckeye Imagination Museum floor as a group of preschoolers worked together to build a play area. Laughter and smiles broke out as the blocks slowly turned into something bigger — and fun. This activity filled the museum Tuesday morning as around 70 Ontario preschool students spent the day […]
When churches unite: Godsfield brings denominations together to serve Mansfield
MANSFIELD — Churches across Mansfield are discovering they can accomplish more together than apart. That belief has fueled the growth of Godsfield, a faith-based nonprofit working to unite denominations around a shared mission: loving the city and restoring lives. Founded by Rev. El Akuchie and Pastor Paul Lintern, the vision for Godsfield began decades ago. […]
Property Transfers: West Creek Conservancy scores big on former Camp Covert property for $2.6 million
SPRINGFIELD TOWNSHIP — West Creek Conservancy purchased 1366 Orweiler Road and V/L on Orweiler Road from Camp Covert for $2.6 million. The property sits next to the Ohio Bird Sanctuary (OBS), which was a key factor in the decision to purchase the land, said Derek Schafer, executive director of West Creek Conservancy. West Creek Conservancy […]
Heartland Academy expands to meet growing needs for students with autism
LEXINGTON — When Rock Webster started Heartland Academy, he had no idea how great the need for its services were in the community. Today, those needs have only continued to grow. Superintendent Doug Devito, who has served at Heartland Academy for eight years, said Webster launched the school with a clear vision to support chldren […]
