MANSFIELD — Although some store shelves sit empty and hand sanitizer is in short supply, people all over Richland County are still willing to share. Kim Winkle, vice president of corporate relations and operational support for Avita Health System, said she’s been amazed by the community’s generosity. “So many companies and individuals have reached out […]
Katie Ellington, Staff Reporter
Posted inNews
Richland County Land Bank to move forward with 12 demolitions
MANSFIELD — The Richland County Land Bank board has approved 12 properties for demolition by the end of June. Richland County Land Bank manager Amy Hamrick announced Wednesday meeting that the land bank has received state funding to demolish six properties through a lead remediation program, which frees up previously allocated funding allowing for six […]
Posted inNews
Ontario councilman Dan Zeiter dies
ONTARIO — The city of Ontario has lost one of its biggest cheerleaders. Fourth ward council member Dan Zeiter died over the weekend. The news was reported on Wednesday afternoon. “He was a great asset to the community. He was great to work with on council, very knowledgeable,” Mayor Randy Hutchinson said. “It’s a great […]
Posted inLife and Culture
Hitchman Park board hopes to reinstall inclusive playground
BUTLER — When the Clear Fork school district built a new elementary school in Butler, the area’s first inclusive playground was removed to make room. Now, the new owners of the set are planning to re-install it in Frances Hitchman Park. “We’re very excited,” said Terry Hitchman, son of the late Frances Hitchman. “We needed […]
Posted inNews
July 4th Festival, Miss Ontario cancelled due to COVID-19
ONTARIO — This summer won’t be quite the same in Ontario. The festival board has decided to cancel Ontario’s Fourth of July Festival and Miss Ontario competition. “It was a pretty easy call,” said Frank Flaugher, who chairs both events. Flaugher said he was disappointed, but that the health risks seemed too great. “I don’t […]
Posted inBusiness
Staying home not an option for garden and landscape workers
MANSFIELD — As temperatures rise and birdsongs begin to fill the morning air, workers in the lawn care and garden industry are wondering what spring will hold. “It’s just scary. This is the time of year when our type of industry really starts making the money that we survive on for the whole year,” said […]
Posted inLife and Culture
Food drives pop up around Richland County
MANSFIELD — Kris Bechtel stood in the shadow of a white delivery truck, taking cardboard boxes full of packaged food and stacking them beside her. Bechtel has been playing it safe since the coronavirus outbreak came to Ohio, but volunteering at Saturday morning’s food drive was one thing she wasn’t willing to quit. “Other than […]
Posted inBusiness
AK Steel extends maintenance closure for two weeks
MANSFIELD — Employees at AK Steel’s Mansfield Works shouldn’t be worried about the plant’s two-week closure, according to a representative from parent company Cleveland-Cliffs. “We had already had a planned maintenance outage that was supposed to be done in about three to four days. What we’re doing is just extending the maintenance outage for two […]
Posted inLife and Culture
Mansfield photographer snaps social distancing family photos
LEXINGTON — These are days we will remember long after they are gone — the days when a virus swept through the country, shutting down schools, churches and concerts. We will recall when milestone celebrations were cancelled or postponed. When we were told to stay home but refrain from holding our loved ones close. When […]