MANSFIELD — Wayfinders Ohio has secured more than $2.1 million to remodel an existing building into a larger homeless shelter, agency Executive Director Miles Parsons said Wednesday. The estimated price tag for the project is between $2 and $2.6 million. “We’re really kind of right on track with where we were wanting to be at this […]
Katie Ellington Serrao
Staff reporter at Richland Source since 2019. I focus on education, housing and features. Clear Fork alumna. Always looking for a chance to practice my Spanish. Got a tip? Email me at katie@richlandsource.com.
Posted inCommunity Development
Niss purchases former Hamilton Park for $50K, plans 9-hole golf course on site
MANSFIELD — A former City of Mansfield park once known for its baseball and softball fields may soon welcome a different kind of athlete. Local businessman and owner Dan Niss is in the process of purchasing the former Hamilton Park and expanding Westbrook Country Club, which he owns with his wife, Brenda. The Richland County Land […]
Posted inNews
Ohio’s new budget creates child care cost-sharing program
COLUMBUS — Ohio’s latest biennium budget includes a pilot program designed to help working families that make too much for child care assistance with the costs of care. Ohio’s operating budget dictates how tax dollars are spent and must be approved by the Ohio Senate and House of Representatives before being signed into law by […]
Posted inEducation
Child care providers in north central Ohio grapple with high costs, low pay
MANSFIELD — Jeanetta Elia wove through the maze of hallways at M1 Kids Academy, past a row of rainbow-colored coat hooks hung at waist level and doors decorated with children’s artwork. In one classroom, a group of preschoolers sat in a semicircle, coloring worksheets designed to teach them how to recognize patterns. Down the hall, a […]
Posted inLife and Culture
Prince Charles Williams headlines Knock Out Child Poverty event in Mansfield
MANSFIELD — “Prince” Charles Williams has never forgotten his formative years. That’s why he wants to give back to Mansfield youth. The retired world champion boxer hosted a “Knock Out Child Poverty” event Saturday in conjunction with Mansfield Sertoma and Moore’s Downtown Automotive Repair Center. “I just want to do something to help the kids,” Williams […]
Posted inBusiness
MMHA Board welcomes new member Louis Blevins
MANSFIELD — Louis Blevins has dedicated his life to serving others as a pastor. He’s hoping to do the same as a board member for the Mansfield Metropolitan Housing Authority. Blevins, 73, is the newest appointee to the public housing authority’s board. His five-year term officially began May 1. “I’ve been active in the community […]
Posted inNews
Richland County Land Bank approves sale of Ocie Hill for affordable senior housing
MANSFIELD — The Richland County Land Bank board voted Wednesday to sell the site of the former Ocie Hill Neighborhood Center to an affordable housing developer for $300,000. The buyer, Wisconsin-based firm Volker, intends to construct affordable housing for seniors at 445 and 455 Bowman Street. The proposed facility would be an independent, senior housing complex […]
Posted inEducation
Child care costs strain budgets & families in north central Ohio
MANSFIELD — Shamia Foster knows she’s one of the lucky ones. She’s got a village — including her mom and dad — supporting her as she raises her 10-year-old son. She makes a livable wage as a sales representative for Gorman-Rupp. Her schedule is flexible, so she can say morning prayers with her son, check […]
Posted inNews
Bellville police officer ‘in good spirits’ after being hit by a car
BELLVILLE — The police officer who was hit by a car Sunday evening while directing traffic is home recovering and ‘in good spirits,’ according to Bellville Police Chief Jon Fletcher. The officer was hit at approximately 10:59 p.m. while on traffic control duty following the Light Up the Valley fireworks show, according to a press release […]
Posted inHousing
Rising housing costs deplete Richland County’s Section 8 funds
MANSFIELD — The Mansfield Metropolitan Housing Voucher has hit pause on upcoming Section 8 vouchers due to rising housing costs, according to executive director Steve Andrews. Andrews said the authority has “suspended” vouchers for several residents who had been approved or were actively looking for housing, but hadn’t found it yet. Those applicants were placed back […]