MANSFIELD — Wellness can take many forms, from physical and mental to emotional and relational. But what about financial? There’s no one definition of financial well-being — it can be defined as financial security and freedom of choice or the ability to meet one’s needs and manage money in the short and long term. Some experts […]
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 inOpinion
Here are Katie Ellington Serrao’s favorites stories from 2024
MANSFIELD — Is it just me, or is every year unprecedented? First it was a global pandemic. Then it was the most important presidential election of our lifetime (as if there are unimportant ones). Wars have broken out in Israel and another continues in Ukraine. Before we knew it, it was time for the most important […]
Posted inLife and Culture
Seniors discover therapeutic power of art in free classes
MANSFIELD — Renee Deschner made the necklace herself. It was glass pendant with a vibrant rainbow of dots set against swirling shades of blue. Abstract at first glance, but look closer and a seahorsejuli appears. Deschner’s pride and passion were obvious as she talked about her art — wintery scenes made with acrylic paints, a […]
Posted inEducation
Mansfield City Schools cuts ties with Mid Ohio ESC
MANSFIELD — Members of the Mansfield City School board were divided during a special meeting Friday morning. After nearly 30 minutes of discussion, the board voted 3-2 to terminate its contract with the Mid Ohio Educational Service Center at the end of the 2024-2025 school year. The same resolution also declared the board’s intent to […]
Posted inLife and Culture
Laundry Basket Library provides free books for all ages
MANSFIELD — School children no longer go to class in the Brinkerhoff building, but the library is still being put to good use. The space is now home to the Laundry Basket Library, a volunteer-driven effort that provides free reading materials for all ages. Established in 2001, the Laundry Basket Library distributes donated books to 24 […]
Posted inEducation
Metronome Music donates 55 instruments to Malabar orchestra
MANSFIELD — It might as well have been Christmas morning for orchestra director Lindsay Brown. But instead of Santa Claus, the cheerful old man with a load full of presents was Larry Miller, the owner of Metronome Music. Last week, Metronome Music donated 55 violas, violins and cellos to the Malabar Intermediate’s orchestra program. Miller, who […]
Posted inNews
Lexington to receive state funds for new elementary school in 2025
LEXINGTON — There’s a light at the end of the tunnel for the construction of Lexington Local Schools’ new elementary building. After years of waiting, the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission notified the district last month the agency is ready to release funds for the project. On Wednesday, the Lexington school board approved a resolution authorizing […]
Posted inEducation
Madison school officials say recent levy generating less than expected
MADISON TOWNSHIP — Supt. Rob Peterson said he thought the new Madison Local Schools levy would put the district on solid financial footing. But after a misunderstanding about how much that levy would generate, funds remain tight for the district. Voters in the Madison school district approved a new operating levy in November 2023. Leading […]
Posted inNews
Mansfield housing authority starts pulling recent Section 8 applications in 2025
MANSFIELD — When the Mansfield Metropolitan Housing Authority re-opened its Section 8 waitlist, applications flooded in. During the last four days of October, the MMHA received more than 1,300 applications. In January, agency staff will begin processing those applications, MMHA executive director Steve Andrews said Tuesday. Andrews said these applications will likely include more up-to-date information […]
Posted inNews
Metro housing board offers director 2.5-year contract
MANSFIELD — Steve Andrews will continue to serve as the executive director of the Mansfield Metropolitan Housing Authority in 2025. At its final meeting of the year, the MMHA board voted to design a contract for Andrew’s renewal. The director’s existing contract was set to expire on Jan. 24. Andrews’ new contract will run through […]