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 […]
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 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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
Posted inEducation
Madison teachers’ union negotiations stretch into the new year
MADISON TOWNSHIP — Mike Leeper didn’t want to spend his Wednesday night at a school board meeting. But there he was at the Madison High School Library, just two days before winter break. “This is one of the last places in this world I want to be, especially at this meeting,” he said. “I’m sure […]
Posted inEducation
Mansfield City Schools hires treasurer Tammy Hamilla to start on Jan. 1
MANSFIELD — Tammy Hamilla has worked jobs related to school finance for 30 years, but her new job at Mansfield City Schools will be her first as a permanent, full-time treasurer. The Mansfield City Schools board of education voted unanimously Tuesday night to hire Hamilla, who will begin her new role on Jan. 1. Hamilla […]
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Malabar teachers say kids shouldn’t be left to their own devices
MANSFIELD — At the beginning of each school day, students at Malabar Intermediate place their smartphones in a locked case in their homeroom. New state legislation led to several area schools cracking down on cell phone use this year. But Malabar, which serves students in third through sixth grade, was ahead of the curve. The […]
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Marilyn John aims to unify Republicans in new House leadership role
SHELBY — Rep. Marilyn John (Shelby) hopes she can use her new role to lead to a more effective statehouse. John, who was re-elected to a third term in the Ohio House of Representatives last month, is poised to become the next house majority floor leader. But what does that mean? House Republicans informally selected […]