MANSFIELD— Rhonda Sylvester wrote a love letter with seasoned veggies and mac and cheese. In the banquet room of the event center on Orange Street, she smiled and hugged a room of family and friends — mostly senior citizens. A chef and owner of Flippin’ Good Seasoning, she’s decided to use her skillset to give back. […]
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 inNews
Taking Root Farms breaks ground on $2 million facility for adults with disabilities
MANSFIELD — Angela Eisaman thought slippery roads, spitting snow and a single-digit windchill might deter people from driving up the gravel lane to a groundbreaking ceremony. But as one of her board members put it, dedication knows no season. “We have done everything that we can do to get to this point, and we aren’t […]
Posted inOpen Source
Open Source: What’s the latest with the NECIC community impact center?
MANSFIELD — It may not look like there’s been much change at the community center at 486 Springmill Street. But behind the scenes, work to transform the building into a state-of-the-art facility continues. The North End Community Improvement Collaborative (NECIC) purchased the property in 2021. The organization plans to transform it into a larger, more […]
Posted inLife and Culture
Dec. 7 Carrousel Christmas Party to offer free rides for kids in need
MANSFIELD — Paul Robinson and Maury Devolder believe every child in Mansfield should have a chance to ride the Carrousel. On Saturday evening, they’ll have that chance. Richland Carrousel Park will host the 26th annual Carrousel Christmas Party from 6 to 8 p.m. The free event is aimed at children from low-income families. It will feature […]
Posted inEducation
Crestview High School serves up community Thanksgiving meal
ASHLAND — Gene Esbenshade stood in the Crestview High School cafeteria, scooping mashed potatoes onto the plates of hungry students. He wore an apron adorned with fall leaves and a grinning turkey in a pilgrim hat. Esbenshade is the district’s maintenance supervisor, but he tapped into a different set of skills this week during the high […]
Posted inEducation
Lexington PTO adds color to elementary blacktops
LEXINGTON — When Tiffany Snyder ran for president of Lexington’s Parent Teacher Organization, she made an important campaign promise to her kids. “For a while they have come home saying ‘Mom, there’s not a lot to do on the playground,” Snyder said. “I told them if I ran for PTO president, I would try and […]
Posted inEducation
Mansfield City Schools honors star students, Janeen Hire
MANSFIELD — Janeen Hire didn’t give up, even as her voice was giving out. “A speech therapist with laryngitis,” she said, voice breaking as she stood at the podium in the Mansfield City Schools board room. Board members, family members and other school employees and students chuckled. The district recognized Hire as an “Every Student, […]
Posted inEducation
Ontario’s upgraded STEM Labs gain national attention
ONTARIO — Daulton Dials pressed the button, triggering a surge of air up a small blue pipe. At the top of a homemade ramp, a pneumatic arm shot forward, sending an orange ping pong ball rolling down the track. When it reached the end, it fell off onto a bat, programmed to knock it up […]
Posted inLife and Culture
Classy & jazzy: Ohio State Reformatory announces 30th anniversary fundraising gala
MANSFIELD — The Mansfield Reformatory Preservation Society will celebrate its 30th anniversary with an inaugural gala on Dec. 2. Held at The Ohio State Reformatory, the event will offer live music, dancing, dinner and a silent auction, all in support of the Mansfield Reformatory Preservation Society. The non-profit organization maintains and operates the Reformatory, a […]
Posted inEducation
Mansfield City Schools faces $3.9 million deficit next school year
Mansfield City Schools faces fiscal oversight risk by 2025 due to projected deficits. Read more about steps being taken to address the financial challenges.