Editor’s Note: This article is the first in a five-part series about the challenges low-income renters face and potential ways to address them. The series is supported by Wayfinders Ohio. Check back throughout this week to read more. MANSFIELD — Nicole Davis used to wake up in the middle of the night, terrified that something […]
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 inLife and Culture
Mansfield Music Fest attracts hardcore acts from across Ohio
MANSFIELD — Ellis Byrd stood away from the mosh pit towards the back of the crowd as the thump of the bass and intense scream of vocals echoed off the hills. At 57, Byrd was older than the average attendee at Mansfield Music Fest, but that didn’t mean he was any less engaged. “Us old punk […]
Posted inNews
Meet Jon Fletcher, Bellville’s new police chief
BELLVILLE — Chief Jon Fletcher can still remember when the entire Bellville Police Department was just a small room in city hall. It was 2005. He was fresh out of the academy and had taken his first law-enforcement job with his hometown department. He’s has been there ever since. Last month, Fletcher swore to serve and […]
Posted inEducation
‘Manufacturing Days’ allows students to discover future career paths
MANSFIELD — Steve Cummins said high school students are often shocked to find out all the things that are made right here in Mansfield. Mansfield Engineered Components, the company Cummins co-founded with his brother Bruce, have worked to remedy this by hosting student tour groups for almost a decade as part of Manufacturing Days. Students from […]
Posted inLife and Culture
Autism advocate, walk-a-thon founder Debbie Melching retiring
OPEN SOURCE: This story idea was suggested by a reader. Do you have a story tip for our team? Submit it here. MANSFIELD — Debbie Melching has spent most of her adult life caring for others. Now it’s time to take care of herself. Melching, the one woman force behind the nonprofit Autism Awareness Walk-a-thon, is […]
Posted inSolutions
Use of Malabar Care Connect soars with summer hours
MANSFIELD — Sarah Redding said her late husband would be thrilled to see the new renovations at the Malabar Care Connect clinic — with one exception. The new entrance to Malabar Intermediate’s school-based health center bears a plaque dedicating the space to Mark Redding, who passed away in 2021. “He never liked his name on […]
Posted inLife and Culture
Fair projects take top dollar in record-shattering auction
MANSFIELD — Allyson Cook’s grand champion dairy feeder calf held the auction record for a matter of minutes. Cook earned $4,200 for her calf at Saturday’s Richland County Jr. Fair Market Livestock Sale, beating a previous best of $4,000, but her streak was be short lived. Addison Shira of Shelby entered the ring with the […]
Posted inLife and Culture
Hog Heaven: Stephens takes triple honors at Richland County Fair
MANSFIELD — It was a big week for 16-year-old Jack Stephens. His Hampshire hog, Louie, earned the title of grand champion at the Richland County Fair. Louie brought home the bacon at Saturday’s livestock sale, setting a fair record of $6,500. “It was a big moment because I’ve been doing it for all this time, so […]
Posted inNews
Lexington to add permanent pickleball courts at Bicentennial Park
LEXINGTON — Lexington will soon be the latest municipality to boast pickleball courts in its parks. Village council voted to approve a $145,000 contract with SportScape Builders of Marysville during a meeting Monday night. SportScape will redo the existing basketball and tennis courts at Bicentennial Park, replacing them with a new basketball court and three new […]
Posted inLife and Culture
Williams, Cook take top honors in goat showmanship
MANSFIELD — More than 200 Richland County students showed goats at this year’s Richland County Fair, but only a fraction of them competed in the showmanship competition. Kids as young as eight led their goats through the arena, demonstrating their control of the animal and ability to highlight its best features. “You want your goat […]