MANSFIELD — The Richland County Land Bank has its sights set on redevelopment of the former Mansfield YMCA’s property. At its most recent meeting, the land bank board approved plans to take possession of the Park Avenue property, which has been a forfeiture for more than a year. The city of Mansfield had used a […]
Tracy Leturgey, Staff Reporter
Posted inNews
Richland County Dog Shelter adopts mandatory spay & neuter policy
MANSFIELD — The Richland County Dog Shelter is officially a mandatory spay and neuter facility. The Richland County Board of Commissioners, other elected officials and shelter volunteers recognized the change with a press conference Tuesday, held directly before a mobile veterinary hospital arrived to perform its first procedures for the shelter. “We can take it […]
Posted inBusiness
Mansfield women launch historic preservation action group
MANSFIELD — Mansfield newcomer Julie Rohl and longtime resident Tracy Bond have an impressive amount of education, experience and passion for saving local historical properties. The two women have teamed to encourage preservation initiatives in Richland County through their newly formed Richland Preservation Action Group. The group was created earlier this summer aimed at creating […]
Posted inLife and Culture
Mansfield Jamfest creates family environment with bluegrass, country music
MANSFIELD — As soon as dates for the annual Mansfield Jamfest were announced earlier this year, Rita Rowe and Shirley Hamilton marked their calendars for the occasion. The friends, who consider themselves sisters at heart, have traveled from Lima for the summertime bluegrass and country music festival since its inception. This year was no different. […]
Posted inBusiness
Third- and fourth-generation owners celebrate Wilging’s Fine Meats’ 100th anniversary
MANSFIELD — Statistically, Wilging’s Fine Meats shouldn’t be in business. Now operated by its third- and fourth-generation owners, the meat market has outlasted nearly a dozen other businesses that it once operated alongside at a former market on the corner of Third and Walnut streets. Despite all odds, Wilging’s celebrates its 100th anniversary this year. […]
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Ontario to purchase W. 4th St. property for potential wastewater treatment plant
ONTARIO — Ontario City Council has approved the purchase of nearly 70 acres as a possible location of its proposed wastewater treatment plant. At its Wednesday evening meeting, council unanimously approved legislation allowing Mayor Randy Hutchinson to purchase three parcels, located at 1779 West Fourth Street, from Mansfield Holdings LLC for $700,000. “At the time, this […]
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Hidden gem: Downtown businessman landscapes alley, creates popular photo backdrop
MANSFIELD — White chalk on a wall outside Charles (Chuck) Hahn’s downtown Mansfield office reads “Senior 2019” and a few flakes of shiny silver confetti from a recent photo shoot are stuck in the mortar of the alleyway’s brick surface. When Hahn, owner of the Cleveland Financial Group, landscaped the area outside his business, he […]
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Downtown florist transforms private space into music and art venue
MANSFIELD — Hidden behind Tara’s Floral Expressions in downtown Mansfield is a small but peaceful spot that business owner Tara Beaire calls the “Alcove.” The private space along Temple Court was formed last year when Beaire had the back half of the building demolished. That space has since been enhanced with plants, paintings and features […]
Posted inLife and Culture
Actors reflect on Shawshank impact at 25th anniversary celebration
MANSFIELD — Many of the cast and crew of the Shawshank Redemption gathered in Mansfield Friday night to celebrate the movie’s 25th anniversary. Even the movie’s director, Frank Darabont, reunited for the occasion, which included two panel discussions and a showing of the film at the Renaissance Theatre. “I’ve been back here twice before and […]
Posted inBusiness
Where would OSR be without The Shawshank Redemption?
MANSFIELD — Would The Ohio State Reformatory still be standing if The Shawshank Redemption hadn’t been filmed there in summer 1993? OSR’s Shawshank Specialist Tom Clark says maybe not. Had the former prison been knocked down, it’s possible Mansfield never would have experienced Blood Prison or Inkcarceration; it wouldn’t have seen the estimated 500,000 tourists […]