Editor’s Note This story idea comes from the Citizens’ Agenda, a compilation of issues raised by Mansfield residents as part of Richland Source’s Talk the Vote Listening Tour. MANSFIELD — Last fall, Richland Source met with voters from across the city to discuss their hopes and dreams for the city and how its government might […]
Solutions
Posted inSolutions
District buy-in crucial to making Fredericktown latchkey program work
A two-part series Fredericktown Local Schools is the only public school district in Knox County with a latchkey program. Local officials believe latchkey programs could help mitigate Knox County’s child care shortage. This is the second in a two-part series examining how Fredericktown’s program operates and what other districts might be able to learn from […]
Posted inSolutions
Could Fredericktown’s latchkey program serve as a model for other Knox County school districts?
A two-part series Fredericktown Local Schools is the only public school district in Knox County with a latchkey program. Local officials believe latchkey programs could help mitigate Knox County’s child care shortage. This is the first in a two-part series examining how Fredericktown’s program operates and what other districts might be able to learn from […]
Posted inCitizens Agenda, Solutions
Future of B&O Trail: How do other communities rate importance of bicycle/pedestrian connectivity?
MANSFIELD — How important are projects that connect bicycle and pedestrian trails to downtowns and other areas with active transportation infrastructure? $7 billion worth of importance. According to the non-profit Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (RTC), the nation’s largest trails and active transportation advocacy organization, that’s how much the federal government is investing nationwide in new RAISE projects that […]
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Emerging educator workshops prepare community members for the classroom
MANSFIELD — Crystal Davis Weese, Terri Bucci and Ashley Smith know the substitute teacher shortage is a problem. They believe the answer is right here in our community. It’s the stay-at-home mom looking for some extra income. It’s the recent high school graduate unsure of his long-term career path. It’s the retiree who’s always had […]
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How a 100-day solution to homelessness could help Knox County
More information Two weeks ago, we examined how one Midwestern community went about increasing its affordable housing stock. Last week, we published a piece on how Knox County could institute a ‘master leasing’ strategy in hopes of reaching a functional zero milestone. MOUNT VERNON — Social services can often be scattered throughout a county or city. It can lead to disjunction, […]
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How can Ashland Co. leaders more effectively connect with youth? And should they even bother?
ASHLAND — “Older ideas aren’t necessarily the best ideas.” Those seven words were spoken by a 17-year-old who attended an Ashland Source “Talk the Vote” event back in October of 2021. The young woman was unable to vote in the following November election. Nevertheless, she exposed a desire to be more engaged with local government. […]
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Would an innovative approach to child care work in Knox County?
MOUNT VERNON — Last fall, residents told Knox Pages that the lack of child care is a serious concern for working parents. The Area Development Foundation sees the lack of child care as an economic problem for employers and employees. Earlier this year, an ADF survey documented the effect lack of child care has on […]
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Butterfly gardening could help protect endangered monarchs
MANSFIELD — Kelly Stephens won’t let her husband cut down the milkweed that grows at the edge of their pool. Considered a nuisance plant by most farmers and gardeners, milkweed provides food for Monarch caterpillars and butterflies alike. “We left it there because I wanted to watch the butterflies,” Stephens said. “My youngest daughter complains it […]
Posted inSolutions
How can Ashland preserve its past as it forges into the future?
ASHLAND — The city of Ashland has been around since its founding in 1846, with roots dating to 1811. As the city forges into the future, with developments such as the Pump House District, and other expansions like Charles River Laboratories, some residents are concerned about retaining the charm of Ashland’s vibrant past. “Is there […]