On March 8, 41 local citizens — with visionary support from the Richland County Foundation — will take a big step forward in the re-imagination of Richland County’s greatest opportunity, Mansfield’s central business district. I’m privileged to be part of this effort and want to take this opportunity to tell you about it and what […]
Solutions
Posted inRising from Rust
Richland Area Chamber previews 3-year strategic plan
MANSFIELD — Since the Richland Area Chamber of Commerce and the Richland Community Development Group became affiliated in June 2017, the two organizations have aimed to unite their economic and community development efforts. Less than a year later, that intention has manifested in the form of a three-year strategic plan with four overarching goals: To […]
Posted inRising from Rust
Economic Club speaker emphasizes value of historic preservation in Mansfield
MANSFIELD – While Amanda Golden of Designing Local recognizes there are many economic development tools, she wants to see more historic preservation in places like Mansfield. “Preservation (of historic buildings) is an amazing economic development tool that like art, many people have viewed for a long time as ‘preservation for preservation’s sake.’ But I don’t […]
Posted inRising from Rust
Crestview graduate sees entrepreneurs as Ohio’s future
COLUMBUS – Falon Donohue believes entrepreneurship is key to Ohio’s future. A 2001 Crestview graduate, Donohue works as the CEO of VentureOhio to increase access to venture capital for Ohio entrepreneurs through the Columbus-based organization. To get Ohio “back in the driver’s seat” in innovation and job creation, she sees entrepreneurship playing a significant factor. […]
Posted inRising from Rust
Mansfielder part of winning team at Columbus Startup Weekend
MANSFIELD – Typically starting a business takes months, but this past weekend, five Richland County residents participated in a program that builds startups in only three days. “It was great. I had been involved in the Columbus startup scene, but this was an eye opening and enlightening experience,” said participant Cameron Haring. “I was amazed […]
Posted inRising from Rust
A look at our Rust Belt history
Editor’s Note: Richland Source reporters Tracy Geibel and Brittany Schock have launched a 2018 Solutions Journalism project titled Rising from Rust, studying how Richland County fights its way out of the Rust Belt. Today we look at the community’s industrial past and how we got here. MANSFIELD – Richland County wasn’t always this way. The […]
Posted inRising from Rust
Richland Source launches Rising from Rust project
MANSFIELD — Simply hearing the term Rust Belt is enough to anger folks in this part of the country — like me. I’m tired of hearing it. The reference is not subtle. Some have described north central Ohio as the belt buckle of the Rust Belt, old, worn-out, useless, forgotten. At one time this region […]
Posted inSolutions
Alpha & Omega House offers new beginning
MOUNT VERNON — When offenders walk through the doors of Alpha & Omega House, it’s not the beginning of the end. Rather, it’s hopefully the end of a not-so-good beginning. The Alpha & Omega House, 118 E. High St., is aptly named because it represents the beginning of rehabilitation and the ending of addiction. Joshua […]
Posted inAshland Source, Hunger in the Heartland
Are kids & families starving in Ashland?
ASHLAND — No, not here. Kids don’t have food in Ethiopia and Syria and Mexico—OTHER places. Unfortunately, hunger runs deep in Ashland County. On average, between 220 and 260 families seek food assistance from the Associated Charities Food Bank (ACFB) per month. The demand is so high it nearly outpaces what the ACFB can handle. […]
Posted inGray Matters
Volunteer guardian for the elderly shares experiences
MANSFIELD – “Pepsi?” asks 71-year-old Michael Beck when Roger Harraman walks in the room. Harraman, who serves as Beck’s legal guardian, knows the Oak Grove Manor resident loves Pepsi, and even though he didn’t bring a bottle along this time, he promises he will for the next visit and instead presents Beck with several new […]