Life & Culture News

MANSFIELD – Kingwood Center Gardens has announced its summer concert series, Live on the Lawn, is returning for its third year.

MADISON TOWNSHIP -- The Richland Rural Life Center (a non-profit organization) will host an ice cream social on Saturday, July 18 fro, 4 to 6 p.m.

Ashland Source correspondent Waylon O'Donnell took a trip to AerOhio Skydiving for his inaugural jump. 

MANSFIELD — The Renaissance Theatre will hold auditions for the MY Theatre production of Disney’s Tarzan: The Stage Musical via video submission, through July 15, 2020.

Saturday's Fourth of July festivities felt more like a tailgate, with rows of cars lining the fields of Marshall Park.

A new Bellville playground, named in honor of Carolynn Studenmund, a beloved figure in the Clear Fork Valley, was dedicated on Friday.

The organizers of the Ashland BalloonFest won't let a few bumps in the road -- or the air -- keep them down. 

MANSFIELD -- Renaissance Performing Arts has announced details concerning its health and safety plan for reopening the theatre beginning with Cinderella: The Broadway Musical, scheduled July 31-Aug. 9.

Kingwood Center’s new Storybook Trail offers children and families a chance to enjoy a heartwarming story and a walk in the woods all at the same time. 

The Alzheimer’s Association Northwest Ohio Chapter will present several upcoming virtual educational programs to help the community and families impacted by the disease.

North central Ohio residents can watch a colorful display of hot air balloons fly over Ashland on Saturday evening and Sunday morning.

MANSFIELD — After being closed for a time due to the governor’s orders regarding the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, BibleWalk has reopened its doors to visitors once again.

The City of Mansfield Parks & Recreation Department now offers new and unique playground equipment at North Lake Park and Johns Park.

To participate in the final fundraiser, go to www.mansfieldplayhouse.com and purchase a ticket to the one weekend event: "Standing Ovation Donation!"

Tami Baker was a child in 1984 when actress Daryl Hannah swam across the movie screen as a mermaid in the movie "Splash."

ASHLAND -- The 71st annual Guy C. Myers Memorial Bandshell has released its revised summer concert schedule.

Doug Wertz is facing a challenge unlike any he has seen in his 42 years in the entertainment business, thanks to COVID-19.

MANSFIELD -- Nothing is more rewarding than painting outside.

MANSFIELD -- When COVID-19 hit, the Centers for Disease Control warned that some individuals were more at-risk for severe illness.

POWELL – The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is bringing a new, fun event to the summer schedule while still allowing for social distancing.

COLUMBUS – Previous studies have shown that low-dose, whole lung radiation in the form of X-rays can effectively treat severe pneumonia, with minimal side effects.

Ashland County's longest running 5K is set to kick off Saturday, June 27 at the Ashland High School Community Stadium.

The Ashland County Fair will go on as normally as possible, according to fair board manager Steve Englet.

MANSFIELD -- Mansfield City Schools distributed a combined 34,906 sack lunches and breakfasts for students at three locations while schools were closed from March 18 to June 1.

ONTARIO - The Ohio District 5 Area Agency on Aging has announced the expansion of the Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) into Richland County.

The Renaissance Education Department will host its ninth annual MindSprouts Creative Writing Showcase on June 20 at 7 p.m.

Renaissance Performing Arts has announced general auditions for its entire 2020-21 Park National Bank Broadway Season.

MANSFIELD -- Following the recent announcement of re-opening orders by Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, Kingwood Center Gardens has announced its intentions to open most of its facilities and historic buildings on Wednesday, June 17.

COLUMBUS — Governor Mike DeWine has announced Kari Gunter-Seymour, of Albany, Ohio, as the state’s poet laureate.

MANSFIELD -- Renaissance Performing Arts is pleased to announce the cast for their upcoming summer production of Cinderella: The Broadway Musical, part of the Park National Broadway Series.

MANSFIELD – Like all groups and businesses, Blue Rose Mission, a Richland County non-profit organization that does simple home repairs for the less fortunate households in the greater Mansfield area, is feeling the effects of the current pandemic.

MANSFIELD -- Renaissance Performing Arts Association will present a new series called "The Ren Backlot" throughout the summer. This series will be presented safely outside in the parking lot of the Renaissance Theatre and will include films and concerts.

LOGAN – Explore Hocking Hills announced Wednesday that cabins and other lodging in Ohio’s Hocking Hills are now open to the public.

MANSFIELD -- Memorial Day 2020 is one the 179th Airlift Wing's Honor Guard will never forget.

TOLEDO – The Alzheimer’s Association Northwest Ohio Chapter is offering a free class to help Alzheimer’s and dementia caregivers identify different activities that can be fulfilling for a person with dementia.

MANSFIELD -- The Renaissance Theatre formally announced its 2020-21 lineup at Friday night's season preview LIVE Online event.

TOLEDO -- Taking care of a loved one’s safety, nutrition and health concerns from a far can be challenging, but the Alzheimer’s Association is offering a virtual class to help caregivers.

Ed Harpster celebrated his 106th birthday on June 4.

(This article was written by Laurel Bocka, social media communications specialist for the Mansfield/Richland County Public Library.)

ONTARIO -- The City of Ontario Recreation Department is offering free virtual camps and classes this summer.

MANSFIELD -- To celebrate the Renaissance 2020-21 Season Preview Live event, the Renaissance Performing Arts Association will be giving away free popcorn at businesses in Downtown Mansfield on Friday, June 5 from noon to 5 p.m.

Researches discovered the blue crayfish, a new Ohioan species that submerge themselves into damp hillsides and have painted exoskeleton painted with an illustrious cerulean stain.

ASHLAND — In response to the COVID-19 pandemic orders set forth by Governor Mike DeWine and the Ohio Department of Health, the Guy C. Myers Band Shell 2020 Summer Concert Series has been tentatively postponed until July 2.

MANSFIELD -- The Pat Kracker Breast Cancer Fund recently donated 9,680 items valued over $125,000 to four Richland County medical providers to distribute to their breast cancer patients and survivors.

Coming from a family of giving people, Mansfield native Brady Groves knew the importance of giving back to his community. For nine years, he’s paid that forward as president of the  Richland County Foundation. 

Charles Kelly King may not recognize the Kingwood Center Gardens when the new $10 million Gateway Center project is finished a few months from now.

ASHLAND -- Stephen Domka, a violinist for the Ashland Symphony Orchestra, runs on a strict, dedicated schedule. 

A week after the 2020 Ohio State Fair was canceled, the fate of the upcoming Ashland County Fair remains undetermined. 

MANSFIELD -- The Friendly House has announced it's taking the necessary steps about reopening the facility for summer programs.