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Ontario is taking a preemptive pause on artificial intelligence data centers, even before any formal proposal lands at City Hall.

Today – Jim Odson saved his first life as a teenager, and went on to help shape emergency medical care in Mansfield for more than three decades.

Today – Tyger Threads is helping Mansfield Senior High School students get brand-new clothing, shoes and personal care items — with dignity, choice and confidence built into the experience.

In episode 96 of the News Man Weekly, we break down the key stories shaping the community. These include what voters need to know ahead of the May 5 primary election, a downtown vandalism arrest that drew a strong response from police leadership and the long-awaited roundabout project at Lexington-Springmill and Home roads finally moving toward construction.   Then, we’re joined by broadcaster Chris Kelly from iHeartMedia. Kelly shares insight into upcoming career changes, how radio in Mansfield has evolved over the years, and how he got started in radio and what advice he has for younger folks in the industry today.  This episode is powered by the great folks at Relax, It's Just Coffee.  Related links:  Read all of our election coverage K.E. McCartney earns $241K contract to oversee Richland County roundabout construction Mansfield police arrest 21-year-old man for alleged downtown theft & vandalism Fire! Cannons belch smoke and flame at 48th annual Ohio Civil War Show in Mansfield Be a Source Member for unlimited access to local, independent journalism.

Today – Olive and Oak Company is growing its boutique footprint, bringing affordable women’s fashion from Mansfield into a new permanent space in Fredericktown.

In this live recording of the State of the City, Jodie Perry sits down with Carl Hunnell for a candid, wide-ranging conversation about the city's future. In this episode: What $100M+ in development actually means for Mansfield The reality behind downtown construction and the $20M Main Street project How property taxes and “pots of money” really work Why the city is being more selective with developers The push for housing at every level, from senior to market-rate units Public safety progress, including drops in crime and full police staffing What’s ahead in 2026, including major projects and economic momentum Mayor Perry also reflects on lessons learned in office, the long game of economic development and why collaboration across city, county and township leaders matters more than ever. Read more and watch the conversation on YouTube here.

A major local investment could give downtown Mansfield’s former Holiday Inn a new life as a boutique hotel, event center, and community gathering place.

Today: Downtown Mansfield is getting ready to turn summer nights into a monthly celebration, with a refreshed 2026 Final Friday concert series bringing new acts, familiar favorites and plenty of reasons to head to the Brickyard.

Episode 95 of News Man Weekly opens with a reminder to get out and vote during the upcoming primary election as Host Carl Hunnell politely reminds folks to "put up or shut up." This week's News of the Week dives deeper into the planned $10 million redevelopment of a downtown hotel in Mansfield. Other news includes a 22-year-old Mansfield man charged with felony vandalism after driving onto the basketball courts at Liberty Park and a reminder that Mayor Jodie Perry's "State of the City" will take place this year in a Q&A format with the News Man himself. The episode ends with a conversation between Carl and a trio of city parks representatives. Public Works Director Louis Andres, Parks Superintendent Mike Woogerd and Cortney Freshwater join the show to talk all things city parks, as well as what activities local residents and youth can expect this summer. This episode is powered by the great folks at Relax, It's Just Coffee. Related links: Mansfield City Council advances plan for $10 million redeveloped downtown hotel Mansfield mayor 'State of the City' to be Q&A conversation with Richland Source Mansfield man, 22, charged with felony vandalism after driving onto Liberty Park basketball courts Be a Source member for unlimited access to local, independent journalism.

Renaissance Theatre leaders are warning patrons not to use a nearby hotel parking lot after a towing incident disrupted a packed performance of “Mamma Mia!” in downtown Mansfield.

Jim Gorman left a lasting imprint on Mansfield through military service, aviation, business and philanthropy. A World War II pilot and longtime leader at Gorman-Rupp, he also helped shape local institutions by supporting aviation museums, donating land for parks and community projects, and introducing young people to flying.

Inkcarceration is aiming even higher in 2026 after drawing a record 90,000 fans across three sold-out days last year at the Ohio State Reformatory. The July 17 through 19 festival will bring more than 65 bands to Mansfield, including headliners like Disturbed, Bad Omens and Limp Bizkit, while continuing to mix live music with tattoo culture and the prison’s one-of-a-kind setting. Organizers say upgrades to the site, parking and camping could make this year’s event one of the festival’s biggest yet.

Today – A notorious Richland County murder case has reached its final chapter, as convicted killer John Boyle has died in prison.

Episode 94 of News Man Weekly starts with a very Ohio problem — snow in April and a place that refuses to fully commit to spring — before diving into a packed week of local headlines and big-picture conversations. From the latest developments (and pushback) on the proposed Buc-ee’s site to a major downtown hotel redevelopment and the passing of one of Richland County’s most infamous criminal figures. Plus, we're joined by Ashland University professor John Moser before he heads to a new career role at the University of Tennessee. Moser breaks down today’s political climate through a historical lens, drawing comparisons to past global conflicts and offering insight into where the country may be headed. Moser doesn’t hold back, either — diving into the escalating war in Iran, breaking down how President Trump’s foreign policy fits (or doesn’t) into historical precedent, and what it all means for America’s standing on the global stage. Then, Richland Source reporter Katie Ellington Serrao joins the show to talk about the Source Journalism Fellowship, what it means for the next generation of local storytellers, and why civic engagement starts earlier than most people think. This episode is powered by the great folks at Relax, It's Just Coffee.  Related links: Apply to the Source Media Journalism Fellowship Free food, music and community spirit highlight first 'BBQ at the Goose' in Mansfield Downtown Mansfield hotel proposal latest public-private development push Sentence complete: Convicted murderer John Boyle dies behind bars Mansfield Planning Commission advances rezoning for Buc-ee's site Be a Source Member for unlimited access to local, independent journalism.

Today – A prescribed burn at Gorman Nature Center may have left the prairie blackened for now, but park officials say the fire is already helping new life take root.

Today – A new parking lot along the B&O Trail connector in Mansfield could finally be opening soon, giving trail users another easy access point into the city and finishing off a project years in the making.

Today – A major Buc-ee’s proposal is moving closer to reality in Mansfield, but there’s a growing clash between promised economic development and the fears of residents who say their quiet corner of Richland County could be changed for good.

Today – A Mansfield church is bringing new life to Cyclops Park, turning a long-neglected softball complex into a community gathering place for leagues, mentorship and summer fun.

Episode 93 of the News Man Weekly is packed from start to finish — from Carl’s latest battle with modern-day package delivery logic to a full rundown of the biggest stories shaping north central Ohio. The crew dives into a potential Buc-ee’s development moving closer to reality, a bizarre and disturbing discovery inside an Ontario home, and new data showing Mansfield’s water supply is in better shape than expected for decades to come    Plus, two standout interviews you won’t want to miss: Pastor Raymond Cochran Jr. and David Yoder share their vision for reviving Cyclops Circle into the Crown Oasis of Love Sports Complex, a project aimed at impacting youth and families across the region. Then, Mansfield Playhouse Artistic Director Doug Wertz joins the show to talk about the theater’s 100th season, the latest production The Big Five-Oh, and what’s ahead as the historic venue enters its next century.   This episode is powered by the great folks at Relax, It's Just Coffee.  Get involved in The Crown at Oasis Sports Complex Get tickets to Mansfield Playhouse shows More related links: Planning commission to take next step Tuesday toward Buc-ee's in Mansfield Study finds Clear Fork Reservoir dependable source of drinking water for next 50 years UPDATE: New details emerge in Ontario probe of 'suspicious circumstances' on August Drive The Crown: Oasis of Love to launch summer leagues at Cyclops Park Be a Source Member for unlimited access to local, independent journalism.

Today – A troubling discovery inside an Ontario home is raising new questions as investigators work to piece together what happened on August Drive.

Today – A Lexington senior turned a class picked for fun into a nationally recognized ceramics portfolio — and a gold medal that’s taking him to Carnegie Hall.

Today – A new study says Clear Fork Reservoir should remain a dependable drinking water source for Mansfield for at least the next 50 years, giving city leaders both reassurance for today and a clearer roadmap for future planning.

Today – Blue pinwheels spinning outside the Mansfield YMCA are putting a visible face on Child Abuse Prevention Month — and highlighting the urgent work being done to protect Richland County’s children.

In this week's episode of the News Man Weekly, four grown men road-trip two hours down I-71 to visit Buc-ee’s -- a gas station with a cult following, a beaver mascot and apparently bathrooms nice enough to justify burning half a tank of gas just to see them. Because nothing says journalism like chasing brisket and jerky in a retail complex the size of Mansfield. In all seriousness, with a Buc-ee’s potentially coming to Mansfield, we had to see one for ourselves. We made the trip to the grand opening, joining thousands of curious shoppers, catching a press conference from Mike DeWine and even grabbing a quick moment with founder Arch "Beaver" Aplin III. In the "News of the Week" segment, it was a classic spring chaos cocktail -- flooding that turned Bellville into a temporary waterfront community, a multi-agency drug crackdown that kept law enforcement busy and a sewage scare courtesy of wipes-that-are-definitely-not-flushable. Thanks for tuning in! Join us again next Tuesday when we'll be back in the studio with better audio.  This episode is powered by the great folks at Relax, It's Just Coffee.  Related links: Vero 'confident' Buc-ee's development will meet environmental requirements Buc-ee's travel center buzz builds as Mansfield lawmakers move development forward Bellville Mayor: Watch for road closures as forecasters call for more rain Mears: Failed pumps & alarms led to sanitary sewer issues along Ohio 97 Be a Source Member for unlimited access to local, independent journalism.

Today – LifeWise Shelby is opening up about the impact it’s having on local students, and why leaders say it may be one of the community’s best-kept secrets.

Today – A comedian who says the worst place to have a bad set might be a cruise ship is headed to Mansfield Playhouse next week for a night of clean, relatable stand-up.

Keep in touch! Email Us: bettertogether@richlandsource.com  Subscribe to Maddie’s Blog Listen to more of Sarah Goff's Music

Today – Richland County Children Services says rising drug use inside homes is driving a troubling increase in child abuse cases, with more children testing positive for dangerous substances and local officials urging the whole community to step in before more young lives are harmed.

Today – A group of Ashland students lost their instruments on a trip to Disney World, but thanks to a determined band director, a few generous music stores, and even help from another Ohio family, every one of them still got their big moment.

Episode 91 of News Man Weekly kicks off with Carl officially declaring mowing season open in Mansfield. From there, Carl, Zac and a newly reinstated Hayden dive into their weekend recap: The Source won an award, baseball’s return, college basketball and the usual chaos before jumping into "What's Carl Watching?" In News of the Week, the crew breaks down several local developments, including a new disc golf course coming to Middle Park, a potential expansion by a local steel fabricator that could bring new jobs to the area and the next phases of the West End Neighborhood Improvement Project set to begin this spring.  Finally, the show welcomes Jessica Gribben, the new President and CEO of the Richland Area Chamber & Economic Development. Gribben shares her journey from real estate and banking into community development, reflects on her deep roots in Richland County and outlines her vision for driving economic growth, workforce development, and long-term opportunity in the region. It’s a forward-looking conversation about leadership, momentum and what it takes to build a stronger local economy. This episode is powered by the great folks at Relax, It's Just Coffee.  Related links:  Visit the Chamber's website to learn more about membership, economic development, workforce initiatives and more Volunteers clear the way for Middle Park Disc Golf Course in Mansfield Steel fabricator eyes job growth, crane upgrade with new Mansfield addition Mansfield awards $3 million contract for final West End Neighborhood Improvement phases Be a Source Member for unlimited access to local, independent journalism.

Today – A new disc golf course is taking shape in Mansfield’s historic Middle Park, and it’s designed to get families outside and exploring by early summer.

In this episode, we sit down with Amy Brunell, a social psychologist at Ohio State University Mansfield, to talk about the everyday habits that shape our relationships. From active listening and conflict to self-talk and emotional intelligence, Amy shares practical insight into why communication so often breaks down, and what it looks like to slow down, listen more closely, and respond with intention. Whether you’re navigating a romantic relationship, a friendship, a work dynamic, or your relationship with yourself, this conversation offers thoughtful tools for building more honest, compassionate connection. If you're new here, this is a place for everyone to laugh, learn, heal and build. Not alone. Not perfectly. But arm in arm, heart to heart. Because we were never meant to do this alone. We are always Better Together.  Let's Connect!  Email Us: bettertogether@richlandsource.com  Subscribe to Maddie’s Blog Listen to more of Sarah Goff's Music  

A Lucas couple has opened Backroads Brew, a new coffee truck now making stops around Richland County.

A Mansfield steel fabricator is planning a major addition that could bring new jobs, bigger projects and more lifting power to its West Sixth Street facility.

A long-awaited streetscape project on Mansfield’s West End is finally moving forward, with the city approving a $3 million contract to finish the final phases along Glessner Avenue.

Episode 90 of News Man Weekly opens with Carl greeting the official arrival of spring in the only way he knows how -- with suspicion, sarcasm and a near fall by the mailbox. Carl and Zac then roll into their weekend recap and discuss the best Scorsese films during another installment of, "What's Carl Watching?" In News of the Week, the crew recaps several major local stories, including Richland County awarding the contract for the new roundabout at Lexington-Springmill and Home roads, Mansfield exploring a possible downtown DORA to boost activity and support local businesses and the latest steps in the long process of bringing a Buc-ee’s travel center to I-71/Ohio 39 corridor. Finally, the show welcomes Sherry Branham-Fonner, who is retiring after a long career in social services and public service in Richland County, most recently as executive director of the Richland County Mental Health and Recovery Services Board. She reflects on 33 years of work in the community, the changing landscape of mental health and addiction recovery, the challenges of leading during difficult times and what she hopes people better understand about the services and support systems available in Richland County. This episode is powered by the great folks at Relax, It's Just Coffee.  Related links: Find mental health services, hotlines and more at Richland Recovery Network Is there a DORA in Mansfield's future? Adena Corp. wins $2.4 million bid to build roundabout at Lex-Springmill and Home roads Vero 'confident' Buc-ee's development will meet environmental requirements Be a Source Member for unlimited access to local, independent journalism.

Shelby High School Principal John Gies is stepping away after a 35-year career in education, leaving behind a legacy of student-centered leadership, deep community ties and a school he says is defined by people who always rally for one another.

We thought we were sitting down to talk about leadership — but this conversation turned into something much deeper. In this episode of Better Together, we’re joined by Jenny Blue, executive coach and founder of Blue Thistle Transformational Leadership. What unfolded was a heartfelt reflection on why real leadership begins not with strategy, but with self-awareness. Together, we explore: Why you can’t lead others until you know yourself The difference between performing and belonging How “should” can drown out your intuition What it means to design a life that actually fits you Jenny’s approach is part blueprint, part mirror. This episode is for anyone who’s felt stuck, burned out, or like they’re living someone else’s version of success. If you're new here, this is a place for everyone to laugh, learn, heal and build. Not alone. Not perfectly. But arm in arm, heart to heart. Because we were never meant to do this alone. We are always Better Together.  Let's Connect!  If this podcast feels like something you’ve been craving, hit subscribe, leave a review, and send it to a friend. The more voices we have in this village, the stronger we become. Email Us: bettertogether@richlandsource.com  Subscribe to Maddie’s Blog Listen to more of Sarah Goff's Music Blue Thistle Transformational Leadership  The No Hard Feelings book 

Today – A major Buc-ee’s project near Interstate 71 is moving ahead in Mansfield, and local officials say they’re confident environmental concerns will be addressed as the development takes shape.

Today – Mansfield has a new 2026 budget, but city leaders are warning that possible state tax changes could make an already tight financial picture even harder to manage.

In this episode of Inside the Lines, Curt Conrad and Effie James open with a look at the state wrestling scene and Mansfield Senior’s regional semifinal loss before welcoming Hillsdale sophomore point guard Lowen Ferguson into the studio fresh off a thrilling regional final win. Ferguson breaks down the chaotic fourth quarter against Heartland and how the Falcons executed under pressure to earn their ticket to state. He also reflects on the unique experience of playing for his father as head coach and the expectations that accompany it. Looking ahead, Ferguson shares Hillsdale’s mindset heading into the state semifinals and what it would mean to finish the journey with a championship. This episode is brought to you by Graham Auto Mall.  Intro and outro music is "Story of the Sunflower Samurai" by local artist Vaundoom.  Be a Source Member for unlimited access to local journalism.

Buc-ee’s may be headed to Mansfield, and city leaders say the proposed travel center could reshape how the region is seen by travelers, employers and developers alike.

Episode 89 of the News Man Weekly opens with Carl ranting about a brutal windstorm that knocked out his power for nearly 27 hours. From there, Carl, Zac and Hayden riff on covering local sports this weekend before diving into another installment of What’s Carl Watching? In News of the Week, the crew breaks down several major headlines from around the region, including Mansfield landing a potential Buc-ee’s travel center near the I-71/Ohio 39 interchange. They also discuss the widespread power outages caused by Friday’s windstorm and the tragic loss of six Ohio Air National Guard members killed during a mid-air collision while supporting U.S. operations overseas. Finally, the show welcomes Jeff Ulery and Nate Daniel, two of the guys behind The Mothership, Mansfield’s independent live music venue and creative space at 327 Park Avenue West. The conversation explores how they transformed an old doctor’s office into a thriving music hub, the artists and shows they’re excited about this year and how they’re building opportunities for both local and non-local musicians through live performances, recording space and creative collaboration. This episode is powered by the great folks at Relax, It's Just Coffee.  Mothership info: Find contact info, socials, event tickets and more here Text "JOIN" to 833-821-9818 for free text alerts on when The Mothership is having events New parking / main entrance at: 132 Marion Ave Related links:  TCC ends Mansfield Senior’s season in regional championship game Find all of our state wrestling coverage here Buc-ee’s beaver bounds to Mansfield: Mega travel center set for I-71/Ohio 39 Mid-Ohio Home Show highlights generator reliability during windstorms DeWine orders flags lowered for 3 Ohio Air National Guard members killed in Operation Epic Fury Be a Source Member for unlimited access to local, independent journalism.

Today – Back-to-back windstorms battered Richland County, knocking out power to more than 14,000 homes and keeping residents on edge through the weekend.

This week on Better Together, we’re joined by Erin Wolford, a choreographer, dance educator, and former musical theater performer who’s made her creative home in Mansfield. Erin shares how movement connects us to our bodies, builds confidence, and helps us process emotions from joy to heartbreak. We talk about teaching dance to both kids and adults, breaking free from perfectionism, and why it’s never too late to become a dancer. Whether you tap dance in class or groove in your kitchen, this conversation is your permission slip to move your body, take up space, and find joy — no performance required. If you're new here, this is a place for everyone to laugh, learn, heal and build. Not alone. Not perfectly. But arm in arm, heart to heart. Because we were never meant to do this alone. We are always Better Together.  Let's Connect!  If this podcast feels like something you’ve been craving, hit subscribe, leave a review, and send it to a friend. The more voices we have in this village, the stronger we become. Email Us: bettertogether@richlandsource.com  Subscribe to Maddie’s Blog Listen to more of Sarah Goff's Music More about Richland Academy of the Arts 

Today – The Richland County Land Bank is seeing strong demand for home repair grants, with more than 60 applications already submitted for programs aimed at making older homes safer and more stable.

Today – A lifetime spent helping young people find confidence, purpose and safer paths forward is being celebrated in Richland County as longtime educator Judy Villard Overocker steps into retirement after 42 years of service.

Today – Buc-ee’s is making plans to bring its supersized beaver-branded travel center to Mansfield, in a project local leaders say could reshape the I-71 and Ohio 39 interchange.

Episode 88 opens with Carl reflecting on turning 65. From there, the show rolls into its usual mix of banter, a fresh edition of "What’s Carl Watching" and a rundown of the week’s biggest local headlines -- including a major downtown Mansfield housing project, new cannabis tax revenue and a $100,000 reward in the search for the driver accused in a fatal construction-zone hit-and-run. Then the spotlight shifts to this week’s guest, Cassandra Kurek -- a Crawford County native, Ohio Northern student, accomplished performer, pageant contestant and arts advocate whose story is equal parts talent, determination and grit. Carl and Cassandra reminisce about sharing the stage years ago, discuss her journey from theater kid and Bratwurst Festival royalty to Miss Ohio contender and explore her advocacy for accessibility in the arts. The conversation also turns deeply personal as Cassandra opens up about her recent Hodgkin’s lymphoma diagnosis, the treatments she’s undergoing, and why she refuses to let cancer sideline her goals, her voice or her future. This episode is powered by the great folks at Relax, It's Just Coffee.  Related links:  Downtown Forward: $25M vision set to spark a new era in Mansfield Kokosing Construction offers $100K reward for info about driver who killed worker Cannabis revenue in Mansfield helps replace income tax dip in 2026 budget Be a Source Member for unlimited access to local, independent journalism. Download our new mobile app.

Today – College campuses in central Ohio are doing double duty, giving preschoolers extra support while helping future teachers discover where they belong.