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Today – A proposed ban on camping in downtown Mansfield is stirring debate, as city leaders say their goal is public safety, not pushing homeless residents out of the community.

Curt and Effie open this week's Inside the Lines with a look around Ohio high school football as the regular season heads into Week 10.  Then, Shelby senior quarterback Michael Shepherd joins the show to talk about stepping into some big shoes after Ohio Mr. Football runner-up Brayden DeVito graduated. Shepherd discusses the challenges of taking over the Whippets' offense, his chemistry with standout receiver Brady Bowman and what he learned from Shelby's run to the state championship game last season. Shepherd also takes us inside his recruitment and verbal commitment to Miami University, where he'll make the transition from quarterback to tight end at the next level. With the playoffs approaching, he talks about Shelby's expectations and what it will take to make another deep postseason run. Related links:  Shelby rallies in final minute to deny Pleasant’s upset bid Whippets wallop Warriors, take control of MOAC title chase Slugfest: Shelby survives Clear Fork, sets stage for battle of unbeatens against Ontario Shepherd guides unbeaten Shelby to powerful performance vs. River Valley Shepherd’s 7 touchdowns power Shelby over Highland Bowman, Whippets rally in MOAC opener at Galion 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. Use code thegame26 for 20% OFF and to be entered into the OSU vs Michigan ticket sweepstakes.

A Shelby High School graduate is returning to her Richland County roots to lead Job and Family Services, bringing decades of experience and a fresh perspective on helping local families.

This week on News Man Weekly, Carl, Zac and Hayden catch up on the latest Richland County headlines, including national recognition for Westbrook Country Club's new clubhouse, a proposed ban on camping in downtown Mansfield and a complicated demolition project in Shelby.  Plus, after North Central Ohio's first frost of the season, Carl unleashes his annual complaints about the approaching winter with his Top 5 reasons to hate autumn in Ohio. Then, we welcome Mansfield author Christen Dingess, whose new book, Behind the Glass: A Memoir of Trauma, Drinking to Cope and the Courage to Heal, tells a deeply personal story of pain, addiction and recovery. Dingess opens up about the experiences that inspired her memoir, the lasting impact of trauma and how alcohol became a way to cope with difficult memories.  The conversation explores the challenges of confronting the past, the courage it takes to share a deeply personal story and the complicated journey toward healing. Dingess also discusses the writing process and what she hopes readers facing struggles of their own will take away from her story. This episode is powered by the great folks at Relax, It's Just Coffee. Relevant links: Learn more about Christen Dingess's new book and purchase it Westbrook Country Club honored by national trade magazine Richland County Land Bank may demolish vacant Shelby storefront next to Milk & Honey Be a Source Member for unlimited access to local journalism. Use code thegame26 for 20% OFF and to be entered into the OSU vs Michigan ticket sweepstakes. Already a Source Member? Enter the sweepstakes here.

A search through family history revealed an ancestor who fought on both sides of the Civil War, connections to famous writers and musicians, and a remarkable reminder that the past is full of surprises.

Today – A rescue of 75 dogs from a nightmarish Shelby house has inspired an overwhelming response from the community, and now those four-legged survivors are getting a second chance at finding loving homes.

Today – A Mansfield convenience store is getting some attention for something you might not expect to find inside: homemade Thai food.

Curt and Effie open this week's Inside the Lines with their usual look around high school football in North Central Ohio before welcoming Danville junior running back Cy Wallace.  Already the program's all-time leader in 100-yard rushing games and on pace to break its career rushing record, Wallace talks about growing up in a football-crazed community, the high standards of the Danville program and stepping into a leadership role. He also reflects on the Blue Devils' state semifinal run in 2024, last season's late playoff push and the sky-high expectations surrounding this year's team. With Danville off to a dominant 8-0 start, Wallace discusses what it's like spending many second halves on the sidelines, the psychology of momentum and the secret behind a defense that's allowed just 58 points all season. Plus, we preview two huge games on the horizon: a Week 9 showdown with Centerburg that could decide the KMAC title, followed by a Week 10 rivalry matchup with East Knox. Finally, Wallace discusses what it would mean to get to a state championship for the first time in Danville's history.  Related links:  Ridgeway’s 99-yard pick-6 highlights Danville’s shutout of Loudonville Danville blasts Freddies to remain undefeated Off-season work fuels Danville’s domination of Dalton in impressive season opener This episode is brought to you by Graham Auto Mall and Triple P in Knox County. Intro and outro music is "Story of the Sunflower Samurai" by local artist Vaundoom.  Be a Source Member for unlimited access to local journalism. Use code thegame26 for 20% OFF and to be entered into the OSU vs Michigan ticket sweepstakes.

This week on News Man Weekly, Carl, Zac and Hayden dive into the latest Richland County headlines, including the World of Outlaws sprint cars returning to Mansfield Speedway after 45 years, local aging advocate Duana Patton taking her message about mental health to the United Nations and Ontario City Council considering an extension of its moratorium on new data centers. Plus, with election season in full swing, Carl counts down his Top 5 H.L. Mencken quotes about politics and shares a few thoughts about the endless barrage of campaign mailers filling his mailbox. Later, we welcome Matt Finfgeld and Jane Zimmermann, the bipartisan leadership team at the Richland County Board of Elections, for a timely and informative conversation ahead of the Nov. 3 general election. They answer some of the most common questions voters have, including how to check your voter registration, find your polling location, look up a sample ballot and make sure your vote counts. They also explain what happens behind the scenes on Election Day, how ballots are secured and counted, and why some of the most persistent misconceptions about election integrity and vote counting simply aren't true. Whether you're voting early, by mail or in person on Election Day, this conversation offers practical information to help Richland County residents head to the polls with confidence. This episode is powered by the great folks at Relax, It's Just Coffee. Relevant links: Look up your ballot, polling location and more at the Richland County BOE website Find all of Richland Source's 2026 election coverage Duana Patton speaks on mental health and aging at United Nations HQ Ontario Council looks to keep data centers on hold for at least another six months Be a Source Member for unlimited access to local journalism. Use code thegame26 for 20% OFF and to be entered into the OSU vs Michigan ticket sweepstakes. Already a Source Member? Enter the sweepstakes here.

Today – Families across Richland County are discovering that a community baby shower can offer much more than gifts — it can provide the connections, resources and support that make raising a family a little easier.

Today – A retired Navy admiral from Mansfield is warning that America's aircraft carriers are being pushed to their limits, with lengthy deployments taking a toll on ships, sailors, and the Navy's ability to respond to future crises.

Curt, Hayden and Zac open Episode 26 of Inside the Lines with the latest on the Massillon transfer case and other headlines from around North Central Ohio, including a preview of this weekend's highly anticipated Ontario-Shelby showdown.  Then, Lexington sophomore quarterback Jayden Perkins joins the show to talk about a challenging year for the Minutemen, beginning with the tragic loss of former head coach Andrew Saris. Perkins reflects on stepping into the starting varsity quarterback role as a sophomore, lessons learned from last year's senior leaders and his relationship with head coach Jacob Owens.  Beyond football, Perkins talks about his role on Lexington's basketball team, expectations for the upcoming season and balancing life as a three-sport athlete. He also shares what it's like to already be attracting college attention as a sophomore, including receiving a verbal offer from Western Michigan. We wrap things up with Lexington trivia, favorite NFL and NBA players and a round of rapid-fire questions. Related links:  Tygers score in final minute to subdue Lexington for 1st win of the season Colts get defensive in win over Lexington Freshman sends Lexington past Mansfield Sr. in OCC showdown New-look Lexington boys basketball team playing beyond its years Pressure sends Lexington past Madison in tournament opener Spoiler Alert: Lexington upsets Ashland, 4 teams share OCC crown 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. Use code thegame26 for 20% OFF and to be entered into the OSU vs Michigan ticket sweepstakes. Already a Source Member? Enter the sweepstakes here.

Today – Mansfield residents are calling on city leaders to address rising water costs, aging infrastructure, and concerns about the long-term health of Clear Fork Reservoir.

This week on the News Man Weekly, Carl, Zac and Hayden recap the latest Richland County news, including plans to transform a former Madison school property into housing, a proposed $32 million affordable housing development across Mansfield and Wiener King celebrating 50 years in business. Plus, after making a whirlwind trip from Mansfield to Dallas and back, Carl counts down his Top 5 reasons why flying on the Gorman-Rupp corporate jet has officially ruined commercial air travel for him. Then, we welcome Mansfield native and retired U.S. Navy Rear Admiral Timothy Beard for a special conversation spanning his remarkable 34-year military career. Beard reflects on growing up in Mansfield and leaving home for the U.S. Naval Academy before taking listeners inside the world of naval aviation, test pilot training and landing aircraft aboard carriers. He shares lessons from commanding nearly 5,000 sailors aboard the USS John F. Kennedy, his transition from pilot to senior strategic leader and his perspective on how warfare and the Navy have evolved. This episode is powered by the great folks at Relax, It's Just Coffee. Relevant links: Mansfield native may bring market-rate housing to former Madison Jr. High site Developer optimistic about securing $31 million in state funds for Mansfield affordable housing project Wiener King celebrates 50 years with coneys, music and community Be a Source Member for unlimited access to local journalism. Use code thegame26 for 20% OFF and to be entered into the OSU vs Michigan ticket sweepstakes. Already a Source Member? Enter the sweepstakes here.

Today: A weekend in Yellow Springs brought together filmmakers, comedians, documentaries, short films and even a surprise appearance from Dave Chappelle. All part of a festival celebrating storytelling on and off the screen.

Today – A Mansfield native is looking to transform the former Madison Junior High property into dozens of new market-rate homes, with plans to hold onto the development for the long term.

Today – Richland County voters will have a clear choice for county commissioner this November, with incumbent Republican Cliff Mears facing Democratic challenger Mark Kaufmann in a race shaped by taxes, county finances, schools and renewable energy.

Curt and Effie open this week’s Inside the Lines by breaking down the Massillon eligibility situation before Curt recaps his trip to Ironton to watch Big Walnut take on the Fighting Tigers in one of Ohio’s biggest games of the season.  Then, Mansfield Senior freshman quarterback David Phillips III joins the show — the first freshman to sit down with Inside the Lines, but a player already handling responsibilities well beyond his years. Phillips talks about making the leap from middle school to varsity football, how the game is beginning to slow down and what he’s learning while playing for his dad, first-year Tygers head coach David Phillips Jr. He discusses a talented freshman class that never lost a football or basketball game in middle school and the lessons that group is learning during a 1-6 start.  He also takes us inside Mansfield Senior’s dramatic first win against Lexington — including the late touchdown pass, the play call, what was going through his mind and what earning that first victory meant for both him and his dad. Related links: Tygers score in final minute to subdue Lexington for 1st win of the season Youth Movement: Freshman QB leading Mansfield Senior Youthful Tygers struggle in home opener against Tiffin Columbian Twice Crowned, Still Hungry: Mansfield 8th-graders finish historic 2-year run 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. Use code thegame26 for 20% OFF and to be entered into the OSU vs Michigan ticket sweepstakes. Already a Source Member? Enter the sweepstakes here.

Today – A Clear Fork graduate is stepping onto one of baseball’s biggest stages, as rookie right-hander A.J. Blubaugh gets the start for the Houston Astros in Game 1 of the American League Wild Card Series.

After a three-week break, the News Man Weekly is back. Carl, Zac and Hayden catch up on what they’ve been doing — including Carl’s Alaskan adventure — before diving into the latest Richland County news.  This week, the crew discusses record-breaking county sales tax revenue, the final stretch of Mansfield’s $20.3 million Main Street improvement project and new upgrades at Sterkel Dog Park. Plus, Carl counts down his Top 5 things to do on an Alaska vacation. Then, with spooky season officially underway, Carl welcomes Vic Amesquita, owner of Blood Prison at the Ohio State Reformatory. Fresh off opening weekend, Amesquita takes listeners behind the scenes of one of Ohio’s most popular haunted attractions, from designing new scares and developing terrifying characters to recruiting scare actors and managing huge October crowds.  This episode is powered by the great folks at Relax, It's Just Coffee. Relevant links:  Get your tickets to Blood Prison! Mansfield's Blood Prison is getting ready to welcome you — if you dare Summer surge: June events fuel record-breaking sales tax month in Richland County Main Street Improvement Project enters closing stages of work in downtown Mansfield Paws, partnership and a new chapter at Sterkel Park Be a Source Member for unlimited access to local, independent journalism.

Today – A Mansfield pastor is celebrating his 60th birthday by taking on 60 kilometers on foot — and hoping every mile will help more young people get to camp.

Today – A second defendant in the Loudonville dog-breeder investigation has appeared in court, facing six misdemeanor charges and a strict bond condition barring him from possessing any animals.

Curt and Effie open this week’s Inside the Lines with a look around the region at the midway point of the regular season, from Cleveland Glenville and Danville’s hot start in the KMAC to the star power emerging in Delaware County. Then, Ontario junior Trey Remy joins the show with the Warriors off to a 5-0 start. Remy takes listeners inside the modern college recruiting experience, from game-day visits to already working with an agent as a high school junior. He also traces his evolution at Ontario — learning behind Bodgpen Miller as a freshman, taking over at quarterback as a sophomore and transitioning to tight end this fall while taking on a bigger role defensively.  Remy talks about Ontario’s talented junior class, the chemistry and accountability behind its unbeaten start, the rivalry with Shelby and the Warriors’ goals for the rest of the season.  Plus, we talk about his life as a three-sport athlete, lessons learned against Ohio’s powerhouse programs and finish with Ontario football trivia and rapid-fire questions. Related links:  Multidimensional: Ontario’s approach to 2026 season leads to 4-0 start Unbeaten Ontario, Shelby lead football playoff charge Miller Time: Ontario senior does it all in convincing win over Lexington 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. Use code thegame26 for 20% OFF and to be entered into the OSU vs Michigan ticket sweepstakes. Already a Source Member? Enter the sweepstakes here.

It was the best financial launch to summer in recorded Richland County sales tax history.

Today – Downtown Mansfield’s Main Street transformation is entering its closing stages, with new trees, plazas, brick pavers and the downtown fountain beginning to bring the long-running project into focus.

Today – A nearly year-long federal dispute over political expression at the Ashland County Fair has ended in a settlement between the fair board and the county’s Democratic Committee, although part of the case remains unresolved.

Today – A 13-year-old Mapleton student is already reaching speeds of about 50 miles per hour on the dirt track — and now he has his first junior sprint car victory.

Today –Habitat for Humanity is looking for local contractors to help build two new high-performance homes in Shelby and Crestline — homes designed to remain affordable not just at move-in, but for years to come.

Today – A longtime downtown Mansfield hotel is officially headed for a major transformation, with local investors launching a 10-million-dollar project they hope will create a new destination in the heart of the city.

Today – A beard competition in downtown Ashland turned into something much bigger Saturday, as a fundraiser for a Mansfield girl with a rare disease ended with nearly four thousand dollars in support.

Today – North Central Ohio’s manufacturing legacy took center stage as six new Champions of Industry were inducted into a hall of fame honoring the people whose ideas, businesses and inventions helped shape the region.

Today – Twenty-five years after the September 11th attacks, hundreds of American flags filled a field in Ontario as the community gathered to remember those who died, honor those who served, and reflect on a day that changed the country.

A Crestline teacher died Sunday evening after a two-vehicle crash in Fairfield County, according to the Ohio State Highway Patrol and Crestline Exempted Village Schools.

Curt and Effie open this week’s Inside the Lines by reflecting on where they were and what they remember from Sept. 11, 2001, before turning their attention to high school football. Madison senior Aiden Proctor joins the show to talk about the Rams’ changing culture under coach Kobi Johnson and the team’s response to a 54-0 season-opening loss to Shelby. With Madison now 2-1, Proctor discusses his leadership at middle linebacker, the Rams’ defensive identity and expectations for the rest of 2026. He also discusses the Mansfield Senior rivalry, his wrestling career and hopes of competing collegiately as a wrestler. 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. Use code thegame26 for 20% OFF and to be entered into the OSU vs Michigan ticket sweepstakes. Already a Source Member? Enter the sweepstakes here.

Today – Blood Prison is getting ready to reopen inside one of Mansfield’s most famous landmarks, with new sets, new scares and more than 100 characters waiting in the dark.

Today – After more than a year of construction, Mansfield’s $20.3 million Main Street transformation is approaching the finish line, with city officials saying the project remains on schedule for completion by the end of October.

Today – A Lexington graduate who once simply wanted to challenge herself has emerged from West Point as one of the top cadets in her class — and says the hardest moments taught her the most.

Today – A major dog surrender in Loudonville has turned into an around-the-clock community effort, with students, volunteers and rescue groups now caring for dozens of animals — including 13 puppies born after the dogs were removed.

Curt and Effie open this week’s Inside the Lines by talking about the late-summer heat and player safety, the early battle shaping up in the MOAC and Danville’s strong start in Knox County. Then, Hillsdale senior twins Kael and Knox Lewis join the show to talk about a lifetime of playing together and their final season as Falcons. They reflect on back-to-back trips to the state championship game, lessons learned against Ohio’s small-school powers and the work that goes into a Hillsdale offseason. The brothers also discuss stepping into veteran leadership roles, chasing a conference title, what they hope to accomplish before their high school careers end and what college athletics might look like for each of them.  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. Use code thegame26 for 20% OFF and to be entered into the OSU vs Michigan ticket sweepstakes. Already a Source Member? Enter the sweepstakes here. Related reading:  Brother to brother: Kael, Knox Lewis connect for 3 TDs in Hillsdale’s win over Black River Hillsdale ground attack stifles signature grit of Lucas

Today – A former telecommunications building in Mansfield could soon take on a very different role — becoming a multimillion-dollar housing community for veterans and senior citizens.

Today – Otters, sloths, zebras, kangaroos and more — one Shelby farm has turned an ordinary backyard into one of the area’s most unusual animal experiences.

This week on News Man Weekly, Carl, Zac and Hayden head into a three-week break with plenty to discuss, including a tense Mansfield town hall on police-community relations, a new pavilion bringing fresh life to Prospect Park and the first-ever Coney Fest in downtown Mansfield. Plus, Carl prepares for the approaching doom of winter by counting down his Top 5 places to see fall foliage across North Central Ohio. Later, we sit down with Mansfield native Joe Robertson, a 71-year-old retired letter carrier who has turned a lifelong love of baseball into an extraordinary quest: visiting more than 900 ballparks. Robertson has seen every Major League Baseball stadium along with hundreds of minor league, independent and college fields across the country. He shares how the obsession began, his favorite parks and baseball memories, the adventures involved in planning trips around the game and the stadiums still left on his bucket list.  This episode is powered by the great folks at Relax, It's Just Coffee. Relevant links:  Join the Ballpark Chasers Facebook group ‘An opening to a longer conversation’: Mansfield leaders partner with NAACP on ‘Town Hall’ series A coney’s worst day: Richland Carrousel Park hosts Coney Fest to beat a dog day afternoon Public-private partnership brings new pavilion to Mansfield’s Prospect Park Be a Source Member for unlimited access to local, independent journalism.

Today – Seventy-two dogs are beginning a new chapter after being removed from a Loudonville commercial breeding operation — and the Ashland County Humane Society says it now needs the community’s help to care for them.

Today – Madison Primary is starting a new chapter this school year, bringing the district’s youngest students together under one roof — and putting two Madison graduates in charge of helping them build a strong foundation.

Inside the Lines is back for the 2026 school year and we start out with Centerburg tight end and Florida Gator commit Jackson Ballinger.  First, host Curt Conrad and co-host Effie James review a couple of week 1 results and pay their respects to the late Andrew Saris of Lexington.  Then, Centerburg senior tight end Jackson Ballinger joins the show to talk about his journey from small-town Ohio to becoming a Florida Gators commit. Ballinger takes us inside the recruiting process -- including NIL, agents and why he chose Florida over programs such as Indiana. He also discusses graduating early, preparing for the jump to SEC football and what he wants to accomplish before leaving Centerburg. Plus, we break down the Trojans' winning culture, their new-look offense and how Ballinger is approaching his final season as a leader.   This episode is brought to you by Graham Auto Mall and Triple P in Knox County. Intro and outro music is "Story of the Sunflower Samurai" by local artist Vaundoom.  Be a Source Member for unlimited access to local journalism. Related reading:  Explosive Centerburg roars past Utica for impressive victory Find all of our Knox County high school football coverage

Today – A neighborhood park in Mansfield has a new place to gather, thanks to a partnership that brought residents, local organizations and the city together.

Today – Three new firefighters are beginning their careers with the Mansfield Fire Department, joining a department that hopes to return to full staffing in the coming weeks.

This week on the News Man Weekly, we're keeping it in the family. Zach Hunnell, Carl's youngest son, joins us to discuss his life in Barcelona, Spain.  First, we recap the latest news around Richland County, including the Festival of Hope at Mansfield Speedway, long-awaited plans to demolish the former West Park Shopping Center and a new series of community town halls aimed at strengthening dialogue between Mansfield residents and police. Plus, Carl ranks his top 5 summer blockbuster movies of all time.  Then, News Man Weekly goes international as Carl welcomes his youngest son, Zachary Hunnell, a Lexington High School graduate who has spent the past four years living and working in Barcelona, Spain. Zach talks about his career in global supply chain management with HP and how a kid from Richland County ended up building a life halfway around the world. Father and son also get into the fun stuff: adjusting to 10 p.m. dinners, late-night beach parties, life without a car, European soccer culture, European healthcare, traveling the continent and the things Americans get completely wrong about everyday life in Spain. This episode is powered by the great folks at Relax, It's Just Coffee. Relevant links:  On the same track: Churches unite for Festival of Hope at Mansfield Speedway Mansfield NAACP announces 'Town Hall' meetings with mayor, police seeking improved relationship Powering down: Utility work to begin ahead of former West Park Shopping Mall's fall takedown Be a Source Member for unlimited access to local, independent journalism.

Today – An inclusive cheer team in Madison Township is proving that competition, confidence and belonging can all share the same mat.

Today – Lexington’s new elementary school is taking shape, with construction underway and plans calling for students to walk through the doors in the fall of 2028.