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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.

Dr. Melissa McRae, founder of Vitality Natural Wellness, joins us for a powerful and practical conversation about what really happens to women’s bodies during perimenopause and menopause, and why it matters far beyond personal health. We dig into everything from gut health and hormone shifts to workplace burnout and self-advocacy. Dr. McRae explains why symptoms like anxiety, insomnia, and brain fog are often misdiagnosed, how women are quietly exiting the workforce because they feel unsupported, and what it actually means to take a whole-body approach to wellness. This episode is packed with insight, validation, and small steps you can take to better support yourself or someone you love, because wellness isn’t just personal. It’s how we show up for the village we’re building. 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 Dr. Melissa McRae More about Vitality Natural Wellness The 'Pause Life by Dr. Mary Claire Haver 

Today – Mansfield has a rare pool of federal housing money to spend this year — and City Council is about to decide which needs come first.

Today – Downtown Mansfield could soon add nearly a hundred new apartments inside some of its most recognizable old buildings — a move leaders say could flip the switch on downtown’s next chapter.

Today – The Mansfield Playhouse is trying to hit a crucial fundraising milestone, and if it does, a potential $1 million gift could help launch a brand-new, fully accessible theater downtown.

Episode 87 opens on a sobering note, as Carl reflects on the escalating conflict in the Middle East and offers a message of steadiness, prayer and compassion for families with loved ones in uniform. We continue that discussion briefly, touching on the human cost of war and the importance of being skeptical about what you see online. After an update from Carl on the start of the Formula 1 season, we then dive into local headlines -- a transformational downtown Mansfield donation from John and Mimi Fernyak, the long-awaited return of Mansfield Speedway and the next phase of a proposed connector road in Lexington. Finally, the show welcomes a very special guest: Paul Kemmerling, owner of Relax, It’s Just Coffee and the primary sponsor who believed in The News Man Weekly from the beginning. Paul shares the story behind launching an independent coffee shop in downtown Mansfield, how it evolved into a true community hub and what’s next for Relax. The conversation also veers into downtown revitalization -- and of course -- a little Formula 1 discussion between two superfans.  This episode is powered by the great folks at Relax, It's Just Coffee.  Related links: Local control, lasting impact: Fernyaks donate downtown properties to Richland County Foundation Public action, private investment: City Council to vote on downtown tax abatements Opening Day draws near for Mansfield Speedway Grant funding to study environmental impact next step for Lexington connector Be a Source Member for unlimited access to local, independent journalism. Download our new mobile app.

Today – A new spot just opened on Shelby’s Main Street, taking over the old Ivory Bean space with espresso, bubble tea, and a plan to feel like a second home.

What does it mean to practice radical compassion in a world that often feels overwhelming? Dr. Arianna Howard, an empath, master trainer, and compassion influencer, has worked with more than 8,000 clients to help them heal, grow, and lead with kindness. In this episode, she sits down with hosts Maddie and Brittany to explore how we can: Heal from trauma and dismantle survival mode Protect our energy as empaths and highly sensitive people Embrace discomfort as a pathway to growth Understand how self-care and community care are inseparable Dr. Howard also shares her personal story of unexpected motherhood, and the lessons she’s learned about resilience, grace, and connection. This is a conversation about truth, discomfort, transformation, and most importantly — compassion. 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 Connect with Dr. Arianna Howard 

Today – Butler Mayor Wesley Dingus resigned this week, submitting a handwritten letter that says he stepped down “under duress” as two criminal cases against him continue.

In this episode of Inside the Lines, Curt Conrad opens with his reaction to Mansfield Senior’s head coaching change in football before welcoming Ontario senior Aiden Ohl, now the winningest wrestler in program history. Ohl talks about carrying the weight of a family legacy in Ontario wrestling, surpassing even his own expectations as a freshman and what it feels like competing under the bright lights at the state tournament in Value City Arena. He reflects on lessons learned from an ankle injury, intense rivalries like his battles with Clear Fork’s Colton Wenger and what it would mean to become Ontario’s fifth state champion. Ohl also dives into his favorite wrestling styles, the strength of north central Ohio’s wrestling fraternity and why he ultimately chose Ohio University to continue his career at the next level.   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. Related reading: Champs for a 4th time: State-ranked Ontario, Galion wrestlers crowned again at MOAC

A Mansfield man is being held on a half-million-dollar bond after prosecutors linked him to a 26-year-old’s death in Mifflin Township.

Episode 86 opens with Carl riding a full-blown USA Hockey high after Team USA took down Canada 2–1 in overtime for gold. From there, the guys riff on the Winter Olympics then slide into “What’s Carl Watching?” In News of the Week, we recap the top headlines from the previous week, including Butler Mayor Wesley Dingus being arraigned on two misdemeanor voyeurism charges; Mansfield Mayor Jodie Perry’s upcoming State of the City address; and the Madison Local Schools Board voting to suspend an eighth-grade science teacher following allegations of inappropriate conduct toward students.   Finally, we bring in our guest of the week, Jody Odom Jr., a wildly talented local musician. He discusses his songwriting process, what inspired him to get into music, the personal story behind tracks like “Forever,” and what’s next as he rolls out new music and collaborations. Carl and Odom Jr. also reminisce about sharing the stage together years ago. He also reflects on the Mansfield music scene -- what it was like when he first started, how it’s evolved and how his own perspective within that scene has changed as he’s grown as both an artist and a performer. This episode is powered by the great folks at Relax, It's Just Coffee.  Related links: Follow Jody Odom Jr. on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube Watch Jody Odom Jr's lyric video for "First Choice" Bond set at $10K for Butler mayor charged with two counts of voyeurism Mansfield mayor plans ‘State of the City’ live event, video presentation in March Madison teacher suspended for alleged inappropriate comments toward students Be a Source Member for unlimited access to local, independent journalism. Download our new mobile app.

Today – A Knox County judge is expected to decide whether a 17-year-old charged in his father’s death will be tried as an adult.

This week we’re revisiting our conversation with financial coach and founder of “Tea Talk”, Teana Sykes. Teana joins us to talk about destigmatizing money conversations, building financial confidence, and breaking bad money habits. Teana shares why financial wellness is foundational to overall well-being and why it’s never too early (or too late) to get a handle on your money. We talk about budgeting, saving, and the emotional side of finances, and Teana gives practical tips for how to start where you are with what you have. 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 Join the Tea Talk Facebook group Teana's finance books for kids  

A Madison middle school teacher is off the job, and the district is now moving toward termination after allegations of inappropriate conduct involving students.

Today – Butler’s mayor is facing new criminal charges while already awaiting trial in a separate case. Read more: https://www.richlandsource.com/2026/02/18/butler-mayor-charged-with-two-counts-of-voyeurism-in-mansfield-municipal-court/