Source Daily

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/

As the strike at ArcelorMittal in Shelby stretches past a month, hundreds of local steelworkers remain on the picket line without pay or health coverage.

Episode 85 kicks off with Carl railing against the Winter Olympics being held in Italy -- not because he hates pasta or gondolas, but because the time difference and the internet have completely destroyed the magic. After the usual weekend riff, the crew runs through a packed News of the Week: The Mansfield Inn is officially emptied after the vacate order, a major roundabout project is coming to Lexington-Springmill and Home Roads and a gang-related case ends in a prison sentence. Then the show takes a sharp turn into the mysterious and fascinating: Carl and the guys sit down with Maddalena, a Mansfield mom of four and independent researcher/translator exploring ancient Greek biblical texts through a poetic, Hellenic lens. She walks through how she got into the work, what separates her approach from traditional biblical scholarship and what she believes gets lost across time, translation and power. It’s an open-minded deep dive into language, symbolism, myth, early Christianity and the kinds of interpretations that challenge what many people assume the text “has to mean.” This episode is powered by the great folks at Relax, It's Just Coffee.  Related links: Follow Maddalena on Instagram Follow Dr. Ammon on YouTube Links to the Soma library Orphic Vox Glossary Sabachthani Mark 14:51-52 Queen Medea News of the Week links Vacate order fulfilled: Last tenant leaves Mansfield Inn in Mifflin Township Bids sought for roundabout at Lexington-Springmill/Home Road intersection Mansfield police CAT team credited as gang member pleads guilty in court Be a Source Member for unlimited access to local, independent journalism. Download our new mobile app. Full intro song (produced by AI) here.

Today – A long-running effort to clear a structurally unsafe motel in Mifflin Township reached its final step Friday when the last tenant walked out of the Mansfield Inn.

In this episode of Better Together, it’s just Brittany and Maddie in the studio for an honest check-in about big transitions, closing chapters, and what comes next for the podcast. They reflect on the “snake year” and “nine year” energy of 2025, and talk through what they’re actively releasing as they step into a new cycle. Along the way, they get specific: Maddie shares what it’s like moving from “mom of babies” into the season of raising humans, and Brittany opens up about the clarity behind a major move to Delaware for a new leadership role as Source Media expands. They also explain what this shift means for Better Together. And, as always, they leave you with a question to carry into your own life: what are you shedding, and what are you ready to nurture next? 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

At Snow Trails in Mansfield, veterans and their families took part in an adaptive ski day that used specialized equipment and volunteer support to make the slopes accessible. The event focused on freedom, confidence, and community, helping participants feel capable, connected, and fully in the moment.

The clock is running out at the Mansfield Inn, where state officials have now backed Richland County’s order to clear the long-term motel of residents amid structural concerns and an ongoing lack of running water.

Today – An Israel-based company is bringing jobs and innovation to Ashland with plans to build its first U.S. manufacturing facility.

Episode 84 is a jam-packed episode of the News Man Weekly, so bear with us.  It opens with Carl unloading on Super Bowl season. From there, the crew riffs on a busy winter week, sports chaos, the latest show Carl is watching and we attempt to talk Curling. Then, it's the kind of headlines that make Mansfield feel like it’s permanently stuck between snow banks and construction cones -- a massive barn fire fought in subzero temperatures, skyrocketing fire truck costs squeezing city budgets and new momentum around a potential public pool.  Then, we invite on the reporting team behind the soon-to-launch Delaware Source. They join the show to talk about covering one of Ohio's fastest-growing counties and what excites them most about reporting in a rapidly changing community.  Finally, Richland County Commissioner Tony Vero and Wayfinder Executive Director Miles Parsons join us to talk about what's happening at the Mansfield Inn motel. The building has been deemed structurally deficient and unsafe and it must be vacated by Feb. 13. Vero and Parsons tell us what they found when they were on location last week and how they're racing to relocate residents and animals inside the building. We dig into what happens next and what it says about housing, accountability and crisis response in the area.  This episode is powered by the great folks at Relax, It's Just Coffee.  Related links: From downtown to Fresh Grounds: Blackbird Bakery makes big move Fire destroys massive metal barn along Woodville Road in Washington Township Mansfield feeling the heat from skyrocketing nationwide fire engine prices From eyesore to poolside? Mansfield studying West Park site for new pool Homeless Response Team offers help as Mansfield Inn residents face order to vacate Be a Source Member for unlimited access to local, independent journalism. Download our new mobile app. Full intro song (produced by AI) here.

Today – The Miss Ohio pageant is moving to Ashland for 2026 — but only temporarily — as Mansfield’s Renaissance Theatre begins a major transformation ahead of its 100th anniversary.

In this episode, we sit down with Cara Warner, a mom, music teacher, and performer, to share the story of her daughter Lily. Born in 2017 with multiple congenital heart defects, Lily’s thirty-day hospital journey was full of hard turns, fierce love, and courage.   Clara reflects on what grief looks like in the days and years that follow, and how community support has shaped her path forward. We’re also airing this conversation just ahead of Congenital Heart Disease Awareness Week (February 7–14), a time to honor heart families and help more people understand CHD. https://www.childrensheartfoundation.org/about-chds/chd-facts-information.html https://ronaldmcdonaldhouse.org/donate 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

A troubled Mansfield motel is under an order to shut down, but local outreach teams are racing against the clock to ensure no one is left out in the cold.

Today – Mansfield’s fire chief is sounding the alarm about the staggering cost of keeping the department rolling with reliable fire engines.

Today – In Danville, tradition runs deep, and it tastes a little like raccoon—especially if you attended the 83rd annual Danville Lions Club Raccoon Dinner earlier this week.

Episode 83 finds News Man Weekly buried deep in a Mansfield February — frozen, gray and feeling a lot like Groundhog Day with worse wind chill. The crew riffs on surviving brutal cold, charity events and a Cavs trade shakeup. From there, Carl runs through a news cycle, including updates from the county mayors’ panel, developments at the former Westinghouse site and new charges in a Mansfield homicide case.  Our guests this week are Gary and Reneta Music of the Music Academy of Karate and Empowerment. We talk with them about the discipline and philosophy of "Kata," the role of empowerment in martial arts, the roots of karate in ancient Japanese traditions and how their downtown dojo is shaping students far beyond punches and kicks.   This episode is powered by the great folks at Relax, It's Just Coffee.  Related links: Learn more about Music Academy of Karate & Empowerment Buy Gary's book on Amazon or purchase it at 44 West Fourth St.  Adult karate class celebrates promotions at MAKE in downtown Mansfield End property taxes? Richland County mayors weigh in on potential impact Two Mansfield men, teenage boy all charged in 2025 murder of 18-year-old WestingHOUSE: Community festival to celebrate Mansfield site’s future Be a Source Member for unlimited access to local, independent journalism. Download our new mobile app. Full intro song (produced by AI) here.

Today: Could Ohio really end property taxes? Richland County mayors weigh in on what that could mean for their communities, and it’s a complicated picture. Read more: https://www.richlandsource.com/2026/01/30/mayoral-panel-propert-taxes/ 

In this episode, we’re joined by Julie Chaya, a returning Better Together guest, for a conversation about tarot, astrology, and using both as tools for reflection rather than prediction. Julie shares how her interest in people, patterns, and growth led her to these ancient practices, and explains how natal charts, planetary movement, and tarot can help us pause and think about where we are without pressure or certainty. From walking through birth charts to pulling tarot cards together, the conversation focuses on intention-setting, noticing patterns, and reflecting on past, present, and future as we think about how we want to move through the year ahead. 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

In this episode of Inside the Lines, Curt Conrad and Effie James welcome Mansfield Senior sophomore Kaylen Brooks into the studio for a wide-ranging conversation that starts with remembering former Lexington coach Steve Gray and touches on Effie’s new podcast, Beyond the Scoreboard. Kaylen reflects on stepping into varsity basketball as a freshman and setting a program record with 299 points, the differences between AAU and high school basketball, and how a summer spent in the weight room helped him take the next step as a sophomore. He breaks down the chemistry of this year’s Tyger team, navigating adversity -- including a triple-overtime thriller against Ashland -- and what it means to already have his first college offer from Youngstown State. The episode wraps with rapid-fire questions and Kaylen’s vision for a storybook ending to the season.   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. Find our high school sports page here to read more local coverage. 

Today – The Mansfield Metropolitan Housing Authority may soon begin pulling names from its Section 8 waitlist—months after a program freeze left hundreds in limbo.

Today – A former inmate at Mansfield Correctional is headed to trial after reversing his decision to plead guilty in the alleged beating of a corrections officer.

In this snow day edition of the News Man Weekly, Carl Hunnell, Zac Hiser and Hayden Gray met virtually to discuss Winter Storm Fern, Hayden's dissatisfaction with the new Steelers head coach, a potential new theme song for the show, winter-related struggles and the Richland County Sheriff's stance on snow emergencies.  We'll be back next week with a guest (hopefully) and we have some interesting guests lined up for February. Thanks for bearing with us, stay warm and stay safe! This episode is brought to you by Relax, It's Just Coffee. Be a Source Member for unlimited access to local, independent journalism. Related links: Winter Storm Fern live blog: Snowfall, power outages, road emergencies and more Open Source: Why no Level 3 snow emergency in Richland County on Sunday? How does local wildlife adapt during harsh winter weather events? Cold on the farm: North central Ohio livestock producers prep for winter storm

Today – A Richland County grand jury has declined to indict a Crestline man in a fatal road-rage shooting, leaving the possibility open for future charges as the community absorbs the complexities of the case.

Trigger warning: This episode includes discussion of infertility, IVF, miscarriage, and pregnancy loss. In this episode, we sit down with Mandy and Cassie Glessner, partners in life for nearly a decade, as they share their deeply personal journey through infertility, IVF, miscarriage, and the grief that comes with being unable to grow their family. With honesty and care, Mandy and Cassie walk us through the clinical realities, emotional toll, and quiet moments of hope and heartbreak that shaped their experience. From navigating a system not built with same-sex couples in mind to redefining what a “happy ending” can look like, Mandy and Cassie remind us that community is built through listening, vulnerability, and showing up for one another, especially when there are no easy answers. 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

Today – A group of Richland County residents is raising concerns about immigration enforcement and asking local officials to clarify where the county stands.

Today – Big plans and high praise — Richland County commissioners say they’re seeing strong momentum from local economic development leaders, and even bigger announcements may be on the horizon.

Today – Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s visits to Mansfield still echo through the generations, as local residents reflect on the power of his presence and the pulpit he once stood in.

In this week's abbreviated News Man Weekly episode, Carl gives his top 5 predictions for 2026, all related to community development in Mansfield. Tune in to hear why 2026 could be a huge year for the city. We also touch briefly on Cannabis revenue, the upcoming Winter Olympics and the disappointing Cleveland Cavaliers 2025-26 campaign. We'll be back next week with a full episode and a new guest! Thanks for listening.  The News Man Weekly is powered by Relax, It's Just Coffee.  Related links:  Download the Source's new mobile app Mansfield sees Cannabis tax dollars roll up Former West Park Shopping Center purchased by Dan and Brenda Niss Find downtown Mansfield deals and Main Street updates Intro song credit: Smoke And Drink, by Luke Watson. Be a Source Member for unlimited access to local, independent journalism.

Today – A new Ohio law aims to make emergency encounters safer for people with communication disabilities — and it all starts before first responders even arrive.

In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, we’re revisiting our conversation with Dr. Lerone Martin, Director of the Martin Luther King Jr. Research and Education Institute at Stanford University and author of The Gospel of J. Edgar Hoover. A nationally respected scholar, Dr. Martin explores how history, faith, and race intersect, and how those forces continue to shape the way we live and connect with one another today. From growing up in Ohio to now stewarding Dr. King’s papers, Dr. Martin reflects on the responsibility of preserving a legacy, the difference between fear and faith, and the everyday ways we can find the divine in one another. He reminds us that progress doesn’t come from perfection but from commitment, one conversation, one act of service, one bridge at a time. In a world that feels increasingly polarized, Dr. Martin offers a grounded vision of hope: that we can learn from history without erasing it, that empathy is a practice, and that community begins when we choose connection over isolation. Bridging Divides: Local leaders reflect on Martin Luther King Jr.’s message in a polarized age The MLK Institute: https://kinginstitute.stanford.edu/ 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

Today – A new grant program in Richland County is giving homeowners a much-needed boost — with funding designed to keep houses safe, stable, and standing strong for the long haul.

Today – Police believe they've recovered the murder weapon in the shocking slaying of a former Ashland dentist and his wife, a case that now spans across state lines.

In this episode of Inside the Lines, host Curt Conrad is joined by co-producer Zac Hiser for a conversation with Galion wrestler Gradey Harding. Harding is the first wrestler we've had in studio. We talked with him about the difference between folk style and Greco-Roman wrestling, what his diet and workout regimen looks like and he takes us through some of the most memorable matches from his high school career.  Harding has signed a national letter of intent to wrestle for Division 1 Buffalo in college next year. He talked about why he chose Buffalo, what NIL looks like for college wrestlers and his future aspirations after college. We also talked about an upcoming state wrestling title run for Harding and what that would mean to him as he looks to become the fourth ever state wrestling champion from Galion High School.  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.

Today – Cannabis sales are bringing in new revenue for Mansfield — and city leaders are just beginning to decide how to spend it.

In episode 80 of The News Man Weekly, Hunnell and the gang dig into a packed local and regional news cycle. He breaks down the long-awaited sale of the former West Park Shopping Center, now back in local hands after years of neglect. He also provides an update on a major development in the double homicide of former Ashland dentist Spencer Tepe and his wife in Columbus, followed by updates on redevelopment plans for the former YMCA site on Park Avenue West. Our guest this week is Source Media's digital marketing director, Adam Doc Fox, who is also an avid mountaineer and outdoorsman. Fox recounts his recent solo trip to New York to hike the notoriously brutal Devil’s Path. As a highpointer who has reached the highest peak in all lower 48 states, Fox also reflects on some of his most difficult adventures, the mindset required for solo hikes, his advice for beginners and why climbing Mount Everest isn’t necessarily the pinnacle people imagine it to be. This episode is brought to you by Relax, It's Just Coffee. Related links:  Dan Niss: ‘I wouldn’t have what I have without Mansfield and Richland County’ Ex-husband arrested in connection with double murder of former Ashland dentist & wife Richland County Land Bank rejects townhome and ranch proposal for old YMCA site Why did I hike the ‘Devil’s Path’ and Kill Mountain alone in winter? Good question! Read all of Fox's outdoor adventure and mountaineering columns Intro song credit: Smoke And Drink, by Luke Watson. Be a Source Member for unlimited access to local, independent journalism.

A former Ashland dentist and his wife were found murdered in their Columbus home just before the New Year — and now, the ex-husband of one of the victims has been arrested in connection with the case.