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Today – In Shelby, a thousand rubber ducks are getting ready to race for a little boy whose story still moves a community.

Today – Amy Walker is stepping into a new leadership role at Springmill STEM Elementary, bringing years of classroom, administrative and school board experience with her.

One local mental health counselor is urging parents to be aware of a resurgence in the Benadryl challenge, a viral trend that encourages overdoses of the common allergy medication.

This week on News Man Weekly, Carl and Zac recap a red, white and blue weekend across North Central Ohio, launch a new segment called, “The News Man’s Top Five” and break down the latest local headlines. We discuss new state tax credits for major downtown Mansfield redevelopment projects, rising health insurance costs facing Richland County and Mansfield City Schools’ early steps toward a possible new elementary school. Later, Carl sits down with three of Source Media’s newest reporters: Abby Hiday of Ashland Source, Logan Adams of Richland Source and Alex Hopkins of Knox Pages. The trio discusses their first month in local journalism, what surprised them most about covering North Central Ohio, the stories that have stood out so far and what they hope to bring to readers in the years ahead. Consider this your official introduction to a few new voices in the Source Media newsroom. This episode is powered by the great folks at Relax, It's Just Coffee. Relevant links: Downtown Forward, new Mansfield hotel project receive $1.1 million in state tax credits Downtown Forward project in Mansfield gets $5 million in historic tax credits for redevelopment 70 percent in 5 years: Rising health insurance costs not sustainable in Richland County, Vero says New elementary school? Mansfield City Schools is considering construction Be a Source Member for unlimited access to local, independent journalism.

Fifty years after Mansfield sealed away a snapshot of 1976, the city opened its bicentennial time capsule and found a message of hope still echoing into 2026.

Today – A Mansfield fire promotion ceremony became a full-circle family moment Wednesday, as Lt. Adam Compton pinned an assistant chief badge on his father, Dave Compton.

Today – A new job center inside Mansfield Correctional Institution is aimed at helping inmates build résumés, search for work, and prepare for life after release.

Today – A black bear on the move in Bellville has residents checking cameras, warning neighbors and keeping a closer eye on the backyard.

This week on News Man Weekly, Carl, Zac and Hayden welcome resident soccer expert Adam "Doc" Fox into the studio for a lively World Cup discussion. We talk about knockout stage scenarios and debate whether this year's U.S. Men's National Team has what it takes to make the deepest tournament run in program history. We also catch up on another busy week of local news, including a $5 million boost for the Downtown Forward redevelopment project.  Later, we sit down with Ryan James -- who is behind the Cypher City Hip Hop Festival, returning July 25 to the Richland County Fairgrounds. He talks about how the festival has grown into one of the region's premier celebrations of hip hop culture, what's new this year, why Mansfield's music scene continues to evolve and which local artists deserve a spot on your playlist. Whether you're a longtime fan or simply curious about the scene, this conversation offers a fresh look at one of Richland County's most unique annual events. This episode is powered by the great folks at Relax, It's Just Coffee. Relevant links: Follow Cypher City on Facebook Downtown Forward project in Mansfield gets $5 million in historic tax credits for redevelopment Mansfield man, 31, arrested for allegedly murdering his 3-year-old child in 2024 Richland County sells home seized in major Madison Township drug bust for $91,414 Be a Source Member for unlimited access to local, independent journalism.

Today – A major state funding award is bringing Taking Root Farms closer to building a long-planned future for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Richland County.

Pleasant Hill Lake has become the setting for one of the most remarkable wildlife comeback stories in the region, as ospreys have spent the last two decades fighting wind, predators, bad luck, and even people, yet still managing to thrive.

Today – Richland County leaders say the county’s finances are steady, but rising employee health insurance costs are forcing a harder look at the future.

Today – Mansfield’s historic landmark theater is temporarily without seats, but the Renaissance Theatre says that empty auditorium is a visible sign of a much bigger vision for its next century.

This week on News Man Weekly, Carl, Zac and Hayden break down several local headlines, including Mansfield's proposed downtown DORA district, the return of weekend speed bumps along the Miracle Mile and the latest progress on the city's massive Main Street reconstruction project. In the featured interview, Carl sits down with Mansfield music legends Dean Kastran and Dale Powers, founding members of The Ohio Express, along with Shelby musician McCray Martin.  The conversation explores their recent collaboration on Martin's new song, Set Me Free, their advice for aspiring musicians, influences and stories from six decades in the music business. Dean and Dale discuss opening for The Who, handling fame and success and the time they managed to make television icon Dick Clark unhappy.  If you love music, local history and great storytelling, this is an episode you won't want to miss.  This conversation is powered by the great folks at Relax, It's Just Coffee.  Related links:  Main Street Improvement Project progressing; Park Avenue remains closed in Central Park Legislation creating a DORA in Mansfield planned for City Council in July, says mayor Speed bumps return on weekend nights at ‘Miracle Mile’ section of Park Avenue West Watch Martin's new song, 'Set Me Free' feat. The Ohio Express on YouTube Be a Source Member for unlimited access to local, independent journalism.

The Madison Local Schools board has terminated a middle school teacher accused of making sexually inappropriate comments to students.

Today – Newly released records are offering a clearer picture of the investigation into a Danville man accused of planning an attack tied to the UFC Freedom 250 event.

Today – An Ohio mother’s call to local law enforcement may have helped stop an alleged multi-state attack plot targeting a UFC event on the White House South Lawn.

Today – A landmark Mansfield home that once showed visitors what the future could look like may soon become a public museum celebrating the city’s manufacturing past.

This week on The News Man Weekly, Carl dives into a packed local agenda, addressing the "nothing to do in Mansfield" crowd by highlighting a weekend full of community events, from Juneteenth celebrations to the Miss Ohio parade. Carl shares his take on the History Channel's Washington docudrama, plus the latest on Richland County tax relief, state funding for the new Mansfield Playhouse and vehicle upgrades for the local police department. Later, Rusty Cates and hot air balloon pilot-in-training Luke Wash join the show to preview the upcoming Ashland BalloonFest and the history behind the "balloon town" tradition. This episode is powered by the great folks at Relax, It's Just Coffee. Relevant links: Ashland BalloonFest Facebook page Ashland BalloonFest website Some photos from BalloonFest 2025. Be a Source Member for unlimited access to local, independent journalism.

Today – A Madison High School graduate is bringing a new condominium community to Ashland, with plans for roughly 175 homes on nearly 60 acres near Smith and Baney roads.

Today – A $1 million state investment is giving the Mansfield Playhouse’s campaign for a new, accessible theater a major boost as the historic community theater nears the end of its 100th season.

Today – Mansfield teen MaKayla Lawrence is bringing her smile, her sash and her “bubbly” spirit to the Miss Ohio Teen stage.

Today – A former FBI agent’s memories of Cleveland’s mob wars are bringing new life to the stories of Angelo Lonardo, Danny Greene, and the era when the city became known as “Bomb City USA.”

After celebrating our 100th episode in front of a live audience, the News Man Weekly crew returns to the familiar confines of the Richland Source podcast studio. This week, Carl, Zac and Hayden dive into some of the biggest local stories making headlines, including a major roundabout project in the Lexington-Ontario corridor, the opening of Silver Birch of Mansfield and storm damage across Knox County. Later, we sit down with Destination Mansfield Richland County President Lee Tasseff for a conversation about tourism's impact on the local economy, what attractions are bringing visitors to the area and why this summer could be one of the busiest yet for Richland County.  This episode is powered by the great folks at Relax, It's Just Coffee.  Relevant links:  Friedrick on Cleveland mob: Angelo Lonardo, Danny Greene & FBI investigations Roundabout construction to close Lex-Springmill/Home roads June 15 for 120 days Silver Birch opens doors to affordable assisted senior living in Mansfield Short, severe thunderstorm results in serious damage, power outages across Knox County Be a Source Member for unlimited access to local, independent journalism.

Today: Affordable rental housing could be coming to long-vacant lots across Mansfield, as a developer’s plan for scattered-site homes moves one step closer to reality.

Today – A new solar farm could be coming to Mansfield’s north side, built not on open farmland, but on top of two closed landfills.

Buc-ee’s says it wants to be a good neighbor as Mansfield City Council signs off on a development agreement for a major new travel center near I-71 and Ohio 39.

Today – Ohio Congressman Jim Jordan weighs in on data centers, child care, health care costs and federal oversight during a stop in Shelby.

This week's episode of the News Man Weekly is brought to you LIVE at Relax, It's Just Coffee. The team left the cozy confines of the Richland Source podcast studio and recorded in front of a live audience to celebrate 100 episodes. After our typical intro banner and news of the week -- we're joined by the Mansfield Shakespeare Company, musical guest Cody Nicolas and Mayor Jodie Perry and City Engineer Bob Bianchi came on to talk about Main Street construction. We even had a surprise visit from Skate Ohio. NOTE: We apologize for the less-than-ideal sound quality during the musical guest's performance.  This episode is powered by the great folks at Relax, It's Just Coffee.  Relevant links:  Visit Mansfield Shakespeare Company's website Find Cody Nicolas's band Narrow/Arrow on Spotify Find updates on the Main Street Improvement Project Mayor: Buc-ee's visitors -- not local taxpayers -- will pay for infrastructure improvements Solar farm proposed for construction atop closed Mansfield, Richland County landfills Time is right: Mansfield restaurateur Dan Lew buying Coney Island Diner business on Main Street Be a Source Member for unlimited access to local, independent journalism.

Today – Ohio Express bandmates are back on the same recording for the first time in decades, thanks to a 21-year-old Shelby musician with a deep love for the sounds of the 1960s.

Today – Closed landfills in Mansfield and Richland County could soon find new life as a solar farm capable of generating 25 megawatts of power.

Today – Mansfield’s proposed Buc-ee’s Travel Center clears another hurdle, but questions remain from nearby residents as the project heads to City Council.

Today, Mansfield celebrated Memorial Day with a message from a retired Army general who said Richland County’s care for its fallen heroes makes him proud to be an Ohioan.

Episode 99 of the News Man Weekly is a shorter, stripped-down edition of the show — but Carl and Zac still manage to cover plenty of ground. Carl opens with a rant about the upcoming live 100th episode at Relax, It's Just Coffee, reluctantly preparing himself to leave the safety of the studio and interact with actual human beings. Later in the episode, Carl breaks down Netflix’s haunting true-crime documentary The Crash before diving into several major local headlines, including Mansfield City Council approving annexation and zoning for the proposed Buc-ee's development, the sale of a home tied to one of the largest drug busts in METRICH history, and new parking improvements tied to the B&O Trail connector project.  This episode is powered by the great folks at Relax, It's Just Coffee.  All listeners are invited to attend the live 100th episode recording June 1 at Relax in downtown Mansfield. Related links: Facebook event for our 100th episode Poignant musical ‘Dear Evan Hansen’ to kick off 2026-2027 season at Mansfield Playhouse Mansfield City Council approves land annexation for Buc-ee’s Travel Center Convicted drug dealer’s confiscated Madison Township home to be sold Public parking lot planned along Trimble Road near tunnel to B&O connector trail Be a Source Member for unlimited access to local, independent journalism.

A Shelby councilman’s resignation from Mansfield City Schools is drawing scrutiny after district records described it as tied to a threat of termination or non-renewal.

Today: A Clear Fork graduate’s secret life as Brutus Buckeye led to a snowy, viral moment in one of college football’s biggest rivalries.

Today – Mansfield’s push to bring Buc-ee’s to the I-71 and Ohio 39 interchange took a major step forward this week, but the project still has a few more approvals ahead.

Today – A confiscated Madison Township home tied to one of Richland County’s largest drug cases is headed for sale, and local officials say the move sends a clear message.

In episode 98 of the News Man Weekly, the crew riffs on graduation season, the Cavs’ Game 7 victory and the Sonic Temple music festival. We break down the latest developments surrounding the proposed Buc-ee's project, discuss the $1 million state grant awarded to demolish the West Park Shopping Center and recap the Ohio State Highway Patrol's latest OVI checkpoint. Carl also revisits the comedy classic Animal House in this week’s edition of “What’s Carl Watching?” complete with his top five favorite lines from the movie. Later, we welcome Richland County Commissioner Tony Vero for a wide-ranging conversation about the proposed Franklin Township data center, the Buc-ee’s development, wind and solar restrictions, the future of the Westinghouse site and Richland County's direction over the next five years. The interview also explores the balancing act between economic growth and quality of life as local leaders navigate some of the biggest development conversations the county has seen in years. This episode is powered by the great folks at Relax, It's Just Coffee.  Related links:  Find our Sonic Temple coverage here Wrecking ball is next: State awards $1 million grant to demolish former West Park Shopping Center One motorist cited for OVI during checkpoint on U.S. 42 on Thursday St. Peter’s High School graduates 19 students during 2026 commencement Annexation vote for Buc-ee’s planned for Mansfield City Council on Tuesday Richland County commissioners oppose data center plan, but cannot ban them Be a Source Member for unlimited access to local, independent journalism.

Today: Roller skating, skateboarding and a bit of nostalgia are coming together this summer as Skate Ohio prepares to open a new indoor facility at Ontario Center.

Richland County commissioners say they oppose a proposed Franklin Township data center, but they also say they do not have the legal authority to ban those projects countywide.

Adam Compton was sworn in as a lieutenant with the Mansfield Fire Department, stepping into a first-line leadership role that oversees crew readiness, training, and on-scene decision-making. A Lexington graduate who joined MFD in 2018, Compton said he’s proud to carry on a family legacy in local fire service and wants to pay it forward to newer firefighters. Read more: https://www.richlandsource.com/2026/05/08/adam-compton-promoted-to-lieutenant-in-mansfield-fire-dept/ 

Today: A tense overnight standoff in Bucyrus ended Monday with a suspect dead, after police say he fired on officers during a nearly 12-hour ordeal that brought agencies from across north central Ohio to the scene.

Episode 97 of News Man Weekly opens with a Carl rant about Richland County’s surprisingly massive primary election turnout. Carl, Zac and Hayden then riff on the weekend before diving into the latest local headlines, including Mansfield’s Bike-A-Palooza giving away more than 100 bicycles, two Shelby school staff members credited with saving a choking student’s life and the long-awaited comeback of Mansfield Speedway. Later in the show, we welcome guests B.J. Price and Adam McElroy from Skate Ohio to talk about the organization’s rapid growth, plans for a future downtown presence, a new development at the Ontario Center and the momentum behind the Bad Magic Skatepark project at Maple Lake Park. The conversation explores how skateboarding can create community, mentorship and positive outlets for young people, while also touching on new partnerships, expansion into other communities and the larger vision for skate culture across Ohio.  This episode is powered by the great folks at Relax, It's Just Coffee.  Related links:  Visit Skate Ohio's website and follow them on Facebook. Email info@skateohio.com to collaborate or partner.  Richland County ranks 2nd among 88 Ohio counties in voter turnout Tuesday Free, family Bike-A-Palooza returns to Mansfield’s North Lake Park on Saturday Shelby City Schools staff members act quickly to save choking student Monster trucks invade Mansfield Speedway   Be a Source Member for unlimited access to local, independent journalism.  

Today – Shelby High School staff members are being praised for quick action that helped save a choking student’s life.

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.