This holiday week, we’re revisiting one of our favorite conversations on making space for grief — because we know that amongst all the joy, this season can also be a difficult one.  In this episode, we sit down with Susan Hamme, director of Grief Services at Hospice of the Western Reserve. With more than 20 years of experience. From bedside social work to leading bereavement programs across 16 counties, Susan has devoted her career to creating spaces where loss can be acknowledged and shared. Susan helps us understand why grief is both normal and necessary, why it can feel so isolating, and how we might show up for one another in those hardest moments. She talks about the misconceptions that persist, the ways grief touches every part of life (physical, emotional, spiritual) and the surprising practices that can help people heal. From the quiet presence of a friend on the other end of the phone to the simple act of saying a loved one’s name, Susan reminds us that resilience and connection are built not by avoiding grief, but by making space for it together. 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

May the merch be with you at the new Operation Fandom and Black Bird Records opening in Loudonville. Owner Josh Lehman had plans to expand his brand since earlier this year, but as fate would have it, a downtown Loudonville building seemed to be the perfect fit.

Merry Christmas! Today – A Depression-era Christmas in Mansfield may have included one of America’s most notorious gangsters — and a quiet act of kindness that lingered for decades.

Today – What started as a quiet Christmas prayer has grown into a lifeline — feeding families, restoring dignity, and reminding a community what hope can look like when neighbors step up.  

Today – A Crestline man is facing a voluntary manslaughter charge following a road rage incident in Ontario that turned deadly — and police are still piecing together exactly what happened.

Today – At Charles Mill Lake Park, the skies were quiet, the snow was falling, and the birders were bundled up — but the annual Christmas Bird Count was well underway.

In this special holiday episode of Better Together, we sit down with Colton Penwell: local teacher, father of two, and devoted representative for Santa Claus. Colton shares how a childhood love of Christmas traditions grew into a deeply thoughtful role centered on joy, presence, and protecting the magic of the season. From suit fittings and sleigh bells to quiet conversations at eye level, this episode is less about playing Santa and more about what Santa represents. Together, we reflect on nostalgia, family traditions, and the small, intentional choices that turn ordinary moments into lasting memories, and remind us that anyone can be Santa. 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

Today – A suspect has been named in a Madison Township stabbing that triggered a soft lockdown at two local school buildings.

Today – Mansfield City Council has approved its first-ever use of a decades-old financing tool, setting the stage for long-term road improvements near one of the city’s busiest interchanges.

Today – A major preservation effort is moving forward in Shelby, thanks to a $130,000 grant that could help save one of Ohio’s oldest mausoleums.

Episode 78 is a full-blown holiday fever dream. Carl, Zac and Hayden riff on the year that was, revisiting the wildly diverse lineup of 2025 News Man Weekly guests, before Carl unleashes a series of Top 5 lists no one asked for but everyone needs -- the worst Christmas songs, the worst Christmas movies and the most soul-crushing holiday commercials ever inflicted on the American public. Friend of the show Steve Russell joins us to discuss British vs American Christmas traditions, plus his favorite (and least favorite) Christmas movies, songs and books. Then it's a rotating cast of Source Media staff who drop in for some loose, festive, barely controlled holiday chatter. Thank you to all of our listeners for tuning in this year. It's our last episode of 2025, but we'll be back and better than ever next year. Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and Happy Hanukkah to all! This episode is supported and powered by Relax, It's Just Coffee. Intro theme music is local artist Emily Raff's cover of Donny Hathaway's holiday classic, This Christmas.  Be a Source Member for unlimited access to local news in Richland, Ashland and Knox Counties. Get 25% OFF your order with coupon code START25.

Today – A stolen truck submerged beneath the ice at North Lake Park sparked a dramatic recovery effort — and ended with relief.

What does it look like to build a life around intentional connection and chosen family? In this episode, we sit down with lifelong Richland County resident Bobby Rhea, whose world is shaped by curiosity, creativity, and service. Whether he’s volunteering at the Renaissance Theatre, supporting the Mansfield Gay Pride Association, writing Lenten letters, or finding connection in his faith communities. Bobby shares how practices like handwritten notes, thoughtful gift-giving, and solo trips have helped him see his own worth, root into community, and live more authentically. From navigating life as a “recovering people pleaser” to listening to what your body tells you about where you belong, Bobby offers a grounded, tender look at boundaries, trust, and chosen family. This conversation invites us to slow down, get curious, and remember that real community grows through small, intentional acts of presence, gratitude, and courage. 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

Today – A car slammed into a vacant house in Madison Township early Thursday, sparking a fire that destroyed the vehicle and severely damaged the home.

Today – A missing person case that spanned nearly two years has finally been resolved after a startling discovery in an abandoned Crestline home.

Today – A balanced budget is in place for 2026 — but Richland County commissioners say the rising costs behind that balance are cause for concern.

Episode 77 of News Man Weekly opens with a lively debrief of an absolutely chaotic football weekend -- high school playoffs in Canton, the Ohio State fallout and the usual round of NFL overreactions. From there, Carl launches into a full holiday-season meltdown, delivering a rant about being trapped in an office drowning in Christmas music. This week’s edition of “What’s Carl Watching?”, features his brutally honest review of The Abandons and a far more enthusiastic rundown of his Top 5 Westerns of all time. In local news, Carl highlights major movement on the long-blighted West Park Shopping Center, which has finally transferred to a local buyer with hopes for brownfield-funded revitalization. He also recaps Mansfield’s latest Queen of Hearts winner -- a life-changing jackpot and a packed Brickyard celebration that brought a jolt of energy to downtown. The episode’s guest is Kelsey Cunning, the organizer behind Mansfield’s successful effort to bring backyard chickens back to city limits. She joins the show to discuss how the campaign came together, what changed City Council’s minds this time around and what comes next before the ordinance officially takes effect in 2026. Grab a cup of Relax, It’s Just Coffee and settle in for lucky episode number 77.  Related stories: Mansfield lawmakers open the coop again, approve the return of backyard hens And a child shall lead them: 9-year-old girls urge Mansfield lawmakers to allow backyard chickens West Park Shopping Center sold; $1 million state grant for demolition sought Mansfield woman wins $699,273 in City Grille’s Queen of Hearts drawing Shelby’s superb season creates lifetime memories ‘Proud to be a Falcon’: Hillsdale falls to St. Henry in Division VII state final Orange cracks St. Xavier to cap dream season Intro song credit: Smoke And Drink, by Luke Watson. Be a Source Member for unlimited access to local, independent journalism. Use code START25 at checkout for 25% OFF any membership product. 

Today – A Mansfield woman takes home nearly $700,000 after a lucky draw in the City Grille’s Queen of Hearts game — and she already knows what she’s doing with it.

What does “home” look like when your life is rooted in both connection and impermanence? In this episode, we sit down with actor and arts educator Noah Casner, a creative Swiss Army knife based in New York City and a familiar face in Mansfield through his performances at the Renaissance Theatre. Noah talks about what it’s like to arrive as an out-of-town performer, walk into a rehearsal room full of strangers, read the energy of a space, and advocate for art that feels truly accessible to the communities it serves. From pandemic-era Survivor marathons to navigating long-distance friendships and relationships spread across cities and time zones, Noah reflects on how to build real community in places you may only call home for a season. Along the way, we talk about rest, boundaries, and what it really means to be a “better villager,” showing up for others without pouring from an empty cup.

Today – Ontario schools may be getting a $19 million boost from the state—but only if voters agree to help cover the rest of the tab.

Today – A Crestline man pleads not guilty in a double homicide case involving his own parents — and the community is still reeling from the loss.

In this episode of Inside the Lines, Curt Conrad and Hayden Gray open the show by previewing the state championship matchups for Shelby (Div. IV), Hillsdale (Div. VII) and Olentangy Orange (Div. I). Conrad and Gray then welcome in Shelby senior linebacker Sam Gwirtz. The quarterback of the Whippet defense, Gwirtz has helped lead Shelby to its first-ever state championship game. The Whippets will play Cleveland Glenville at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton this Friday at 10:30 a.m. Gwirtz talks about Shelby's season as a whole, as well as what it will take to capture a Division IV state title on Friday. The senior also discusses his position change entering high school and how he regained his love for the sport between his sophomore and junior seasons. 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. Read more: Dream to reality: Shelby football earns first state final bid in program history Get to know Glenville: Shelby to collide with battle-tested Tarblooders

The Richland County Land Bank has chosen Jeremy Huff Excavation for an $800,000 project to demolish two underground caverns at 120 N. Diamond Street, a hazardous site slated to become a new 36-spot parking lot near downtown Mansfield’s restaurant district. We break down why the board bypassed the lowest bid, how state redevelopment dollars are driving the project, and what this decision means for future revitalization efforts across the county. Read more: https://www.richlandsource.com/2025/12/02/richland-county-land-bank-selects-contractor-for-downtown-mansfield-demolition/ 

Episode 76 of News Man Weekly is absolutely loaded. Carl, Zac and Hayden kick things off with a Thanksgiving recap, football chatter and a fresh “What’s Carl Watching?” segment. Carl also zeroes in on one major local story: the long-decaying West Park Shopping Center and a potential path to finally tearing it down.  Then, WMAN’s Aaron Hines joins the show to talk about life in local radio, the grind of balancing morning news with nightly sports and what Shelby needs to do to bring home a state title — capped off with a prediction for Friday’s game.  After that, Chris Hahn stops by to share how he went from pro wrestler to trainer, stuntman, actor and brain tumor survivor… before tag-teaming into his in-ring alter ego, Johnny Paradise. He is gearing up for his return to the squared circle at Malabar Middle School on Dec. 6. This episode is brought to you by Relax, It's Just Coffee. Related links:  $1 million state grant may fuel long-awaited demolition of West Park Shopping Center Let's go, Whippets! Send your hype message before the state championship More info on Johnny Paradise tickets for Dec. 6 Intro song credit: Smoke And Drink, by Luke Watson. Be a Source Member for unlimited access to local, independent journalism. Get 25% OFF with code START25 when you join between Dec. 3-25. 

Today – The Shelby Whippets are headed to the state championship game for the first time in school history.

This holiday week, we’re revisiting one of our favorite conversations on generosity and the power it has to shape a community. In this episode of Better Together, hosts Brittany and Maddie sit down with Carrie Kemerer, Executive Director of The Shelby Foundation, to explore the many forms of generosity, from financial giving and legacy gifts to small, everyday acts that ripple through a community. Together, they zoom out to a 10,000-foot view of philanthropy and ask big questions like: How do small towns with limited resources still find ways to give so much? And what role does collaboration and trust play in creating lasting change? Carrie brings years of experience in community leadership to the conversation, reminding us that generosity isn’t reserved for a select few. It’s something we can all practice — and when we do, we create legacies that strengthen our communities for generations. https://www.theshelbyfoundation.org/ 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 – There’s a good chance your Thanksgiving turkey didn’t travel far—because Ohio is one of the top producers in the country.

Today – Coming up, a spirited dessert auction at a local Chinese restaurant raises thousands for kids in need—and it all started with a chili cook-off nearly three decades ago.

In this week’s episode, we break down Ashland QB Nathan Bernhard’s sudden flip from Appalachian State to Maryland and what Ohio’s new NIL ruling could mean for high school athletes moving forward. Then we welcome Hillsdale’s Brady Heller into the studio to recap the Falcons’ hard-fought win over Danville, the importance of depth as injuries stack up and how he’s stepped in on both sides of the ball. Brady reflects on last year’s state title run, the expectations they carry now and previews Hillsdale’s state semifinal matchup with McDonald, including what bringing home a championship would mean to him and the community.   Related stories:  Hillsdale tops Danville in another instant classic Tradition awaits: Hillsdale meets McDonald & its 100 years of football history Great Expectations: Added pressure hasn’t bothered Hillsdale, Shelby in pursuit of state titles This episode is brought to you by Graham Auto Mall.  Intro and outro music is "Story of the Sunflower Samurai" by local artist Vaundoom. 

Today – Could high school students be part of the solution to the child care workforce shortage? In north central Ohio, two school districts think so — and they’re already laying the groundwork.

Episode 75 marks the Diamond Anniversary of the News Man Weekly podcast and Carl opens the show with a story that perfectly blends misery, comedy and classic Ohio stubbornness. The crew also dives into their usual weekend banter, NFL overreactions and another installment of “What’s Carl Watching?”, featuring his take on Eddie Murphy’s new Netflix documentary Being Eddie. The news rundown hits a few of the big local stories of the week — from backyard chickens and a new cannabis dispensary to high-stakes high school football semifinals. This week’s featured guests are Mike Woogerd, Mansfield’s new parks superintendent and Louis Andres, the city’s public works director. They join Carl, Zac and Hayden to talk about the future of Mansfield’s parks, Woogerd’s background in natural resource management and what residents can expect in 2026. Andres also gives an update on the possibility of a public pool in the city.  As always, grab a cup of Relax, It’s Just Coffee, and settle in for Mansfield’s favorite blend of news, grumpiness and community insight. Related stories:  And a child shall lead them: 9-year-old girls urge Mansfield lawmakers to allow backyard chickens Cincinnati-based cannabis business sees Mansfield as natural next step for retail The Undefeateds: Shelby will take on Cincinnati Indian Hill at Sidney Tradition awaits: McDonald and its 100 years of football history awaits Hillsdale Final 4: Colonel Crawford takes aim at Ohio football powerhouse Kirtland Intro song credit: Smoke And Drink, by Luke Watson. Be a Source Member for unlimited access to local, independent journalism. Buy an annual membership through Dec. 2 and half will go to local charity. 

Today – Step into a world of magic and imagination as a new bookstore brings whimsy to downtown Mansfield. Read more: https://www.richlandsource.com/2025/11/23/step-into-a-world-of-magic-rose-circle-rare-books-opens-nov-29/ 

What does resilience look like when it’s shaped by community, compassion, and the courage to begin again? In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Deb Weaver, educator, consultant, ceramic sculptor, and founder of Woven Opportunities, whose life and leadership have been shaped by both extraordinary challenge and extraordinary care. Deb shares how the Four Agreements guide her work, why presence matters more than perfection, and how emotional intelligence becomes a lifelong practice. She also opens up about the accident that changed everything: a near-fatal collision that left her relearning how to walk, think, and rebuild her life with the help of family, friends, and strangers who simply showed up. Through that journey, Deb discovered a deeper understanding of patience, boundaries, strength, and what it truly means to be part of a village. From standing in a Russian fishing village helping build a school from scratch, to learning to walk again in a YMCA pool, to teaching leaders how to practice clarity as kindness, Deb reminds us that resilience isn’t something we face alone. It grows through connection, one choice, one breath, and one openhearted moment at a time. Learn more about Deb’s work at wovenopportunities.com.

Today – A long-vacant school building in Ashland might finally have a future—but the path forward is tangled in liens, legal troubles, and a former owner now serving time.

In this episode of Inside the Lines, Curt Conrad and Effie James open the show by paying homage to former Mansfield Hawks coach Kevin Mackey, who passed away last week at the age of 79. The duo then brings listeners up to speed on where local teams from Richland, Ashland and Knox counties stand in the high school football playoffs as regional final Friday approaches. Conrad and James move to conversation with Galion senior QB Ayden Schmidt, who has led the Tigers to a regional final against Shelby -- the deepest Galion has made it in the postseason since 1985. Schmidt touches on everything from his childhood and move to Galion in middle school, to the Tigers' sensational season and the opportunity to play at Arlin Field this Friday. 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. Read more: Hay Day: Galion twins come up big in win over Sandusky Perkins It’s official: Shelby-Galion football rematch coming Friday at Arlin Field

Today – A Cincinnati cannabis company is betting big on Mansfield as its next move in Ohio’s fast-growing marijuana market, and it could be a win-win for business and the city.

Carl kicks off Episode 74 with a quick “grumpy newsman” monologue before sliding into weekend banter, NFL overreactions and a new installment of “What’s Carl Watching?" The news of the week rundown covers three major local stories: Mansfield’s renewed debate over backyard chicken coops, a second cannabis dispensary preparing to open on West Fourth Street and significant budget-cut discussions at Madison Local Schools. Then certified friend of the show and Ashland University historian John Moser joins us. He talks about his upcoming move to the University of Tennessee, what it’s really like taping episodes of History’s Greatest Mysteries and other TV series and how AI is reshaping college classrooms. The conversation also breaks down government shutdowns, the current political climate a year into Trump’s second term, and the state of the MAGA movement after recent news and elections. A perfect listen with a hot cup from Relax, It’s Just Coffee. Related links:  Mansfield City Council to discuss backyard chicken ordinance Tuesday Mansfield may see second cannabis dispensary open by December Madison school board to vote on Mifflin closure, staff cuts next week Intro song credit: Smoke And Drink, by Luke Watson. Be a Source Member for unlimited access to local, independent journalism.

Today – Is it finally time for the chickens to come home to roost in Mansfield backyards? hat’s the question City Council is set to take up on Tuesday as it reopens a conversation that last ruffled feathers nearly a decade ago.

In this episode, we sit down with director and writer Ryan Shealy, Associate Artistic Director at The Renaissance Theatre, and a longtime friend, collaborator, and anchor in Mansfield’s arts community. Ryan opens up about the evolution of found family, what it means to curate the people who fill your life, and how he’s learned to trust his own artistic lane after nearly a decade in professional theater. From the quiet power of shared creative work to the loud joy of helping raise kids who aren’t biologically his, Ryan reflects on friendship, boundaries, and why building a life with people you choose is just as meaningful as the one you inherit. He also shares how theater both reflects and challenges a community and why Mansfield is braver, more curious, and more audacious than outsiders give us credit for. At its heart, this conversation is about belonging, the art that shapes us, and the relationships that make us feel most like ourselves.

In this week’s episode of Inside the Lines, Curt Conrad, Hayden Gray and Zac Hiser break down the third week of Ohio’s new-look postseason -- where the top seeds are holding strong and north central Ohio teams are still making noise. We start with a post-mortem on Lexington and Ashland after tough playoff losses, and look ahead to what’s next for both programs in 2026. Then the focus shifts to Shelby, which faces a high-powered Lima Bath squad led by one of the region’s most explosive offenses, and Galion who is making their deepest playoff run since the 1980s. We preview a massive Division V showdown between Centerburg and Colonel Crawford, where the winner punches a ticket to the regional final, and check in on Hillsdale and Danville as both powerhouses look to stay on a collision course for a potential rematch. With weather on their side and four of five area teams hosting, we set the stage for another action-packed Friday night of playoff football. This episode is brought to you by Graham Auto Mall.  Intro and outro music is "Story of the Sunflower Samurai" by local artist Vaundoom. 

Today – They’ve served, they’ve stumbled — and now they’re standing tall. Veterans in Mansfield celebrate second chances and strength through recovery as they graduate from the Veterans Court program.

Today – Richland County paused to honor the courage and commitment of its veterans this week, with heartfelt reflections and a community gathering that moved indoors when the weather wouldn’t cooperate.

Episode 73 opens with a grumpy old-man monologue as Carl unloads on two fronts — voter apathy and unplowed streets. With only 23% of Richland County voters showing up on Election Day and Mansfield’s first snow catching city crews asleep at the wheel, Carl doesn’t hold back. Then it’s on to the week’s headlines, from Mansfield City Council’s crackdown on rogue truckers to Madison voters rejecting an income tax levy and the latest developments in the Keesee court case. And yes, the guys still manage to squeeze in their usual NFL overreactions and a new segment, “What’s Carl Watching?” Later, the crew welcomes back friend of the show BJ Price from Skate Ohio to talk about the nonprofit’s exciting plans for a new “micro skatepark” at Maple Lake Park — a project made possible by comedian Dan Cummins and Bad Magic Productions. Price also shares updates on Lexington’s potential skatepark revival, the group’s partnership with international artist André Miripolsky and what’s rolling ahead for 2026. It’s part civic pep talk, part snow-day vent, and part local skate culture spotlight — best enjoyed with a hot cup of Relax coffee and a thick skin. Related links: Donate and learn more about Skate Ohio Skate Ohio planning ‘micro park’ in Mansfield’s Maple Lake Park French artist Andre Miripolsky’s brings painted skateboards show to Mansfield Mansfield lawmakers to truckers: Stay in your lane — literally Madison school voters reject proposed income tax Judge reduces bond for Gary Keesee Jr. in alleged rape case

Today – She played every minute of her first pro soccer season — and now Taylor Huff may be in the running for Rookie of the Year.

In this episode, we sit down with licensed social worker and community leader Nyasha Oden, whose life and career are grounded in service, self-growth, and intentional living. From supporting foster youth to serving on local boards like the Buckeye Imagination Museum and the Women’s Fund, Nyasha brings purpose to everything she does. She talks with us about what it looks like to align your vision with action. Whether that’s saying no to what’s out of alignment, creating space for personal growth, or helping others discover their “why” through vision boarding. Along the way, Nyasha shares lessons on boundaries, resilience, and the art of asking for what you want without apology. From dating with purpose to dreaming boldly for the year ahead, this conversation is a reminder that intentionality isn’t about perfection. It’s about showing up, one choice at a time.

Mansfield, Richland County, and Shelby are partnering to create a $200,000 comprehensive land use plan, coordinated by the Richland County Regional Planning Commission. The plan—funded jointly by Mansfield ($100,000), Shelby ($50,000), and the county ($50,000)—will guide future development decisions on housing, infrastructure, and economic growth. Public participation will be a key part of the 12–15 month process, which aims to produce a shared regional vision for sustainable growth.

In this episode of Inside the Lines, Curt Conrad and Effie James kick things off discussing the first round of the 2025 OHSAA football playoffs before welcoming Lexington senior Seven Allen. Allen reflects on his introduction to football as a freshman at Madison to becoming a standout senior on a star-studded Lexington squad. He talks about his transition to Lexington and the opportunity to play with childhood friends. Allen also touches on the growth of he and his Lex teammates over the past three years, both physically and mentally, as well as the ability to block out the outside noise. As Lexington heads into the playoffs after a first round bye, Allen shares what it will take to overcome a talented Toledo Central Catholic team -- which knocked the Minutemen out of the postseason last year. 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.  Read more: Allen, Minutemen take OCC revenge on Ashland, grab outright title Rematch: Lexington hosts Toledo Central Catholic Friday in Division III football playoffs

MHS Industrial Supply, a family-owned business founded 85 years ago, is entering a new chapter as siblings Brad, Ashley, and Jeff Downs take over from their parents, Phil and Ann Downs. The company has evolved from a small hardware store into a trusted industrial supply partner, known for its customer service, innovation, and community involvement. As the third generation leads, MHS remains rooted in family values while embracing technology and preparing for future milestones like its 90th and 100th anniversaries.

Carl, Zac, and Hayden roll into Episode 72 with a caffeine-fueled catch-up on the week: Mansfield’s push to hike penalties for truckers who skip designated routes, an Election Day pep talk  and progress at the reborn Mansfield Speedway. It’s the usual mix of local headlines, sports overreactions and newsroom banter — best paired with a cup from Relax, It’s Just Coffee. Then Mansfield entrepreneur Dan Lew grabs the mic for a wide-ranging conversation. He traces his path from early gigs and China Club to DLX on the Square and Axe Social Lounge, unpacks what it really takes to build (and rebuild) in a downtown under construction, and shares lessons on resilience from the COVID era. Plus: the spark behind Gravity Ohio, the “Orange Cone Festival,” and why he’s bullish on Mansfield’s future. Related links:  Election Eve: Just 1 in 5 registered Richland County voters expected to cast ballots Read all of our election coverage Penalties may get stiffer for trucking on non-truck routes in Mansfield Let’s go more than racing, boys! … Diversified plans progressing at revived Mansfield Speedway Intro song credit: Smoke And Drink, by Luke Watson. Be a Source Member for unlimited access to local, independent journalism.

Today – A longtime firefighter steps into a leadership role in Shelby, and says he’s right where he’s meant to be. Read more about this story: Humbled and honored: Sauder sworn in as new Shelby fire chief Headlines: Ghosts and goblins descend on Mansfield for trick-or-treat Happy 60th birthday: Richland County Park District throws a community party The wait is over: Chick-fil-A selects site in Ontario From toys to cocoa: Deck the Halls with Children’s Laughter has it all