Candidate Conversations 2025: Mansfield City Council 1st Ward

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Julie Chaya, Health Commissioner at Richland Public Health, who’s redefining what it means to care for a community. Under her leadership, Richland Public Health has launched creative programs like a wellness vending machine stocked with free health essentials, a Vitamin Angels partnership providing prenatal vitamins to local women, and even car-seat sensors that prevent hot car tragedies.Julie shares how her path, from aspiring Nike designer to nationally recognized public health leader, shaped her belief that wellness begins with small, intentional choices: washing your hands, resting when you’re sick, showing up for your neighbors.From rebuilding public trust after COVID to helping people find reliable health information in a noisy online world, Julie’s story is a reminder that public health isn’t just policy, it’s people, compassion, and the daily habits that help all of us thrive.Support the show: https://richlandsource.com/membersSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hear from Mansfield City Council 5th Ward candidates Aurelio Diaz (I) and Joetta McCruter-Polk (D). This event was recorded on Oct. 15, 2025.Visit our elections page for stories on all local races and issues. Make an informed vote on Nov. 4.    Support the show: https://richlandsource.com/membersSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Inside the Lines, Curt Conrad and Effie James kick things off discussing the OHSAA’s stunning decision to ban Ironton from the 2025 playoffs before welcoming Hillsdale senior running back Owen Sloan -- the program’s all-time leading rusher. Sloan reflects on his journey from a freshman getting early playing time to becoming a four-year leader and the heart of a senior class that’s been playing together since youth football. He talks about the lessons learned from Hillsdale’s state runner-up season, the motivation born from last year’s championship loss to Marion Local and how the team has approached this season with a renewed focus and confidence. Sloan dives into the culture of Hillsdale football, the bond between teammates, and how experience, chemistry and accountability drive their pursuit of a state title. He also discusses the influence of his father -- former Mount Union standout Justin Sloan -- and how film study and discipline have shaped his game. As Hillsdale heads into the playoffs as a top seed, Sloan shares what it will take to finish the job this time and paints a picture of his perfect ending to a decorated high school career.  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: Norwayne holds off Hillsdale, wins second straight WCAL crown 2nd-half barrage fuels Hillsdale’s pounding of Rittman Hillsdale clinches home playoff game, remains atop Region 27 computer ratings Support the show: https://richlandsource.com/membersSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hear from Mansfield City Council 3rd Ward candidates Rev. Eleazer Akuchie (R) and Crystal Davis Weese (D). This event was recorded on Oct. 15, 2025.Visit our elections page for stories on all local races and issues. Make an informed vote on Nov. 4.      Support the show: https://richlandsource.com/membersSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 71 of News Man Weekly is a sweet one. Carl, Zac and Hayden kick things off with banter about the weekend and the result of a Packers / Steelers bet between Hayden and Carl. Then, a rundown of the week’s top local stories, including Richland County’s $1.7 million property tax relief decision, a new federal grant adding officers to the Mansfield Police Department and the triumphant return of community legend Doc Stumbo for his annual Make A Difference Day food drive.  Chris Beers, founder and owner of Grandpa Joe’s Candy Shop, joins the show to talk about the newest Grandpa Joe's location in downtown Mansfield’s historic Caldwell & Bloor building. He talks about turning childhood nostalgia into a thriving multi-state business, the magic of Willy Wonka and how Grandpa Joe’s became far more than a candy store. The conversation covers everything from the store’s signature 4:05 p.m. opening time to Moon Pies, Yoo-hoos and even a surprise giant-duck marketing stunt in his Pennsylvania hometown. Thanks to Relax, It's Just Coffee for supporting the News Man Weekly. Head over to Relax to check out their fall drink menu.  Related links:  ‘Orange Cone Fest’ draws crowds to downtown Mansfield on Sunday Richland County commissioners approve $1.7 million in property tax relief Mansfield to add 4 new police officers with $1.3 million federal COPS grant ‘I thought I was gone. But I am back:’ Doc Stumbo returns to lead annual food drive Intro song credit: Smoke And Drink, by Luke Watson. Be a Source Member for unlimited access to local, independent journalism.Support the show: https://richlandsource.com/membersSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hear from Mansfield City Council 1st Ward candidates Michael Miranda (R) and Amber Thompson (D). This event was recorded on Oct. 15, 2025.Visit our elections page for stories on all local races and issues. Make an informed vote on Nov. 4.     Support the show: https://richlandsource.com/membersSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, we sit down with Colleen Cook, president of Vinyl Marketing in Ashland. A mentor, storyteller, and creative leader, Colleen has guided countless people toward clarity in their purpose, courage in their calling, and a deeper connection to the faith that grounds them.We talk about what it means to grow through seasons of change, to stay rooted when life feels uncertain, and to find grace in both the hard and beautiful moments. Colleen shares her belief in finding “pockets of heaven” here on earth and how faith and self-awareness shape the way we lead, love, and serve others.From lessons in storytelling and nonprofit leadership to reflections on maturity, community, and the daily practice of showing up with authenticity, this conversation reminds us that living with purpose and faith is less about perfection and more about presence.Support the show: https://richlandsource.com/membersSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today – There’s a brand new place to roll into fun this fall, as The Ontario Center gears up to open a community roller rink — the centerpiece of a growing transformation aimed at breathing new life into the former Richland Mall.Support the show: https://richlandsource.com/membersSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Inside the Lines, Curt Conrad and Effie James talk with Fredericktown senior tight end and defensive end Gavin Toombs, one of North Central Ohio’s top football recruits. Gavin shares what it’s been like navigating the college recruiting process, what he’s looking for in a future program and how the recent NIL developments in high school sports could impact players like him. He reflects on a standout performance against Danville, where he filled in at running back and rushed for four touchdowns, and discusses the arrival of head coach Scott Spitler, the physical Wing-T offense and how Fredericktown has responded to both early wins and tough in-conference losses this season. Looking ahead to the “Freddie-Burg” rivalry game against Centerburg, Gavin talks about what the matchup means to the community and how the Freddies plan to make a deep playoff run after clinching a postseason berth. Off the field, he shares his passion for basketball, where he’s an all-Ohio standout with college interest, and the goals he and his teammates have for a strong senior season. The episode wraps up with rapid-fire questions on Fredericktown history, Halloween candy rankings and where the Freddie-Burg trophy will call home next. This episode is brought to you by Graham Auto Mall.  It's also sponsored by the Knox Parent Support Initiative.  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:  Toombs subs at RB, scores 4 TDs to power Fredericktown past Danville Fredericktown holds off East Knox in tight KMAC duel Fredericktown survives surprising overtime challenge from Loudonville Support the show: https://richlandsource.com/membersSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hear from Mansfield City Council At-large candidates Phil Scott (D) and Shari Robertson (R). This event was recorded on Oct. 15, 2025.Visit our elections page for stories on all local races and issues. Make an informed vote on Nov. 4.   Support the show: https://richlandsource.com/membersSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.