Richland County Commissioners Reflect on 2025

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.Support the show: https://richlandsource.com/membersSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.Support the show: https://richlandsource.com/membersSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.Support the show: https://richlandsource.com/membersSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.Support the show: https://richlandsource.com/membersSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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: [email protected]  Subscribe to Maddie’s Blog Listen to more of Sarah Goff's Music Blue Thistle Transformational Leadership  The No Hard Feelings book Support the show: https://richlandsource.com/membersSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Lucas couple has opened Backroads Brew, a new coffee truck now making stops around Richland County.Support the show: https://richlandsource.com/membersSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.Support the show: https://richlandsource.com/membersSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.Support the show: https://richlandsource.com/membersSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.Support the show: https://richlandsource.com/membersSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.Support the show: https://richlandsource.com/membersSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.