Mansfield to receive $1 million to assist with homelessness:

https://www.richlandsource.com/news/city-of-mansfield-to-receive-1-million-to-assist-with-homeless-issues/article_aef87c90-1d3b-11ec-bb9c-e3eda068901f.html

Ankeytown: A view from a glass negative:

https://www.richlandsource.com/area_history/ankneytown-a-view-from-a-glass-negative/article_6ccc8622-ff0b-11e4-b583-13ffcbcd0c78.html

Ashland's Paramore wins OCC girls golf medalist honors:

https://www.ashlandsource.com/sports/ashlands-paramore-wins-occ-girls-golf-medalist-honors/article_1e00ed6f-9731-52bf-867e-298e0bde1090.html

Kristin Stewart:

https://www.richlandsource.com/obituaries/kristin-stewart/article_c568fc72-1d4d-11ec-96e2-9f57dae85baf.html

You're listening to Source Daily. Join us Monday through Friday to stay up to date with what's happening in North Central Ohio. We’ll be sharing a closer look at one of our top stories, along with other news, local history, memorials, answers to your questions, and more. 

Today - The City of Mansfield will receive $1 million in federal funds to help with homeless residents and those at risk of becoming homeless.

Before we begin, we’d like to take a moment to thank our Sponsors at First Federal Community Bank. Today, First Federal Community Bank wants you to meet Travis Smith, Assistant Vice President in Commercial Banking, as he continues to help Mansfield area business owners and investors expand their business or start a new one. Travis thrives on being a resource for the community to explore all of their business banking needs through a collaborative approach. Together you’ll talk about the resources available to meet your goals.  

 First Federal Community Bank looks forward to collaborating with more local business, owners and investors soon. Equal Housing Lender, Member FDIC.

Adrian Ackerman, the community development and housing director, said that the City of Mansfield will receive $1 million in federal funds to assist with homeless residents and those at risk of becoming homeless. The money was allocated to the city through the American Rescue Plan Act through the Home Investment Partnerships Program. It's in addition to the $21 million the city is receiving in other ARPA funding.

In fact, the ARPA provides $5 billion across the country to help people or households who are homeless, at risk of homelessness, and other vulnerable populations. How? By providing housing, rental assistance, supportive services, and other types of shelter. The goal is to create housing stability country-wide. Ackerman explained that they didn't even have to apply since they’re already a HOME-funded entity. That meant they were automatically eligible. And last week he received 160 pages of rules and requirements on how the money can be used.

The timing of the funds looks appropriate. On Thursday, Richland County Commissioner Tony Vero said there’s an apparent visible rise in homeless residents in downtown Mansfield. It  prompted him to see how Richland County could help. Vero and others pointed out how the gazebo in Central Park downtown has recently become an overnight gathering point for homeless or transient residents. There are also issues with activities in an alley near Central Park.

Vero said commissioners have been contacted by multiple business owners and residents asking what they can do. He noted that these contacts have been made "out of concern, not complaint." To start, Vero is contacting Joe Trolian, the executive director of Richland County Mental Health & Recovery Services, and Sharlene Neumann, the executive director of Richland County Job & Family Services. There are so many reasons involved in the homelessness issue, including mental health - and it's unclear what form county government assistance it might take to address these issues. Ackerman agrees, saying they want to make sure they’re able to do the most efficient and effective programming they can. Naturally, it’s going to take some time to determine what the needs are, and what’s reasonable to implement. But at least the funds are there to address it.

Next, some local history. If you drive south of Bellville on the Ankneytown Road, right after you leave Richland County and right before you hit Ohio 95 you’ll pass through the little hamlet of Ankneytown. In the old country a ‘hamlet’ became a ‘village’ when it had a church, and there is definitely a church in Ankneytown... though its hopes for becoming a village stopped at about a dozen houses. It did get the railroad, though, in the 1800s, and if the Richland B&O Trail were to be extended past Butler the next stop for cyclists would be downtown Ankneytown. Head over to richlandsource.com to check out a glass negative of the hamlet in 1890.

Next, From Ashland Source - Ashland high school golfer, Klaira Paramore, earned medalist honors with a 74 during Saturday's Ohio Cardinal Conference championship match at Brookside Golf Course. Paramore's score tied Lexington's Hannah Smith. However, Paramore won medalist honors in a scorecard playoff. Lexington captured the OCC team title by carding a 347. That was just enough to edge second-place Ashland at 349. Wooster was third at 355 and Mansfield Senior was fourth at 576. The first-team All-OCC honorees include: Paramore, Smith, Lexington's Alaina Kathrein, Ashland's Emma Packard, and Wooster's Mackenzi Ahrens. For more on the tournament, head over to ashlandsource.com

Finally, we’d like to take a moment to remember 39 year old Kristin Stewart of Mansfield who passed away following a sudden illness. She was born in Elyria and graduated from Madison High School in 2001. Kristin married Rick Stewart in 2013 and worked as an STNA at Oak Grove for many years, but left to stay home and raise her girls. She was hard working and had it all together. Keeping the house tidy, baking chocolate chip cookies and running the girls to games and practice, she was the ultimate soccer mom. Described as “the rock” of her family, her family was also her world. She is survived by her husband Rick, their daughters Keeli and Kacie, her parents, five sisters, her in-laws and many nieces, nephews and numerous friends.

Thanks for listening, join us again tomorrow! Also, make sure to head over to richlandsource.com and click be a member button to help support independent local journalism that informs and inspires. Every contribution goes to helping us make Richland County a better place and to help keep our journalism free. 

Support the show: https://www.sourcemembers.com/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Madison supt. watching school stats before deciding on masks:

https://www.richlandsource.com/education/madison-supt-watching-school-stats-before-deciding-on-masks/article_e12a939e-1bfe-11ec-a680-4bb3aa7baec6.html?block_id=1098581

Newark woman set 7 records in 1964 worldwide flight:

https://www.richlandsource.com/area_history/newark-woman-set-7-records-in-1964-worldwide-flight/article_a88e21e0-d4b6-5a83-8d4e-844a892299fa.html

Family-friendly fall activities are among many autumn events in Richland County:

https://www.richlandsource.com/thrive/family-friendly-fall-activities-are-among-many-autumn-events-in-richland-county/article_4b9afca4-19cb-11ec-81b4-57e0dcc88458.html?block_id=1098581

Knox Pages:

https://www.knoxpages.com/news/knox-public-health-reactivates-covid-19-call-line/article_8a691946-1ca2-11ec-aa7d-cb7e2f77efd6.html

Elder Ronald Darvin Edwards:

https://www.richlandsource.com/obituaries/elder-ronald-darvin-edwards/article_cbcebf68-1c65-11ec-a58b-33cd385d5641.html

You're listening to Source Daily. Join us Monday through Friday to stay up to date with what's happening in North Central Ohio. We’ll be sharing a closer look at one of our top stories, along with other news, local history, memorials, answers to your questions, and more. Today - Madison superintendent Rob Peterson will study the district's absentees and COVID cases while he weighs a decision on masking.

Over the next two weeks, Peterson will monitor the number of positive cases for the COVID-19 virus in students and staff within the Madison Local School District. He’ll also keep track of the absenteeism rate. If at any time in the next two weeks, positive cases show a "significant" increase and the absenteeism rates climb into the 25% range or higher, they’ll institute a temporary mask requirement in the Madison district. And Peterson will be able to implement this mask requirement without board approval. Then, if a temporary mask requirement is deemed necessary, the requirement would be reviewed at the next regular Board of Education meeting. 

This recommendation from Peterson was approved by the Madison Board of Education at Wednesday night's meeting. Only board member Melissa Walker voted against. But Peterson says the recommendation of the mask requirement is about one thing, and one thing only: keeping our children in an optimal learning environment, and keeping our teachers in an optimal teaching environment. That means face to face, in person learning.

Still, Madison South Elementary moved to remote learning from Sept. 15 to 21, while Madison Comprehensive High School and Middle School went remote from Sept. 9 through 17. Statewide, the spread of COVID-19 in school-aged children and whether to require masking in schools has been hotly contested. From Aug. 15 to Sept. 14, Ohio reported 29,823 school-aged kids ages 5 to 17 tested positive for COVID-19. And according to Gov. Mike DeWine nearly 58% of students are required to wear masks in public schools. 

Dr. Joseph Gastaldo, the medical director of infectious diseases at OhioHealth, also weighed in. He said keeping kids in school should remain a public health priority. However, to do that, schools must use every mitigation strategy available, including masking. A rough count estimated more than 60 people were in attendance at Wednesday's meeting. The majority of the crowd was unmasked, and only two of the five board members wore masks.

The board heard from 10 Madison residents during public comment. The next regular meeting of the Madison Board of Education is Wednesday, Oct. 27 at 4:30 p.m. in the Madison Middle School Auditoria.

Next, some local history. When you think of famous pilots from Ohio, what names come to mind? The Wright Brothers? Maybe Eddie Rickenbacker? Or Amelia Earhart? How about Columbus area pilot: Geraldine Mock?

In 1964, Jerrie Mock climbed into her plane, The Spirit of Columbus, started the engine and began a journey all the way around the world, making her the first female pilot to successfully circumnavigate the globe. Upon her return to Columbus, 5,000 people greeted her with applause. She had completed her trip and set seven records in the process.

Post-flight, Jerrie appeared on several television programs, was awarded a medal by President Lyndon B. Johnson and became the first woman honored with the Louis Bleriot silver medal by the Federation Aeronautique Internationale.

She also wrote a memoir, Three Eight Charlie. The Spirit of Columbus now resides at the Smithsonian, and a statue of Mock can be admired at Port Columbus. Mock died in 2014 at 88 years old, shortly after the 50th anniversary of her flight, leaving behind a legacy of spirit and determination.

Now, we’d like to take a moment to highlight a few upcoming events. First, Travel back in time at Malabar Farm for their Ohio Heritage Days. The event features educational displays, an 18th-century living history camp, crafts, primitives, Civil War demonstrations, antiques, wagon rides and antique tractors. It’s free and takes place this weekend. They’ll even have a barn dance from 7 to 10 p.m. on Saturday and archeological displays on Sunday. See you there! Also - The Haunted Carousel is coming up next week. This event will take place at Richland Carrousel Park from 4 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 1 - it’s a part of First Friday Fright festivities. During this time the carrousel will run backwards. Guests are encouraged to wear a costume to get a free ride. There will also be a costume contest with prizes!

Next, From KnoxPages. Knox Public Health is reactivating their COVID-19 call line in partnership with Knox Community Hospital. Due to a big spike in reported Covid cases, they’re aiming to help answer our community’s questions as quickly as possible. Ohio is lagging the national average in vaccination rates. In fact, only 9 states have done worse at vaccinating their populations. Just 53.8% of the population has received at least one dose… making our fellow neighbors more likely to face hospitalization and die from Coronavirus than in many other places around the nation.

Some of the common questions that can be answered on the call line:

--What to do if you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19

--COVID-19 vaccine and testing information

And What to do next after testing positive for COVID-19? If there is a question that is more specific or needs to be directed to either KPH or KCH, the call line will do so to ensure the caller has their question answered. The phone number to call is 740-399-8014.

Finally, we’d like to take a moment to remember Elder Ronald Darvin Edwards.

He was born September 28, 1938 in Dickenson County, Virginia and after graduating high school, he proudly served his country by joining the US Army. A beautiful young lady named Nancy Belcher caught his eye and the pair married in December of 1958. Ronald worked at GM in the WEMR Department until he retired in 1993. He was a member at Marlboro Primitive Baptist Church.

Ronald enjoyed hunting, and was especially great at turkey calls. He enjoyed garage sales and finding a good deal. Above all else he enjoyed his time spent as a minister and his church services will be remembered by many. He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, children, grandchildren, sisters and brother, and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family. Thank you for taking a moment to remember and celebrate Ronald’s life.

Thanks for listening, join us again tomorrow! Also, make sure to head over to richlandsource.com and click be a member button to help support independent local journalism that informs and inspires. Every contribution goes to helping us make Richland County a better place and to help keep our journalism free. 

Support the show: https://www.sourcemembers.com/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mansfield mayor outlines $10.5 million American Rescue Plan Act spending to City Council:

https://www.richlandsource.com/news/mansfield-mayor-outlines-10-5-million-american-rescue-plan-act-spending-to-city-council/article_134fc314-1bad-11ec-99f9-1fc77b5b90db.html?block_id=1098581

Ashland Source: 

https://www.ashlandsource.com/news/process-started-for-ashlands-hydropillar-project-work-could-be-delayed-until-2022/article_0d33d842-1bc8-11ec-a1a1-7bb63572aac5.html

History:

https://www.richlandsource.com/area_history/then-now-mulberry-street-viaduct-1910/article_87f76e68-c2b5-11e4-a4d6-73c0116c0c6c.html

Robert Hissem Cowen:

https://www.richlandsource.com/obituaries/robert-hissem-cowen/article_24836a60-1b02-11ec-80eb-ab0f342034b8.html

Today, there were no voiced objections Tuesday evening when Mansfield Mayor Tim Theaker outlined his plans to spend $10.5 million in American Rescue Plan Act federal funds. A vote on the proposed spending of the ARPA funds, which includes setting aside $5 million for revenue lost to the COVID-19 pandemic, is scheduled at council's next meeting. The Mayor explained that this plan really falls in line almost to a 'T' what the Greater Ohio Policy Center called for - a heavy focus on infrastructure in low-income census tract areas.

Under the latest COVID-19 relief plan approved by Congress earlier this year, the city will receive about $21 million, getting half of the allocations this year and half next year. The money must be used by the end of 2024 and spent by the end of 2026. Finance committee chair Jon Van Harlingen, who represents the 3rd Ward, went over the nine-item spending list with the City Council on Tuesday. Roughly $5 million will be general fund revenue replacement -- Theaker said that money will be "parked" for the future. Some of it will be used to balance the city's budget in 2022.The City Council would also have to approve any usages from that general fund in the future.

Around $2 million will go towards the emergency storm sewer project -- These funds will cover the replacement of a 19th-century storm sewer that collapsed this summer. City engineer Bob Bianchi has said Phase 1 is underway and will cost about $950,000.  $900,000 will go towards water line design -- Bianchi explained it would pay for engineering and design work to replace about 25 miles of aging city water lines in various locations.

$850,000 would go towards scan documents -- Theaker said the city pays to store more than 8,000 boxes of documents that must be kept to meet state public records law. These funds would allow for those documents to be scanned and maintained in electronic form.

Over $600,000 would be spent on police radio replacement -- Why? Police Chief Keith Porch noted that he recently learned the department's 10-year-old radio system must be upgraded on the Multi-Agency Radio Communications System. The upgrade includes 96 hand-held radios, 45 mobile in-car radios and the communications center. He said he was told the upgrade must be done by July 2025. But doing it now will allow the department to get cheaper pricing through the State Fire Marshal's Office.

Then there are the fire station COVID updates which will cost over $300,000 -- Fire Chief Steve Strickling said these funds will be used to renovate the sleeping quarters at Station 1. The updates should lessen the possibility of virus spread among the firefighters. About a half million would go towards business development - benefiting businesses impacted by the pandemic, likely in the form of grants. And finally $60,000 would go towards Catholic Charities to provide rental assistance for residents in low-income census tract areas.

After all of those allocations the city would have $106,889.78 remaining in its first-year. But again, that’s only if the city council approves this plan. The vote will take place in early October - we’ll keep you up to date.

Now, some local history… Did you know that when Mansfield was first laid out in 1808, the southwest corner of town ended at the top of a hill? Mulberry Street stopped there because of the deep gully where Ritter’s Run flowed. It wasn’t until 1909 that traffic could finally travel south on Mulberry, when a steel and asphalt bridge-like viaduct was built above the steep hillside.

By 1966 the city recognized that the Mulberry Street viaduct was in shaky condition, alarmingly rusted and too narrow for modern cars. It took years of arguing before any action could be taken but a heavy rain in June of 1968 made the decision for the city and a new earth-bank viaduct was opened for traffic in 1969.

Now, we’d like to take a moment to highlight a couple of upcoming concerts that you should know about...

On Friday, September 24 from 5:30pm until 10:30pm, Downtown Mansfield and The Brickyard are hosting their last Friday Concert of the season! Performances will be by Matt Zahel, Terry Douglas, and Simba Jordan! 

Then, on Saturday, The Vault Wine bar in Shelby will have the legendary Ribticklers playing from 6 to 9pm on the patio. While none of the band members are originals, the group has been playing for more than 50 years.

Head over to richlandsource.com to read more about these events and discover more fun things to do.

Next, From The Ashland Source - Ashland city officials are seeking bids to restore a hydropillar but are not hopeful work will be completed until next year due to a shortage of materials. The City Council unanimously approved an ordinance that allows officials to start the bidding process on the hydropillar that towers over the Ashland County Fairgrounds.

The city had previously hired a firm to study the condition of the structure and it had found a number of repairs were needed. Mayor Matt Miller said: “We believe it’s important to get in line no matter when the work is going to start.” A portion of the $800,000 project will be covered by a $250,000 grant from Ashland County. Commissioners earmarked the money as part of its $10 million American Rescue Plan allocation.

Finally, we’d like to take a moment to remember the life of Robert Hissem Cowen of Loudonville. Bob attended Loudonville High School and was an All- Ohio Football player. He was inducted into the Ashland County and the LHS Sports Hall of Fame with the undefeated 1951 football team. In 1952, Bob served his country in the United States Air Force during the Korean War where he was a truck driving instructor. He was honorably discharged in 1956. On November 18, 1955, Bob married the love of his life, Lavone. They were married for 65 years.

In 1972 Bob and Lavone founded Cowen Truck Line in Perrysville, which has been a family-owned and operated truckload carrier for nearly 50 years. Bob was an active community member… Whether it was the Ohio Truck Association, Loudonville Rotary, the Kettering Hospital Board, the American Legion, L-P Athletic Boosters, the Loudonville Chamber of Commerce, or the New Hope Community Church, Bob was involved.

Bob loved racing, in particular, late Model Dirt Track racing. He is a past champion at the Mansfield Speedway and Wayne County, Orrville Speedway. Bob was also a car owner in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series and the NASCAR Xfinity Series. He had a huge impact on many local racers and considered the racing community his family. Bob is survived by his wife, his children, his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, his brother, and extended family.

Thank you for taking a moment with us today to remember and celebrate Bob’s life.

Support the show: https://www.sourcemembers.com/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mansfield officer reinstated after fatal shooting of Sean Rowe:

https://www.richlandsource.com/news/mansfield-officer-reinstated-after-fatal-shooting-of-sean-rowe/article_06215404-1b1d-11ec-812e-e357ed87dffd.html?block_id=1098581

History:

https://www.richlandsource.com/area_history/mansfield-was-once-a-menagerie-of-manufacturing/article_8c1be518-c2ac-11e4-97f6-1bb4242a543c.html

Communications Tower:

https://www.richlandsource.com/news/costs-rising-for-new-richland-county-communications-tower-in-lucas/article_00d572ee-1aed-11ec-bc51-fbdae3431bd4.html?block_id=1098581

KnoxPages Story:

https://www.knoxpages.com/education/mask-objections-in-knox-county-continue-at-mount-vernon-school-board-meeting/article_053f971c-1a78-11ec-a5d1-27abc132224a.html

You're listening to Source Daily. Join us Monday through Friday to stay up to date with what's happening in North Central Ohio. We’ll be sharing a closer look at one of our top stories, along with other news, local history, memorials, answers to your questions, and more. 

Today - A Mansfield police officer returned to work on Tuesday. He had been placed on administrative leave following his involvement with a fatal shooting in Mifflin Township.  

Mansfield Police Chief Keith Porch said that Officer Paul Webb Jr. was reinstated after the Mansfield Division of Police completed an initial review of the August 4th shooting of Sean Rowe. If you haven’t already listened to our previous episodes about the shooting, or read about it on our website - the Richland County Sheriff's Office, Mansfield Police and SWAT were all involved in a standoff with Rowe. And the standoff ended with a series of gunshots.

The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation is now handling the primary investigation into the shooting. A spokesman said the investigation is still ongoing. Rod Roose, an Ontario Police officer, had also fired his weapon. But Ontario police Chief Tom Hill was not immediately available to comment on Roose's status.

Both of the officers are part of the Allied Special Operations Response Team, or ASORT, a local SWAT team. Following protocol, they were placed on administrative leave. Neither of them had received injuries. An autopsy conducted by Lee D. Lehman, the chief deputy coroner of Montgomery County, showed Rowe's body was hit by at least six bullets. Lehman said in the report that Rowe died of multiple gunshot wounds and ruled his death a homicide.

The rounds hit him in the chest, his right arm, his left forearm, his abdomen and two bullets hit him in the right thigh. Rowe also received blunt force trauma on his chest and right thigh. The autopsy also found traces of marijuana in his system and a blood alcohol content of 0.254%. That’s more than three times Ohio's legal driving limit of 0.08%. Rowe, who was a 38-year-old Army veteran, drew national attention around six years ago when he founded a group aimed at fighting ISIS. He served in the Army for eight years before being honorably discharged with a diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder.

Rowe's family has argued that police exacerbated his PTSD on the day of the stand-off - especially when an armored vehicle rammed into the home’s garage. Make sure to visit our website for updates on this story. We’re at richlandsource.com

Before we continue, we’d like to thank our sponsors at Richland Public Health… When we stopped wearing masks to prevent covid 19… that was a big change. What hasn’t changed is that the virus is still with us and coronavirus variants are easily spread among unvaccinated people. Richland Public Health urges you to find a no cost local covid 19 vaccination provider at richlandhealth.org

Now, some local history… You know that Mansfield was at one time one of the top manufacturing hubs in the nation. What you might not know is some of the funny stories behind the products they made.

The Aultman and Taylor Company on North Main Street manufactured threshing machines for harvesting crops. They were reputedly so efficient that they wouldn’t leave behind even a single grain for chickens to feed on… and so the logo for the company became… a sad, starving rooster. The logo made it into ads, letters, engravings, and even was turned into a watch fob for the company’s best employees. You can see pictures of the rooster and read more about The Aultman & Taylor Company at richlandsource.com

Next - Rapidly rising costs of construction material, including steel, have driven up the price to build and equip a new communications tower in Lucas. Originally estimated at a cost of around $550,000, the cost of a new 330-foot Multi-Agency Radio Communications System tower are now be estimated to be around $671,500.

Commissioners, meeting with sheriff's Capt. Jim Sweat and MARCS representatives Dick Miller and Amanda Spencer, approved seeking bids for the project, which will improve public safety communications in southern Richland County. A state capital improvement grant is covering $400,000 of the project with the county covering the remainder. Plans include a sublease with Verizon Wireless for cell phone and broadband services.

Next, From Knox Pages… The bulk of Mount Vernon City Schools’ school board meeting at Twin Oak Elementary Monday night comprised discussion of a topic that has similarly been the focus of Knox County districts’ board meetings throughout the month — masks. Following the conclusion of public participation, a few of the meeting attendees were asked to leave by police officers after the attendees interrupted the board discussion portion of the evening. 

Disruptions have also occurred at other districts’ meetings this month, including Fredericktown when its school board president said several times attendees would be escorted out by police if disruptions continued.

Those who spoke in favor of requiring masks in school at Mount Vernon’s meeting urged board members to keep the mask mandate in place to curb COVID-19 spread. Those who spoke against urged a return to the mask-optional policy that was in place at the start of the school year to allow for parental choice.

Head over to Knoxpages.com to read more about this and other school board meetings.

Finally, we’d like to take a moment to remember Gary Diamond of Mansfield who passed away earlier this month due to complications from Covid-19.

Gary was born in Baltimore, Maryland. He graduated from Madison High School in 1960. He then went on to work in retail management his entire life, working at Woolworth, Target and retiring from Big Lots. After his retirement, he worked at Harbor Freight.

Gary had the biggest heart, was always joking, and loved his family immensely. His easy going demeanor and rational mind made him a great resource for advice. He played golf in his earlier years and enjoyed playing cards and dominoes. He was an avid fan of The Ohio State Buckeyes. Gary was an active member of Little Washington Congregational Church and helped out at the annual rummage sale. One of his favorite church activities was participating in the annual car show, displaying his 1996 Corvette.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Roberta, two children, four grandchildren, and a great-granddaughter. He was preceded in death by his parents and his golden retriever, Feather. Thank you for taking a moment with us to remember and celebrate Gary’s life.

Thanks for listening, join us again tomorrow!

Support the show: https://www.sourcemembers.com/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today - “Imagination Park on 3rd Street" finally opened on Monday. The temporary park was designed by a local architect and aims to give residents an idea of what it would look like if the city was a little more green and a little more walkable.

'Imagination Park' opening has residents dancing in the streets:

https://www.richlandsource.com/life_and_culture/imagination-park-opening-has-residents-dancing-in-the-streets/article_e6680e32-1a2c-11ec-9a46-bb1e69de9355.html?block_id=1098581

Open Source: What's the story with the collapsed roof on the old Mansfield prison building?

https://www.richlandsource.com/open_source/open-source-whats-the-story-with-the-collapsed-roof-on-the-old-mansfield-prison-building/article_2474291a-1585-11ec-808d-d7734971d09f.html

Mount Vernon man arrested after search warrant executed in connection with drug trafficking:

https://www.knoxpages.com/news/mount-vernon-man-arrested-after-search-warrant-executed-in-connection-with-drug-trafficking/article_c32f5354-17c9-11ec-aed8-436ed70a198c.html

Ashley Finnerty Stafford:

https://www.richlandsource.com/obituaries/ashley-finnerty-stafford/article_9833db9e-1a25-11ec-bf83-ef7f059d81e7.html

Support the show: https://www.sourcemembers.com/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Heartbeat of 'Great Mohican Pow-Wow' returns with hoop dancing, traditional acts:

https://www.richlandsource.com/life_and_culture/heartbeat-of-great-mohican-pow-wow-returns-with-hoop-dancing-traditional-acts/article_ca4a2141-7321-594e-8737-9e20b550453c.html

Then & Now: Ohio Seamless Tube in Shelby 1908:

https://www.richlandsource.com/area_history/then-now-ohio-seamless-tube-in-shelby-1908/article_054abce2-908e-11e6-8ee6-a784fa75c85d.html

How a pink liquid could save Ashland money on maintaining streets:

https://www.knoxpages.com/solutions/how-a-pink-liquid-could-save-ashland-money-on-maintaining-streets/article_a88a8740-5da6-5a0c-ba47-0c2e80e946e4.html

Charles R. Iams

https://www.richlandsource.com/obituaries/charles-r-iams-sr/article_d00ff56a-17ba-11ec-8318-8738fe525842.html

You're listening to Source Daily. Join us Monday through Friday to stay up to date with what's happening in North Central Ohio. We’ll be sharing a closer look at one of our top stories, along with other news, local history, memorials, answers to your questions, and more. Today - the heartbeat of the Great Mohican Pow-Wow roared to life again on Friday after a year of silence. The 36th annual, three-day event featured traditional music of the Andes Mountains by Malkuri.

Before we begin, we’d like to take a moment to thank our Sponsors at First Federal Community Bank. Today, First Federal Community Bank wants you to meet Travis Smith, Assistant Vice President in Commercial Banking, as he continues to help Mansfield area business owners and investors expand their business or start a new one.  

Travis thrives on being a resource for the community to explore all of their business banking needs through a collaborative approach. Together you’ll talk about the resources available to meet your goals. First Federal Community Bank looks forward to collaborating with more local business, owners and investors soon. Equal Housing Lender, Member FDIC.

The heartbeat of the Great Mohican Pow-Wow roared to life again on Friday after a year of silence. The 36th annual, three-day event held at the confluence of Ashland, Holmes and Knox counties kicked off with traditional music of the Andes Mountains by Malkuri.

Robbie Swift, the event’s organizer, planned activities for every half-hour — each led by Native American or First Nation people, who are indigenous to Canada. Activities included storytelling, tomahawk throwing, a flute act and fire starting demos.

Swift says he hasn't seen anyone in over a year, except family, so it was an emotional event. The Great Mohican Pow-Wow is traditionally held in July, but COVID-19 changed things. Moving forward, it will only be held in September. 

One of the acts this year included the Sinquah family, who traveled from Arizona to showcase spiritual hoop dancing. 56 year old Moontee Sinquah was one of them. In fact, Sinquah and his two sons are hoop dancing champions, with Sinquah earning three world championship titles.

Native American tribes employed hoop dances as a healing ceremony. Today, hoop dance is shared as an artistic expression to honor and celebrate indigenous traditions throughout the U.S. and Canada. Sinquah told us he grew up dancing. For him, it’s something about the drum, it draws you — it makes you want to dance.

Sinquah’s hoop dance on Friday stemmed from one created for a boy in New Mexico who was ill at the time. Each time the dancer’s body moved through the hoop represented one more day of life for the boy. Sinquah, donned in colorful fabrics, danced to the beat of a drum played by his two sons and another man who belongs to the Lakota tribe. After his dance, he invited people from the crowd to dance with him — and many did!

Friday’s performance was the first he had done with his two sons since the pandemic canceled all events. He performed at a festival in Long Island, New York and at another in California before coming to Ohio. Sinquah told us the pandemic wreaked havoc on him and others he knows. He’s lost a lot of relatives, and a lot of friends within the pow wow and dance arena.

The reservations where he and others live is also much more secluded because of pandemic-related shutdowns. But he also said the pandemic forced him and his family to slow down a bit. And he’s now a proud grandfather.

Next, some local history. The seamless steel tube industry originated in Shelby in 1891 as The Shelby Steel Tube Company. Their product was created principally for use in bicycles, though it was perfect for early airplanes as well. And the city was proud to say that Shelby Tube was used exclusively in the Spirit of St Louis when Lindburgh crossed the Atlantic in 1927. Today the plant is just as vital as it ever was, in the steel industry and in the Shelby econom. It’s called ArcelorMittal.

Next, From Ashland Source - Maintaining streets is a costly endeavor. But Ashland's city officials hope to at least postpone some of those steep costs with a pink liquid promised to “rejuvenate” asphalt pavement. City council voted in early September to spend around $69,000 on the product. That price would buy nearly 3,000 gallons of a liquid, known as Reclamite. This should help extend the life of 15 newly paved streets in Ashland by up to five years.

Shane Kremser, the city’s engineer, has eyed the liquid for around six years. But pulling the trigger never made sense until recently because the product works best on newly paved streets. But now that the streets have been repaved, maintaining those new streets — and simultaneously repaving other deteriorating streets — reflects a new challenge that officials hope Reclamite will solve. 

So what is Reclamite? Put simply, the product keeps water out of asphalt. The City of Wooster has been using Reclamite for a few years and really started noticing a difference. In Ashland, the hope is that Reclamite will eliminate the need for filling pot holes and filling cracks, which are symptoms of asphalt oxidation.

Mayor Matt Miller said the product will be applied to the following streets starting today. It takes about 30 minutes for the pink liquid to dry. And if Ashland sees a difference in the quality of its treated roads, then the city will consider applying it to more streets. 

Finally, we’d like to take a moment to remember Charles Iams of Mansfield. He was born in Upper Sandusky in 1937. Charles graduated from Mansfield Senior High School in 1955. After graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and reported to the USS Fred T. Berry DE858 for 4 years. He also served 2 years on the J.D. Blackwood DE219 and later on the USS Moinester. Upon returning back to Mansfield, he began working at the Mansfield U.S. Postal Office and then at Mansfield Tire and Rubber until it closed. After moving to Florida, he joined the naval reserve. He retired as a Chief Petty Officer in 1995 after serving 26 years. He was a member of the Venus Lodge #152 F&AM.

Charles is survived by his wife of 52 years, Deborah, his three children, five grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, sister-in-law, niece, and special friends, John and Robert. Thank you for taking a moment with us today to remember and celebrate his life. Also, make sure to head over to richlandsource.com and click be a member button to help support independent local journalism that informs and inspires. Every contribution goes to helping us make Richland County a better place and to help keep our journalism free. Also, if you like this podcast and want to hear more, make sure to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts!

Support the show: https://www.sourcemembers.com/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mansfield mayor unveils plan for $10.5 million in American Rescue Plan Act spending:

https://www.richlandsource.com/news/mansfield-mayor-unveils-plan-for-10-5-million-in-american-rescue-plan-act-spending/article_a621bfd2-16f1-11ec-8e98-e7bcfb54ec31.html?block_id=1098581

Newsroom After Hours moves metal show to the basement Sept. 17:

https://www.richlandsource.com/life_and_culture/newsroom-after-hours-moves-metal-show-to-the-basement-sept-17/article_75234e42-158d-11ec-8159-7768f5d8ce78.html

Oldtime Farming Festival set to return to Centerburg this weekend:

https://www.knoxpages.com/life_and_culture/oldtime-farming-festival-set-to-return-to-centerburg-this-weekend/article_bdd63142-167b-11ec-92da-4bf251bd99ee.html

Margaret J. “Meg” Bovinett:

https://www.knoxpages.com/obituaries/margaret-j-meg-bovinett/article_b2d63f08-1572-11ec-9524-3f351cfe0e4f.html

You're listening to Source Daily. Join us Monday through Friday to stay up to date with what's happening in North Central Ohio. We’ll be sharing a closer look at one of our top stories, along with other news, local history, memorials, answers to your questions, and more. 

Today - There may be future joint cooperation between the City of Mansfield and Richland County leaders on how to use their $44.4 million in American Rescue Plan Act dollars.

Mansfield Mayor Tim Theaker said he’ll present plans to City Council next week detailing how his administration wants to spend almost all of the $10.5 million the city received this year. He wants about $3 million to go to water and sewer infrastructure, largely to cover a collapsed 19th century storm sewer from West Third Street to Touby's Run. That work will cost about $750,000 this year in the first phase and another $1 million during a second phase in 2022. And under the latest COVID-19 relief plan approved by Congress earlier this year, the city will receive about $21 million and the county $23.4 million, getting half of the allocations this year and half next year.

Local governments have four years to make spending decisions. At this point they’re only operating on "interim, final rules" established by the U.S. Treasury Department on how the money can be spent.

Theaker's plan was announced during a meeting with county commissioners. The plan also includes spending on police radios, fire station upgrades, and grants for small businesses. City Council is also expected to vote Tuesday night on a $1.5 million engineering and design contract for a proposed dry dam in North Lake Park.

As we’ve talked about in a few recent episodes, some council members have expressed concerns about the contract, which would be paid for out of the city's sewer fund. And for the mayor's plan? The City Council will need to approve it in October. Earlier this year, several council members requested council and public involvement in the decision-making process.

At-large member Stephanie Zader was one of those making the request in April, saying she hoped there would be several council meetings and many public meetings to discuss how the money should be invested. She said the council should work with the city administration to facilitate such meetings.

Thursday's session with county commissioners was designed for a presentation on ARPA possibilities by Jodie Perry, president/CEO of Richland Area Chamber & Economic Development; Brady Groves, president/CEO of the Richland County Foundation; and Alison Goebel, executive director of the Greater Ohio Policy Council.

Goebel, Perry and Groves, along with Richland Source Publisher Jay Allred, had led an online public discussion in May to launch a discussion on the best ways to begin considering how to most effectively utilize the influx of what's been described as "generational" federal funds. Since that session, Goebel and her staff have examined existing 12 development plans from entities around the city and county.

Then, in late March, we published an editorial that urged government officials to "slow way down" when it came to American Rescue Plan funding. It asked for deep, thoughtful conversations about how these funds might be invested in the communities they serve. The editorial also urged government officials to think outside themselves and seek expert advice and counsel. We decided to offer some help.

The Richland County Foundation, the Richland Area Chamber & Economic Development, and Richland Source hosted a webinar on May 25th to chat about the best use of ARP funds. Going forward, commissioners and the mayor agreed to form a joint steering committee of 10 to 15 people, representing various sectors of the community, to consider ARPA uses.

Read more on this story at richlandpress.com

Next, some local history: Did you know that the building on Third and Walnut Streets was originally built in 1927? Built as a department store by Louis Freundlich on the eve of the Great Depression, the business struggled during hard times but survived until Mr. Freundlich suddenly died at the age of 38. Then it became the Montgomery Ward department store in 1937. When Wards moved out to Park Avenue West in 1963, this building on the corner of Third and Walnut turned into Reese Optical; and was subsequently remodeled to the office building we know today as the Walnut Building. You can see pictures of the Freundlich department store back when it opened at richlandsource.com

Now, we’d like to take a moment to highlight a few upcoming events...

Tonight, there’s a free metal show as part of Newsroom After Hours in the Idea Works basement… which is actually a massive garage. Idea Works is located at 40 W 4th St in Mansfield. Just head there and go around back to get in.

Doors open at 6:30 PM. BONESAW will play first starting around 7 followed by DIVEBOMB around 8. Food comes courtesy of Doc's Deli and beer courtesy of Phoenix Brewing Company. This season of Newsroom After Hours is proudly powered by Mechanics Bank. We wouldn't be able to hold free shows without them!

Next, From KnoxPages: Centerburg will celebrate its agricultural heritage this weekend, when the Oldtime Farming Festival returns following a one-year pandemic hiatus.

The 29th annual festival will begin Saturday morning and conclude Sunday night. It will include a parade, an antique tractor and machinery show, an old-fashioned pie auction, a horticulture show, live music and more. Most events will take place at Centerburg Memorial Park, located at the intersection of U.S. 36 and S.R. 314.

Stanley and Bruce Williams will serve as co-marshals of this year's festival. The parade's theme will be "Horses Started the Farming Tradition." Parking, admission and entertainment at the festival are all free.

Finally, we’d like to take a moment to remember Margaret Virginia Hanlon of Mansfield.

She was born in 1930, in Mansfield and was a faithful member of Mansfield First Church of the Brethren where she played piano and sang in the choir. She was an exceptional cook and her pies were amazing. Margaret enjoyed watching Wheel of Fortune nightly, completing word searches, reading and playing cards with her card group.

Margaret is survived by a son, a daughter, three grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, brother, a sister, and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, sister, and daughter-in-law.

The family wishes to express special thanks to the staffs at Crestwood Care Center and Hospice of North Central Ohio for the wonderful care and compassion given to her. Thank you for taking a moment to remember and celebrate Margaret’s life.

Thanks for listening, join us again tomorrow! Also, make sure to head over to richlandsource.com and click be a member button to help support independent local journalism that informs and inspires. 

Every contribution goes to helping us make Richland County a better place and to help keep our journalism free. 

Support the show: https://www.sourcemembers.com/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More than half of Knox County's school districts switch to mask mandates:

https://www.knoxpages.com/education/more-than-half-of-knox-countys-school-districts-switch-to-mask-mandates/article_9622c1f0-0ec5-11ec-a9c0-030aa82c4ad7.html

Roseland School 1933:

https://www.richlandsource.com/area_history/roseland-school-1933/article_7728ca0a-bfa3-11e5-b09a-530d9b542dce.html

Mansfield Art Festival:

https://www.richlandsource.com/life_and_culture/arts-festival-returns-to-downtown-mansfield-sept-18/article_8ed671da-10cd-11ec-a602-17ca0590124c.html

Ashland County Fair:

https://www.ashlandsource.com/life/ashland-county-fair-returns-sept-19-with-a-full-lineup/article_aad211fa-0cc2-11ec-8d68-c74e6c4ce4b5.html

Roger E. Sqrow:

https://www.richlandsource.com/obituaries/roger-e-sqrow/article_87449042-161c-11ec-bdf8-5740e1d287a2.html

You're listening to Source Daily. Join us Monday through Friday to stay up to date with what's happening in North Central Ohio. We’ll be sharing a closer look at one of our top stories, along with other news, local history, memorials, answers to your questions, and more. 

Today - Nearly two weeks after implementing a mask mandate for students and staff, Superintendent Lisa Carmichael reported that things are going well at Ontario Local Schools.

Earlier this week Carmichael told the school board that they’ve seen a huge decrease in the number of cases and their attendance has greatly improved. Ontario began classes on Aug. 18. During the first three weeks of school, 72 students tested positive for COVID-19. The district began requiring masks again on Sept. 1 -- midway through the third week of school. Eighteen students tested positive the following week. And two more students have tested positive this week. Rates of absence have gone down by almost two-thirds. Carmichael recommended the board leave the mask requirement in place, at least for now. She said it’s her biggest hope that she can come forward sometime in the near future and recommend that the masks go away, but at this time, she’s just not comfortable doing that. The main goal is to keep schools open. And for the most part masking seems to be going well. Carmichael said about 97 percent of students are complying with the masking requirements. However, they do have a couple students that submitted a religious exemption and a couple that do not want to wear them. Alejandro Carrizal Ramos, a senior at Ontario High School, addressed the board in favor of the mask requirement. He told board members he is vaccinated and doesn’t mind wearing a mask all day at school. He explained that there are about 15 kids that are hospitalized with COVID-19 per day in Ohio - and at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, there are about 26 kids that are hospitalized, nine in the ICU and five on ventilators. And Carrizal Ramos also asked the board to consider requiring the COVID-19 vaccine for eligible staff and students now that the Pfizer vaccine is FDA-approved. The student said he addressed the board because he is concerned about the health of his peers and teachers, especially after seeing a family member hospitalized due to COVID-19. And Matt Mackey, a parent in the district, also addressed the board. He thanked them for not enforcing the mask requirement for his children. He said they use the philosophy of faith over fear. Mackey shared his personal opinion that masks are not effective. He noted that they aren't effective at filtering out smells. Mackey also shared numbers from the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System, on the number of adverse reactions, hospitalizations and deaths reported after a person received the COVID-19 vaccine.

Before we continue… I’d like to take a moment to highlight The Source Member Program. Memberships support daily reporting and research-driven solutions stories. Real world impact happens regularly in the form of community discussions and events. 

We believe you deserve to be confident in your community’s news. So Visit SourceMembers.com to join.

Now, some local history… Did you know that the old one-room Roseland School stood at the intersection of Springmill Street and Trimble Road? It was there until the mid-1930s when the district was consolidated with the Mansfield City Schools. Students moved to a city school for about a decade until the new Roseland School opened farther south on Trimble Road at Wyandotte.

At the time when students abandoned the building, it was taken over by the Roseland Grange, who leased the place for $1 a year. The building stood as long as it was in use, but when the Grange moved out in 1966 it wasn’t long until the corner of Trimble and 39 became an empty lot again.

Now, we’d like to take a moment to highlight upcoming events that you should know about. On Saturday, Sept. 18th, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., an array of artists celebrating all forms of art will gather in Central Park in downtown Mansfield... and throughout the city to entertain and dazzle the public. There will be art, music, food, and more. 

Then, on Sunday, The All Souls Unitarian Universalist Church is hosting a lecture by local writer, Mark Jordan, who will be giving a talk called “From Nobility to Nightmare: the Redemption of the Ohio State Reformatory” at 10:30am.

Next, From The Ashland Source…

The Ashland County Fair will return on Sunday, the 19th and will go until September 25th. The activities begin with a tractor pull at 6:30pm and will be punctuated with a concert by Sara Evans at 6pm on Wednesday and end with a demolition derby on Saturday. Ashland County Fair Board Secretary Cathy Rice said everyone is excited for the return of a full fair, which typically brings more than 90,000 people together throughout the week. "We're happy to have a full fair again. From the vendors to the exhibitors and fair board. We look forward to having everyone come out and enjoy the sights and sounds of the fair.” Grab your tickets and plan to spend some time enjoying everything they have to offer. Check out the full schedule at ashlandcountyfair.com.

Finally, we’d like to take a moment to remember the life of Roger E. Sqrow of Mansfield who passed away at his home on Saturday. Born in Mansfield in 1949, Roger worked for many years at Mansfield Tire, twenty years at The Crane Center, and he retired in 2017 from All American Transportation. He was always tinkering on cars when he wasn't working or watching sports. He loved sports; softball, golf and bowling. Roger was ornery and had a great sense of humor and you never knew what he was up to.

Roger leaves to cherish many fond memories made together with his wife, Patty, his daughter and sons, his grandchildren, a great-grandson, his siblings, his sisters-in-law, and many nieces, nephews, friends, and neighbors. Thank you for taking a moment with us today to remember and celebrate Roger’s life.

Thanks for listening, join us again tomorrow!

Support the show: https://www.sourcemembers.com/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

COVID-19: Rep. John labels federal vaccine mandate 'government overreach':

https://www.richlandsource.com/news/covid-19-rep-john-labels-federal-vaccine-mandate-government-overreach/article_a95d2fe6-158a-11ec-8275-9f88b1d93352.html?block_id=1098581

Ray Holifield was Akron’s Radio Sleuth:

https://www.richlandsource.com/area_history/ray-holifield-was-akrons-radio-sleuth/article_43e06db8-8601-11eb-86cf-0b4346ff3059.html

Mansfield Board of Control OKs $100K loan to aid Cypress Hill Winery caverns project:

https://www.richlandsource.com/news/mansfield-board-of-control-oks-100k-loan-to-aid-cypress-hill-winery-caverns-project/article_9457abfc-1563-11ec-b575-6b3f9fcd7128.html?block_id=1098581

Hospice of North Central Ohio announces staff additions:

https://www.knoxpages.com/news/hospice-of-north-central-ohio-announces-staff-additions/article_656133db-dd92-5b56-9619-6ef1a8fcc988.html

Brenda Leedy:

https://www.richlandsource.com/obituaries/brenda-e-leedy/article_7b9ca57e-1557-11ec-9114-4f14b0879850.html

You're listening to Source Daily. Join us Monday through Friday to stay up to date with what's happening in North Central Ohio. We’ll be sharing a closer look at one of our top stories, along with other news, local history, memorials, answers to your questions, and more. 

Today - State Representative Marilyn John has labeled a planned presidential executive order that would mandate millions of Americans receive a COVID-19 vaccine a "government overreach".

Representative John and 60 other members of the Ohio House have signed onto a letter to state Attorney General Dave Yost. They’re urging him to immediately pursue every legal recourse available ... to do everything in his power to prevent the implementation and enforcement of this order within the borders of Ohio. The letter came one day after President Joe Biden announced he would issue orders requiring most federal employees to get vaccinations. Bidens also announced they’ll be pushing large employers to have their workers inoculated or tested weekly.

The orders would impact about two-thirds of all U.S. employees. And it would be enforced through the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. In Biden’s words, "we've been patient, but our patience is wearing thin, and your refusal has cost all of us." John is a Republican whose 2nd District covers all of Richland County. She said it's impossible to know what Yost or state lawmakers can do since the actual order has not been issued yet. Still, she thinks this mandate is government overreach. Something she feels we’ve seen a lot of in the last 18 months. The lawmaker said the government's role should be to provide the "full picture and the full truth."

She says that includes how many people have been injured or died because of the vaccine. John also explained that she thinks people should make their own decisions based on discussions with their own doctors. Some entities, like many health care facilities and universities, have already issued mandates for employees and students to get the vaccine. 

But John said she’s spoken to officials at The Ohio State University, for example, and found they offer exemptions for students. She also said they told her that they’ve turned down very few requests for exemptions. Finally, John said she is also concerned testing for natural immunity is not being done frequently enough. According to published reports, a new study from Israel found natural immunity may offer longer-lasting and stronger protection against COVID-19 caused by the Delta variant than that provided by vaccine.

Before we continue, we’d like to thank our sponsors at Richland Public Health… When we stopped wearing masks to prevent covid 19… that was a big change. What hasn’t changed is that the virus is still with us and coronavirus variants are easily spread among unvaccinated people. Richland Public Health urges you to find a no cost local covid 19 vaccination provider at richland health dot org. 

Now, some local history… During the 1930s, radio was king, uniting the nation with exciting stories, characters, news broadcasts, and music. However, an exciting evening by the radio could easily be interrupted by interference, static, and poor reception.

And during the 1930s, when this happened, radio-owning Ohioans contacted their service provider and someone was sent to investigate. In Akron, Ohio, that investigator was a man named Ray Hollifield. Hollifield worked for the Ohio Edison Company during the 1930s and he was considered one of the masters of his craft. Hollifield could listen to a faulty radio signal and know exactly what was causing the problem. 

Hollifield would drive around the block in this truck, using his noise meter to pinpoint the exact location of the problem. After finding the pole that was creating static, he would begin by hitting it with his 12-pound hammer. Hollifield could test his success using the radio in his car. If the static continued, he would climb the pole and make the necessary fixes. Documents from Hollifield's career can now be found at the Ohio History Connection Archives & Library.

Next - The Mansfield Board of Control has approved $100,000 from the city's revolving loan fund to assist Cypress Hill Winery with its underground caverns project. The funds will assist with an overall $350,000 project that will help the business construct an emergency exit onto Temple Court, along with other modifications needed to convert the space into a dining and special events center. The projected costs include $225,000 for construction and renovation and $100,000 for equipment and furnishings. The caverns are below the Hudson & Essex fine dining restaurant, owned by Mansfield businessman Rick Taylor.

Next, From Knox Pages… Hospice of North Central Ohio has announced some new additions to its organization. Executive director William Kahl said they’re welcoming Tori Frech, Noah Gangi, and Leti Lesseuer. He noted that they bring great experience and expertise to the organization. Tori arrives with five years of experience in finance. Her most recent role was as an Accountant at Avita. Prior accounting roles include working with Mid-Ohio Pipeline, Banks and Associates, and Whitcomb and Hess.

Noah has over 15 years of experience in healthcare marketing from working at University Hospital Samaritan Medical Center. And finally, Leti currently works full-time as an RN Case Manager with Ohioans. Her experience includes acute care, long term acute care, ICU, and cardiac.

Finally, we’d like to take a moment to remember Brenda Leedy of Ashland. Brenda was born in London, England in 1938. She was an independent woman who was always on the go and stayed busy. She loved traveling and visiting casinos. Brenda was also an avid reader of mystery novels and enjoyed quilting, needlepoint, gardening and her English tea. She was a member of Peace Evangelical Lutheran Church in Ashland. Brenda is survived by her son, her grandchildren, and her step-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Allan E. Leedy; daughter, Carolyn, and brother, Anthony. Thank you for taking a moment with us to remember and celebrate Brenda’s life. Thanks for listening, join us again tomorrow!

Also, make sure to head over to richlandsource.com and click be a member button to help support independent local journalism that informs and inspires. Every contribution goes to helping us make Richland County a better place and to help keep our journalism free. Also, if you like this podcast and want to hear more, make sure to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts!

Support the show: https://www.sourcemembers.com/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Some kids are affected by COVID-19 Delta variant in a different fashion:

https://www.richlandsource.com/news/some-kids-are-affected-by-covid-19-delta-variant-in-a-different-fashion/article_8386feb0-11bf-11ec-99c7-a332dbb7f25e.html?block_id=1098581

The Bookmobile:

https://www.richlandsource.com/area_history/the-bookmobile/article_897e96cc-a503-11e5-8feb-8ff36373b39b.html

Ashland hires company for $200K to fix 'overflow' problem at water treatment plant:

https://www.ashlandsource.com/news/ashland-hires-company-for-200k-to-fix-overflow-problem-at-water-treatment-plant/article_fcc4c656-119a-11ec-80d4-ff7f6d7797ef.html

David McFadden:

https://www.richlandsource.com/obituaries/david-l-mcfadden/article_5fe65824-1170-11ec-b482-6fc8c8035b83.html

You're listening to Source Daily. Join us Monday through Friday to stay up to date with what's happening in North Central Ohio. We’ll be sharing a closer look at one of our top stories, along with other news, local history, memorials, answers to your questions, and more. 

Today - COVID-19 is already wreaking havoc on the 2021-2022 school year. Cases are spreading rapidly among Richland County students, many of whom are too young to be vaccinated. Multiple school districts have been affected as COVID-19 cases rise across the country. Some have had to cancel school for the day, while others have had entire buildings go to a temporary period of remote learning as a result. As of Sept. 9, there have been 1,728 cases of COVID-19 among Richland County children. The case rate for children under 18 has risen sharply over the last month. With the rise of the highly contagious Delta variant, public health officials are looking with renewed interest on the impact of the virus on children. While the variant and its effects are still being studied, most public health officials believe the variant is less dangerous to children than other strains of COVID-19. It is, however, more contagious.

Dr. Joseph Gastaldo, the medical director of infectious diseases at OhioHealth, said it's also crucial to understand that children can get and spread COVID-19. As case rates rise in the community, case rates will rise among children too. He says it’s still true that if kids get COVID, they don't get as sick; however they’re seeing more pediatric hospitalizations and more deaths. 

Sherry Smith, the nursing supervisor at Richland Public Health, confirmed that public health officials are beginning to see cases of “long COVID” in both children and adults. Long COVID happens when formerly infected people continue to experience complications or health problems months after infection.

Nevertheless, most children infected with COVID-19 are experiencing more mild symptoms. Gastaldo says in his own practice, he’s seeing children infected with the delta variant show symptoms similar to those of the common cold or an upper respiratory infection -- like a headache, runny nose, sneezing and a sore throat. Less common symptoms include diarrhea and a change in taste and smell. And Smith said she’s also seeing cold-like symptoms among pediatric COVID-19 cases. 

Gastaldo thinks that despite the rise in COVID-19 cases among children, keeping kids in school should remain a public health priority. To do that, Gastaldo believes schools should use every mitigation strategy available, including masks, contact tracing and adequate ventilation systems. Smith agreed masks are one of the best prevention measures that we have right now, especially in individuals who are not vaccinated.

Both Ontario Local Schools and Mansfield City Schools have chosen to implement mask requirements for students and staff after an uptick of COVID-19 cases. Gastaldo believes vaccination also has a role to play in limiting pediatric COVID-19 cases.  In fact, studies done by the CDC argue that both individual vaccination and a high level of vaccination in the community can protect children from the virus.

They found that the rate of hospitalization for children was nearly four times higher in states with the lowest overall vaccination coverage when compared to states with high overall vaccination coverage. Ultimately, according to the data it’s clear that cases, emergency room visits and hospitalizations are much lower among children in communities with higher vaccination rates.

Before we continue, a quick message from our sponsors at Black Belt Pro Fitness...

It’s back to school season! Did you know that regular practice in the martial arts has been shown to improve focus, goal-setting and academic performance? The team at Black Belt Pro Fitness, Mansfield’s premier martial arts studio, is all about helping kids and teens become healthier and more confident in all areas of life. They teach self-control and self-respect above any physical technique... and of course, they make it fun too! Right now they have classes for kids ages 4 and up. They also have membership options for the whole family. Visit them blackbeltprofitness.com to learn more.

Now, some local history… Richland County is fortunate to have nine locations of the Mansfield/Richland County Public Library. But this wasn’t always the case. The library branches really only came into existence in the last 30 or 40 years. Before that, the work of sharing Library materials was carried out by the Bookmobile.

Starting in the 1920s, the Bookmobile made regular stops at Plymouth, Bellville, Lucas, Little Washington, Newville and Shenandoah. The Bookmobile effectively was a surrogate Branch location all around Mansfield for decades — in fact they called the trailer facility the Branchmobile. It was a familiar sight in the parking lots of shopping centers around town until the end of the '80s when the traveling books finally had places to become rooted in permanent Branch locations. But just because the mobile branch concept declined doesn’t mean book delivery isn’t still important. Books are delivered regularly to folks who can’t make it out of their homes and are in senior living.

Next, From Ashland Source… An engineering firm will narrow down a solution to a potentially costly overflow problem at the Ashland Water Treatment Plant to the tune of $202,500. The city council unanimously approved officials to hire Columbus-based Burgess & Nigle on Tuesday. Although complex, the problem can be boiled down to two simple facts: when it rains hard in Ashland, the water treatment plant's holding basin overflows. And when that happens, the federal Environmental Protection Agency isn't happy. 

The city receives a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit from the EPA every five years. When Ashland received the last permit two years ago, there was a condition. The condition said the city must find a solution to the issue before the next NPDES permit is issued. 

"Depending on how long this event occurs, how long the impact is to the plant, we have a five million gallon separate holding tank. Once that five million gallon (tank) is eclipsed, there must be an overflow," Hunter said. He said there have been three such events this year, which is in line with the three to six events that have been happening per year lately. Hunter said the study should be completed by June 2022.

The comprehensive study will explore options to reduce overflow events or eliminate them altogether, he said. Hunter said the EPA will review the study next year, at which point the city will need to decide on a project that could cost up to $30 million. Mayor Matt Miller said addressing this issue is essentially the city's next phase in its effort to update infrastructure — the first being repaving old streets. 

Finally, we’d like to take a moment to remember David McFadden of Mansfield.

David was born in 1951 in Mansfield. He graduated from Mansfield Senior High School in the Class of 1970 and was immediately drafted into the military serving in the United States Army in the Vietnam War. He continued to serve in the US Army for eight years, where he received The Army Commendation Medal for Meritorious Service. He left active military service and started working for the Louis Stokes Cleveland Veterans Outpatient medical center in Cleveland until he transferred and continued working for the Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Mansfield Center until he retired after 35 years of service.

David spent several years traveling to other countries and across the United States. He loved to snow ski, and spent lots of this time in Colorado on the slopes. He was a member of the Moose Lodge FOE Aerie #336. David also loved spending time with his family and friends. He loved sports, and he was a dedicated Cleveland Browns, Ohio State football, and Cleveland Cavaliers. He loved all animals and throughout his adult life had many cats and dogs and he left behind his beloved giant poodle, Mia. He’ll be greatly missed by his friends and family and all who knew him. Thank you for taking the time today to remember and celebrate David’s life.

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