Source Daily

Mowry Maple Farm celebrates 100 years in the Bellville family:

https://www.richlandsource.com/life_and_culture/mowry-maple-farm-celebrates-100-years-in-the-bellville-family/article_92b14930-214c-11ec-b911-0f442dc55d61.html?block_id=1098581

Then & Now: Richland Carrousel Park @ 25 Years:

https://www.richlandsource.com/area_history/then-now-richland-carrousel-park-25-years/article_99dcff3e-648b-11e6-af5f-7fe6061a43ec.html

Cerebral palsy can't stop Knox County teacher:

https://www.knoxpages.com/education/cerebral-palsy-cant-stop-knox-county-teacher/article_2c1ef330-2155-11ec-bd1b-cf81e5f54f6e.html

Ronnie K. Brock:

https://www.richlandsource.com/obituaries/ronnie-k-brock/article_dd5c1eea-22de-11ec-a35a-977cd8b96b6b.html

Today - Mowry farm sits right off Ohio 13. And with harvest season just around the corner, the leaves of the soybean plants are starting to yellow. When the sunlight hits just right, it looks like a field of gold.

Also, after sixth grade Erika Coogle was diagnosed with cerebral palsy. And as she began high school in New York state, some said the odds were against her graduating. But Coogle fought back, determined not to allow the disease to dictate her life. Now, she has begun work as a special education teacher at the preschool operated by the Knox Educational Service Center at New Hope in Mount Vernon.

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German Immigrant Bell finds new home in South Park:

https://www.richlandsource.com/life_and_culture/german-immigrant-bell-finds-new-home-in-south-park/article_0a01abd4-23f9-11ec-a809-87e6cf8c76a2.html?block_id=1098581

Candidates participate in chamber-sponsored 'Meet the Candidates' event in Ashland:

https://www.ashlandsource.com/news/7-candidates-participate-in-chamber-sponsored-meet-the-candidates-event-in-ashland/article_e10a7b74-2205-11ec-a2db-d34f329372af.html

The Finney Farm on Trimble Road:

https://www.richlandsource.com/area_history/then-now-the-finney-farm-on-trimble-road/article_c37a4bf2-d3bf-11e4-a873-67546ba90357.html?block_id=1098581

Aaron Michael Lewis:

https://www.richlandsource.com/obituaries/aaron-michael-lewis/article_3d6ff50e-22df-11ec-99b5-d73c5f2af481.html

Today - The bronze bell hanging from the steeple of St. Peter's Evangelical Lutheran Church was a symbol of its parishioners' determination for decades. And now it continues to tell their story from a new location -- a memorial monument in South Park.

Also, seven people running for public seats on councils around Ashland County met to speak about their candidacies. The chamber’s director of programs and finance, said the chamber invited all candidates across the county for the event. It wasn’t a debate. It was an opportunity for people to hear candidates introduce themselves. 

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Today - the semi trucks of the future might just be mirrorless. In fact, since 2014, Stoneridge has been replacing commercial truck mirrors with a system of integrated cameras and monitors. The MirrorEye Camera Monitor System eliminates driver blind spots, improves safety and even cuts down on vehicle emissions.

Also, a longtime county government worker — who for the last three years served on the Ashland County Board of Elections — retired for good Thursday after more than 40 years in various roles.

Stoneridge in Lexington creates auto parts with worldwide demand:

https://www.richlandsource.com/business/stoneridge-in-lexington-creates-auto-parts-with-worldwide-demand/article_296ac79c-1fb4-11ec-8404-cfe03eb3f494.html

John's Park:

https://www.richlandsource.com/area_history/then-now-johns-park/article_a3158088-f990-11e4-b87d-2f1d9924a57d.html

Barb Queer gives final farewell after 40 years in Ashland public service:

https://www.ashlandsource.com/news/barb-queer-gives-final-farewell-after-more-than-40-years-in-ashland-public-service/article_93d1b884-222f-11ec-8bdb-8793a7636a2a.html

Richard Wayne Compton:

https://www.richlandsource.com/obituaries/richard-wayne-compton/article_65d36cca-1bb8-11ec-a2b4-cb607bc72f78.html

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Today - can time spent in a rocking chair have a lasting impact on a child’s life? A Mansfield native and licensed social worker, believes it can.

Also, a $1.1 million expansion project at AMG Industries will create 21 new jobs in Knox County. Doug Spangler, the president of AMG, anticipates completing the expansion by November.

Rocking chair initiative seeks to promote learning, emotional health at early ages:

https://www.richlandsource.com/solutions/rocking-chair-initiative-seeks-to-promote-learning-emotional-health-at-early-ages/article_c7816b26-1bd5-11ec-995e-d33b83db2db5.html

Native Son: Here's how Snake Hill in Bellville got its name:

https://www.richlandsource.com/area_history/native-son-heres-how-snake-hill-in-bellville-got-its-name/article_a7927b10-fd6a-11e4-81c0-3fd6293a4f8b.html

AMG expansion to add 21 new jobs:

https://www.knoxpages.com/business/amg-expansion-to-add-21-new-jobs/article_a7724b16-2071-11ec-b139-4f91364aeee6.html

Don Wilson:

https://www.richlandsource.com/obituaries/don-wilson/article_a5c16c86-1bc9-11ec-a527-07780bc6d254.html

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Today - at the beginning of August, the Mental Health Recovery Board introduced new Behavioral Health Urgent Care locations to the Richland County area.

Also, Ashland High School has announced its 2021 Homecoming Court.

Finally, we're taking a moment to remember the life of David Alan Leyerle of Mansfield.

New behavioral health urgent cares available in Mansfield and Shelby:

https://www.richlandsource.com/thrive/new-behavioral-health-urgent-cares-available-in-mansfield-and-shelby/article_90b278ea-1f9c-11ec-8591-17c2bf7f855d.html

Corell's Potato Chips landed in Loudonville after family expansion:

https://www.ashlandsource.com/history/corells-potato-chips-landed-in-loudonville-after-family-expansion/article_f5e70840-e999-11eb-bb40-1b10387b6a56.html

Ashland homecoming court:

https://www.ashlandsource.com/homecoming/gallery-ashland-high-school-homecoming-court/collection_b162f7fe-1d9e-11ec-bcd4-238d9a55fb06.html

Remembering David Alan Leyerle:

https://www.richlandsource.com/obituaries/david-alan-leyerle/article_8a14f430-1bce-11ec-a9f3-c76b90bd3b09.html

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In this episode we take a closer look into a question from one of our readers and listeners - was the Mansfield Cemetery ever segregated?

Also, introducing "Bracing for Impact" a series exploring Knox County's future as the next frontier.

Open Source: Was Mansfield Cemetery ever segregated? Yes...but not in the way you think:

https://www.richlandsource.com/open_source/open-source-was-mansfield-cemetery-ever-segregated-yes-but-not-in-the-way-you-think/article_d44c57c6-1725-11ec-a76a-c700e5f24939.html

Then & Now: Johns Park:

https://www.richlandsource.com/area_history/then-now-johns-park/article_a3158088-f990-11e4-b87d-2f1d9924a57d.html

Introducing "Bracing for Impact" a series exploring Knox County's future as the next frontier:

https://www.knoxpages.com/news/introducing-bracing-for-impact-a-series-exploring-knox-countys-future-as-the-next-frontier-for/article_82f57056-1bda-11ec-9fd7-7bfe52564225.html

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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!

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