In this episode of News Man Weekly, host and deputy managing editor Carl Hunnell is joined by Mansfield Mayor Jodie Perry and Safety Service Director Keith Porch. Perry and Porch both answer questions about the PRIDE Tax and the Pothole Haters tax renewals on the May 6 primary ballot. Both are quarter-percent municipal income taxes. Each generates about $4.8 million annually. Both are renewal issues, meaning neither will result in any tax increase.

Hunnell is also joined by executive producer Zac Hiser and videographer Grant Ritchey in discussing the groundbreaking for a new $38 million senior assisted living facility in Mansfield; the potential rezone of 321 acres near Mansfield Lahm Regional Airport for economic development purposes; the sexual abuse criminal case against a former Faith Life Church official; and the upcoming “Beyond the Trail: A Conversation with Matthew Failor” event on May 7 in the St. Peter’s High School auditorium.

As always, News Man Weekly brings you local news and policy discussions with clarity and purpose, helping you stay informed about the issues shaping your community—and it all pairs perfectly with a cup of great coffee from our friends at Relax, It’s Just Coffee.

Relevant links:

• Senior assisted living apartment complex proposed for Cline Ave
• Former Faith Life Church members attend Keesee arraignment to support victims
• Knox County judge sets $2 million cash bond for former Faith Life Church official
• Knox County commissioner says Keesee must make own decision about ‘ability to serve’
• Get tickets for Beyond the Trail: A conversation with Iditarod racer Matthew Failor
  
• Apply for the Source Media Journalism Fellowship -- deadline May 23

Intro song credit: Smoke And Drink, by Luke Watson.

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Ontario Detective Dylan Bailey was shot twice during a domestic-violence standoff on Super Bowl Sunday 2024, but seven surgeries and countless hours of rehab later he’s back in uniform, now investigating internet crimes against children. In this episode we trace Bailey’s physical and mental climb from the operating room to the detective desk, spotlight the PTSD-calming support of his service dog Tilly, and hear how a Purple Heart-winning officer found a new way to protect the most vulnerable.

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Sarah Potes is returning to lead Richland County’s Emergency Management Agency, bringing with her new skills and statewide experience. After previously serving as interim director and later managing emergency funding across 24 counties, she’s stepping back into the role with a renewed sense of purpose. County leaders say her appointment strengthens local preparedness as extreme weather events become more common.

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A longtime physician at Knox Community Hospital is under investigation after a patient accused him of inappropriate conduct during treatment. Dr. Frederick Carroll is now on a voluntary leave as the State Medical Board of Ohio reviews whether to revoke his license. In this episode, we break down the timeline of events, the patient’s complaint, and what’s next for both Carroll and the hospital.

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Shelby High’s Valorant team is heading to the state finals for the first time, marking a major milestone for the school’s growing esports program. What started as a student’s casual question has turned into a competitive, tight-knit team preparing for a high-stakes showdown in Akron.

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This week on the News Man Weekly, host Carl Hunnell sits down with Grace Riegel, Miss Mansfield and member of the 179th Cyberspace Wing, as she prepares to compete in the upcoming Miss Ohio Scholarship Program. 

Grace shares her journey from Lexington High School to military service, her passion for advocating for students with dyslexia, and what it means to represent her hometown on a big stage. Source Media journalist and self-proclaimed Grace Riegel fangirl, Mariah Thomas also joins us for the lively discussion and to receive some life lessons from Hunnell. 

Hunnell is also joined by executive producer Zac Hiser and video producer Grant Ritchey. They discuss a packed news week which included ongoing sexual abuse investigations at Faith Life Church. a new Cannabis dispensary in Mansfield, updates on the West Park Shopping Center and much more. 

Special thanks to our sponsor, Relax, It's Just Coffee — because every good day (and every good podcast) starts with a great cup of coffee.  
Relevant links: 

• Former Faith Life Church official indicted on 27 sexual abuse charges-
• Mansfield's first cannabis dispensary opens
• Get tickets for "Beyond the Trail: A conversation with Iditarod racer Matthew Failor

Intro song credit: Smoke And Drink, by Luke Watson.

Be a Source Member for unlimited access to local, independent journalism.

Support the show: https://richlandsource.com/members

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A prominent Ohio megachurch is facing public scrutiny after the arrest of Gary “Tom” Keesee Jr., the son of Faith Life Church’s founders, on two counts of child rape. The case, now in the hands of the Licking County Sheriff’s Office, involves allegations dating back over 20 years and has prompted questions about church leadership, political connections, and the role of public institutions. In this episode, we break down what’s known so far.

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Have a question? https://www.richlandsource.com/open-source/ 

In this episode, we investigate what’s holding up the long-delayed transformation of the former Cheddar’s building in Ontario. Once slated to become a GetGo gas station, the project has been stalled due to a corporate buyout between Giant Eagle and Circle K’s parent company. We unpack the property’s murky ownership, the slow-moving sale, and why no one, yet, has the final say.

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After years of stalled progress and out-of-state ownership, Mansfield’s long-troubled West Park Shopping Center is officially up for sale through a local broker. In this episode, we look at why city leaders are cautiously optimistic that this could be the first real step toward redevelopment, and what still stands in the way.

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Former Richland County Judge James Henson, the county’s longest-serving judge, has died at 83. In this episode, we look back on his decades of service, his role in launching the county’s Drug Court, and the legacy he leaves behind in the courtroom and beyond.

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