In this week’s episode of News Man Weekly, we zero in on one of the most important local issues of the year: the financial future of Mansfield City Schools. Host Carl Hunnell breaks down key takeaways from Katie Ellington Serrao’s in-depth reporting series and shares why this year’s school board election matters more than ever.

We’re also joined by two dynamic community builders, Braxton Daniels and Orie Rush, who are helping shape the next chapter of downtown through Mansfield Rising 2.0. Hear about their bold new ideas — and how their trip to Austin, Texas sparked inspiration for change right here at home.

Then stick around for a conversation with the legendary Mike Clapper. From NBA games to Lexington High School basketball, Clapper shares stories from his decades behind the mic, including his latest gig voicing the NBA 2K video game franchise.

All that and a hot cup of local news, served fresh thanks to our sponsor Relax, It’s Just Coffee in downtown Mansfield.

Relevant links:

- Funding the Future: A five-part series called “Funding the Future,” which examines the financial picture of the Mansfield City Schools.

- Mansfield Rising’s Ideas of March: The Yard would activate under-utilized spaces for healthy, family-friendly recreation

- Mansfield Rising’s Ideas of March: Create a mixed-use creative space

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

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Shelby’s North Central State College Police Academy recently earned STAR Academy certification, and this episode takes you behind the scenes of their rigorous training program. We explore how the academy exceeds Ohio’s standards by offering 810 hours of instruction, in-depth crisis intervention training, and a focus on community relations.

Read more about this story:
North Central State Police Academy Gets Star Academy Certification

Headlines:

• Liberty DIY Skatepark Secures 3 Year Startup Investment From Mansfield Parks Department

• Bryce Witchey Competent To Stand Trial But Date Remains Up In The Air

• Nancy Kay Gray

• Shelby Womens Fund Awards Largest Ever Grants

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This episode examines child abuse cases in Richland County, where physical abuse now leads over neglect. We break down how increased substance use and community efforts during Child Abuse Prevention Month are reshaping the fight for children's safety.

Read more about this story:
More than 1,100 cases of child abuse investigated in Richland County in 2024

Headlines:
Crestview, Mansfield St. Peter students earn Optimist Club scholarships
Madison Twp. trustees approve $4.6M budget for 2025
Bonnie Baker
Shelby earns 2024 Tree City USA recognition from Arbor Day Foundation

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In this episode, we dig into the latest on Mansfield’s proposed affordable housing project. The Turtle Creek extension, which aims to bring 120 new units to the community, recently lost $5.5 million in critical state funding due to delays. But despite the setback, local housing officials are regrouping, talking with new developers, and preparing to reapply for support. We break down what happened, what’s next, and why there’s still hope this project will move forward.

Read more about this story:
Metro Housing Board Will Reapply For State Funds For Affordable Housing Project

Headlines:

• Ashlands Holt Selected Ohio's Coach Of Year In Division III

• Music Academy Of Karate And Empowerment Raises 2751 In Fundraiser

• Michael Anthony Rogers

• Preschool Enrollment Now Open In Crestline

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In this episode, we explore Richland County Sheriff’s Office’s latest move to boost public safety through advanced license-plate reader technology. We break down how the new network of cameras works—from tracking stolen vehicles to aiding real-time investigations—and discuss the privacy safeguards in place to ensure responsible use. Join us for an insightful look at how modern tech is reshaping law enforcement on the ground.

Read more about this story:
Flock Cameras Assist Richland County Sheriff’s Office With Investigations

Headlines:

• Bucyrus Man 42 Arrested After Wednesday Afternoon Drug Bust

• Galion Student Honored With Franklin B Walter Award

• Charles Lee Bowman

• Mansfield Youth Theatre To Perform Mary Poppins At Renaissance In April

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In this week’s edition, Richland Source Deputy Managing Editor Carl Hunnell sits down with City of Mansfield Finance Director Kelly Blankenship to talk about the finances in the city... and the upcoming tax filing deadline.

He is also joined by Nan McCartney and Sandy Messner, two participants with ideas coming out of Mansfield Rising 2.0. Read their stories at the links below, scroll down to the bottom and provide feedback!

Mansfield Rising's Ideas of March: Housing First for Mansfield

Mansfield Rising's Ideas of March: Launch a Digital Trauma Support Resource

Hunnell is also joined by Executive Producer Zac Hiser and videographer Grant Ritchey to talk about the news of the day, including a trio of live-saving Galion police officers, a $250,000 Richland County Foundation grant to refurbish and revitalize the historic Vasbinder Fountain in Mansfield's Central Park, and local law enforcement participation in the Blue Envelope project to improve communications with local drivers with autism.

Relevant links:

- Life-saving Galion police officers

- Revitalization of historic Vasbinder Fountain

- Blue Envelope project

Intro song credit: Smoke And Drink, by Luke Watson. Be a Source Member for unlimited access to local, independent journalism. Use code PAWS25 at checkout through March 31 for 25% OFF an annual membership.

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In this episode, we spotlight The Homage Project—a bold plan to reimagine Central Park as a vibrant community hub in downtown Mansfield. Discover how the project will transform the current park into three distinct areas: a welcoming New Central Park, a reflective Memorial Peace Garden, and a Legacy Park celebrating Mansfield’s diverse history. Tune in as we explore the vision behind this initiative, its role in revitalizing the city's heart, and what it means for the future of public life in our community.

Learn more about the stories you heard about today: 

• Ideas of March: The Homage Project

• Three Galion Police Officers Credited With Saving Resident Child From House Fire

• Madison Teachers Union Hits 230 Days Working Without Contract

• Josephine E. Riling

• Milliron Foundation Donates 200k for New Turf at Ram Field

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Join us for another bonus episode! St. Peter's alum and Mansfield native Matthew Failor calls in from his home in Willow, Alaska after finishing the Iditarod sled dog race. 
If you've been following our Iditarod coverage, you'll want to tune in to this episode. Failor recaps his experience on the trail, the challenges, the triumphs, funny moments and what made the finish of the race extra special. 
Check out all of our Iditarod 2025 coverage here.

Thanks to St. Peter's for sponsoring our coverage of the race. 
Cover art photo via Siri Raitto. 
The News Man Weekly is proudly sponsored by our friends at Relax, It's Just Coffee. Join us every Tuesday morning for a new episode! 
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In this episode, we highlight a panel of medical experts and community leaders in Ashland County who are sounding the alarm about rising colorectal cancer rates. You’ll hear insights on why local screening rates don’t match the area’s high mortality numbers, a survivor’s powerful call to action, and how environmental factors might be playing a role.

Read the full story: https://www.ashlandsource.com/2025/03/19/expert-panel-discusses-colorectal-cancer-rates-in-ashland-county/ 

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Brady Hitchcock, a 23-year-old Sandusky paramedic, shares the defining moment that pushed him toward a new calling as a firefighter. Hear his journey from performing life-saving CPR to enrolling in the fire academy, and discover what inspires him to serve his community.

Headlines:

• Shelby City Council weighing two options for iconic smokestack
• Top of the Class: Mount Vernon’s Taylor is North Central Ohio Wrestler of the Year
• Larry R. Oswalt Jr.
• The Ideas of March: An update to Mansfield Rising kicks off

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