Source Daily

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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In this week’s edition, Richland Source Deputy Managing Editor Carl Hunnell sits down with Doug Wertz, board president and artistic director of the Mansfield Playhouse.

The Playhouse last week announced a new $7.5 million capital campaign aimed at building a new community theater at its 95 E. Third St. location. He describes the current condition of the theater’s century-old building and the benefits of a new facility that would be ADA-compliant.

Hunnell is also joined by Executive Producer Zac Hiser and videographer Grant Ritchey to talk about the news of the day, including Mansfield native Matthew Failor’s successful finish to the 2025 Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race in Alaska; plans for a new restaurant in Ontario; and a proposal to build 200 new houses in Ontario.
Relevant links:

• Matthew Failor's Iditarod finish
• Wingstop in Ontario
• 200 new houses in Ontario

Intro song credit: Smoke And Drink, by Luke Watson.Be a Source Member for unlimited access to local, independent journalism.

The News Man Weekly is brought to you by our friends at Relax, It's Just Coffee. Start your day at Relax, at 105 N Main St. or check out their website to buy coffee, equipment and apparel online. 

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In this episode of Source Daily, we dive into "Beyond the Chip"—a special report by Knox Pages that explores the potential impact of Intel’s new semiconductor plant in New Albany on Knox County's future. After brief messages from our team and Mansfield’s Matthew Failor, host Cheryl Splain moderates an insightful panel discussion. Local experts—including Elaine Robinson from Knox County Career Center, Jeff Gottke of the Knox Area Development Foundation, Mayor Matthew Starr of Mount Vernon, and Kayla Jones from the Knox/Licking County Farm Bureau—share their perspectives on how this project might reshape the region.

Read more about this story:

https://www.knoxpages.com/2025/03/14/knox-pages-reporters-host-capstone-event-to-beyond-the-chip-series/ 

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The Mansfield Playhouse is launching a $7.5 million capital campaign to build a brand-new, fully accessible theater in downtown Mansfield. After nearly a century in its current home, the Playhouse faces structural challenges that make renovation impossible. This episode explores the history of the theater, the vision for its future, and the impact a new facility will have on the local arts scene. From accessibility improvements to expanded performance spaces, we break down how this ambitious project aims to secure the Playhouse’s legacy for the next 100 years.

Read more about this story:

• Mansfield Playhouse launches $7.5 million drive for new community theater

Headlines:

• Shelby's DeVito selected Northwest District Player of Year in Division IV
• Cody Reese chosen as next Clear Fork superintendent
• Martha Jean Grimwood
• ‘Peace on My Block’ party: Donations, community partners sought for May event

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Ashland County’s courthouse has stood for nearly a century, serving as a symbol of justice and history. Recently featured in The Ohio Channel’s documentary series, the courthouse has seen everything from Ohio’s last public hanging to a courtroom battle over boxer dogs. In this episode, we explore its fascinating past, unique traditions, and the upcoming changes as the county prepares for major renovations.

Follow St. Peter's alum and Mansfield native on the Iditarod trail here

Read more about this story:

Ashland County Courthouse featured on The Ohio Channel

Headlines:

• 2025 Nonprofit Fair to connect community members with service opportunities
• U.S. Marshals seek Richland County fugitive
• Mary Jane Skinner
• Shelby Library to host Family Game Night on March 25

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Galion’s Gradey Harding saw his championship dream slip away due to a controversial takedown call in overtime. In this episode, we break down the moment that cost Harding the title and what it means for his future.

Follow St. Peter's alum and Mansfield native on the Iditarod trail here

Read more on the stories you heard today: 

• Controversial call costs Galion's Harding in championship loss
• Mansfield Sr. grad supports U.S. Navy helicopter squadron
• Mansfield library to host adult learners at graduation ceremony
• Evelyn Coates
• Jazz guitarist Norman Brown to perform in Mansfield April 19

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In this week’s edition, Richland Source Deputy Managing Editor Carl Hunnell sits down with Village of Lexington Mayor Bob Jarvis.

The two discuss why Jarvis got involved in local government as a council member and then mayor of the village; the mayor’s role in a village with a full-time administrator; efforts to resolve a downtown eyesore; and how soon they expect to have a Baker’s Pizza location in Lexington where Buck’s Restaurant used to be.

Hunnell is also joined by Executive Producer Zac Hiser and videographer Grant Ritchey to talk about the news of the day, including Mansfield native Matt Failor’s continuing efforts in the 2025 Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race; a proposal from an 18-year-old student to Ontario City Council regarding affordable housing; the arrest of a suspected illegal alien from Honduras in Ashland County last week; and also this week’s Stupid Criminal of the Week.

Relevant links:

• Matt Failor on the Iditarod Trail
• 18-year-old student approaches Ontario City Council
• Arrest of suspected illegal alien in Ashland County

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

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

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When April Fletcher bought her United Way raffle tickets last fall, she never expected to win—let alone drive away in a brand-new Chevy Trax. But a surprising twist (including a mix-up with her name) turned her act of generosity into an unforgettable moment. In this episode, April shares her reaction, why giving back has always been part of her life, and how United Way’s work continues to make a difference in Richland County.

Follow St. Peter's alum and Mansfield native on the Iditarod trail here

Read more about the stories you heard today: 

• Shiloh resident wins new car in United Way 'Win a Chevy Trax' fundraiser
• Galion's Harding one win from elusive state title
• Mansfield library to host adult learners at graduation ceremony
• Timothy Lucas
• Kiwanis drive-thru fish fry fundraiser on 03/21/2025

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Today, we’re diving into a volleyball game that was about more than just competition—it was about connection. This past Tuesday, Ohio Social Sports brought its team, the Chewblockas, to Richland Correctional Institution, where they faced off against a team of incarcerated players.

Read more on the stories you heard about today:

• Ohio Social Sports Brings Volleyball Teams to Rici
• Mount Vernon Man Killed After 3-Vehicle Crash Ends Ashland County Sheriff's Pursuit in Loudonville
• Mansfield Library to Host Adult Learners at Graduation Ceremony
• James Tucker Enloe Jr.
• Mini Warehouses No Longer Allowed in Ontario Business Districts

Follow St. Peter's alum and Mansfield native on the Iditarod trail here

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Mansfield City Schools is facing a difficult reality—a planned reduction in force (RIF) for the 2025-2026 school year. With 29 certified and seven classified positions on the chopping block, the district is working quickly to finalize decisions and provide clarity to those affected. In this episode, we break down the reasons behind the cuts, the process for determining who stays and who goes, and what this means for the future of Mansfield schools.

Read more about this story:

• Mansfield school union leader hopes to finalize RIFs by Easter

Headlines:

• No Lucas students injured in school bus-motorcycle crash on Tuesday
• ODOT contributing additional $3 million to Mansfield’s Main Street project
• Larry Wayne Estep Sr.
• Shelby police arrest 158 in 2024 for drug, alcohol-related offenses

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