The Prairie Peddler Festival returns to Butler, Ohio on September 27–28 and October 4–5, 2025, bringing its festive spirit and vibrant marketplace back to 3170 State Route 97.

Attendees can wander through over 220 artisan booths nestled in the autumn woods, discovering handmade goods, primitive décor, and unique gifts.

This year, new vendors and an optimistic forecast have organizers like Mandi Sanford looking forward to a memorable season.

Food lovers will enjoy choices from nearly 25 vendors, offering treats from kettle corn to classic Amish-style fare.

Four entertainment stages will feature live acts, including Barefoot McCoy and the Christian Cloggers Dance Team.

Families will find plenty to do with children’s activities like soap making, pony rides, and a free petting zoo, while Kidzone crafts help support children battling cancer.

Admission is $10 for adults, $3 for ages 6–12, and free for children under 6; parking is complimentary.

Joseph Trolian, former executive director of the Richland County Board of Mental Health and Addiction Services, faces seven criminal charges, including a felony for unlawful interest in a public contract.

Three of these charges are misdemeanors related to similar contract interests, while three more allege conflicts of interest. Jay Wachs, a former board member, has been indicted on six counts, with two felonies for unlawful interest in public contracts.

The Ohio Auditor's investigation began in October 2023 after concerns about Trolian and Wachs profiting from agency contracts. Trolian is accused of steering a contract toward his wife’s benefit, and Wachs allegedly arranged a deal favoring his company.

Both appeared in Richland County Common Pleas Court and received $5,000 recognizance bonds, with orders to avoid contact. Trolian was fired after two decades of service and is appealing his dismissal.

Tips on suspected fraud can be reported anonymously through the Ohio Auditor’s fraud hotline.

The iconic Ohio State Reformatory in Mansfield will transform into Blood Prison for its milestone 10th season, cementing its status as one of the Midwest’s top Halloween attractions.

Known as Dracula’s Castle, the haunting site welcomes brave visitors starting September 26, with chilling experiences every weekend through November 2 and special midweek dates on October 16 and 23.

Friday and Saturday events run from 7 p.m. to midnight, while Sunday nights offer scares from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Guests must secure tickets online using a timed entry system, ensuring shorter lines and a seamless entry.

Located at 100 Reformatory Road, Blood Prison blends rich history with eerie excitement, promising unforgettable frights for local thrill-seekers and visitors alike.

Ohio has introduced the Child Care Cred Program, a $10 million effort aimed at reducing child care costs for working families while supporting local businesses in retaining skilled employees.

The initiative splits child care payments among employees, employers, and the state, with each responsible for 40%, 40%, and 20% of the cost, respectively. Employers can choose to pay more of the employee’s portion if they wish.

Eligibility requires Ohio residency and household incomes between 200% and 400% of the federal poverty line. Businesses must operate in Ohio. Families receiving other state child care support do not qualify.

Applications are open until May 1, 2026, and reviewed in the order received. Approved families may enroll in licensed child care or continue with current providers, receiving direct financial support.

The program is seen as both a support for families and a critical workforce investment.

Richland Public Health has launched a 24/7, free health vending machine outside its 555 Lexington Ave. building in Mansfield, making essential items easily accessible for residents.

This innovative machine provides health products including pregnancy tests, menstrual supplies, first aid kits, dental care packages, hand sanitizer, toiletries, tick removal kits, and COVID-19 and flu tests.

Crucial aids such as Narcan for opioid overdose, fentanyl test strips, and Deterra medication disposal pouches are also available at no cost.

According to Health Commissioner Julie Chaya, the goal is to eliminate financial barriers and improve health equity for everyone in the county.

The climate-controlled unit ensures product safety through every season.

For those unable to visit, Richland Public Health offers a mobile unit and can mail items by request at 419-774-4500.

Additionally, a partnership with Vitamin Angels supplies free prenatal vitamins to pregnant and lactating women, underscoring the agency’s dedication to community well-being.