Madison Local Schools Treasurer Bradd Stevens raised urgent concerns at a recent Richland County Board of Commissioners meeting about possible property tax reductions, warning the cuts could push the district into deficit by year’s end.

Superintendent Rob Peterson stressed that Ohio’s public education is already threatened at the state level and asked commissioners not to pass that strain on locally.

About 70 to 80 county representatives attended, many worried about critical lost funding, as recent legislation enables counties to expand tax exemptions without state reimbursement.

Treasurers from Mansfield, Madison, Ontario, and Lexington schools outlined potential annual losses ranging from $461,000 to nearly $1 million for their districts.

Commissioners, facing an October deadline, acknowledged the tough balance between resident tax relief and school funding, with more public discussion expected before any decision takes effect January 1.

Local education leaders warn the proposed cuts could deeply impact schools and community services.

Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) executed an operation at Panchos Tacos on Mount Vernon Avenue in Mount Vernon, Ohio, on Thursday, October 9, 2025.

The action began just before noon, with authorities detaining multiple employees prior to the restaurant’s opening.

Building owner Tim Carper reported that at least one worker was injured as a result of the raid, though the total number of detainees has not been disclosed.

The Mount Vernon Police Department arrived later in the day but clarified they were not part of the operation and had no advance notice from federal officials.

City leaders confirmed the investigation was led by HSI, not ICE, and emphasized that local agencies were left out of the planning and execution entirely.

Panchos Tacos remains closed to the public as the community seeks more information.

The Richland Area Chamber & Economic Development will hold its 9th annual Savor & Sip Auction and Food Tasting on October 23, 2025, from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at the Mid-Ohio Conference Center in Mansfield.

This year features fresh highlights, including a wing-eating contest between sponsor businesses and a seasonal beer tasting to energize the festivities.

Attendees can sample dishes from nearly 30 local favorites such as Avita Health System, Bake My Day, and Dan Lew Exchange.

Live music adds to the lively atmosphere, while a silent auction offers exclusive items for bidding.

Early registration tickets are $30 through October 10, increasing to $40 afterward.

This event celebrates Mansfield’s dynamic food culture and invites the community to connect, taste, and enjoy a festive fall evening.

The Richland County Land Bank is calling for developers to submit ideas for the former Swan Cleaners site at 165 Park Ave. West, ideally bringing new life to the heart of Mansfield’s Imagination District near the Renaissance Theatre and Buckeye Imagination Museum.

The property, once home to Swan Cleaners from 1946 to 2014, has been restored and cleaned up with over $530,000 in state investment, including a $411,000 U.S. EPA grant for environmental safety.

Developers must submit proposals to Amy Hamrick by November 28.

Separately, the Land Bank board seeks $750,000 from the Richland County Foundation for the Thriving Home program, helping homeowners with repairs up to $25,000, aimed at improving local housing without the strict lead exposure rules of previous programs.

The Shelby Fire Department will use a vacant Oak Street house for training before demolition.

Mansfield City Council has delayed a decision on the future of the Municipal Parking Lot in downtown, following an office development proposal from Park National Bank (PNB).

PNB’s plan would build a new office on half of the lot and transfer its current eight-story building to the city’s Community Improvement Corporation (CIC).

This has sparked lively debate among residents, with concerns over losing valuable parking and the future impact on downtown business.

Mayor Jodie Perry urged council to extend the process, advocating for more resident input and solutions for any lost parking, especially for the Carrousel District.

A second reading and possible vote will take place October 21, with the potential for further delays.

The proposed deal includes PNB contributing funds for new parking and transferring its $1.5 million building to the city.

Mansfield City Schools Treasurer Tammy Hamilla warns of looming financial pressures as the district contends with funding cuts and possible property tax changes.

Despite major budget reductions, including $4.5 million in staff and expense cuts for the 2025-2026 school year, Mansfield faces losses from recent state decisions and proposed tax relief measures.

The district’s formula funding will decrease by $255,236 over two years, and the loss of Supplemental Targeted Assistance may cost Mansfield another $2.57 million over five years.

Potential property tax changes could further slash local revenue by $850,000 annually, deepening the financial strain.

Hamilla stresses the urgency for a sustainable funding solution, underlining the importance of community awareness as Mansfield strives to protect educational quality amid mounting uncertainty.

Two OhioHealth primary care physicians, Dr. Matthew Kochheiser and Dr. Brittany Coovert, have returned to their hometowns in north central Ohio, choosing to serve the communities that shaped them.

Dr. Kochheiser, from Bellville, now practices in Mansfield, focusing on lifestyle and sports medicine, as well as osteopathic treatments for musculoskeletal health.

Dr. Coovert brings her passion for pediatrics, geriatrics, and chronic illness management back to Ashland, seeing patients of all ages.

Both are committed to prevention and ongoing care, enhancing local access to comprehensive healthcare.

OhioHealth’s investment of over $265 million in Mansfield and Shelby in 2024, alongside Mansfield’s downtown improvements, reflects a region-wide focus on better facilities and quality of life.

The physicians’ work strengthens community ties, supporting the vibrant, caring spirit unique to Ashland and Mansfield.

Under Butler’s colorful autumn canopy, the 38th annual Prairie Peddler Festival drew crowds eager for handcrafted treasures and festive fun.

Co-founder Suzi Skoglund noted a lively turnout, hinting at a possible attendance record as families roamed the 3170 Ohio 97 grounds.

This year, the festival brought together 30 tempting food vendors and 220 artisans offering mostly handmade goods, from farmhouse décor and jewelry to nostalgic wood toys and clay mugs.

Children delighted in the petting zoo, meeting miniature pigs, goats, and even a turtle.

Originating at a Boy Scout camp, the festival moved to Butler to welcome growing crowds and now thrives as a family tradition.

With Skoglund’s daughter, Mandie Sanford, as coordinator and grandchildren joining in, the festival keeps its warm, community-centered spirit alive.

Prairie Peddler Festival remains a beloved Butler celebration, uniting generations through craft, cuisine, and connection.

Stefanie Kellenberger, a former Shelby teacher, received a 15-year prison sentence from Richland County Judge Brent Robinson after admitting to a sexual relationship with a student babysitter between February 2020 and October 2021.

Kellenberger, 41, pleaded guilty to 21 felony charges, including multiple counts of sexual battery and unlawful conduct with a minor.

The sentence includes possible judicial release after 10 years if she maintains a clean record in prison.

She must also register as a Tier III sex offender for life, checking in every 90 days after her release.

In court, Kellenberger expressed deep remorse, apologizing to the victim and her family.

Prosecutor Jodie Schumacher highlighted the ongoing effect on the victim, while defense attorney James Mayer III pointed to Kellenberger’s prior clean record.

Her teaching license has been revoked, and she’s barred from contacting the victim.