Grandpa Joe’s Candy Shop is launching in downtown Mansfield this Thursday at 4:05 p.m. at 80 W. Third St.

The nearly 4,000-square-foot shop inside the historic Caldwell & Bloor Building features nostalgic candies, international snacks, and more than 350 kinds of glass-bottled sodas.

Hand-scooped ice cream, milkshakes, floats, and gourmet chocolates add to the experience, making it a vibrant destination for visitors of every age.

Founder Christopher J. Beers shares pride in joining the Mansfield community, aiming to offer a space where memories and new favorites come together.

The opening coincides with the Main Street Corridor Improvement Project, focused on revitalizing downtown through upgraded streets and gathering spaces.

Despite ongoing construction, local businesses remain open, and support from the community is encouraged.

This month, visitors can look forward to the Downtown Trick or Treat on October 25 and the Construction Crawl 5K later that day.

Grandpa Joe’s hopes to become a beloved spot, inviting everyone to relive old favorites and discover new treats.

Hundreds of Richland County residents joined the nationwide “No Kings” protests on Saturday, October 18, 2025, voicing strong opposition to the current administration’s policies.

In Mansfield, around 350 people lined Park Avenue West with signs and messages supporting democracy and justice.

Wooster’s Nancy Shimer stressed the importance of defending core values like peace and justice, while in Shelby, about 60 gathered at Black Fork Commons Plaza.

John Makley, president of the Shelby Area Democratic Club, emphasized that these demonstrations reinforce the nation’s identity as a constitutional republic.

Richland County was among thousands of communities across the U.S. participating in over 2,600 protests, with millions raising concerns about perceived authoritarianism and standing up for democratic ideals.

Locally, the peaceful gatherings drew people from all walks of life, united in their commitment to democracy and justice.

In Lexington, educators and school officials are locked in a tense standoff over a controversial contract decision.

Tensions escalated when the board unilaterally implemented a new agreement rejected by the teachers' union.

Public meetings overflowed with concerned residents voicing frustration over perceived overreach and lack of collaboration.

Teachers have resorted to working strictly by the book, signaling their discontent.

The move followed the expiration of the old contract, amid warnings that it could undermine trust ahead of crucial school funding votes.

Community leaders fear long-term damage to teacher retention and district morale.

Board members defend the action, citing a $3 million budget shortfall and the need for fiscal prudence.

Key changes include 2% annual raises and adjusted health plans with higher deductibles.

Staff shared stories of how current insurance has been vital during medical crises.

The superintendent urges unity against state funding cuts, emphasizing community support for an upcoming levy.

This dispute highlights broader issues like staff shortages and financial strains in local schools.

Residents hope for a resolution to maintain Lexington's strong educational standing.

The Main Street Corridor Improvement Project is transforming downtown Mansfield, with crews now installing new concrete infields at the Fourth Street intersection.

This $19.3 million initiative, launched in February 2025, has reached about 30% completion and is on schedule to finish by October 2026.

Spanning Main Street from First to Sixth and Park Avenue from Main to Diamond, upgrades include new water lines, storm sewers, sidewalks, and brick crosswalks.

Main Street will shift from one-way to two-way traffic to ease flow, and fresh landscaping plus gathering spots will give the district a welcoming feel.

Residents will soon see sidewalk work near Fourth Street, drainage improvements at First, and attractive brick details between Fourth and Fifth.

Though Main Street will close between Fourth and Park, all downtown businesses remain open and accessible by marked detours.

City leaders urge patience, highlighting the project’s role in boosting local business, safety, and community pride.

Park National Bank has withdrawn plans for a new office on Mansfield’s Municipal Parking Lot after hearing strong concerns from downtown businesses and residents.

Regional president Chris Hiner explained the proposal aimed to boost Mansfield’s future, but after listening to the community, the bank recognized the necessity of preserving downtown parking.

The original plan would have replaced the 1.42-acre lot at Fourth and Main with a new bank, while donating the current $1.28 million building and contributing $130,000 for more Carrousel District parking.

Opposition was immediate—about 50 local residents, led by Richland Carrousel Park’s CEO Joyce Wells, protested the loss of nearly 90 parking spaces, voicing worries about the strain on businesses, especially amid the ongoing Main Street Corridor project.

Mayor Jodie Perry acknowledged missteps in the rollout, vowing to improve future collaboration.

Park National Bank remains committed to downtown Mansfield and will stay at its 3 N. Main St. location.

Ohio is seeing safer roads thanks to a surge in roundabout construction, which has led to a sharp drop in injury-related crashes.

Data from the Ohio Department of Transportation reveals single-lane roundabouts have cut injury crashes by 69%, while multi-lane versions report a 25% decrease.

ODOT Director Pamela Boratyn highlighted safety as the agency’s top priority, with roundabouts proving highly effective at saving lives.

Governor Mike DeWine recently pledged $137 million for statewide traffic safety, including 25 new roundabouts.

Communities like Bidwell in Gallia County now average just two crashes a year with no injuries at their new roundabout, while Xenia Township in Greene County hopes to see similar results with a newly opened intersection.

Allen County is next, with construction on a roundabout slated to start in 2026 as part of Ohio’s comprehensive plan to lower traffic injuries and fatalities.

About 120 Knox County residents gathered in Mount Vernon’s Public Square Sunday to protest a recent federal operation at Panchos Tacos.

The event, coordinated by the Knox Socialist League (KSL), drew both members and concerned locals, who marched, chanted, and held signs while police observed quietly nearby.

Federal officials detained several employees before the restaurant opened, and Panchos Tacos remains closed.

Though initial reports pointed to ICE, city officials confirmed Homeland Security Investigations led the action.

The operation’s details are still unclear, prompting calls for transparency and due process from both city leaders and protestors like Julie Nolan and Kayla Hughes.

A letter circulated by Austin Farrell collected signatures, seeking answers from Sheriff Dan Weckesser, who clarified that his department was not involved in detentions.

Ontario’s south end welcomes a brand-new Starbucks at 2005 August Drive, now serving residents as the city’s second location.

The store features a drive-thru, cozy indoor seating, and plans to add mobile ordering soon, all available from 4:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.

Mayor Kris Knapp was the very first customer, enjoying a classic black coffee and highlighting the shop’s role in supporting local development.

He noted this new spot should help ease the busy crowds often seen at Walker Lake Road’s Starbucks.

Michael Snyder, store leader and Mansfield native, is eager to showcase the state-of-the-art space and invites the community in.

Ontario resident Chanara Beer praised the new café as a welcoming place to work and socialize, with ample food and drink choices.

The grand opening celebration is set for October 16, marking another positive step for the growing community.