Mansfield Cemetery, a historic community landmark for over 180 years, is facing financial hardship as burial rates drop and cremations rise.

 

Administrator Pam Bautz manages between 300 and 400 burials a year, but the shift toward cremation after COVID-19 has sharply reduced cemetery income.

 

Maintenance on the cemetery’s 88 acres has become increasingly difficult with these funding shortages.

 

Due to legal restrictions, money from lot sales must go into future investments, leaving only burial fees to handle daily expenses.

 

Without access to public tax dollars, the cemetery relies entirely on its own revenue, making its operations especially challenging.

 

Essential upgrades—including road and tree work—are on hold, and vandalism remains a concern.

 

Recently, Kokosing Construction Company offered support by providing material to expand the burial space, offering renewed hope for the cemetery’s future.

 

Bautz continues exploring new ways for the community to engage with this local landmark and preserve its legacy.

Mansfield has set its annual Trick-or-Treat night for Thursday, October 31, from 5:30 to 7 p.m.

 

Families are encouraged to switch on porch lights to welcome trick-or-treaters during these hours.

 

Mayor Jodie A. Perry urges drivers to slow down and remain alert as kids fill the neighborhoods.

 

Safety remains the priority this Halloween.

 

Residents may participate at their comfort level, and anyone feeling under the weather is advised to sit out this year.

 

Parents are reminded to choose costumes that don’t block vision and to stick to familiar areas within the scheduled time.

 

Children should travel in small groups, be accompanied by an adult, and only accept wrapped treats.

 

Mansfield aims to create a festive, safe atmosphere for families to enjoy Halloween together.

John Boyle, the former Mansfield osteopathic physician convicted of murdering his wife, Noreen, in 1989, has once again been denied parole.

 

The Ohio Parole Board unanimously refused Boyle’s release following an August 2025 hearing, citing ongoing community opposition and his lack of insight into the crime’s impact.

 

Now 82, Boyle will stay at Marion Correctional Institution and cannot seek parole again until 2030.

 

The case shocked Mansfield when Boyle killed Noreen on New Year’s Eve, hid her body beneath a Pennsylvania home’s basement floor, and covered the scene to conceal the crime.

 

Sentenced to 20 years to life in 1990, Boyle has spent over 35 years in prison, with his story drawing ongoing national attention.

 

His son, Collier Landry, was 12 at the time and continues to speak publicly about the lasting damage domestic violence inflicts on families.

 

The Mansfield community still honors Noreen Boyle’s memory more than three decades on.

Residents of Mansfield awoke to curiosity and concern as FBI agents were seen conducting operations at a hotel on Trimble Road Wednesday morning.

 

Federal authorities have kept details tightly under wraps, declining to reveal the reason behind their presence.

 

Mansfield Police Chief Jason Bammann confirmed that local officers assisted the operation, but directed questions to the FBI for further explanation.

 

While Mansfield once benefitted from a local FBI office and direct lines of communication, all inquiries are now managed out of Cleveland.

 

Susan Licate, public affairs officer for the FBI in Cleveland, stated only that the agency was engaged in “court-authorized law enforcement activity” nearby and reassured there is no known threat.

 

The lack of further information has left the community searching for answers, remaining watchful for updates about the federal activity on Trimble Road.

Richland County voters will determine the future of large wind and solar projects in a May 2026 referendum.

 

Two of the three commissioners, Cliff Mears and Tony Vero, stress that the matter should remain a local zoning issue instead of a countywide vote.

 

Mears and Vero both pointed out that most petition signatures came from city residents not directly affected by county zoning decisions, raising concerns about fairness and the original intent of state law.

 

Commissioner Darrell Banks raised further concerns, alleging some petition circulators misled voters and highlighting a possible conflict of interest involving election board member Venita Shoulders.

 

This debate comes after commissioners unanimously moved to ban large wind and solar projects in most unincorporated townships.

 

Local coalition leaders argue their campaign centers on property rights.

 

As the election nears, all commissioners urge residents to seek accurate information before voting.

Under sunny skies, Mansfield’s annual Labor Day Parade kicked off at 10 a.m., showcasing union solidarity and vibrant community spirit.

 

Floats from local unions—including United Steelworkers Local 169, Laborers Local 1216, and International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 688—joined forces, drawing participation from elected officials and passionate advocates for upcoming ballot initiatives.

 

The enthusiastic procession began at Marion Avenue, traveled along Park Avenue West, and wrapped up at the beloved Richland Carrousel Park.

 

Families and children lined the route, waving as music, floats, and community leaders passed by.

 

After the parade, residents enjoyed complimentary food, face-painting, and free carousel rides, all thanks to organized labor groups.

 

With projects like the Main Street Corridor Improvement Project on the horizon, Mansfield continues to invest in its downtown, ensuring events like this remain a cherished tradition.

 

The spirit of unity and appreciation for local workers remains a guiding force in this close-knit city.

Mansfield wrapped up a warm, rainy summer, with temperatures and rainfall exceeding seasonal norms.

 

Local weather data shows 14.18 inches of rain fell at Mansfield Lahm Regional Airport from June 1 to August 27, about 2.53 inches above average, though not record-breaking.

 

June and July were especially hot, each averaging several degrees higher than usual, but August dipped nearly a degree below historical temperatures.

 

Meteorologist Karen Clark of the National Weather Service expects a cooldown as September continues, with below-normal temperatures likely returning by mid-month.

 

Looking ahead, the Farmers' Almanac predicts a mix of early snow and thunderstorms across the Ohio Valley this fall.

 

Meanwhile, Mansfield residents can look forward to a lively autumn, with events like Open Mic Night on September 5, the Field of Honor Ceremony on September 11, and the Secret City Tour on September 20, offering rich opportunities for community connection.

Ohio’s fall hunting season brings fresh excitement as September arrives, inviting local hunters of all experience levels to the fields and forests.

 

Starting September 1, avid outdoorsmen can pursue squirrels—including gray, red, and fox species—along with doves and an array of other game birds, from rails to gallinules.

 

On September 6, early waterfowl season opens with Canada goose and teal available through September 14, delivering unique opportunities for those eager to hunt migrating birds.

 

The archery season for white-tailed deer arrives on September 27, extending into winter and offering bowhunters plenty of time to pursue this iconic Ohio game.

 

Hunters should review current regulations and secure proper permits to ensure safety and success.

 

With autumn’s crisp air and changing colors, Ohio’s wild places promise memorable, tradition-filled adventures.

Shelby High School made a bold statement with a dominant 37-13 victory over Lexington in Friday’s highly anticipated Week 2 football clash.

 

Senior star Carter Kessler stood out on both sides of the ball by tallying 1.5 sacks, a pass deflection, and grabbing three receptions for 64 yards, including a spectacular 53-yard touchdown in the opening quarter.

 

Quarterback Brayden DeVito fueled the Whippets’ offense, completing 8-of-9 passes for 156 yards and two touchdowns, while also rushing for 164 yards and two more scores.

 

Despite facing Lexington’s well-regarded quarterback Joe Caudill, Shelby’s defense limited him to 158 passing yards and two touchdowns on 14-of-32 passes, slowing Lexington’s attack.

 

Shelby now looks ahead to a matchup with Bellevue, aiming to build on their winning momentum, while Lexington will regroup to host Clear Fork.

Ohio State notched a stunning 14-7 victory over the No. 1-ranked Texas Longhorns in a raucous Ohio Stadium on Saturday.

 

Texas quarterback Arch Manning arrived as the Heisman favorite, but the Buckeyes’ revamped defense, under new coordinator Matt Patricia, was relentless.

 

Junior safety Caleb Downs anchored a unit that delivered four red-zone stops, including a dramatic tackle on fourth down near midfield to seal the win.

 

Ohio State’s defense held Texas to one late touchdown and limited Manning to just 170 passing yards and 38 rushing yards, his lowest efficiency as a starter.

 

Julian Sayin hit Carnell Tate for a crucial 40-yard touchdown pass, and C.J. Donaldson added a short scoring run.

 

The Buckeyes’ resolve and timely plays led to their first home win over a No. 1 team in nearly four decades.

Richland Carrousel Park marked its 34th anniversary in Mansfield this Saturday, welcoming a lively crowd of families and longtime fans.

 

Among those attending was Denise Kroger of the Ohio Special Response Team, joined by Falcon, her young cadaver dog.

 

Kroger and other visitors expressed deep affection for the park’s historic carousel, a beloved feature that continues to attract visitors from near and far.

 

The celebration buzzed with family-friendly fun, from chalk art and classic yard games to tasty local treats like pizza, hot dogs, cookies, and cool lemonade from local vendors.

 

Reptile Adventures wowed the crowd with hands-on encounters featuring snakes, tortoises, and lizards, delighting animal lovers of all ages.

 

The Mansfield Richland County Public Library helped kids craft paper robots, while the Mansfield Police Department debuted their newest therapy dog, Charlie.

NAMI Richland County will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 2 p.m. on September 8 to celebrate its new office at 2131 Park Avenue West, Suite 200, inside the Area Agency on Aging Foundation building.

 

The move marks an important milestone as the organization expands services in response to rising mental health needs across the region.

 

Executive Director Aubrie Hall highlights the collaboration's role in providing an accessible, inviting space for community well-being.

 

The upgraded facility features expanded areas for support groups, educational programs, trainings, and private peer support sessions, with enhanced disability access and a welcoming atmosphere.

 

Guests can tour the new location and meet the NAMI team after the ceremony, learning about its growing impact.

 

Support from local partners and the Richland Recovery Network has made this transition possible, while ongoing funding comes from the Richland County Mental Health levy, up for renewal in November.

Mansfield police have charged a 25-year-old man and a 15-year-old boy with first-degree murder after the August 17 shooting of 18-year-old Ja'Myrion Hobbs.

 

Authorities arrested Yaounde Andrew Hawthorne, 25, Thursday evening with support from special operations teams at a Maple Street residence.

 

He is detained at Richland County Jail with $5 million bail and awaits an August 28 preliminary hearing.

 

The 15-year-old suspect, apprehended separately, faces similar charges, though details are withheld due to his age.

 

Chief Jason Bammann credited critical tips from residents for the breakthroughs, stressing how community involvement was instrumental in solving Mansfield’s first homicide of 2025.

 

Hobbs died from multiple gunshot wounds in an alley linking Lexington Avenue and South Main Street.

 

Police say the killing appears targeted, and there is no ongoing public danger as they urge continued cooperation in the active investigation.

A lucky guest at Mansfield’s VFW Post #3494 has won a $20,000 jackpot through the Ohio Lottery’s ‘Pot O’ Gold Bingo’ Tap game.

 

The winning ticket was purchased at the post on 853 Ashland Road, a central spot for local veterans and residents. After tax deductions, the winner will receive about $14,400.

 

This major win arrives as Mansfield embraces fresh community energy, gearing up for the 5th annual Kay Day Community Celebration on July 19. The event honors Geneva ‘Kay’ Smith, a beloved anti-violence campaigner, with live music, free food, and a touching balloon release to lift up families affected by violence and help children prep for school.

 

Excitement is also building as ex-NASCAR driver Matt Tifft plans to revitalize the local speedway, aiming to turn it into a multi-use entertainment venue.

 

These positive changes highlight Mansfield’s ongoing resurgence and strong community spirit.

 

Summer brings excitement to Mansfield as the Ohio Bird Sanctuary debuts fresh experiences for nature lovers.

 

The new Avian Encounters Area invites guests to meet ambassador birds up close. Every Saturday until August 30, interactive shows at 11 a.m. and noon highlight at least three raptors in action. Tickets are $5 and reservations are required.

 

Educational opportunities expand with the Treetop Classroom, an elevated 600-square-foot structure crafted by the famous Nelson brothers from “Treehouse Masters.” This canopy space, reached by a 100-foot bridge, hosts inclusive programs for all ages and abilities.

 

The sanctuary’s sprawling 90 acres feature accessible trails, a large aviary, and a newly enhanced visitor center. Admission is affordable, with special rates for members, military, and assisted care guests. Pets on leashes are welcome on trails.

 

Discover avian wonders and family-friendly adventures throughout the season in Mansfield.