Local News

Students across Knox County are receiving additional academic support through Title I funding, a federally funded program designed to help students who need extra assistance in reading, math and other core academic areas. The Knox County Educational Service Center administers Title I services for participating schools and districts throughout the county. The program provides additional instructional support to students who …

The Granville Township Fire Department is celebrating the arrival of a new piece of equipment while also honoring a longtime tradition. Firefighters recently gathered to push the department’s new ladder truck into its firehouse, continuing a tradition that accompanies the arrival of new apparatus. The department shared the celebration Monday as firefighters welcomed the new truck into service. The ceremony …

The demolition of the long-vacant West Park Shopping Center is getting closer, with nine companies submitting bids for the project. The Richland County Land Bank opened the bids Tuesday as it moves toward selecting a contractor to tear down the former shopping center. The proposals ranged from approximately $896,000 to $3.2 million, giving the Land Bank several options to consider …

Madison Local School District voters will decide in November whether to renew two existing property taxes that provide funding for the district. The 14.4-mill levy renewal will appear on the November 3 ballot and, if approved, would continue for five years beginning in 2027, with the first collection scheduled for 2028. Superintendent Rob Peterson discussed the renewal during Monday night’s …

The former Mifflin Elementary School property is heading to the auction block following action by the Madison Local School District Board of Education. The school board approved a resolution Monday authorizing the sale of approximately 10.28 acres along Reed Road and State Route 430 through an online public auction. RES Auction Services LLC will conduct the auction from October 24 …

A long-discussed redevelopment of one of downtown Mansfield’s most prominent properties is officially moving forward. A local investment group led by Mansfield entrepreneur Jay Goyal and hotelier Snehal Patel has completed the purchase of the Quality Inn & Suites at 116 Park Avenue West, launching a planned $10 million redevelopment of the property. The hotel is expected to remain open …

GOAL Digital Academy is expanding its literacy efforts through a new partnership with ReadOhio, an initiative focused on improving reading skills and literacy outcomes. The partnership is designed to provide additional resources and support for students while strengthening literacy instruction. Officials say literacy remains a critical part of a student’s success across subjects, making early intervention and consistent support especially …

The Mansfield Playhouse is using its latest production to tackle difficult conversations about mental health, loneliness and the desire to belong. The theater is presenting Dear Evan Hansen, the Tony Award-winning musical that follows a high school student struggling with anxiety and social isolation after becoming caught up in a lie surrounding a classmate’s death. The production is being presented …

Richland County commissioners are backing efforts to preserve a wetland in Weller Township, supporting conservation work aimed at protecting the area’s natural resources. Commissioners discussed the preservation effort this week as local officials continue looking at ways to protect environmentally significant land while balancing development and other community needs. Wetlands can provide important environmental benefits, including absorbing stormwater, helping reduce …

A developer has withdrawn a controversial proposal to build three multi-car garages near the Overlook housing development in Newark. Trailhead Vista had requested zoning approval from the Newark Board of Zoning Appeals to construct the garages with a 50-foot setback from nearby single-family homes. The proposal had drawn attention because of the potential impact on neighboring residents. The withdrawal means …