Richland Source

MANSFIELD — The Mansfield Fire Department proved Thursday afternoon there is more than one way to fight a blaze. Not surprisingly, it involved hoses and water. Temperatures soared into the 90s again as an extreme heat warning continued for a third straight day across north central Ohio. So instead of battling flames, firefighters rolled a ladder truck into North Lake Park and declared war on overheated kids.

MANSFIELD — More than 240 skilled cigar rollers worked in a building at 147 N. Diamond St. for The Hautzenroeder Co. more than a century ago. The building has sat empty for many years, standing in silent vigil to a time when Mansfield’s cigar industry was among the national leaders at the turn of the 20th century. The insides of that historic building may soon come back to life as part of the Downtown Forward project, aimed at creating 102 residential living units in 14 historic downtown buildings.

We'll send a verification code to %EMAIL%.

Dennis Lee “Monk” Baker, 72 of Ashland passed away from this life early Tuesday morning, June 30, 2026, in Brethren Care Village following an extended illness. He was born on February 21, 1954, in Ashland the son of the late Harry J. and Inez Marie (nee Greenwalt) Baker. Monk graduated from Ashland High School, Class of 1972. He was employed at U-Brand for many years. Throughout his life, Monk enjoyed watching old westerns and had a strong love and appreciation for old cars.

On Monday, June 22, 2026, John Back Jr., affectionately known as “Papaw Back,” passed away after an extended illness, surrounded by his family and an abundance of love. John was born on July 24, 1951, in Mansfield, Ohio, to the late John Back Sr. and Shirley (Morley) Back. John was a hardworking man whose quiet strength was matched only by his gentle heart. He never lost his playful sense of humor, even in his final days, continuing to make those around him laugh when they needed it most.

MANSFIELD — There’s a tide turning on the north side of Mansfield. The city has gone decades without large scale housing development. For nearly a decade, the Richland County Land Bank was tearing down dilapidated homes. A central Ohio company now wants to build around 70 affordable housing units on more than 60 vacant lots owned by the land bank.

SHELBY – Armored combat, axe-throwing, inflatables and an all-day beer garden. What better way to celebrate the history of bicycles and the semiquincentennial anniversary of the United States than that? Bicycle Days, Shelby’s annual community festival, celebrates the city’s rich history as a major 20th-century bicycle manufacturing hub. It takes place the week after the Fourth of July, with this year’s being the country’s 250th birthday.

Susan “Sue” Virginia Rudd, age 75, was reunited with her beloved husband Rushel Rudd on June 30, 2026, at her home in Crestline. She was born on June 28, 1951, in Port Allegany, Pennsylvania, and spent her life devoted to her family. On July 26, 1969, Sue married Rushel Rudd, with whom she shared 42 beautiful years until his passing on November 12, 2011. Sue was a devoted member of the Freewill Baptist Church of Bucyrus, where she found joy and comfort in her faith.

William James Adkins, age 93, of Mansfield, passed away early Monday morning, June 29, 2026, at his home. He was born July 6, 1932, in Salt Rock, West Virginia to the late Tennessee Marie (Porter) and James Hezekiah Adkins. Bill served in the US Army for 8 years and was stationed in Germany. He met the love of his life, Arvetta Griffith, in Kentucky and they married on December 2, 1961. They moved to Ohio shortly after, where Bill worked at Ohio Brass and Mansfield Ferrous Casting.

Sammy Chris Collins, age 75, of Mansfield went home to be with the Lord late Sunday evening, June 28, 2026, at his home, surrounded by his family. He was born to the late Mabel (Thompson) and Lentford Collins on December 11, 1950, in Carter County, Kentucky. Sammy was employed as a construction professional for most of his life. He married the love of his life, Maureena Keaton on July 30, 1977. He was a member of Christian Life Church for many years.