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Hey Mansfield, hope your week’s off to a good start! Gold and silver surge, a behind-the-scenes greenhouse tour, the Y2K Reloaded Tour, and more. Let’s get to it!
— Cait Baker
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📰 In the news
Statewide student transportation push: Nearby Ashland County’s Ashland City, Hillsdale and Mapleton schools received nearly $40,000 in state bus safety grants, covering driver training, improved communications, tech upgrades and ground wash lights — learn how funds are used.
From patrol to the top: Ashland Mayor Matt Miller appointed Detective Lieutenant Curt Dorsey as the city’s next police chief, succeeding Chief Dave Lay, who will retire later in 2026 after years of service — learn about his career path.
Addressing diaper need locally: Ashland Diaper Pantry at Christ United Methodist Church held its first distribution on the fourth Monday, using drive-thru for diapers and wipes. Monthly distributions are planned — find out when and where.
Lifesaving care at risk: Facing a severe blood shortage tied to flu and winter storms, Red Cross drives are underway in Ashland County, and Mansfield donors, especially type O and platelet donors, are needed — learn how you can help.
Gold and silver are (still) on fire: Gold’s strong run continues, and silver is outperforming nearly every major asset class in the last year. With demand rising and supply tight, precious metals offer the right combination of market hedge and growth. Augusta Precious Metals is a great way to invest in gold because you can just roll over part of your retirement account into their gold and silver IRAs. Curious to learn more about it? Grab their free guide here.
Compare rates for free: Insurance prices drop all the time, but you’ll only know if you check. I assumed my rate was fine until I compared options and realized I was leaving real money on the table. It took a minute to check and instantly showed better offers for where I live. If it’s been more than a few months, you should probably run this comparison tool here.
One pet emergency can easily cost $7,000+ but pet insurance helps ease the financial and emotional burden. It’s something I wish I’d had after spending $10k on last-minute surgery for my cat (her name is Miss Stache). I learned my lesson and signed up for Spot. It’s super affordable and reimburses up to 90% of the bill.
*We do our best to avoid paywalled articles. If any slip through, let me know which ones and I’ll permanently remove them from our source list!
Highlights this week:
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🫶 We got your back
Pathways to advanced learning: Mid-Ohio Educational Service Center will host its annual College Credit Plus and Financial Aid Night on Feb. 5, 2026. Students in grades 6 to 11 can get details on the program and Accuplacer. A separate financial aid session is planned for seniors and parents. Get all the details.
State fact-finder shapes deal: Mansfield City Council approved on January 20 a new three year contract for firefighters. It includes 12.25 percent raises over three years, holiday pay adjustments, and $750 annually for paramedic certified firefighters. Union members still need to ratify. If approved, it would be retroactive to April 1, 2025. See what’s in the contract.
Two words: comfort upgrade: The side Lobster Mac & Cheese at Hudson & Essex stacks tender lobster, crisp pancetta, sweet peas, and a smoky gouda-cheddar sauce beneath a buttery parm-cracker crunch. Share it, or don’t. Your weeknight deserves nice things.
Your closet’s cheer squad: Olive & Oak Company keeps fresh drops coming with cozy pullovers, easy dresses, and accessories that actually work with what you own. Need spirit in a pinch? Check the Game Day section repping Ohio State and the Browns for quick looks that feel ready, not rushed.
A smart way to save on big purchases: When costs hit the tens of thousands, credit card and personal loan interest racks up fast. A HELOC lets you tap into your home’s equity as a flexible line of credit at a lower rate… all without refinancing your mortgage. I’ve been looking into this myself, and Figure’s HELOC stood out for its 100% online application, no in-person appraisal, and quick access to cash.
Your neighbors are Googling you:It’s an uncomfortable thought, but people search names all the time — employers, new friends, other parents at school pickup. If something negative, outdated, or misleading shows up on the first page, it can shape how people see you before you ever meet. BetterReputation helps push down unwanted search results so the first impression you make actually reflects who you are today. And if it’s not your name, you can help a friend or family member with that too.
Get clarity on financial decisions: Managing retirement, taxes, and investments alone can feel overwhelming, especially during big life transitions. Financial advisors provide holistic guidance, help reduce risk, and keep emotions away from costly decisions. I found a tool called Unbiased that matches you with the right financial advisor based on your personal situation so you can get a second opinion… it never hurts.
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📆 Around town this week
Have an event to share? BaseLocal Verified Businesses can submit them for free! Learn more about how to submit an event here →
All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.
This week
🌱 Behind-the-Scenes Greenhouse Tour @ Kingwood Center Gardens | Tuesday (2/3) at 1:00 PM – You’ve walked past Kingwood’s Display Greenhouse a hundred times, now go inside with a staff guide and cozy up to those Winter’s Interlude orchids. Get the dirt on the building’s history, see what’s propagating, and feel superior to your pothos. Members get the hometown discount.
📷 Opening Reception: Photography by Irv Oslin @ Chicory Witch | Tuesday (2/3) at 5:30 PM – Wild Chicory kicks off a fresh show with Irv Oslin’s photography, all quiet moments, rich detail, and visual poetry you swear you notice, but never do. Free, open to the public, and refreshment-friendly. Meet Irv, the Times-Gazette voice, linger with the work.
🚶 Wellness Walk and Morning Stretch @ Kingwood Center Gardens | Wednesday (2/4) at 11:00 AM – Call it a midweek reset: a 45-minute wellness walk and easy morning stretch through Kingwood Center Gardens, led by the OhioHealth Fitness crew. Fresh air, friendly pacing, and scenery pretty enough to make your knees forget they creak, plus it happens every week.
This weekend
💃 Cabin Fever Reliever Clogging Workshop @ Baku Grotto | Saturday (2/7) at 9:00 AM – Shake off the winter blahs at Mansfield’s annual clogging shindig, because your boots deserve better than pacing the kitchen. Workshops with Jeff Driggs, Andrew Perry, and more, plus dances, exhibitions, and an on-site lunch with games and prizes. Choreographers, Cue-a-palooza gives seven cuers the floor.
🥦 Richland County Free Produce Distribution @ Mansfield Senior High School | Saturday (2/7) at 10:00 AM – Nothing beats free fresh produce, especially when your crisper looks like a tumbleweed. Matthew 25 Outreach Center teams up with Mansfield Senior High for a no-cost produce distribution in the east lot at 124 N. Linden, just bring bags, neighbors, and good manners.
🎨 Roses and Rosé Galentine’s Paint and Sip! @ The Warehouse Tavern | Saturday (2/7) at 1:00 PM – Skip the crowded prix fixe and celebrate Galentine’s by painting a handmade charcuterie board, locally crafted by The Bored Man. For $45 you get the board, paints, stencils, beads, discounted rosé at the bar, plus permanent jewelry from Linked Love. Functional art, laughs, minimal glitter.
💪 StrongHer Together Workshop 1 @ Richland Academy of the Arts | Saturday (2/7) at 2:00 PM – Kick off a five-part series at RAA for female athletes ages 12 to 18 and their moms or female guardians, focused on mental, emotional, and physical wellness. Real talk, smart tools, and time together that beats another bleacher marathon. Grant-backed, so extra win.
Live music & entertainment:
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
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📻 Mansfield report
Weather forecast
Today – High: 26°F – Low: 6°F – Precip: 15%
A slight chance of snow between 11am and noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 26. West wind around 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%. New snow accumulation of less than half an inch possible. Later: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 6. Wind chill values as low as 0. North wind around 5 mph. New snow accumulation of less than half an inch possible.
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Tomorrow – High: 20°F – Low: 5°F – Precip: 0%
Mostly sunny, with a high near 20. North wind around 6 mph. Later: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 5.
This house is wild
This move-in ready 3-bedroom brick home in the Mansfield City School District pairs classic character with modern updates. Sunlit rooms, refreshed light fixtures, and newer stainless steel appliances complement an updated bath. An attached garage adds convenience, and the backyard suits relaxing or entertaining. Close to shopping, dining, and everyday amenities, with standout curb appeal and solid value.
Take a peek inside →
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🔥 Worth a peek
We’re always on the hunt for useful resources, deals, services, and products we genuinely think you’ll love. Here’s what caught our eye this week:
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