ABOUT THIS EPISODE
Richland County population grew by 0.4 percent in the last decade:
https://www.richlandsource.com/news/richland-county-population-grew-by-0-4-percent-in-the-last-decade/article_a873d856-fc39-11eb-91d2-9f5237c7b657.html
Then & Now: Big Jacque on Lexington Avenue 1970:
https://www.richlandsource.com/area_history/then-now-big-jacque-on-lexington-avenue-1970/article_fc1ff92e-2a69-11e5-85a4-1b279de7f6ec.html
Where can I donate clothes, toys and household goods?:
https://www.richlandsource.com/open_source/open-source-where-can-i-donate-clothes-toys-and-household-goods/article_fc2fa0ec-4adc-11eb-8330-3f973c61068a.html
Third Street gives back with community block party:
https://www.richlandsource.com/life_and_culture/third-street-gives-back-with-community-block-party/article_2d9fe74c-fc5b-11eb-9f5f-1fad8e7091c7.html
Former Wiggin St. Elementary teacher returns to lead school as principal:
https://www.knoxpages.com/education/former-wiggin-st-elementary-teacher-returns-to-lead-school-as-principal/article_9acf6580-fab8-11eb-95ca-e7192d14b04d.html
David James Tuttle "Tut":
https://www.richlandsource.com/obituaries/david-james-tuttle-tut/article_6fbb2bfe-fc61-11eb-a404-2fc68c0e041f.html:
You're listening to Source Daily: Join us Monday through Friday to stay up to date with what's happening in North Central Ohio. We’ll be sharing a closer look at one of our top stories, along with other news, local history, memorials, answers to your questions, and more.
Today - Richland County has apparently stopped the bleeding in terms of population loss. In fact, there was an increase of nearly 500 residents.
Before we begin,
We’d like to take a moment to thank our Sponsors at First Federal Community Bank. Today, First Federal Community Bank wants you to meet Travis Smith, Assistant Vice President in Commercial Banking, as he continues to help Mansfield area business owners and investors expand their business or start a new one.
Travis thrives on being a resource for the community to explore all of their business banking needs through a collaborative approach. Together you’ll talk about the resources available to meet your goals.
First Federal Community Bank looks forward to collaborating with more local business, owners and investors soon. Equal Housing Lender, Member FDIC.
Now, our feature story…
Richland County has apparently stopped the bleeding in terms of population loss, according to the new U.S. Census data.
The county had 124,936 residents in 2020. It was an increase of 0.4 percent over 2010 in the nationwide count. That's an increase of 461 residents.
While it's not huge growth, it's a dramatic change over 2010. At that time the Census found Richland County's population had declined 3.4 percent.
Richland County Commissioner Cliff Mears said he was delighted to see the growth. Mears, was a long-time Mansfield City Council member who moved into the county commissioner's role in January.
He also noted that previous declines came as large industries like General Motors, Westinghouse and others closed their doors.
But he thinks that we’re past that point. Now, the smaller businesses that are here today are more stable and are able to recruit and retain workers. And people are beginning to see all the potential this place has.
State Representative Marilyn John, who represents Richland County in Columbus, said after the 2010 results, they had goals. The first goal was to stop the decline within five years. The next goal was to grow the population in the five to 10 years after that.
And now, we know they are meeting those goals.
But the local growth in the last 10 years came from increased adult population in a county that saw a decline in those under age 18.
In fact, the number of adults in Richland County grew 1.5 percent in the past decade.
Meanwhile, the number of residents younger than 18 declined by 3.4 percent between 2010 and 2020.
Why? Mears said he thinks local younger people graduating from school will often look for opportunities outside the area.
But the low cost of living, safe communities and readily available health care through OhioHealth and Avita help keep the county's appeal to adults.
And at the state level Ohio's population also increased - by 2.3 percent, making it the country's seventh largest. You can learn more about the census results by reading our full story at richlandsource.com
Before we continue… I’d like to take a moment to highlight the Ashland Source. With more than 40,000 monthly users, it’s an ideal platform to promote your product, service or event. The new dynamic ad formats help your message reach an engaged, local audience. So make sure to visit ashlandsource.com/advertise to learn more.
Now, some local history… Did you know that in the early 1970s, there was a giant statue of a man carrying 4 foot long trays loaded with sandwiches on Lexington Avenue? Advertising Jacque’s Ham, Corned Beef, and Roast Beef, the leaning nearly 3 story tall big man wasn’t to last. Though he certainly made an impression, neighbors were upset by the eyesore, and by 1972, “The Big Man with the Big Sandwich” would close up shop. Today, the statue has migrated up to Lake Erie and Marblehead where you can visit him…. Though it’s sad to say his hands and tray of sandwiches must have been lost along the way.
Next, we’re answering a question from our readers and listeners like you...
Today’s question - where can you donate clothes, toys and household goods?
Whether you're clearing out room in your closet for your new holiday gifts or getting a jumpstart on your spring cleaning, donation is a great option. But before we give you our suggestions, it’s important to note that you should always call ahead to make sure they’re able to accept your particular donation.
First up - The Domestic Violence Shelter. They’ll accept new and gently-used clothing, socks and shoes for men, women and children. They’ll also usually take personal care items.
Next - the What Goes 'Round Thrift Shoppe in downtown Mansfield accepts gently-used clothing, furniture and household items. Items should be clean and in good working condition, without tears, stains or smoke smells.
And finally - The Habitat for Humanity ReStore is a good option. Proceeds support the local Habitat for Humanity affiliate, which works to build more simple, decent, affordable homes for qualified families in our area.
Is there something you’ve always wondered about Richland County that you’d like us to investigate? Check out richlandsource.com and click “Talk to Us”. Here, you can ask us anything and we’ll go out and find the answers.
Now, the neighborhood clinic isn’t a typical site for block parties, but the workers at Third Street Family Health Services decided to think outside the box. And on friday - a block party with live music, food trucks and an abundance of information about local resources took place.
The event was part of National Health Center Week. Third Street has celebrated National Health Center Week in the past, but never with a block party. The organization wants to get folks to be educated about healthcare in general. They want everyone to be able to ask questions and participate in their care. And they certainly want folks to get vaccinated for COVID.
Next, From Knox Pages… For as long as Wiggin Street Elementary School’s new principal Christy Grandstaff can remember, she wanted to be an educator.
But she originally had no desire to be an administrator. But eventually Grandstaff served on the district’s leadership team, working to establish goals to meet the various needs of the district’s students. She also served as assistant principal at Mount Vernon Middle School.
Until the first of this month when she assumed her first head principal position at Wiggin Street.
She says that having already worked as an administrator during the COVID-19 pandemic, she’s learned communication is key. Grandstaff foresees addressing learning loss after remote learning as the school’s largest challenge in the coming years.
Finally, we’d like to take a moment to remember David James Tuttle, also known as "Tut", of Mansfield. Dave was born in Ashland in 1949. He graduated from Crestview in 1967. He was employed at Ohio Brass until he was drafted into the U.S. Army, serving from 1969-1971. He later went on to work for Gorman Rupp for 40 years. Dave loved nature, farming and was an avid gardener. He adored his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and cherished every moment spent together. Dave was loved by many, never knowing a stranger, and had numerous friends. So thank you for taking a moment with us to remember and celebrate his life.
Thanks for listening, join us again tomorrow!
Also, make sure to head over to richlandsource.com and click be a member button to help support independent local journalism that informs and inspires.
Every contribution goes to helping us make Richland County a better place and to help keep our journalism free.
Also, if you like this podcast and want to hear more, make sure to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts!
Support the show: https://www.sourcemembers.com/
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
