Good morning, Mansfield.

Mansfield Post Highway Patrol Sgt. Mike Smith visited the iHeart Radio studio to discuss motorcycle safety and distracted driving.

He warned that roads will be busy during Memorial Day and summer vacation+ urging drivers to stay alert.

Memorial Day falls on Monday, May 26 and many banks, stock exchanges+delivery services including FedEx+UPS will be closed while grocery stores and ATMs remain open; trash pickup may be delayed and unsettled weather with possible thunderstorms is forecast.

A recent study by Bader Scott Injury Lawyers found that Ohio had an average of 40.8 overdose deaths per 100,000 residents annually from 2018 through 2022, which is 48% above the national average and placed the state sixth among those studied.

The study also noted that annual overdose deaths rose from 3,980 in 2018 to 5,397 in 2021 + it linked these trends to challenges with various opioids.

Voting for the Mansfield News Journal Male Athlete of the Week is open until 7 p.m. on Friday—Clear Fork’s Julian Mills won last week with 3,721 votes.

Mansfield Christian's Lillie Mowry was named the MNJ Female Athlete of the Week after receiving 3,567 votes in the Reader's Choice contest—voting closes at 7 p.m. Friday.

Madison coach Tim Niswander led his team through tough games from May 5-10 to prepare them for their Division III district semifinal on May 22 at Willard, where a win will advance them to the championship game on May 24.

Other Richland County teams will compete in district tournaments with a Division IV match today at 4 p.m. in Galion & a Division V game on May 21 at Clyde to decide the next steps in the state playoffs.

Peace on My Block Party

5:30-9 p.m. — Arlin Field — Free entry — Celebrate community with games, activities, and a fireworks show featuring Miss Ohio and a fighter jet flyover.

Group Sound Bath Experience

7-8 p.m. — Mansfield shotokan dojo and sales LLC — Bring your own mat — Unwind and de-stress with soothing sounds from various instruments.

Final Friday Concert Series

5:30-10:30 p.m. — The Brickyard in the Carrousel District — Free entry — Enjoy a night of live music with three acts and refreshments available for purchase.

NAMIWalks Richland County

8 AM – 12 PM — Ontario Marshall Park — Fundraiser entry — Participate in a 5K to support mental health initiatives in the community.

Summer Fun Camp at North Lake Park

9 a.m.-3 p.m. — North Lake Park — Registration required — A fun-filled program for children ages 6-11 this summer.

Kingwood 5K Run

9:00-11:00 a.m. — Kingwood Center Gardens — Registration $25, walk-up $30 — Participate in a chip-timed race benefiting gardening and education programs while enjoying the beautiful grounds.

Miss Ohio Scholarship Program

7-10 p.m. — Renaissance Theatre — Ticket pricing not specified — Witness the crowning of Miss Ohio 2025 and Miss Ohio’s Outstanding Teen 2025.