Good morning, Mansfield.

Apple Hill Orchards in Mansfield was ranked No.9 among the nation's best apple orchards by USA TODAY readers after nearly a century of offering over 30 apple varieties and fall attractions.

The family-owned orchard will offer pick-your-own options, hayrides and apple treats this fall — drawing visitors during peak apple picking season.

Ohio leads the nation with 144 haunted houses and The Scare Factor has released a list of the 13 best haunts for Halloween 2025—Mansfield's Blood Prison is featured alongside historic spots like Akron's Haunted Schoolhouse and Laboratory, which will open this weekend.

On Sept 8 the Richland County Park District held a Clear Fork Creekin’ program in Bellville as part of the B&O Trail 30th anniversary celebration, where Trail Manager Josh Dyer explained that macroinvertebrates help assess water quality.

Participants used nets to collect species like crayfish and mayflies—showing the river’s health before the animals were released back into the water.

AFSCME Local 3088 signed a contract Monday that gives workers a 3% equity boost, a 6% raise retroactive to May 1, a 3.25% raise beginning May 1, and a $2,500 backpay—each term approved by union members in August—and city officials released the agreement after negotiations last month.

On Sept. 16, a federal appeals court ruled that Ohio can ban green card holders and foreign nationals from donating to statewide ballot campaigns without violating the First Amendment, and the ban will stay in place while a lawsuit is pending.

Secretary of State Frank LaRose called the ruling a win for election integrity — the case is sent back for further review.

Former Buckeyes coach and current Lt. Govenor Jim Tressel visited Malabar on Wednesday—he discussed the Team Tressel Fitness Challenge aimed at boosting local fitness.

The CDC says Chagas disease—a serious illness spread by kissing bugs—can cause fever, swollen eyelids and heart problems, but there have been no confirmed cases in Ohio and the risk is very low.

Officials advise residents to avoid bug bites and to report any unusual symptoms as researchers keep studying the disease.

Mansfield Symphony: Classical Mansfield Concert

7:30-9:30 p.m. — Renaissance Theatre — Free entry — Experience an extraordinary evening of classical music from a talented orchestra featuring acclaimed soloists.

Kidpreneur Marketplace with Bluey

4-5 p.m. — Butler Branch Library — Donation to The Kidpreneur Club — Enjoy shopping and games while supporting young entrepreneurs and meet Bluey.

Constantine Maroulis & FJ Tribute Concert

7:30-10:30 p.m. — Renaissance Theatre — $25 for Meet & Greet — Experience powerhouse vocals and classic rock anthems in a high-energy celebration of rock history.

Charles Mill Halloween Weekend

6-7 p.m., 7:30-8:30 p.m. — Charles Mill Lake Park — Various activities — Celebrate Halloween with crafts, costume contests, trick-or-treating, and more at the lakeside.

Dracula - Play

2:30-4:00 p.m. — Renaissance Theatre — Tickets starting at $94 — Experience an unforgettable adaptation of Bram Stoker's classic tale.

Pleasant Hill Halloween Weekend

Costume Festivities — Oct 10-11 — Pleasant Hill Lake Park — Free entry — Dress in your best costume and enjoy festive events at the lake!

Dogs, Donuts & Drinks .5K

.5K walk with your dog — 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM — The Phoenix Brewing Company — Entry fee benefits the Humane Society — Enjoy a leisurely stroll with pets, donuts, and drinks.

The sCarolina Film Series - Frankenstein (1931)

7-9:30 p.m. — Mansfield Richland County Public Library — Ticket prices vary — Experience the chilling classic *Frankenstein* on the big screen as part of a beloved film series.

Dracula - A Comedy of Terrors

7:30-9:00 p.m. — The Mansfield Playhouse — Tickets required — Explore the hilarious and terrifying journey of a real estate agent in Transylvania with a comedic twist on the classic tale.

Autumn Fiber Festival

10 AM – 5 PM — Richland County Fairgrounds — Cost varies — Explore local artisan crafts and discover unique fiber creations.