Good morning, Mansfield.

Ohio State Mansfield is inviting the public to meet five Homecoming Court student leaders Sept.

29 from 12:30-1:30 p.m. at Eisenhower Marketplace — free snacks and giveaways will be provided and two court members are from Richland County.

This fall Ohio State Mansfield has 911 students enrolled, marking a four-year high with a 7.3% increase from last year and an over 18% rise in first-year numbers.

The university credits local outreach programs—such as Upward Bound and Manufacturing Days—with drawing students from across Ohio.

The Ohio Division of Wildlife is working to slow the spread of Chronic Wasting Disease among deer in central Ohio as hunting season begins today.

New rules include no baiting or feeding deer — and hunters may not transport whole carcasses in some areas, with testing required in October and December.

Richland County is recruiting poll workers for the Nov.

4 general election. Training will be at Longview Center on Oct. 10, 15, 18 and 20 and workers must arrive by 5:30 a.m. to prepare for polling — they will earn a stipend from $145 to $190 for their work.

Ohio approved Grant Street Group as its vendor to process Bitcoin and other cryptocurrency payments for state fees after the Board of Deposit approved the vendor contract on Sept.

24. The Secretary of State's office will offer the new payment option with a transaction fee similar to that for credit card payments — marking a first for the state agency.

Ohio's new age verification law—signed by Gov. DeWine—is set to require online platforms with adult content to check visitors' ages by asking for a government-issued ID, and it will take effect Tuesday.

An adult industry group argues the vague law may force sites like X and Reddit to add age checks, and the Attorney General will enforce the rule by suing companies that do not comply.

A new vending machine outside Richland Public Health now offers free naloxone kits, tooth brushes, pregnancy test kits and feminine hygiene supplies—an effort to improve access to essential health items for the community.

Last week, Richland County high school football teams ended Week 6 with a 5-4 record as Ontario edged Pleasant 27-24 and Clear Fork defeated Marion Harding 31-7—big plays marked the wins.

Other matchups saw Crestview beat Plymouth 42-0 and Lucas lose 18-15—teams now prepare for Week 7 conference games.

Lexington football beat Mansfield Senior 48—6 on September 26 in the first home win against the rival since 2011.

Running back Markale Martin returned from injury and scored three touchdowns to boost the team’s record to 5—1.

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.

Studio Tenn Presents: Dracula

7-9 PM — The Mansfield Playhouse — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a comedic twist on the classic tale of Dracula in this entertaining live performance.

Mansfield YMCA Pump-Kin Run

8-10 a.m. — YMCA of North Central Ohio-Mansfield — Registration fee required — A fun-filled Pump-Kin Run with activities for athletes and families alike.