Thursday, September 17, 2026 | A five-minute local briefing
Today’s projected high is 82°F. Expect mostly cloudy skies with a 50% chance of showers and thunderstorms.
Next five days:
- Friday: Mostly sunny, high near 77°F
- Saturday: Mostly sunny with a 30% chance of afternoon showers, high near 77°F
- Sunday: Showers likely with possible afternoon thunderstorms, high near 78°F
- Monday: Partly sunny with a 30% chance of morning showers, high near 73°F
- Tuesday: Partly sunny with a 30% chance of showers, high near 74°F
National Weather Service forecast for Mansfield
🏇 Local fun fact
Mansfield hosted the Ohio State Fair in both 1872 and 1873. Harness racing prompted the move because the half-mile track at Mansfield’s Springmill Street fairgrounds was considered the best in Ohio. Explore Richland County Fair history.
🏙️ Ontario plans public hearing on zoning changes
Published Thursday: Ontario residents will have an opportunity to comment on proposed zoning-code changes during a public hearing at 7:00 PM October 21 at the Ontario Municipal Building.
Residents questioned how they could prepare without seeing the changes. City officials said the proposal must be available at least 30 days before the hearing and will be posted online alongside the current code. Read Thursday’s Richland Source report.
🏠 Wayfinders shelter opening shifts toward year’s end
Wednesday update: Renovations at Wayfinders’ new homeless shelter at 661 Park Avenue East are running behind schedule because of asbestos-abatement and damp-proofing work.
The organization now expects to receive occupancy approval by December 31 and begin operations shortly afterward. The nearly 13,000-square-foot facility will accommodate about 78 to 80 people daily, compared with 58 at the current Third Street shelter. Read the project update.
🏗️ Habitat seeks builders for Shelby and Crestline homes
Wednesday announcement: Habitat for Humanity of Richland and Crawford Counties is requesting contractor proposals for new homes on Sherman Avenue in Shelby and Wiley Avenue in Crestline.
The houses will introduce a high-performance design featuring improved insulation, mechanical ventilation and cold-climate heat pumps intended to reduce long-term utility and maintenance costs. Proposals are due by 4:00 PM October 7. See the contractor information.
🎡 Bellville Street Fair continues Thursday
Thursday’s lineup includes an art show from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM, street-exhibit judging at 9:00 AM and specially priced rides from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
The poultry show begins at 5:00 PM. Goat and hog judging starts at 6:00 PM, when the Marching Princesses are also scheduled to perform on the main stage. See the official fair schedule.
👮 Police Review Commission meets tonight
Happening Thursday: Mansfield’s Police Review and Community-Police Relations Commission will meet from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM in City Council Chambers on the Municipal Building’s third floor.
The commission provides a public forum for police-community concerns and reviews complaints involving department personnel. See the City of Mansfield calendar.
🥕 Farmers market and bird walk fill the evening
The North End Farmers Market runs from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at 486 Springmill Street, offering produce, meat, honey, baked goods, plants and other local products. See the market listing.
The Richland County Park District will also lead an evening bird walk along the B&O Trail in Bellville from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM. View Thursday’s community calendar.
