Local Talk with Aaron Hines

Doug Wertz, Artistic Director and Board President at Mansfield Playhouse made a visit to the WMAN, iHeart Radio studio, to share the news of $1 million coming from the state of Ohio's Capital budget, which moves them closer to building a new theatre.  The organization has now raised just over $3.2 million and they can start to build once they reach $5.5 million.

Shelby mayor, Steve Schag, and Car Show President, Steve Fellows, made a visit to the WMAN studio to give the details about Shelby's 3rd annual Car Show and Cruise In, which is planned for Saturday, June 20th from 1 pm - 4 pm in downtown Shelby.

Jake Furr, Sports reporter for the Mansfield News Journal, sat down with WMAN's Aaron Hines to discuss an incredible spring for high school sports in Richland County: 7 State Championships in Track and Field, along with Madison Softball and Lexington Tennis reaching the State Final Four.

President of Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, Craig Rust, phoned into WMAN on Friday to discuss the 65th Season of Racing at the track with the O-Reilly Auto Parts 4 hours of Mid-Ohio. Rust shares why so many drivers and fans love the track at Mid-Ohio, which was built in 1962.  The Honda Indy 200 falls over the July 4th holiday, as the USA turns 250, plus super bikes and vintage motorcycle days back o...

David Falquette of Mansfield City Council was in studio this week to share the very latest on the Buc-ee's Development Plan, which will see a $50 million investmant.  Mansfield Police is getting 5 grants totaling more than $327,000, and an agreement for a Solar Field on former and closed landfills in town.

Mansfield Mayor, Jodie Perry started the month of June by joining WMAN's "Local Talk" to discuss the latest on what is happening in town: proposed Buc-ee's Travel Center, data centers, West Park demolition, housing grant, street paving, Main Street Construction project and more!

Tim Niswander, Madison Softball Coach, sat down with Aaron Hines on Monday morning to talk about their historic run to state tournament.  Madison, who beat Uniontown Lake on Friday, 3-1, won their 1st regional championship in 31 years (1995).  Niswander, who is in his 26th year coaching softball - 22 as a head coach and 15th at Madison, shared about falling last year in the regional final on a wal...

Stan Jefferson and Tom Hager with the Mansfield City Schools share the information about their 3rd annual Peace On My Block Community Fair, May 29th, 2026, at Arlin field.

Aubrie Hall, NAMI Richland County ( the National Alliance on Mental Illness) shares about their 2nd NAMI Walk, which is planned for this Saturday, May 30th, 2026, at Marshall Park in Ontario. Aubrie also talks about their programs and events, which have expanded, as she heads into her 3rd year at executive director.

Shelby mayor, Steve Schag, along with Aaron Billheimer and Connie Roub from the Shelby Downtown Business Team, spent time on WMAN this week to share about the 2nd Shel - BEE Festival, which is taking place on May 30th.

The Renaissance Theatre is underway with big renovation plans, which are a part of their "Road to 100", as the historic theatre in downtown Mansfield is turning 100 in 2028. Renaissance Performing Arts President and CEO, Chelsie Thompson, shares about their plans, which includes new seats and much more. Chelsie sat down with Aaron Hines to discuss the improvements planned at "The Ren".

Jean Taddie and Tara Burchett explain about the new RCT Flex Route Bus Service that is helping get residents to and from work, earlier and later, thanks to a over $500,000 grant. Jean is the Transit Development Manager for Richland County Regional Planning Commissioner, while Tara is the assistant GM for Richland County Transit.

Find out what's happening locally in the Mansfield Parks this spring and plans for the summer with Mike Woogerd - Mansfield Parks Superintendent - who sat down with WMAN's Aaron Hines. Did you know that Mansfield has a total of 21 parks, which covers more than 3,100 acres.

Mansfield Mayor, Jodie Perry, stopped in studio for her monthly visit with WMAN ( May 1st, 2026).   Jodie spoke with Aaron Hines on a variety of topics: - Proposed Data Center - Next Step in the possible Buc-ee's travel center - Damage to Liberty Park basketball courts - Demolition of West Park Shopping Center - New Public Pool in town

Mansfield Police Officer, Alan Edwards spoke with WMAN to share all the details on Bike-a-palooza 2026, which is coming up on May 9th at North Lake Park in Mansfield. He is helping oversee the event, which will be giving away 70+ bicycles to kids.

Pioneer Career and Technology Center - Superintendent Greg Nickoli was in studio this week to fill us in on their new, Advanced Manufacturing Center in Shelby. A $6.6 million state grant allowed Pioneer to renovate a building into the manufacturing center, expanding its welding program and adding a new residential electric program.  RichlandSource.com reports, Pioneer Superintendent, Greg Nickoli,...

State Representative Marilyn John visited WMAN to chat with Aaron Hines about $500,00 going to the renovation project of the historic Renaissance Theatre in downtown Mansfield. COLUMBUS – State Representative Marilyn John (R-Richland County) is pleased to announce that the Ohio Controlling Board recently approved the release of $500,000 for the Mansfield Renaissance Theatre “Road to 100” renovatio...

Ashland Band Director - Marty Kral spoke with WMAN on Thursday and shared the story of being able to find replacement instruments for his students to perform at Disney World after the Ashland High School Marching Band had 20% of their instruments stolen during a trip to Florida. According to AshlandSource.com, the 160 students, staff and volunteers made the 22 hour bus trip arriving at their hotel...

Mansfield Mayor, Jodie Perry, called into WMAN's "Local Talk" program with Aaron Hines for her monthly chat about the latest going on in town.  The mayor shares about a feasibility study to possible build a new public pool.  There has not been a public pool in operation in Mansfield since 2021.

Jake Furr, sports reporter for the Mansfield News Journal, dropped by the WMAN studio this week to sit down and chat with Aaron Hines to preview the 47th annual News Journal All-Star Classic, which will take place at Lexington High School on Friday, March 27th.  There will be a girls senior showcase at 6 pm, followed by the boys game at 7:30 pm.

Listen here to the WMAN play-by-play highlights of Mansfield Senior's thrilling victory, 65-61, over Alliance in the Regional Semi-Final on Wednesday at the University of Toledo and Savage Arena. Andrew Brooks scoring on a drive to the basket, Kaylen Brooks DEEP 3-pointer, Davion Mack's one handed SLAM DUNK, and DJ Corbin sealing the game with a free throw with :07 seconds to play an the final cal...

Richland County Foundation President and CEO, Allie Watson, stopped by WMAN to share the news and plans about the organization receiving nearly 50 buildings in downtown Mansfield from John and Mimi Fernyak.  Allie explains 14 of them, which are located in and around the brickyard are going to be turned into housing and apartments.  

Mansfield Senior boys basketball coach, Marquis Sykes, sat down with Aaron Hines of WMAN following the TYgers district championship game win over Lima Shawnee, 64-61, on Saturday night.  Senior High won their 1st district title since 2014 behind stellar performances by Kaylen Brooks and Andrew Brooks, who combined for 37 points to help the TYgers punch their ticket to the Division III Regional Tou...

Richland County EMA Director, Sarah Potes, joined WMAN's Aaron Hines on Friday to share important information ahead of the winter storm and dangerously cold temperatures forecasted for the entire state of Ohio. The snow begins on Saturday and should wind down early Monday, while the extreme cold is going to stick around through the end of the month.

Shelby head football coach, Rob Mahaney, sat down with Aaron Hines on Tuesday morning to preview Friday's Division IV State Championship game in Canton vs Glenville.  Rob, also shared about the amazing community support, playing in Week 16 for the state title for the 1st time in school history, incredible seasons by so many players and Mahaney growing up in Northeast Ohio about 15 miles from the H...