Shelby council | farmers gain momentum | 'bold revival' at Mansfield Speedway | Willard project update | more
By David Jacobs
The Shelby City Council addressed five ordinances and three resolutions at this week's meeting.
Ordinances that received second readings on June 2 included:
-- Ordinance 11-2025 – authorizing the sale of city-owned property -- the old Main Street firehouse -- via the Shelby CIC -- to an eventual private owner, currently undetermined -- who would revitalize the vacant 1872 building.
-- Ordinance 12-2025 – updating wastewater strength limits.
-- Ordinance 13-2025 – adjusting septage receiving rates. (This does not affect general Shelby customers)
A first reading was held on Ordinance 15-2025, proposing a charter amendment that would be sent to voters to align local election petition deadlines with Ohio law (changing from 75 to 90 days), sparking discussion.
Councilman at-large Steve McLaughlin stressed benefits to citizens and alignment with the state. Councilman Nathan Martin and Councilman Derrin Roberts questioned the necessity of a change.
Other issues were raised on whether changes from last year’s proposal -- which did not advance from council in 2024 -- were substantive.
A motion, offered by Councilman Martin, was passed to postpone further consideration to the next meeting. His motion was to allow time to gain input from Shelby City Councilman Charles Roub, who was not in attendance on Monday. Four council votes are needed for the current council to send the proposal to Shelby voters.
A first reading was also held for Ordinance 17-2025, modifying water service charges outside city limits.
Three other pieces of legislation were adopted 4-0.
-- Resolution 18-2025, acquiring an easement for a redirected waterline at the former Lee Street Trailer Park.
-- Resolution 19-2025, intent to vacate a portion of Spruce Street.
-- Resolution 20-2025, with a correction to bid dates, was unanimously approved for the Curtis Drive sewer extension project. Bids are being sought ahead of a project contract. Plans and specifications were approved through the resolution.
Check back for updates.
AGRICULTURE
Ohio farmers make progress on planting
Ohio’s corn planting jumped from 51 percent to 64 percent in one week, but below its five-year average of 87 percent, a newly issued report shows.
Spring fieldwork in Ohio picked up after a wet start in April and May.
Some details from the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service for the week ending June 1:
-- Corn emergence followed suit, climbing to 49 percent by June 1. That’s a move up from 36 percent, but below the 65 percent average.
-- Crop conditions for corn showed 35 percent of fields rated good, 11 percent excellent, and 8 percent in the poor or very poor category.
-- Soybean planting hit 66 percent, up from 52 percent the week before. The long-term average for this date is 77 percent.
-- Emergence in soybeans reached 42 percent, a step up from 33 percent the prior week. The average for early June stands at 53 percent.
-- Soybean condition ratings came in at 43 percent good, 7 percent excellent, and 10 percent poor or very poor.
-- Winter wheat was 86 percent headed, ahead of the five-year average of 82 percent. One percent of wheat was reported very poor, while 68 percent landed in the good or excellent range.
Farmers had three days suitable for fieldwork during the week.
Topsoil moisture was 70 percent adequate and 28 percent surplus. That kept tractors moving in most places, but not all.
The USDA’s Acreage and Grain Stocks reports later this month will offer further insight into the 2025 growing season outlook.
RICHLAND COUNTY
'Bold revival' planned at Mansfield Speedway
MANSFIELD --– Former NASCAR driver and entrepreneur Matt Tifft, along with his wife Jordan Tifft, have officially acquired Mansfield Speedway, setting in motion a high-impact revitalization of one of Ohio’s most iconic motorsports venues, the Richland Area Chamber & Economic Development announced via news release.
Local to the area, Simonson Construction Services will be leading the project. The first wave of events launches later this year, with a full-scale reopening slated for spring 2026.
The announcement described it as a "bold revival project.”
Once a national stage for racing, Mansfield Speedway had been sitting dormant until now.
"The Tifft family plans to transform the 178-acre property into a multi-use entertainment destination, blending grassroots motorsports, high-energy car culture, concerts, and seasonal festivals into a one-of-a-kind experience for fans and families
“This track has so much history, and we couldn’t stand to see it waste away,” said Matt Tifft. “Jordan and I are building something that’s way more than a racetrack. This is about community, horsepower, and unforgettable events all year long.”
Local and regional leaders are celebrating the announcement.
Mansfield Mayor Jodie Perry said in a statement, “We are so excited by this new investment into Mansfield. This is an iconic property with a great history, and I look forward to working with their team to bring it back to life.”
Ellen Heinz, CEO/President of Richland Area Chamber & Economic Development, added, “We are thrilled and extremely fortunate to have Matt and Jordan investing in our region! They are extremely talented with an amazing vision for the project."
"We are grateful for this enormous opportunity for Richland County and Ohio," she said in the release.
Renovation efforts are already underway, including grandstand repairs, facility upgrades, and new infrastructure to support a wide variety of events.
"The couple’s vision focuses on fan-first experiences, content creation, and turning Mansfield Speedway into a true destination for Ohio and beyond," the release states. "Matt and Jordan are actively collaborating with brands, creators, and local businesses to bring the project to life."
Former bleachers from the Mansfield Speedway were later repurposed for use at the Whippet Athletic Facility in Shelby.
OHIO
Grants focus on bicycle, pedestrian safety improvements
Nearly $52 million in grants will be awarded over the next four years to improve safety for bicycle and pedestrian traffic through the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP), the state government announced on Wednesday.
The funding will support 44 projects in 33 counties.
"The Transportation Alternatives Program makes vital investments to support safer, more connected spaces for walking and biking,” Gov. Mike DeWine said in a statement. “This program helps improve quality of life, enhance public safety, and build sustainable transportation networks that make our cities and towns stronger and more vibrant."
(Graphic via state of Ohio)
REGION
Willard project takes shape, comes in under estimate
The Spring Street improvement project in Willard was included in legislation presented to the City Council this week.
An ordinance was presented to award the project to Great Lakes Demolition Company, the lowest bidder, which came in $69,153 under the engineer's estimate of $310,000, City Manager Bryson Hamons detailed in a report to City Council.
Some details about the project:
-- Last year, the headwall began to shift, causing erosion of the embankment along the roadway near the east end of Spring Street, close to State Route 99.
-- Temporary measures were implemented to stabilize the area until a permanent solution could be carried out, which the contractor will now undertake.
-- This involves removing the compromised headwall, guardrail, and soil, and reconstructing the roadway with proper drainage to prevent future erosion.
"Once the embankment is stabilized, this section of the roadway will be repaved with new asphalt," Hamons wrote.
On May 21, bids were opened. Two bids were received: one from Great Lakes Demolition Company of Clyde for $240,847, and another from Rietschlin Construction of Crestline for $347,798.
The start of work will be announced since the contract, Hamons noted, was just awarded.
"We will set up a pre-construction meeting to get the exact timeline from the contractor, but the end date for the project is December 15 -- meaning they have to have the project completed by then," Hamons reported.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
Old firehouse | Shelby Farmers' Market season | regional updates
$300K campaign launched to replace Shelby's historic mausoleum
Showcasing Shelby High School Class of 2025 (with links to all graduation articles, videos, photos)
Shelby launches legislative step to give firehouse new life
Shelby Fire shows support as 4 honored by state for explosion response (with video)
Shelby photo gallery: Memorial Day parade and observances
Morgan Truck Body to cut 110 jobs at Orrville plant
AT A GLANCE
Reporter David Jacobs can be reached at davidjacobs@shelbynewsreporter.com
