ASHLAND — January 1 will mark a new year, so we wanted to reflect on what happened in 2019.
With the help of our readers, Ashland Source has put together a list 15 “good news” stories from the past year. Reporter Tracy Leturgey added some of her favorites from 2019 to the mix, too.
To see the most popular stories of 2019 by the numbers, click here.
As Determined by Readers
Below are 15 of the most positive “good news” stories of 2019, as determined with the help of readers.
15. A look inside Mohican Young Star Academy
Now, as Danny prepares to graduate from the academy, he exhibits a confidence he never had before. He says he wants to be an actor and a lawyer.
14. Ashland Roots Local Roots Ashland Market prepares for split from Wooster location
After seven years under the umbrella of Wooster-based Local Roots Cafe & Market, Local Roots Ashland Market became its own entity under the new name Ashland Roots.
13. Balloons stay grounded, but the glow goes on
Though the balloons didn’t make it off the ground on the first night of BalloonFest, the annual event attracts hundreds from Ashland and across the United States.
12. Coffyspace to offer co-working space to Ashland, renovations continue
The space along Main Street in Ashland will bring the concept of co-working to Ashland. Josh Coffy hopes to open the space in 2020.
11. Brew’d Coffee and Donuts opens in Hayesville
It’s a dream come true for owner Margi Yeater.
“I’m just thrilled that I can do this,” Yeater said, surveying the crowd. “I’m a people person, so this right here, I absolutely love it.”
10. Ashland County privatizes recycling
Commissioners approved a one-year contract with Recycleit, based out of Cleveland.
9. Comtex celebrates grand opening, brings 55 more jobs
The new $20 million facility began operations in early November to test its equipment, hire and train staff and receive product deliveries, and since then is meeting the needs of two customers with its new 55 full-time employees.
8. Ashland men rebuild iconic Santa House
The two built a new version of Ashland’s iconic Santa House and positioned it at the corner of Claremont Avenue and Main Street in the city’s Corner Park.
The Coffy family also added a mailbox to the North Pole at Corner Park.
7. Ashland mayor reveals Main Street Plaza concept
A splash pad is likely to be the defining feature in a new public gathering space called Main Street Plaza, Ashland Mayor Matt Miller told Ashland Source.
6. First land bank demolition project begins
Ashland County Land Reutilization Corporation, also known as Ashland County Land Bank, marked a milestone in February 2019, as demolition began on the land bank’s first house.
5. What does Rover Pipeline’s appeal mean for Hillsdale’s building plans?
Despite Rover Pipeline’s appeal, Superintendent Steve Dickerson remains optimistic about building plans.
4. Kroc Center expansion to feature indoor water park
In February, the Salvation Army Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center made a splash with the announcement of a major expansion that will include as its centerpiece an indoor water park.
3. Ashland Council approves taking ownership of Pump House, two more blighted properties
The legislation passed in December allows the city of Ashland to take ownership of the Pump House property, the former Hess and Clark factory at 10 E. 7th Street and the abandoned Eagle gas station at the corner of Claremont Avenue and West Liberty Avenue.
2. Belly Busters BBQ readies its annual Thanksgiving feast for hundreds
Every November, the Andersons prepare dozens of turkeys and collect other holiday food items for the annual feast on Thanksgiving Day.
Reader, Caleb noticed their efforts and submitted this as one of the most uplifting stories of 2019.
1. AerOhio to bring an increase in tourism to Ashland County
When creating a bucket list, people tend to make sure skydiving is on there. If you are one of those bucket list people, then you are in luck as AerOhio Skydiving plans to move to the Ashland County Airport beginning April 1, 2020.
Plans for the business to move to Ashland County were announced earlier this year.
“Pumped about that new skydiving place coming to town,” reader, Nick said.
