Community editors
Review new posts, pick the lead story and keep the paper sunny. A few minutes a day.
Join the team
Sunny Mansfield is a free, open paper for the good things happening around Richland County. Anyone can send a story. Verified contributors publish directly.
Who we're looking for
Student reporters
Aspiring journalists in high school or college. Real bylines for your portfolio and college applications, with a mentor to help.
Business correspondents
Marketers and shop owners who tell the stories of other local businesses, not just their own.
Mentors and motivators
Teachers, coaches, pastors and leaders who share wins and help new writers grow.
Get verified
How it works
- 1Apply. A two-minute form: your name, your town, and what you'd like to cover.
- 2Quick check. An editor confirms you're a real person with a Richland County connection. Under 18? We'll need a parent or guardian's OK.
- 3Post freely. Once verified, your posts go live on their own within 2 hours, with your name on them.
The Sunny rules
Eight rules, one idea: lift people up
- 1Keep it true. Real people, real places and real events. If you didn't see it yourself, link to where it came from.
- 2Keep it kind. We celebrate. No put-downs, gossip, rumors or call-outs, even when someone deserves one.
- 3Keep it local. Mansfield, Ontario, Lexington, Shelby, Bellville, Butler, Lucas, Plymouth and everywhere in Richland County.
- 4Your words, your photos. Write it yourself and use photos you took or have permission to share. Never copy a whole article.
- 5Ask before you post people. Get an OK from anyone pictured or named, and a parent or guardian's OK for anyone under 18.
- 6Civic, not political. Voting dates, forums and how-to are welcome. Endorsements, attack posts and campaign ads are not.
- 7Honest business. Spotlights are free, one a month per business. No fake reviews, fake deals or pay-to-win.
- 8Editors have the last word. We may trim for length, fix spelling, or decline a post. We'll fix mistakes fast: just tell us.
Break the rules and your post comes down. Break them twice and verification is removed.
Apply to join
Thank you!