High-Speed internet Expansion Coming to Northern Richland County

SHELBY – More than 200 people in northern Richland County could have access to new or improved high-speed internet by the end of next year.

That access is the result of a public-private partnership between Spectrum and state and local government officials.Brian Young, director of government affairs for Charter Communications, said Spectrum is working to expand its services to around 244 previously unserved or underserved homes and small businesses. Customers will be able to access its internet, mobile, TV and voice services as a result.

The beneficiaries will primarily be township residents in northern Richland County,Young said.”It’s a significant investment by Charter Communications/Spectrum, but also it’s been a great partnership with the state of Ohio through broadbandohio and the local county commissioners,” Young said.

Project began three years ago with state grant request

While Spectrum and local officials celebrated the expansion with a brief ceremony Thursday at the Black Fork Commons in shelby, the project has actually been in the works for about three years.

The project is being funded through a combination of funds, including a contribution of $2 million in American Rescue plan Act dollars from the Richland county Commissioners.

Spectrum invested $3.9 million in the project (including in-kind spending). The remaining $2.18 million came from the state’s Ohio Residential Broadband Expansion Grant Program (ORBEG), wich was allocated about three years ago.

“The access to reliable high-speed internet for education systems, our health care systems and commercial enterprises is key,” said Richland County Commissioner Tony Vero. “You can’t function in today’s day and age without reliable internet.”

Young said the contribution from commissioners made Richland County’s application for ORBEG dollars more competitive.

“Richland County was really one of the few non-Appalachian counties that received money during the first round of funding,” Young said.The company’s focus on northern Richland County is part of a multi-year, $7 billion rural construction initiative impacting 1.75 million homes and businesses across 41 states, he said. It should be finished by the end of 2026, but Young estimated about 20 percent of customers in the new service area already have the infrastructure in place.

[ImageofRichlandCountyCommissionerTonyVerospeakingataribboncuttingthursdayatBlackForkCommons[ImageofRichlandCountyCommissionerTonyVerospeakingataribboncuttingthursdayatBlackForkCommonsCredit: Katie ellington Serrao]## Broadband Expansion in Rural Ohio: A Multi-Layered approach

Efforts to expand broadband access in rural Ohio are moving forward with a strategy that emphasizes a multi-layered network approach. According to discussions at a recent event, the plan involves establishing a robust broadband backbone capable of supporting both public and secure communications.

“We’re going to require numerous networks,” stated a representative involved in the initiative. “Mostly everything will be unclassified, but we’ll also have classified or encrypted networks going through that broadband backbone.”

This approach aims to address the critical need for reliable internet connectivity in underserved areas while also accommodating the security requirements of various users, including government and potentially other sensitive sectors. The expansion is expected to substantially impact access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities for residents in rural Ohio communities.

Ohio Rep. marilyn John has been a vocal advocate for boosting broadband access across the state, highlighting the importance of bridging the digital divide. (Credit: Katie Ellington Serrao)

Local Artist Takes Home Top Prize

Richland Source – Sarah Miller, a local sculptor, just won the prestigious National Arts Award. The proclamation came last night at a gala in Chicago, recognizing Miller’s innovative work and dedication to her craft. This is huge for both Miller and the Richland community.

Miller’s winning piece,titled “Resilience,” is a striking sculpture crafted from reclaimed metal.It depicts a phoenix rising from ashes, symbolizing overcoming adversity. Judges praised its powerful message and technical skill. “The piece is breathtaking,” said lead judge, eleanor Vance. “It’s not just stunning; it evokes a real emotional response.”

For Miller, this award represents years of hard work and dedication.She started sculpting as a hobby after retiring from a career in engineering. “I never imagined I’d be here,” Miller shared. “I just wanted a creative outlet. To have my work recognized on a national level is incredibly humbling.”

The Richland Arts Council is thrilled with Miller’s success. They’ve been a strong supporter of her work, providing studio space and exhibition opportunities. “Sarah is a shining exmaple of the talent we have in Richland,” said Council president, David Chen.”This award puts our community on the map.”

You can view “Resilience” and other works by Sarah Miller at the Richland Arts Center, located at 123 Main Street. The Arts center is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm. Don’t miss the chance to see the work of a national award winner right here in Richland!

Learn more about Sarah Miller and her work on her website.

Publication Date: 2025/08/22 01:32:42