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COSHOCTON – A local newspaper does more than simply report on what is happening in the communities it covers, it positively impacts the lives of the community and its readers and subjects.

Over the past few years, the Coshocton Tribune has had direct and indirect impacts across Coshocton County in ways both large and small. It can range from directing customers to new businesses and giving to charities, to making connections that, for some, mean big changes.

Kara Freeman and husband Bradley Barrick test out a van donated by Catholic Social Services for their daughter, Dani Hardesty, in this 2020 Tribune file photo. At right is her daughter Amalia Barrick. A previous article in the Tribune led to a donation. This is just one example of the impact local journalism has on the community.

In October 2019, the Tribune published an article about a local family in need of a wheelchair-accessible van for then-10-year-old Danielle “Dani” Hardesty, who has cerebral palsy. The family needed something Dani could easily get in and out of, but also be reliable and seat his five other children.

The first article raised donations for the GoFundMe campaign, but it wasn’t until almost a year later, in September 2020, that the impact was felt. David Desender, East Regional Director for Catholic Social Services, is from Coshocton and reads about ticks at the online Tribune.

He saved the story to his computer in case the organization could help. Desender saw an opportunity when CSS scrapped the vans it used to transport seniors and veterans to medical facilities.

“I believe it is God’s calling. God has told me that there are people in need of help. Catholic Social Services has a mission to help those in need. ‘s mission,” Descender told the Tribune at the time.

Rachel Lustig, president and CEO of Columbus-based CSS, said he agreed with Desender after reading the article.

Lustig said in 2020, “I was so inspired by this story and how this family came together to care for Dani’s health.

An article on van donations earned Tribune 3rd Place in Best Public Service in Division I of the 2020 Ohio AP Media Editor Awards.

Reporter Leonard Hayhurst knew that the subject of one article might serve the subject of another, so sometimes the connections are more direct. Here’s an example of behind-the-scenes influence and how reporters are connected to the community.

In March 2021, the Tribune published an article about Angie George, a descendant of the Royer family, about his efforts to restore the Royer Chapel and Cemetery at 280 Township Road. It was once thought to be the smallest chapel in the world, seating just 21 people.

The chapel was plagued by vandals and thieves and fell into disrepair. George told the Tribune that one of the items she wanted was a replica of the original altar and a prayer kneeler. Hayhurst recently wrote about Crowtown Mill Designs and owner girlfriend Jay Lenhart. Thinking that a woodworker would be interested in the project, Hayhurst brought him and George together.

A follow-up story in October 2021 detailed the work completed. George also told the Tribune how the previous story brought some visitors to the open house and cemetery walk.

“It’s amazing. It far exceeded our expectations,” she told the Tribune of the altar at the time. It felt like it was always here.”

The two have been working together with a prayer box made by Lenhardt for the prayer garden behind the chapel, which is scheduled to be installed this spring. George also founded a non-profit organization in the name of the Coshocton County Historic Cemetery Preservation Group to seek grants for the project. Lenhart is on the board. In addition, Lenhart manufactures and sells small crosses called Royer Crosses, and from each cross sold he goes to the Chapel Fund of $5.

“I cannot overstate how blessed we are for[Hayhurst]to bring the two of us together. said George.

Stories can bring awareness of events and people that the general public may not know about.

Bryson, 9, and Raelyn, 11, Dickerson in Warsaw race ATVs around the country and are part of the Grand National Cross Country Nationals. Parents Amy and Dustin Dickerson said it was difficult for the community to go out and support them because there are no races in the area.

But they’re amazed at how many people recognize the kids, having detailed the kids’ accomplishments in a previous Tribune article. A new story will be published in the Tribune shortly.

Amy said she heard a lot of comments from the crowd when the young people attended the miracle of the Main Holiday Parade in November.

“I was happy to hear how many people knew who the kids on the float were. Well done,'” recalled Amy. “That right means nothing to me.”

Leonard Hayhurst is the Community Content Coordinator and General News Reporter for the Coshocton Tribune, with nearly 15 years of local journalism experience and multiple awards from the Ohio AP. Contact him at 740-295-3417 or llhayhur@coshoctontribune.com. Follow @llhayhurst on Twitter.

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