Joe Lyons

Delaware Post Investigating Fatal Crash in Concord Township

The Delaware Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol is currently investigating a two-vehicle fatal crash that occurred on July 27, 2024 at approximately 4:06 P.M. on Moore Road at SR 745 in Concord Township.

Courtney B. Frederick, age 47, of Ostrander Ohio, was operating a silver 2015 Dodge Durango northbound on SR 745. Christopher Frederick, age 53, along with children ages 7, 9, and 16 years of age were passengers in the Dodge Durango. Bugi

Jung, age 40, of Powell Ohio, was operating a 2025 black Honda Pilot eastbound on Moore Road. Limyoon Jung, age 41 and a 4-year-old male child were passengers in the Honda Pilot.

Mr. Jung failed to stop at the stop sign where it was struck by the Dodge Durango. The Honda Pilot then traveled off the eastbound side of SR 745 striking a mailbox, fire hydrant, tree and overturned. The Dodge Durango traveled off the right side of the roadway and struck a tree.

Mrs. Frederick and Mr. Frederick, along with the 16-year-old child were transported to Dublin Methodist Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The 7- and 9-year-old children were transported to Nationwide Children’s Hospital (Lewis Center) and treated for minor injuries.

Mr. Jung and Mrs. Jung were transported to Riverside Methodist Hospital with serious injuries. The 4-year-old male child was transported to Nationwide Children’s Hospital (Lewis Center) where he succumbed to his injuries.

All occupants in the Honda Pilot were not wearing a safety belts or restraints at the time of the crash. All occupants in the Dodge Durango were wearing safety belts at the time of the crash.

The crash remains under investigation. Impairment and distractions are unknown at this time.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted at the scene by Delaware County Sheriff’s Office, Delaware County EMS and Concord Township Fire and EMS.

6th Annual Brookside Pool “Big Splash” Party Photo Gallery

See story: Record Attendance at 6th Annual Brookside Pool “Big Splash” Party in Ashland

I would like to give a huge shout-out to Bill Harris Dealerships for sponsoring Ashland County Pictures (ACP) will be able to continue serving the Ashland area with breaking news and up to date information.

https://www.facebook.com/billharrischevy

https://www.facebook.com/BillHarrisCDJR

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198 Photo’s

Record Attendance at 6th Annual Brookside Pool “Big Splash” Party in Ashland

 

Record Attendance at 6th Annual Brookside Pool “Big Splash” Party in Ashland

 

Ashland, OH – The 6th annual Brookside Pool “Big Splash” pool party proved to be an outstanding success, thanks to the remarkable efforts of Ashland Mayor Matt Miller and his team. The event, held under sunny skies, attracted over 1,400 participants, making it the most attended pool party in its history.

Mayor Matt Miller, along with his wife, State Representative Melanie Miller, personally greeted attendees and handed out leis, setting a warm and welcoming tone for the event. Melanie Miller even joined in the fun, dancing the “Cha-Cha Slide” with the children, adding to the festive atmosphere.

The party featured an array of activities, including pool games with around 3,000 rubber ducks, free Chick-fil-A meals, and refreshing snow cones. Music and dancing kept spirits high throughout the day, creating an unforgettable experience for all.

Reflecting on the event, Mayor Matt Miller expressed his delight, stating, “What a day we have had! We estimate over 1,400 people attended this year’s Big Splash pool party. We did a lot of planning, and our friends from Chick-fil-A had to bring another truck with more chicken to serve everyone. We’ve given out thousands of snow cones. It’s been a fantastic day with everyone in good spirits and plenty of big splashes in the pool.”

The highlight of the day was the “Big Splash” event, where all the young participants gathered around the pool, counted down, and jumped in simultaneously to create the biggest splash possible. Mayor Miller noted, “The kids have a wonderful time with it, and it’s refreshing for the adults too. This has truly been a wonderful big splash pool party.”

When asked if this was the largest crowd ever, Mayor Miller confirmed, “Absolutely, without question. Mother Nature cooperated with a beautiful day, and word is getting out that this is the most fantastic pool party around. Even with 1,000 people in the complex, everyone was laughing, singing, and dancing.”

The mayor also emphasized the importance of creating lasting memories for families and children. “One of our goals was to make memories for these families, especially the children. Years from now, we hope they remember the days spent in Brookside Park and want to come back and raise their families here.”

Mayor Miller expressed gratitude to his team and sponsors, saying, “I can’t thank the ladies in the mayor’s office, our department heads, and our park and recreation crew enough. They were out here early setting everything up. This event is entirely funded through donations, and we are grateful to the Norma Foundation, our primary sponsor, and all the individuals who contribute.”

The sense of community was unmistakable, with attendees from various nearby cities, including Akron, Mansfield, and Bucyrus, expressing their appreciation. Mayor Miller concluded, “We are blessed to have such a large and beautiful pool complex that can accommodate all these people. Ashland continues to be someplace special.”

The 6th annual Brookside Pool “Big Splash” party was a resounding success, leaving attendees with cherished memories and anticipation for next year’s event.

See Photo Gallery of 6th Annual Brookside Pool “Big Splash” Party in Ashland

I would like to give a huge shout-out to Bill Harris Dealerships for sponsoring Ashland County Pictures (ACP) will be able to continue serving the Ashland area with breaking news and up to date information.

https://www.facebook.com/billharrischevy

https://www.facebook.com/BillHarrisCDJR

https://www.facebook.com/BillHarrisFord

 

Highway Patrol Investigating Two Vehicle Fatal Crash

Pleasant Township – The Norwalk Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating a two-vehicle fatal crash that occurred on July 26 at approximately 5:40 a.m. on State Route 53 near County Road 38 in Pleasant Township, Seneca County.

 

The preliminary investigation showed a 2011 Nissan Frontier, operated by Dylan E. Schiets, 20, Oak Harbor, was traveling southbound on State Route 53. Schiets traveled left of center and struck a northbound 2018 Ford Fusion, operated by John P. Lunsford, age 56, Bucyrus. After the collision, the Frontier came to rest off the west side of the roadway and the Fusion came to final rest on State Route 53.

John Lunsford suffered fatal injuries as a result of the crash. Dylan Schiets sustained serious injuries and was transported by air ambulance to Mercy Health – St. Vincent Medical Center.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted at the scene by the Seneca County Sheriff’s Office, Old Fort Volunteer Fire Department, Seneca County EMS, Mercy Health Life Flight, Seneca County Coroner’s Office, the Ohio Department of Transportation, and Reinhart Auto Body.

The incident remains under investigation

Governor DeWine Signs “Religious Expression Days” Bill Into Law

(COLUMBUS, Ohio)—On Wednesday, July 24, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signed the following bill into law:

House Bill 214, sponsored by Representative Adam Holmes (R-Nashport), enacts the “Religious Expression Days” or “R.E.D.” Act to require each public school to adopt a policy that reasonably accommodates the sincerely held religious beliefs and practices of students; to require each public school to adopt a policy regarding certain expectations related to the performance of staff member professional duties.

Robbery at Rite Aid Pharmacy Leads to High-Speed Chase and Arrests

On the evening of July 24, at approximately 7:34 p.m., the Ashland Police Division responded to a robbery at the Rite Aid Pharmacy located at 419 Claremont Avenue. According to witnesses, three black males fled the scene on foot before being picked up by a suspect vehicle, identified as a Silver Ford Escape.

The quick response by Ashland Police led to the initiation of a high-speed pursuit.

The pursuit began on Claremont Avenue, where the Silver Ford Escape was seen traveling at an excessive speed. During the chase, suspects discarded empty pill bottles from the vehicle.

The chase extended beyond city limits, continuing into the county and onto Interstate 71 southbound. The Ohio State Patrol from the Mansfield Post joined the pursuit near State Route 13. The high-speed chase came to an end on I-270 near Cemetery Road, thanks to coordinated efforts from multiple surrounding agencies.

The suspects apprehended in connection with the robbery are:

    Sir Christon Spencer Unique Sincere Rogers, 23, of Huber Heights, Ohio

 

 

 

 

Sir Christon Spencer Unique Sincere Rogers

Kerry Dion Stephens, 24, of Trotwood, Ohio

 

 

 

Kerry Dion Stephens

James Phipps Marshawn, 23, of Dayton, Ohio

 

 

 

James Phipps Marshawn

Robert Lee Prater, 25, of Dayton, Ohio

 

 

 

Robert Lee Prater

Taquan Derion Thompson, 29, of Dayton, Ohio

 

 

 

Taquan Derion Thompson

All five suspects are currently being held in the Ashland County Jail pending a review of charges by the Ashland County Prosecutor’s Office.

The investigation into the robbery is ongoing. Authorities are urging anyone who witnessed any suspicious activity or has non-emergency information related to the incident to contact the Ashland Police Division at 419-289-1911.

This significant arrest highlights the cooperation and quick action of multiple law enforcement agencies, ensuring the safety and security of the community.

Ashland Police Investigate Rite Aid Pharmacy Robbery

ASHLAND, OH – Ashland experienced its first pharmacy robbery yesterday at the Rite Aid Pharmacy located at 419 Claremont Ave. This incident is part of a troubling trend of similar robberies happening across Ohio and neighboring states, prompting authorities to investigate a potential coordinated criminal operation targeting pharmacies.

 

Rite Aid Pharmacy located at 419 Claremont Ave

The Ashland robbery has raised suspicions due to its resemblance to other incidents in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and beyond. The timing and descriptions of the robbers suggest a possible link between these crimes.

Ohio ranked third in the nation for armed pharmacy robberies last year, trailing only California and Indiana. According to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Ohio witnessed 42 armed pharmacy robberies last year.

 

***Ashland Police Division is expected to release a statement soon***

In a related incident just last month, the Ada Police Department is investigating a robbery that occurred on June 24, 2024, at the Rite Aid Pharmacy at 610 S. Main St., Ada, OH. The robbery took place at 8:54 p.m., with three suspects described as black males wearing COVID-19 style masks and dressed in all-black clothing. No weapons were seen or presented, and no injuries were reported. The suspects fled on foot with prescription medications and are believed to have left town in a vehicle shortly after. The Ada Police Department has urged the community to provide any information regarding the incident by contacting Detective Eichman at (419) 558-3360.

 

 

Pharmacy Robbery Safety Tips

Pharmacy Times offers the following advice for dealing with a robbery:

Cooperate fully: Prioritize safety over heroics. No amount of stolen drugs is worth risking lives.

Observe details: Pay attention to the perpetrator’s actions and what they touch. Note if there’s an accomplice and independently record descriptions of the suspects and the event.

Identify weapons: If a weapon is displayed, observe its type and color.

Stay calm: Indicate willingness to comply with demands.

Note escape details: If possible, record the escape vehicle’s description, license number, and direction. If the suspect is on foot, note their direction and initial route of travel.

Secure the premises: Lock down the building after the event and call the police.

Wait for authorities: Cooperate fully with the police upon their arrival.

The recent surge in pharmacy robberies highlights the need for heightened vigilance and cooperation between law enforcement and the community to tackle this growing problem.

ODOT Construction Update: Ashland County

ASHLAND COUNTY – The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) has announced several construction projects that will impact roadways in Ashland County next week. All outlined work is weather permitting and subject to change.

U.S. Route 42 Bridge Replacement

Location: U.S. 42, between SR 89 and Township Road 553

Impact: Single lane closures for a bridge replacement project. Traffic will be maintained using temporary traffic signals. Lane widths will be reduced to 10 feet through the work zone.

New Impacts: Township Road 543 will be closed for 75 days. The detour route is TR 543 to TR 1275 east to TR 593 to U.S. 42, and reverse. Estimated reopening is Saturday, September 21, 2024.

Estimated Completion: October 2024

U.S. Route 42 & State Route 302 Intersection Improvement

 

 

Project: Conversion of the current two-way stop-controlled intersection into a single-lane roundabout.

Continuing Impacts:

Phase 1 Construction: SR 302 eastbound direction, from U.S. 42 to Township Rd 251/1080 intersection, remains closed for roundabout construction. The U.S. 42 and SR 302 intersection remains open for travel along U.S. 42. Access on SR 302 will be maintained for residents only, who will need to enter from SR 302 westbound.

Detour Route: SR 302 west to SR 301 north to U.S. 224 west to SR 58 south to SR 302, and reverse.

Phase 1 Duration: Approximately from April 2024 to August 2024.

Estimated Completion: October 2024

Interstate 71 Bridge Repairs

Location: Various locations between U.S. 30 and SR 301

Impact: Single lane closures in both directions for bridge repairs. Traffic will be maintained at all times.

Estimated Completion: September 2024

State Route 89 & State Route 302 Intersection Improvement

 

 

Project: Conversion of the current two-way stop-controlled intersection into a single-lane roundabout.

Continuing Impacts:

Phase 2 Construction: The SR 89 and SR 302 intersection is closed for 60 days to construct the remaining roundabout.

Detour Routes:

Local detour: SR 89 north to U.S. 42 east to SR 301 north to U.S. 224 west to SR 58 south to SR 89, and reverse.

All other motorists: SR 302 west to SR 301 north to U.S. 224 west to SR 58 south to SR 302, and reverse.

Phase 2 Duration: Approximately from June 2024 to August 2024.

Estimated Completion of Phase 2: Friday, August 2, 2024.

Estimated Completion: October 2024

U.S. Route 224 Culvert Replacement

Location: U.S. 224, between Troy Township Road 791 and County Road 681

New Impacts: Closure starting Monday, July 22 for a culvert replacement. The detour route will be U.S. 224 east to SR 511 north to SR 162 east to SR 58 south to U.S. 224, and reverse.

Estimated Completion: Friday, August 2, 2024

Stay informed on these projects to plan your routes accordingly and ensure safe travels through Ashland County during this construction period.

Governor DeWine Signs Bills Into Law

(COLUMBUS, Ohio)—Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signed the following bills into law: 

   

 

Senate Bill 28, sponsored by State Senator Kristina Roegner (R-Hudson), enters into the Physician Assistant Licensure Compact, revises the law governing the certification and practice of medication aides, and remove residency conditions related to limited licenses to practice veterinary medicine.

  

  Senate Bill 29, sponsored by State Senator Stephen Huffman (R-Tipp City), regarding educational records and student data privacy.

    Senate Bill 40, sponsored by State Senator Kristina Roegner (R-Hudson), enters into the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact and to address limitations imposed by health insurers on dental care services.

   Senate Bill 94, sponsored by State Senators Andrew Brenner (R-Delaware) and Al Landis (R-Dover), makes various changes regarding recorded instruments, powers of attorney, judgment liens, mortgage subrogation, law enforcement towing laws, state stock banks, liquor control laws, motor vehicle sales and leases, designation of public depositories, community reinvestment areas, motor vehicle certificates of title, and higher education cost and aid disclosure forms; to provide for the electronic filing of pleadings or documents in courts of common pleas except a probate or juvenile court; in municipal courts, and in county courts, to permit an elected clerk to disburse funds for the computerization of the clerk’s office without the court’s authorization; to permit municipal and county courts to increase the maximum amount of their additional fees from ten dollars to twenty dollars to cover the computerization of the clerk’s office; to enact the “CAMPUS” Act regarding the prevention of harassment and intimidation at institutions of higher education; to establish campus safety and community programs; to provide additional funding to support responsibilities of the Chancellor of Higher Education related to educator preparation programs and the science of reading; and to make appropriations.

    Senate Bill 98, sponsored by former State Senator Michael Rulli (R-Salem), addresses fraudulent business filings, deceptive mailings, reinstatement of canceled business entities, and addresses of statutory agents, and to make changes regarding property taxation, fire investigator firearms, acting or assigned judge reimbursements, common pleas clerk of court duties, recreational vehicle park and camp operation licenses, and state ballot numbering.

    Senate Bill 112, sponsored by former State Senator Michael Rulli (R-Salem), requires school buildings to comply with national life safety standards and to name this act the Ohio Childhood Safety Act.

    Senate Bill 156, sponsored by State Senators Bill Reineke (R-Tiffin) and Bob Hackett (R-London), revises the law governing the designation of wild, scenic, and recreational rivers and to revise boating law to encourage boating safety.

    Senate Bill 168, sponsored by State Senator Michele Reynolds (R-Canal Winchester), amends Section 265.270 of H.B. 33 of the 135th General Assembly regarding primary, secondary, and higher education reform and notice requirements for certain reemployed retirants, to transfer cash from the General Revenue Fund to the High School Financial Literacy Fund.

    Senate Bill 175, sponsored by State Senator George Lang (R-West Chester), amends sections of the Revised Code regarding insurance regulations and taxes.

    Senate Bill 214, sponsored by State Senator Stephanie Kunze (R-Dublin), allows a victim of human trafficking to expunge certain criminal records.

    Senate Bill 225, sponsored by State Senator Kristina Roegner (R-Hudson), designates September 22 as Veterans Suicide Awareness and Prevention Day.

    House Bill 56, sponsored by State Representatives Phil Plummer (R-Dayton) and Andrea White (R-Kettering), prohibits causing the death of or serious physical harm to another while operating a utility vehicle or mini-truck, to require law enforcement entities to train officers related to the pursuit of a motor vehicle, to increase penalties for fleeing from law enforcement and forms of stunt driving, and to make changes to the distribution of certain driving-related fees.

    House Bill 147, sponsored by State Representatives Sarah Fowler Arthur (R-Ashtabula) and Adam Miller (D-Columbus), makes changes to the education law regarding teacher licensure, hiring, conduct, professional development stipends, interscholastic athletics, school-event ticket pricing, school funding calculations, special needs scholarship program service providers, background checks for private before and after school care program staff, and the High School Financial Literacy Fund.

    House Bill 158, sponsored by State Representatives Bill Roemer (R-Richfield) and Melanie Miller (R-Ashland), makes changes to the law governing the regulation of cosmetologists and barbers, to enter into the Cosmetology Licensure Compact, and to revise the law governing hospital police officer commissions

    House Bill 179, sponsored by State Representatives Adam Mathews (R-Lebanon) and Brian Stewart (R-Ashville), relative to vicarious liability in tort actions and to provide that the tolling of the limitations period during the defendant’s absence or concealment does not apply to statutes of repose.

    House Bill 202, sponsored by State Representative Jim Thomas (R-Jackson Twp.), designates a portion of United States Route 62 in Canton as the “Specialist Dennis Alan Combs Memorial Highway.”

    House Bill 226, sponsored by State Representatives Monica Robb Blasdel (R-Columbiana) and Dontavius Jarrells (D-Columbus), permits water-works companies to bear the costs for replacing certain customer-owned water service lines.

    House Bill 251, sponsored by State Representative Gail Pavliga (R-Portage County), designates a portion of State Route 88 in Portage County as the “Patrolman James R. Wert Memorial Highway” and to update the name of an organization receiving contributions for the “ALS Awareness” license plate.

    House Bill 301, sponsored by State Representative D.J. Swearingen (R-Huron), amends the Nonprofit Corporation Law, the law governing dissolving corporations, and the law governing the repair or replacement of a mausoleum or columbarium; to replace two part-time judgeships in the Ashtabula County County Court with one full-time judge, and to include the village of North Kingsville and Kingsville, Monroe, and Sheffield Townships within the territorial jurisdiction of the Conneaut Municipal Court; to expand the authority of a board of trustees of a political subdivision soldiers’ memorial; to modify the law governing public depositories; to establish a standing juvenile committee within the state criminal sentencing commission; to allow an immediate appeal of a court order restricting enforcement of state law; to allow a court to order parents to undergo conciliation with a magistrate in a custody proceeding; and to reiterate the effective date of judicial release and transitional control provisions enacted in S.B. 288 of the 134th General Assembly.

    House Bill 466, sponsored by State Representatives Jean Schmidt (R-Loveland) and Sean Brennan (D-Parma), requires a written agency agreement for a licensed broker to represent a buyer or seller in a real estate transaction.

Search Intensifies for Missing Lorain County Teen

Lorain County, OH – The Lorain County Sheriff’s Office has ramped up efforts to locate Veronica Hayden Dininger, a missing 17-year-old girl last seen in the early hours of July 21, 2024.

Veronica’s mother, Jessica McClellan, made an emotional plea on Facebook to the community, stating, “My daughter, Veronica Hayden Dininger, has been missing since 12:27 a.m. on July 21, 2024. The authorities are involved, and any information on her whereabouts would be greatly appreciated. Please contact the Lorain County Sheriff’s Department or the Village of Wellington Police. She’s 5’3”, with waist-length blonde hair and green eyes, approximately 108 lbs. She was seen in grey sweatpants and a grey or light blue crew neck sweatshirt, with white Nike high tops with a black swoosh. She was last seen leaving our front porch at 12:27 a.m. on Sunday, July 21. We have reason to believe she got into a vehicle with someone at this time. Someone knows something! Thank you everyone for the continued support.”

Lieutenant J. Croston of the Lorain County Sheriff’s Office also issued a statement: “The Lorain County Sheriff’s Office is seeking information as to the whereabouts of Veronica Dininger. She is a 17-year-old white female who left her residence on July 21, 2024. Veronica was last seen wearing a black t-shirt and black leggings. She is approximately 5’3″ and 108 pounds, with long blonde hair and green eyes. No indications of foul play have been discovered at this time. Anyone with information on her whereabouts can contact the Lorain County Sheriff’s Office at 440-329-3710 or your local law enforcement.”

Authorities urge anyone with information, no matter how minor it may seem, to come forward. The community is asked to remain vigilant and report any potential sightings or leads. Lorain County Sheriff’s Office at 440-329-3710

ASHLAND WEATHER