Erie County, OH – The Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating two separate two-vehicle crashes that occurred today in Erie County.
Two-Vehicle Injury Crash on State Route 113
Milan Township – The first crash occurred at approximately 2:54 PM on July 17, 2024, on State Route 113 at Kelley Road in Milan Township. Lavon J. Hayes, 33, of Wickliffe, Ohio, was operating a 2022 Freightliner M2 straight truck and did not suffer any injuries. He was wearing his safety belt at the time of the crash.
Jeffrey W. Erb, 62, of Avon Lake, Ohio, was riding a 1965 Harley Davidson Electra Glide without a helmet. He sustained serious injuries and was transported to Fisher Titus Hospital by North Central EMS.
The incident happened as Mr. Hayes was traveling eastbound on State Route 113 and attempted to turn left onto Kelley Road, failing to yield to westbound traffic. Mr. Erb’s motorcycle struck the truck, and both vehicles came to a stop in the roadway.
Alcohol and drugs are not believed to be factors in the crash, which remains under investigation. The Erie County Sheriff’s Office, North Central EMS, Groton Township Fire & EMS, and Wilson’s Towing assisted at the scene.
Two-Vehicle Injury Crash on State Route 60
Vermilion Township – The second crash occurred at approximately 5:30 PM on July 17, 2024, on State Route 60 at Mason Road in Vermilion Township. Victoria L. Swartz, 67, of Huron, Ohio, was driving a 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee and sustained serious injuries. She was transported to Mercy Hospital by Vermilion Township EMS and was wearing her safety belt at the time of the crash.
Matthew T. Rehak, 47, of Wakeman, Ohio, was driving a 2014 Chevy 1500 and was not injured. He was also wearing his safety belt.
The crash occurred when Mrs. Swartz, traveling eastbound on Mason Road, failed to yield at a stop sign and proceeded through the intersection, where she was struck by Mr. Rehak, who was traveling southbound on State Route 60. Mrs. Swartz’s Jeep overturned and struck a pole after veering off the right side of the roadway, while Mr. Rehak’s Chevy came to rest in the roadway.
As in the earlier incident, alcohol and drugs are not suspected factors. This crash also remains under investigation. The Erie County Sheriff’s Office, LifeCare EMS, Vermilion Township Fire & EMS, L&M Towing, and Dunn Rite Towing provided assistance at the scene.
ASHLAND – Ashland County Community Foundation recently awarded 300 scholarships totaling $491,252 to students across the region.
This was a record year for the foundation’s scholarship program, with the largest number of scholarships awarded to date.
“We congratulate each of this year’s scholarship recipients, and we extend our sincere thanks to the caring donors in our community who have made these awards possible,” said ACCF Educational Programs Director Lanie Hartge. “We were able to give away nearly half a million dollars in a single year, and we love to see these numbers grow, but the impact of these scholarships is truly immeasurable.”
Of the scholarships awarded, 11 of these were new, and include the following: Joe & Deb Allerding Family Scholarship; Don & Dreama Beattie Scholarship; Joy Day AHS Mock Trial Team Scholarship; Samuel W. Jacobs Memorial Scholarship; Bre McKean Memorial Scholarship; Petrone Scholarship; Scott Family Public Safety Scholarship; Bill & Maxine Stafford Scholarship; Paul & JoAnne Weber Scholarship Fund, fbo Loudonville Livestock Club Participants; Paul & JoAnne Weber Scholarship Fund, fbo OSU-ATI “Dairy Cattle Production & Management” Students; and Paul and JoAnne Weber Scholarship Fund, fbo West Holmes High School FFA Alumni.
A complete list of 2024 scholarships and their recipients can be found on our website at www.ashlandforgood.org/latest-scholarships.
Ashland County Community Foundation offers scholarship opportunities for graduating high school seniors, continuing college students and non-traditional students. Since 1995, ACCF has awarded 3,895 scholarships totaling more than $4.5 million.
Applications are accepted on our website at www.ashlandforgood.org between January 1 and March 15 each year.
By creating an endowed scholarship fund through the community foundation, community members can help make higher education possible for students for years to come. Endowed scholarships are often created to honor or remember someone special and can be named for the donor or honoree.
“We can set up your fund and administer your scholarship based on your desired criteria,” said ACCF President and CEO Jim Cutright. “If education is important to you or a loved one, this is a great way to impact your community for good.”
For more information about starting an endowed scholarship or other named fund, contact Cutright at (419) 281-4733 or cutty@ashlandforgood.org.
The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force is offering a reward for information which would lead to the capture of fugitive Shad Turner. Turner is wanted by the U.S. Marshals Service and the Mansfield Police Department on a failure to comply with order or signal of police officer. Turner, 28, is described as a black male with brown hair and brown eyes, standing 6 feet 4 inches tall. Turner has ties to the cities of Mansfield and Columbus.
Shad Turner
The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force is offering a reward for information which would lead to the capture of fugitive Ashlea Roberts. Roberts is wanted by the U.S. Marshals Service and the Richland County Sheriff’s Office for illegal conveyance. Roberts, 32, is described as a white female with red hair and green eyes, standing 5 feet, 1 inch tall. Roberts has ties to the cities of Mansfield and Loudonville.
Ashlea Roberts
The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force is offering a reward for information which would lead to the capture of fugitive Zhaneshia Fance. Fance is wanted by the U.S. Marshals Service and the Richland County Sheriff’s Office for improper handling of a firearm. Fance, 29, is described as a black female with brown hair and brown eyes, standing 5 feet 1 inch tall. Fance has ties to the city of Mansfield.
Zhaneshia Fance
The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force is offering a reward for information which would lead to the capture of fugitive Jose Flores. Flores is wanted by the U.S. Marshals Service and the Richland County Sheriff’s Office for rape. Bowens, 45, is described as a Hispanic male with black hair and brown eyes, standing 5 feet, 11 inches tall. Flores has ties to the cities of Mansfield, Bakersfield CA, and Fernley NV.
Jose Flores
If you have any information in reference Shad Turner, Ashlea Roberts, Zhaneshia Fance, or Jose Flores, please contact the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force at 1-866-4WANTED or Text keyword WANTED and tip to 847411 (tip411). Tipsters can remain anonymous and reward money is available.
In a major announcement on Truth Social, former President Donald Trump revealed his vice presidential pick for the upcoming election: Ohio Senator J.D. Vance.
“After lengthy deliberation and thought, and considering the tremendous talents of many others, I have decided that the person best suited to assume the position of Vice President of the United States is Senator J.D. Vance of the Great State of Ohio,” Trump stated. He highlighted Vance’s distinguished career and credentials, noting his service in the Marine Corps, his academic achievements at Ohio State University and Yale Law School, and his successful business career in technology and finance. Trump also praised Vance’s bestselling book, “Hillbilly Elegy,” which became a major film, as it resonated with hardworking Americans.
The announcement has already drawn positive reactions from prominent Ohio officials.
Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost expressed strong support for Vance, stating, “J.D. Vance is a perfect pick – tough, smart, and high-energy. He knows what it’s like to have to fight, what it’s like to win, and what it’s like to serve.”
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine also issued a statement congratulating Vance. “J.D. is a father, military veteran, best-selling author, and has served Ohio well as our U.S. Senator,” DeWine said. “His unique life story will resonate with Republicans and Independent voters across the country. J.D. will also bring a new generational perspective to the ticket.”
Governor DeWine further emphasized Vance’s ability to relate to Americans facing economic challenges. “A son of Middletown, Ohio, J.D. can relate to the many Americans who are struggling right now to make ends meet in this era of crushing inflation and an unaffordable housing market. J.D. also knows that securing our border is imperative.”
DeWine concluded, “President Trump has made a great choice and Senator Vance will be a great partner as they campaign together this fall.”
The selection of Vance as the vice presidential nominee adds a new dynamic to Trump’s campaign as they prepare for the upcoming election, aiming to appeal to a broad base of voters across the country.
COLUMBUS— On Friday, June 12, State Rep. Melanie Miller (R-City of Ashland) joined the Ohio Association of Meat Processors, the Ohio Department of Agriculture, and other legislators on a tour of Heffelfinger’s Meats, Inc., the largest harvesting facility in Ohio.
The state of Ohio recently announced additional funding for the Ohio Meat Processing Grant Program made possible with support from the 135th Ohio General Assembly in House Bill 33. The $14 million grant will assist meat processing facilities with the acquisition of new and upgraded machinery, other equipment and technology products, and plant construction or expansion for confinement, processing, and refrigeration.
“This is such an important industry in our great state and especially here in Ashland County,” said Miller. “Rick Heffelfinger continues to operate a first-class facility and by investing in Ohio’s meat processors, we are supporting the growth of small business and ensuring our residents have access to safe, locally sourced food.”
Located in Jeromesville, Heffelfinger’s Meats carries both fresh and frozen meats such as Beef, Pork, Bison, Elk, Ohio Goat, Veal, Lamb, Duck, and Free-Range Turkeys. Rick Heffelfinger represents the third generation operating this local landmark, which was established in 1934.
Heffelfinger’s Meats was a recipient of the Ohio Meat Processing Grant in 2022 receiving nearly $227,000. They purchased a generator for the 25,000 square-foot facility in an effort to reduce the impact of power outages.
COLUMBUS – The Ohio State Highway Patrol has entered the 11th annual “Best Looking Cruiser” contest sponsored by the American Association of State Troopers (AAST). Voting for the best-looking cruiser began today, July 15, at 10 a.m. and will end on July 29 at 12 p.m.
Visit the Patrol’s Facebook, Twitter or Instagram pages and click the link in any of our contest posts or visit the SurveyMonkey website to vote the Ohio State Highway Patrol as having the best-looking cruiser.
When visiting the SurveyMonkey website, scroll to the bottom of the page and select Ohio from the drop-down menu. Agency rankings will be updated on the AAST’s website throughout the contest.
Please help vote for the Ohio State Highway Patrol as the 2024 best-looking cruiser. The top 13 photos receiving the highest number of votes will be featured in the 2025 AAST wall calendar and the photo that gets the highest number of votes will be featured on the cover.
Ohio Highway Patrol, Ashland County Sheriff’s Office, Savannah Fire Department & EMS, and Firelands EMS responded to a two vehicle accident at 569 U.S. Route 250 in front of Beyond Measure Market on Friday, July 12, at 1:22pm.
A 2009 Gold Dodge Caliber was stopped waiting to turn into Beyond Measure Market when they were struck from behind by a 2007 Buick LaCrosse. Both vehicles ended up off the right side of the highway.
Both drivers were transported to UH Samaritan Medical Center with minor injuries.
Ashland – The Ohio State Highway Patrol, in conjunction with the Ashland Police Department and Ashland County Sheriff’s Office, announced today that an OVI checkpoint will be held from 8 PM until 10 PM tonight on Claremont Avenue, in Ashland County.
The OVI Checkpoint, funded by federal grant funds, is planned to deter and intercept impaired drivers.
The checkpoint will also be held in conjunction with nearby saturation patrols to aggressively combat impaired driver-related injury and fatal crashes.
If you plan to consume alcohol, designate a driver or make other travel arrangements before you drink.
Don’t let another life be lost for the senseless and selfish act of getting behind the wheel impaired.
NORWALK – The Norwalk Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating a three-vehicle fatal crash that occurred on July 11 at 10:53 a.m. on state Route 18 at County Road 24 in Scipio Township, Seneca County.
The preliminary investigation showed a Ram Promaster, operated by David Gaertner, 57, Janera, was traveling westbound on County Road 24. Gaertner failed to stop at a posted stop sign at state Route 18 and struck a northeast-bound Ford F-250, operated by Joseph Miller, 41, of Vickery.
A southwest-bound Freightliner semi tractor-trailer, operated by Aaron Knoll, 42, Tampa, Fla., then struck the F-250 and the Promaster. The F-250 and the Freightliner continued off the southwest corner of the intersection, where both vehicles overturned and the Freightliner struck a utility pole and the F-250 caught fire.
Both of Joseph Miller passengers, Richard Miller, 67, Sandusky, and Conner Miller, 13, of Vickery, suffered fatal injuries at the scene. Gaertner sustained serious injuries and was transported by air ambulance to Mercy Health – St. Vincent Medical Center. Knoll sustained serious injuries and was transported by ambulance to Mercy Health – Tiffin Hospital.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted on scene by the Seneca County Sheriff’s Office, Seneca County EMS, Mercy Health Life Flight, Scipio-Republic Fire Department, John’s Welding & Towing, Seneca County Coroner’s Office and the Ohio Department of Transportation.
The incident remains under investigation.
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Joe Lyons •
July 17, 2024
Erie County, OH – The Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating two separate two-vehicle crashes that occurred today in Erie County.
The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force is offering a reward for information which would lead to the capture of fugitive Shad Turner. Turner is wanted by the U.S. Marshals Service and the Mansfield Police Department on a failure to comply with order or signal of police officer. Turner, 28, is described as a black male with brown hair and brown eyes, standing 6 feet 4 inches tall. Turner has ties to the cities of Mansfield and Columbus.
The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force is offering a reward for information which would lead to the capture of fugitive Ashlea Roberts. Roberts is wanted by the U.S. Marshals Service and the Richland County Sheriff’s Office for illegal conveyance. Roberts, 32, is described as a white female with red hair and green eyes, standing 5 feet, 1 inch tall. Roberts has ties to the cities of Mansfield and Loudonville.
The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force is offering a reward for information which would lead to the capture of fugitive Zhaneshia Fance. Fance is wanted by the U.S. Marshals Service and the Richland County Sheriff’s Office for improper handling of a firearm. Fance, 29, is described as a black female with brown hair and brown eyes, standing 5 feet 1 inch tall. Fance has ties to the city of Mansfield.
The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force is offering a reward for information which would lead to the capture of fugitive Jose Flores. Flores is wanted by the U.S. Marshals Service and the Richland County Sheriff’s Office for rape. Bowens, 45, is described as a Hispanic male with black hair and brown eyes, standing 5 feet, 11 inches tall. Flores has ties to the cities of Mansfield, Bakersfield CA, and Fernley NV.
“This is such an important industry in our great state and especially here in Ashland County,” said Miller. “Rick Heffelfinger continues to operate a first-class facility and by investing in Ohio’s meat processors, we are supporting the growth of small business and ensuring our residents have access to safe, locally sourced food.”
Ashland – The Ohio State Highway Patrol, in conjunction with the Ashland Police Department and Ashland County Sheriff’s Office, announced today that an OVI checkpoint will be held from 8 PM until 10 PM tonight on Claremont Avenue, in Ashland County.