Joe Lyons

OVI Checkpoint in Ashland County Tomorrow

Ashland – The Ohio State Highway Patrol announced today that an Operating a Motor Vehicle Impaired (OVI) checkpoint will be held in Ashland County tomorrow evening.

The OVI checkpoint, funded by federal grant funds, is planned to deter and intercept impaired drivers.

“Based on provisional data, there were 11,324 OVI-related crashes in which 725 people were killed last year in Ohio”, Lieutenant Brad Bishop, commander of the Ashland Post, said. “State troopers make on average 25,000 OVI arrests each year in an attempt to combat these dangerous drivers. OVI checkpoints are designed to not only deter impaired driving but to proactively remove these dangerous drivers from our roadways.”

The location of the checkpoint will be announced Friday morning

Boating Accident at Pleasant Hill Lake Leaves Man With Serious Injuries

Ashland County, OH, July 4, 2024 – A boating accident at Pleasant Hill Lake on the Fourth of July left a man in serious condition after being run over by the boat he was on with friends.

The incident, which occurred at approximately 3:20 PM, is under investigation by the Wildlife Officers from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Parks & Watercraft. Ashland County Sheriff’s Office, Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District (MWCD) Rangers, also responded.

According to ODNR spokesperson Karina Cheung, ODNR officers responded to a report of a person being injured after being run over by a boat at Pleasant Hill Lake. The accident happened while a group of people was on a pontoon boat on the lake. “An argument took place on the boat, leading one man to jump into the water voluntarily,” Cheung explained. “While he was in the water, the operator of the boat, unaware of the man’s actions, put the boat into gear, driving over him.”

The man sustained multiple cuts to his right side from the boat’s propeller and was quickly taken to the Ohio-Health Trauma Center for treatment. Unknown on his current condition.

The boat’s operator underwent standardized field sobriety tests and was not arrested for boating under the influence. However, charges for failing to complete the Ohio Boating Education Class and failure to control the vessel have been presented to the prosecutor’s office.

Authorities continue to investigate the incident to determine the exact sequence of events.

For more information and updates on boating safety regulations, visit the ODNR website or follow them on social media.

Collision Between Car and Amish Buggy on County Road 801

ASHLAND, OHIO — A collision between a car and an Amish buggy occurred this morning at approximately 8:00 a.m. on County Road 801 in front of SS Performance Horses. The Ashland Post of the Ohio Highway Patrol received a 911 call at 8:09 a.m. reporting the incident.

According to the caller, a black 2024 Honda HR-V struck the rear left side of an Amish buggy.

Fortunately, there were no reported injuries from the collision.

The driver of the Honda, an 80-year-old woman, was cited by the Ohio Highway Patrol for Assured Clear Distance Ahead (ACDA), marking her first traffic ticket in her life.

The Amish male operating the buggy reported no injuries. However, he was cited for failing to have a yellow flashing light on his buggy, as required by Ohio law. According to the law, “One yellow flashing lamp displaying yellow light that is visible from a distance of not less than one thousand feet” must be mounted on the topmost portion of the rear of the animal-drawn vehicle or on the top of the vehicle.

The Ohio Highway Patrol reminds all drivers to maintain proper distance.

***The horse was not injured in the crash.***

Bucyrus Troopers Investigating a One-Vehicle Fatal Crash

CRAWFORD — Troopers from the Bucyrus Post are investigating a fatal crash that occurred on July 9, 2024 at approximately 09:45 am on County Road 2 in LaRue, Ohio within Marion County. The crash was not discovered and reported until July 10, 2024 at approximately 08:18 am when the Ohio State Highway Patrol Marion & Bucyrus Post began to investigate the crash.

The crash involved a 201 1 Chevrolet HHR station wagon driven by Harry E. Baker, 72, of LaRue, Ohio. The Chevrolet was northbound on County Road 2. The Chevrolet traveled off the west side of the roadway, into a creek, and struck the north bank of the creek.

Mr. Baker was pronounced deceased at the scene of the crash. Mr. Baker was wearing his seat-belt at the time of the crash. Drugs and alcohol are not suspected. Next-of-kin have been notified.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted at the scene by the Scioto Valley Fire & EMS, Kirby’s Towing, and the Marion County Coroner’s Office. The crash remains under investigation.

3rd annual ‘Father’s Eve Breakfast with Dad’ set for June 15th

 

Ashland, OH—The 3rd annual Father’s Eve Breakfast with Dad event will take place on the morning of Saturday, June 15, 2024 at Foundation Plaza, located just west of Ohio Fire at 88 E. Main Street, Ashland, OH.

Dads, stepdads, and granddads are invited to bring their kids and grandkids to come enjoy a free breakfast pizza, donuts and more anytime between 8:00-10:00 a.m. as we celebrate fatherhood together.

“Healthy families are so important to the overall wellbeing of our community,” said Mayor Matt Miller. “This is a unique way for us to celebrate the critical role that dads can play in our lives.”

This is a free event brought to you by the City of Ashland, Ohio Fire, and The Norma Foundation.

Aber’s Towing & Crane Service Hosts 2nd Annual Touch a Truck & Car Show

 

Ashland, OH – Aber’s Towing & Crane Service is excited to announce its 2nd annual Touch a Truck & Car Show, set to take place on July 20th, 2024, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 1180 Commerce Parkway, Ashland, OH 44805.

This family-friendly event will benefit the Ashland Associated Charities, with free admission for spectators who are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items or make monetary donations.

Participants in the car show are asked to contribute a monetary or non-perishable donation as an entry fee. The event promises a fun-filled day with activities and attractions for all ages, including:

First Responders and Life Flight Landing: Meet local heroes and witness a live life flight landing.

Food Trucks: Enjoy a variety of delicious options from local food vendors.

Inflatable Obstacle Course: A fun challenge for kids and adults alike.

Face Painting: Creative and colorful designs for children.

Aber’s Towing & Crane Equipment: Get up close and personal with the impressive machinery.

Hot Rods Take Back the Streets: Admire classic and custom hot rods on display.

This event is a fantastic opportunity for the community to come together, enjoy a day of fun, and support a worthy cause. Don’t miss out on this exciting day of trucks, cars, and community spirit!

For more information, please contact Aber’s Towing & Crane Service at (419) 289-1741

Marion Post Investigating Fatal Crash Involving Pedestrian

MARION – The Marion Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating a fatal crash involving a pedestrian that occurred on July 8th at 11:30 a.m. on Center Street near Chicago Avenue in the City of Marion.

The preliminary investigation showed a Ford Escape, operated by Sandra Brown, 85, Marion, struck a pedestrian on the sidewalk as she was pulling out of a private drive onto Center Street. The pedestrian was identified as Linda Dowalter, 72, of Bellville. Dowalter and the Escape were then struck by a Kenworth T480 truck, operated by James McGinnis, 53, Marion who was traveling east on Center Street.

Dowalter sustained fatal injuries at the scene. Brown and her passenger, Diane Wilcox, 79, Marion, both sustained minor injuries and were transported by ambulance to Marion General Hospital. A 7-year-old and 2-year-old were with Dowalter at the time of the crash. The 2-year-old sustained minor injuries. The 7-year-old and McGinnis were not injured.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted on scene by Marion City Department of Fire and EMS, Marion Police Department and Kirby’s Towing.

The crash remains under investigation.

Reward for Information in the Death of 10-Year-Old Gracie Griffin

Cleveland, Ohio– The United States Marshals Service Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force (NOVFTF) is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information directly leading to the identification, location, and arrest of the suspect(s) involved in the shooting death of 10-year-old Gracie Griffin.

The shooting happened at approximately 7:10pm on Thursday, July 4 in the 3200 block of West 125th St. near Triskett Rd. Gracie was transported to Metro-Health Medical Center where she later died.

Anyone with information is urged to call the Cleveland Division of Police’s homicide unit at 216-623-5464 or the U.S. Marshals tipline at 1-866-4-WANTED.

Anyone with information concerning a wanted fugitive can contact the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force at 1-866-4WANTED (1-866-492-6833), or you can submit a web tip. Reward money is available, and tipsters may remain anonymous.

Follow the U.S. Marshals on Twitter @USMSCleveland.

Fatal Crash on Bowman Street Road

Franklin Township – A tragic accident on Bowman Street Road at Amoy West Road is under investigation by the Ohio State Highway Patrol, Mansfield Post. The fatal crash involved a 2021 Jeep Wrangler and a 1986 Pontiac Fiero.

The incident occurred on July 9, 2024, at approximately 3:40 P.M. Joseph Crose, 73, of Mansfield, was driving the Pontiac Fiero eastbound on Amoy West Road when he failed to yield the right-of-way at a stop sign. His vehicle was struck by a Jeep Wrangler driven by 18-year-old Mary Studer, also of Mansfield, who was traveling southeast on Bowman Street Road.

Following the collision, the Pontiac veered off the right side of the road.

Mr. Crose was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Mansfield Post received support from the Richland County Sheriff’s Office, Franklin Township Fire & EMS, Weller Township Fire & EMS, the Richland County Coroner, and Terry’s Towing.

The crash remains under investigation.

Two Vehicle Injury Crash on State Route 113

TOWNSHIP OF FLORENCE – The Ohio State Highway Patrol is currently investigating a two-vehicle injury crash that occurred on July 9, 2024, at approximately 1:45 P.M. on State Route 113 near Harrison Road in the Township of Florence, Erie County.

Calvin Burnworth, 73, of Wakeman, Ohio, was driving a 1996 Mercury Sable eastbound on State Route 113. Burnworth sustained serious injuries in the crash and was airlifted from the scene by Cleveland Metro Life Flight to Cleveland Metro Hospital. He was wearing his seat belt at the time of the accident.

Patrick Wetzel, 42, of Berlin Heights, Ohio, was operating a 2016 Mack CXU. Wetzel was reversing into a farmer’s access while facing eastbound. He did not suffer any injuries and was also wearing his seat belt at the time of the crash.

The incident occurred as Burnworth, traveling eastbound, failed to maintain an assured clear distance and collided with Wetzel’s trailer as Wetzel was backing into the field.

Authorities do not believe alcohol or drug use was a factor in the crash. The investigation is ongoing.

Assistance at the scene was provided by the Erie County Sheriff’s Office, Florence Township Fire/EMS, L&M Towing, and Cleveland Metro Life Flight.

ASHLAND WEATHER