The Delaware Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol is currently investigating a two-vehicle fatal crash that occurred on July 2, 2024 at approximately 11:17 P.M. on US-36 at Africa Road in Berlin Township.
Justin Neff, age 35, of Delaware Ohio was operating a red 2009 Volvo dump truck westbound on US-36. Derrick Price, age 45, of Columbus Ohio, along with Timothy Gibson, age 50. Of Columbus Ohio were occupants in a green 2005 GMC Sierra pickup truck.
The GMC Sierra failed to stop at a stop sign and struck the side of the Volvo dump truck. It is undetermined which occupant was the driver due to both occupants being ejected from the vehicle.
Mr. Price and Mr. Gibson were both pronounced deceased at the scene. Mr. Neff was transported with non-life-threatening injuries.
The crash remains under investigation, it is unknown if impairment and distraction were factors in this crash. Safety belts were not worn by the deceased.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted at the scene by Delaware County Sheriff’s Office, Ohio Department of Transportation, and Berlin Township Fire and EMS.
(DELAWARE, Ohio) — With a trial date looming, the former marketing director for the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium pleaded guilty today to 16 felony counts and one misdemeanor, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost announced today.
As part of the plea agreement, Pete Fingerhut will pay $675,572.65 in restitution. The amount includes money to be paid to the zoo, along with back taxes to the state of Ohio and Internal Revenue Service.
Fingerhut’s trial was scheduled to start July 9. He pleaded guilty in Delaware County Common Pleas Court to the following charges:
1 count of aggravated theft (F2)
1 count of conspiracy (F2)
11 counts of tampering with records (F3, F4, F5)
3 counts of telecommunications fraud (F4, F5)
1 count of falsification (M1)
Fingerhut will be sentenced on Sept. 23, following the conclusion of his co-defendant’s legal proceedings.
Today’s court action is the latest development in the investigation and prosecution of a scheme to defraud the zoo of more than $2.29 million:
Tracy Murnane, a former zoo purchasing agent, was charged by bill of information on June 23 with grand theft and five other felonies. He will be arraigned July 8.
Greg Bell, former chief financial officer, pleaded guilty on Oct. 19 to 14 felony charges, including aggravated theft, conspiracy and tampering with records. Bell will be sentenced after his co-defendants’ cases conclude.
Tom Stalf, the zoo’s former chief executive officer, is scheduled to stand trial beginning Aug. 6. He faces 36 felony charges.
The Attorney General’s Office was appointed to prosecute the case at the request of Delaware County Prosecutor Melissa Schiffel. The Ohio Auditor’s Office is assisting in the investigation and prosecution.
In the spirit of Babe Ruth’s famous quote, “Don’t let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game,” DR Services invites you to an exhilarating event that promises fun, excitement, and community spirit.
Join us on Friday, July 26, 2024, from 10 AM to 1 PM at 1256 Center Street, Ashland, Ohio, 44805 for a day packed with entertainment and activities.
Event Highlights:
Live DJ: Groove to the beats of our live DJ.
Food Trucks: Satisfy your taste buds with a variety of delicious options from our lineup of food trucks.
Fast Cars: Marvel at the display of stunning vehicles.
Trophies: Exciting awards for standout cars.
No Entry Fee: Car enthusiasts can bring their vehicles and join the show for free!
This family-friendly event is open to everyone. Whether you own a car and want to showcase it or simply want to enjoy the festivities, come on out and join the fun!
For more information or any questions, please contact Ashley at (419) 281-6651.
Don’t miss out on DR Services’ Grand Slammin’ event – it’s going to be a home run!
Food Trucks:
KonaIce
It’s a Chicago Thing
Dine & Dash
Mark your calendars and be part of this grand celebration!
Ashland, OH – Get ready to rock for a cause! E5C4P3, widely regarded as the best Journey tribute band, is set to perform at the Archer Auditorium on Friday, July 5th at 7 PM. This highly anticipated concert will raise funds for the beloved Ashland Christmas Village, ensuring the holiday tradition continues to bring joy to the community.
Where to Buy Tickets: Tickets are available for purchase at the following Ashland businesses:
Miller’s Hawkins Market: 1617 Claremont Ave. Fig & Oak: 100 W Main St. A&M Fire And Safety Equipment, Inc.: 500 E Main St.
For convenience, tickets can also be reserved through will call by contacting Traci Counts at 636-542-3953, with payment due at the door.
Special Ticket Giveaway: To celebrate the event, Mitch Johnson is giving away two pairs of tickets to lucky winners who can answer a Journey trivia question. The first two people to text or leave a voicemail with the correct answer will each receive a pair of tickets. The trivia question is: “Journey had a song that went platinum 18 times. Can you name it?” Submit your answer to 419-685-1427 for a chance to win.
Support a Great Cause: All proceeds from the concert will benefit the Ashland Christmas Village, a cherished holiday destination for families. By attending the concert, you’ll help ensure this festive tradition continues to bring smiles to children’s faces each Christmas season.
Don’t miss out on an evening of fantastic music and the chance to support a great cause. Grab your tickets now, and join us at Archer Auditorium for an unforgettable night with E5C4P3!
Illuminating Hope: Cancer Awareness & Balloon Glow
The Ashland County Cancer Association is excited to host a Balloon Glow event this year for all cancer patients and to raise cancer awareness.
This event will feature:
Carnival Activities: Games for children and adults alike
Live Music: Enjoy performances throughout the evening
Food Trucks: Delicious refreshments available
Event Details:
Date: August 15, 2024
Location: Freer Field
Time: 6:00 PM to 9:30 PM
As the sun sets, watch in awe as hot air balloons light up the sky!
Donations:
This free event will accept donations to directly support the Ashland County Cancer Association’s efforts to help families, friends, and neighbors affected by cancer in the Ashland community.
Featured Food Trucks:
Chuy’s Tacos
F&L Concessions
Seiter’s Backyard BBQ
Whit’s Frozen Custard
Join us for a night of fun, food, and hope as we come together to support a great cause. Don’t miss this magical evening!
Ashland County Sheriff’s Office received a call of a stolen trailer (Black 5×10 open bumper pull-trailer) from Chambers Street in Savannah, OH last night.
Anyone who may have information or recognizes the vehicle use is encouraged to call the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office at 419-289-3911
ASHLAND, Ohio – Jon Parrish Peede has hit the ground running in his new role as president of Ashland University and Ashland Theological Seminary. In less than a month leading AU, he has made a strong first impression via a flurry of meetings with faculty and staff members, as well as alumni and community leaders, such as Mayor Matt Miller.
Even prior to officially starting in June, Peede was eager to get involved. He attended a ceremony in April marking a new partnership with Shimadzu, a manufacturer of precision scientific equipment, that will greatly enhance research and scholarship within AU’s College of Arts and Sciences. He also attended a May event where Randy Spade, the director of admissions, was recognized with the prestigious Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve’s Patriot Award.
As president, he has addressed the Alumni Association Board, attended Ashbrook Academy lectures for high school students and visited with families at new student orientation. His wife, Rev. Nancy Hollomon-Peede, has been particularly drawn to the Ashland Theological Seminary.
“Nancy and I have been overjoyed by the outpouring of support from the Ashland community in our first few weeks here,” Peede said. “I have spent my time getting to know the faculty, staff, alumni and supporters. I’m excited to meet our students in August. They are the heart of our campus community and promise of our country.”
Named the 31st president of AU on March 27, Peede is the former chairman of the National Endowment for the Humanities in Washington, D.C. In the presidentially nominated and Senate confirmed role, he annually awarded 1,000 humanities grants and managed a $237 million budget. His 25-plus years of leadership in higher education and federal agencies includes positions at the University of Virginia and the National Endowment for the Arts.
From a faculty standpoint at AU, Greg McBrayer, Ph.D., associate professor of political science and president of the faculty senate, is encouraged by Peede’s response to various initiatives.
“Optimism, hope and excitement. This is what I’m hearing from many of my faculty colleagues,” said McBrayer. “We have appreciated President Peede’s repeated emphasis on academic excellence across the four colleges, and are hopeful that President Peede can work to set Ashland University apart from other colleges and universities in our state and even the Midwest. President Peede’s connections to luminaries in the arts and humanities, his experience working with the NEH and the U.S. Department of Education, his access to key policymakers, we think all of this has the potential to resound to the benefit of our university.”
Angel Studios is releasing a new movie all about foster care. Inspired by the powerful true story, Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot follows Donna and Reverend Martin as they ignite a fire in the hearts of their rural church to embrace children in the foster care system who needed adoptive families, proving that steady, determined love can transform the lives of vulnerable children.
Fostering Family Ministries held multiple special access pre-screening events of this movie. At one of these events, a local donor was so moved that they donated over 1,000 tickets to FFM to allow the people to view the movie for free.
Working with Fostering Family Ministries, the Ashland Theatre added the Sound of Hope to their showing schedule for this summer. Everyone is invited to attend to see the movie weather at the Ashland Theatre or surrounding theaters. Tickets are valid nationwide with Angel Studios Partners for the theater, time and date you choose. Releasing nationally on July 4th.for two weeks in most theaters.
To get your FREE tickets, visit FFM’s website: While supplies last. Sound of Hopeor call 419.496.2507.
We hope to see you there! Supplies are limited so redeem your tickets soon!
COLUMBUS—The Ohio House of Representatives yesterday passed Substitute House Bill 2, the state’s two-year construction budget for capital projects throughout the state, announced State Representative Melanie Miller (R-City of Ashland). The bill will allocate more than $4.2 billion for capital projects, including $717 million in one-time project funding from the Strategic Community Investment Fund.
“I am so pleased that we were able to secure these state funds for these important local projects. These projects will be transformative for many of our local communities and institutions,” said Miller. “Many of these projects would not happen without these funds from the State of Ohio.”
Miller secured millions in one-time funding from the Strategic Community Investment Fund that will directly serve the 67th House District which includes Ashland and Medina Counties. Area projects that these state dollars include:
Ashland County:
$1,100,000 for the Ashland County Fair
$1,000,000 for the Cinnamon Lake Sewer District Lift Station
$910,000 for the Charles Mill Marina Houseboat and Path Renovation
$248,554 for the Hugo Young Theatre
$200,000 for the Davy McClure Outdoor Education Shelter
$200,000 for the Ashland Fire Training Facility
$76,000 for the Hickory Street Sanitary Sewer Lift Station
$30,000 for the Rowsburg Community Center
$25,000 for the Hayesville Pedestrian Walkway
Medina County:
$2,500,000 for the City of Wadsworth Brickyard Athletic Complex and Fixler Reservation
$1,500,000 for Lake Medina
$1,400,000 for Akron Childrens Medina Health Center
$1,000,000 for Medina County Career Center Modular Fire Training Tower
$500,000 for Oenslager Nature Center
$396,000 for the City of Medina Multi-Use Uptown Loop Phase 1
$350,000 for the Medina County Radio System Seville Tower
$300,000 for safety enhancements to the Medina County Sheriff Office Jail
$200,000 for the Equine Assisted Mental Health Community Campus
$200,000 for the Majestic Equine Connections
$150,000 for the improvement of the Main Street Medina Façade
$100,000 for the Medina County Achievement Center Renovation and Innovative Vocational Building
$65,000 for Serenite Restaurant and Culinary Institute Roof/Gutter Repair
$62,000 for the Main Street Medina South Town Gateway
$60,898 for the VFW Medina Post 5137 Roof Repairs
$36,834 for the Homer Township Tornado Siren Project
$35,000 for the Chippewa Lake Area Emergency Siren
Miller also secured the following capital investments that will positively impact Ashland and Medina Counties. Area projects that these state dollars include:
Ashland County:
$500,000 for Davy McClure Outdoor Education Center Site Improvements
$101,129 for the Foundations Community Childcare Inc.
Medina County:
$350,000 for the Integrated Community Solutions Community Center
$300,000 for upgrades to the Wadsworth Inclusive Playground at Valley View Elementary
$250,000 for the McDowell-Phillips House Museum Interpretive Center
$250,000 for the Black River School Playground Surface and Walking Track
$250,000 for the Village of Seville Inclusive Playground, Fitness Equipment and Walking Trail
$170,000 for the Wadsworth Emergency Radio System Infrastructure
$45,000 for the York Township Historical Society Museum and Educational Center
$25,000 to replace the outdated HVAC system in the historic school building, built in 1925, to protect archived artifacts, documents, photographs and textiles at the Weymouth Preservation Society
Substitute House Bill 2 now heads to the Ohio Governor for a signature.
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Joe Lyons •
July 3, 2024
