Genesis Christian Academy Explores Gettysburg’s History on Educational Field Trip
October 18, 2024 – Gettysburg, PA: A group of 38 students, parents, and staff from Genesis Christian Academy embarked on an immersive historical journey to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, for a field trip designed to bring history to life. The group, led by History teacher Kenneth Hammontree and historian Tyler Rice, departed from the school at 6:00 a.m. on Friday to explore the battle that became a turning point in the Civil War.
The trip began in the early hours, with the students shaking off sleep and passing the six-hour bus ride by singing along to songs, including those by pop icon Taylor Swift. Their destination: the historic battleground where, over the course of three days in July 1863, the fate of the nation was forever changed.
Upon arriving in Gettysburg, the group enjoyed a boxed lunch at the Gettysburg Museum before checking into their hotel. Later that evening, they received a quick introduction to the key historical landmarks before gathering for a casual pizza dinner. To end their first day, they strolled through the streets of Gettysburg, soaking in the atmosphere before turning in for the night.
The second day began bright and early. After breakfast, the group set off to explore the sites in depth, beginning with a visit to the Jenny Wade House, where Hammontree recounted the tragic story of Jenny Wade, the only civilian killed during the Battle of Gettysburg. They stood before the very door that bears the bullet hole from the shot that ended her life. A visit to Wade’s grave followed, where Tyler Rice provided context on the nearby Gettysburg Address, delivered by President Abraham Lincoln just months after the battle.
One of the highlights of the day was the group’s experience at the Gettysburg Cyclorama, an enormous 360-degree painting created by French artist Paul Philippoteaux in 1884. The artwork vividly captures the drama of Pickett’s Charge, the climactic final assault of the battle.
At 3:45 p.m., the students retraced the steps of Confederate General George Pickett’s soldiers, walking the same open field where the infamous charge took place, bringing a new level of understanding to the battle’s intensity and the soldiers’ bravery.
On the final day of their trip, after a morning service at the cemetery, the group reflected on the trip’s powerful lessons before beginning the journey back to Ohio.
This field trip to Gettysburg offered Genesis Christian Academy students a unique opportunity to witness history firsthand, deepening their connection to the Civil War and its pivotal impact on American history.
Defendant Allegedly Created Large “Trump” Sign Used as a Battering Ram Against Police
WASHINGTON — An Ohio man has been arrested for allegedly assaulting law enforcement and other charges related to his alleged conduct during the Jan. 6, 2021, breach of the U.S. Capitol. His alleged actions and the actions of others disrupted a joint session of the U.S. Congress convened to ascertain and count the electoral votes related to the 2020 presidential election.
Jeffrey Newcomb, 41, of Polk, Ohio, is charged in a criminal complaint filed in the District of Columbia with felony offenses of assaulting, resisting, or impeding certain officers and obstruction of law enforcement during a civil disorder. In addition to the felonies, Newcomb is charged with misdemeanor offenses of entering or remaining in any restricted building or grounds, disorderly or disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds, and disorderly conduct in a capitol building or grounds.
The FBI arrested Newcomb today in Polk, Ohio, and he will make his initial appearance in the Northern District of Ohio.
According to court documents, it is alleged that Newcomb created a large 13ft by 10ft custom metal sign, which read “Trump” and was supported by large casters about the size of a person’s head. Newcomb brought this sign with him as he traveled from Ohio to Washington. D.C., and participated in the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol.
Court documents say Newcomb was identified in video footage on the morning of January 6th carrying the sign onto the U.S. Capitol grounds. Images from that day depict Newcomb moving the sign around Constitution Avenue, NW, and other areas near the “Stop the Steal” rally near the White House. Later, Newcomb pulled the sign toward the southwest corner of the Capitol grounds with the help of several other rioters along the way. Newcomb and others then carried the sign up the Maryland Walkway, closer to the Capitol building.
It is alleged that Newcomb and others then carried the sign into a mob of rioters facing off against a police line on the West Plaza. Court documents say that Newcomb, with the assistance of others, passed the giant metal framed sign from the southwestern portion of the West Plaza mob toward the center front of the crowd. Rioters cheered the sign’s arrival, and many in the crowd helped pass it closer and closer to the police line as Newcomb carried the sign by one of its large casters.
At approximately 1:40 p.m., Newcomb and the sign reached the police line on the West Plaza. At this point, it is alleged that Newcomb still carried the sign by one of its casters. It is further alleged that Newcomb and other rioters then started pushing the sign on a path in order to ram it into the police line. At one point, Newcomb fell as he began to walk up the plaza’s steps, and the sign’s progression temporarily paused.
Newcomb got back up and grabbed the sign once again as the mob resumed pushing it forward. Just before the mob was about to hit the police line with the sign, Newcomb released the sign, allowing it to move further forward with the mob like a battering ram. As police officers struggled to address the danger caused by the sign, Newcomb dropped back and, at one point, supported rioters continuing to shove the sign toward the police line by pushing on rioters’ backs. The sign eventually struck police.
According to court documents, the sign could have easily knocked over police due to the frame’s sheer size and the sharp edges and corners, which were readily capable of causing slicing or splitting injuries. Police worked quickly to pull the sign away from the mob. It ultimately took over a dozen officers to completely remove the sign.
Newcomb remained on the West Plaza for some time until well after the West Plaza police line fell at approximately 2:30 p.m., and rioters swarmed onto the Inaugural stage.
This case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and the Department of Justice National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio.
This case is being investigated by the FBI’s Cleveland and Washington Field Offices. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Capitol Police and the Metropolitan Police Department.
In the 45 months since Jan. 6, 2021, more than 1,532 individuals have been charged in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol, including more than 571 individuals charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement, a felony. The investigation remains ongoing.
Anyone with tips can call 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) or visit tips.fbi.gov.
A complaint is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
On October 19, 2024, at 1:56 am, officers responded to 200 Cline Ave for a reported domestic violence. Officers made contact with the female victim and Michael S. Oswalt II, who was in possession of a knife.
The male fled back inside the residence, which was occupied by the female victim’s two small children, ages 6 and 8. The female then was able to get back inside the residence from the rear door.
The officers immediately established communication with the Mr. Oswalt, who appeared to be under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol.
Hostage negotiators and the Richland County ASORT team arrived on the scene to begin negotiations.
During the three hours of negotiations, the suspect released the two children. A short time later the female victim was able to flee out the back door where SWAT operators Sgt. Shane Gess, Sgt. Michael Haines, Sgt. Joseph Gladden and Officer Paul Webb were positioned.
The male suspect was observed chasing the victim and was armed with a knife(s). Less lethal munitions were fired at the suspect with little to no effect. Operators were then forced to use lethal force to stop his actions.
SWAT paramedics were on scene and immediately began life saving measures, but were unsuccessful.
The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) and the Richland County Prosecutors arrived on the scene.
BCI will be handling the investigation. Further details will be released as they become available.
(COLUMBUS, Ohio) – Six individuals have been indicted for illegal voting in past elections, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost announced today.
“The right to vote is sacred,” Yost said. “If you’re not a U.S. citizen, it’s illegal to vote – whether you thought you were allowed to or not – you will be held accountable.”
Special prosecutors with Yost’s office presented seven cases to grand juries last week:
Ramesh Patel, 68, of North Royalton, was indicted in Cuyahoga County on one count of illegal voting. Patel lacked U.S. citizenship when he allegedly voted in 2014, 2016 and 2018. He is scheduled to be arraigned at 8:30 a.m. on Nov. 1.
Lorinda Miller, 78, of Hudson, was indicted in Summit County on two counts of illegal voting. Miller is a legal permanent resident but lacked U.S. citizenship when she allegedly voted in 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019.
Nicholas Fontaine, 32, of Kent, was indicted in Portage County on one count of illegal voting. Fontaine is a legal permanent resident but lacked U.S. citizenship when he allegedly voted in 2016 and 2018. He is scheduled to be arraigned at 1 p.m. on Dec. 2.
Ahmed Aden, 35, of Columbus, was indicted in Franklin County on one count of illegal voting. Aden is a legal permanent resident but lacked U.S. citizenship when he allegedly voted in 2008 and 2020.
Van Thuy Cooper, 53, of Hilliard, was indicted in Franklin County on one count of illegal voting. Cooper is a legal permanent resident but lacked U.S. citizenship when she allegedly voted in 2016 and 2020.
Maria Dearaujo, 62, of Columbus, was indicted in Franklin County on one count of illegal voting. Dearaujo is a lawful resident but lacked U.S. citizenship when she allegedly voted in 2016 and 2018.
Illegal voting is a fourth-degree felony.
“Irregularities like this are rare, and this is a small number of cases,” Yost said. “We should all be confident in the upcoming election, knowing that the laws are being enforced and will continue to be enforced.”
A seventh case was presented to a Lorain County grand jury, which issued a “no-bill” indictment, declining to charge the individual. The uncharged subject, an Oberlin college student, was alleged to have voted in Ohio and Washington in 2018.
Ohio Revised Code 109.95 states that the Ohio Attorney General’s Office may initiate a criminal proceeding for election fraud for a violation of Ohio law “involving voting, an initiative or referendum petition process, or the conducting of an election” by presenting evidence of the violation to the county prosecutor. If the county prosecutor fails to proceed with the prosecution “within a reasonable amount of time,” the Attorney General’s Office may prosecute.
Each case was previously referred to the county prosecutor whose office has jurisdiction in the location of the alleged activity.
The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation investigated the cases. Ohio Revised Code 109.54 grants BCI authority to investigate criminal activity related to the conduct of elections when requested by the Ohio Secretary of State.
BCI continues to conduct investigations concerning voter fraud and has made additional referrals to county prosecutors.
Indictments are criminal allegations. Defendants are presumed innocent unless proved guilty in a court of law.
Breaking News: US Route 250 in Rowsburg Shut Down for FBI Activity
Rowsburg, OH – In a developing story, US Route 250 in Rowsburg was shut down this morning as the FBI executed a search warrant at 158 Front Street. The operation was supported by Deputies and Detectives from the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office, sparking considerable local attention.
Witnesses reported seeing law enforcement officers with guns drawn as they secured the area.
Traffic was blocked off at County Road 251 and US Route 250 at County Road 175, with detours in place to reroute vehicles around the closed stretch.
When asked for more details, the officer-in-charge at the scene declined to provide any additional information, directing inquiries to the FBI Cleveland Public Affairs Office. He did, however, assure that there was “no public danger” from the ongoing operation.
Later in the morning, FBI Cleveland Public Affairs Officer Susan Licate responded to a FOIR and issued a brief statement: “The FBI was conducting court-authorized law enforcement activity at 158 US Route 250, Polk, Ohio. While I am unable to provide further details, I want to assure the community that there is no reason for concern regarding public safety.”
At this time, the nature of the FBI’s investigation remains undisclosed, and there is no indication of any immediate threat to the public.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
BUCYRUS, OH — The Bucyrus Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating a serious injury crash that took place on Tuesday, October 15, at approximately 1:28 p.m. on U.S. Route 23 in Upper Sandusky, Wyandot County.
The initial investigation indicates that a northbound Ram ProMaster van, driven by Dara M. Larochelle, 38, of Powell, struck the rear of a marked Ohio State Highway Patrol Chevrolet Tahoe. The Tahoe was operated by Trooper Jacob M. Teal from the Toledo Post, who was slowing down in traffic at the time of the collision.
Trooper Teal sustained minor injuries and was transported by ground ambulance to Blanchard Valley Hospital, where he is receiving treatment. Larochelle, who sustained more serious injuries, was airlifted to Mercy Health – St. Vincent Medical Center in Toledo for further medical attention.
Several agencies responded to the scene, including the Wyandot County Sheriff’s Office, Upper Sandusky Fire and EMS, Ohio Department of Transportation, Danner’s Towing and Recycling, and Lemaster Towing and Recovery, LLC.
The crash remains under investigation as authorities work to determine the cause of the collision.
One Dead in Single-Vehicle Crash in Jackson Township
Jackson Township, OH – October 21, 2024
Authorities responded to a fatal single-vehicle crash late Monday evening in Jackson Township. At approximately 9:19 PM, the Mansfield Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol was called to the scene on Rock Road North, near Stein Road, after a report of a car accident.
Preliminary investigations revealed that a 2017 Dodge Charger, driven by Louis D. Rittenberry, 57, of Shelby, Ohio, was traveling north on Rock Road North when it veered off the left side of the roadway. The vehicle then went up an embankment before re-entering the road, only to cross over to the right side and plunge into a nearby creek.
Emergency Medical Services (EMS) transported Mr. Rittenberry to Avita Ontario Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
The Shelby City Fire Department and Westside Towing assisted at the crash site. The Ohio State Highway Patrol is continuing its investigation into the cause of the crash.
Ashland – National School Bus Safety Week begins Monday, October 21 and runs through Friday,
October 25. During this time, the Ohio State Highway Patrol will increase enforcement efforts regarding
school bus violations. These violations include passing a stopped school bus, school zone violations and
other school bus or school zone-related activity.
National School Bus Safety Week is supported by the National Association for Pupil Transportation and
serves as a reminder to motorists, students and school bus drivers of the important role they all have in
ensuring children’s safety. This year’s theme is “Safety First – Safety Always,” a unique reminder to
both motorists and students about the dangers that exist outside the school bus.
“School Bus Safety Week serves as an important reminder that keeping Ohio’s children safe as they
travel to and from school requires a collective effort,” said Governor Mike DeWine. “I encourage all
drivers, parents, and students to stay vigilant, follow traffic laws, and work together to ensure everyone
gets to their destinations safely.”
Prior to stopping, school buses display yellow warning lights that signify the bus is about to stop. Once a
bus comes to a complete stop, red flashing lights and a stop sign are displayed. Motorists approaching a
stopped school bus from either direction are required to stop at least 10 feet from the bus while the bus
driver is receiving or discharging students. When a road is divided into four or more lanes, only traffic
driving in the same direction as the bus must stop. Drivers may not resume their travels until the bus
starts moving.
“The Ohio State Highway Patrol is committed to ensuring the safety of students who rely on school
transportation every day,” said Colonel Charles A. Jones, Patrol superintendent. “While drivers are
legally required to stop for school buses when children are boarding or exiting, it is just as important for
students to look both ways and cross the road with caution.”
Since 2019, there has been a total of 6,415 school bus-related traffic crashes in Ohio, resulting in eight
fatalities and 2,064 injuries. One of the eight killed was an occupant of a school bus. During that time,
troopers have issued more than 16,500 citations for passing a stopped school bus and other school zone
violations.
Additionally, school buses are required to be inspected twice a year to ensure the bus is operating
properly. Every bus used to transport students is inspected before the beginning of the school year and
once randomly during the year. Since 2019, the Ohio State Highway Patrol has performed more than
200,000 inspections.
The Ashland University Jazz Orchestra will make its 2024-25 debut on Tuesday, Oct. 22, with a “Jazz at the Nest” performance. The 20-member ensemble will play a free concert at the Eagle’s Nest inside the Hawkins-Conard Student Center, starting at 7:30 p.m.
Directed by Scott Garlock, professor of music, the award-winning AUJO will present a world premiere, commissioned by AUJO/Knox College Jazz Ensemble in memory of Jorge Prats. The beloved Prats was a longtime professor and soccer coach at Knox who organized numerous overseas trips and performances in Spain that benefitted students at both Ashland and Knox, including as recently as this past spring.
In addition to the world premiere, Garlock said the performance will include “works from the Count Basie library, some original music by local composers and several popular tunes arranged for big band.”
The AUJO has been providing the AU campus and greater Ashland community with diverse jazz programming and internationally recognized jazz artists for more than 50 years. The ensemble consists of various saxophone, trombone, trumpet and rhythm instruments played by both music and non-music majors.
The Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District (MWCD) continues its commitment to providing outdoor recreation opportunities through its vast network of trails, emphasizing their critical role in promoting community well-being, conservation, and environmental education.
The MWCD trail system offers a wide variety of hiking, biking, and equestrian paths that meander through the scenic landscapes of the Muskingum River Watershed. These trails provide opportunities for individuals and families to connect with nature, stay active, and explore Ohio’s rich natural heritage.
MWCD is expanding and improving its trail network to meet the growing demand for outdoor recreational opportunities. As part of this effort, MWCD is seeking community input to develop a Master Trail Plan that will guide the enhancement and expansion of the trail system in the years ahead.
“We believe that trails are essential to the health and vitality of our communities,” said Pete Novotny, MWCD Chief of Recreation. “They offer more than just outdoor fun—they connect people to nature, improve our quality of life, and foster a greater appreciation for conservation.”
For more information about MWCD’s trails or to participate in the ongoing survey to shape future trail development, visit www.mwcd.org/trail-survey.
Your participation will help guide the MWCD’s efforts in planning and expanding the trail network in the coming years. Together, we can ensure that our trails continue to be a valuable resource for outdoor enthusiasts.
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Joe Lyons •
October 23, 2024
