Drugs Seized in Ashland Search Warrant, One Arrested
ASHLAND, OH – A drug-related search warrant executed on February 13, 2025, led to the seizure of methamphetamine and the arrest of an Ashland man, Ashland Police Division Detectives confirmed.
Ashland Detectives, assigned to the METRICH Enforcement Unit and the Ashland Police Division, carried out the search at a residence on West Main Street as part of an ongoing drug trafficking investigation.
During the operation, detectives confiscated methamphetamine, and Brian Purdy, 52, was taken into custody. He was transported to the Ashland County Jail on drug-related charges. The Ashland County Prosecutor’s Office is reviewing the case
The METRICH Enforcement Unit expressed appreciation to the community for providing valuable tips that contributed to the successful operation. Officials encourage residents to continue reporting suspected drug activity to aid in ongoing efforts to combat illegal drug distribution in the area.
Ashland County Pictures News would also extended thanks to those who submitted news tips and photos related to this story.
Citizens can call the METRICH Crime Tip Hotline at 419-52-CRIME (419-522-7463) or the Task Force line at 419-755-9728 or by using the METRICH app.
For updates on this case and other local news, stay tuned.
Ashland County Vietnam Veterans Era Dinner to Feature Kim Phuc as Guest Speaker
ASHLAND, OHIO – The Ashland County Vietnam Veterans Committee has announced that its 6th annual Vietnam Veterans Era Dinner will take place on March 29, 2025, featuring Kim Phuc, known worldwide as the “Napalm Girl” from the iconic Vietnam War photograph, as the keynote speaker. The event will be held at the Ashland Eagles, and tickets are now available for purchase at DeSanto Kellogg Law Office, 432 Center Street, Ashland, Ohio. Seating is limited, and those interested can call (419) 289-1454 for more information.
The Ashland County Vietnam Veterans Committee, which includes Carl Rickert, Bob DeSanto, Lonnie Miller, Greg Gorrell, Jack Cadley, Brooks Whitmore, Tim Schar, and Ann Schar, continues to organize this annual event to honor those who served during the Vietnam War and to educate future generations about the complexities of the conflict.
A Legacy of Thought-Provoking Speakers
Committee member Bob DeSanto reflected on past reunions, which have featured esteemed guest speakers and authors who have shared their personal experiences and perspectives on the Vietnam War:
Ron Rutowski, author of We Were Not the Enemy, discussed the sacrifices of Vietnam veterans and the Cold War’s political and military complexities.
Lou Jennings, author of 19 Minutes to Live, shared his harrowing experiences as an Air Cavalry Cobra Gunship pilot, highlighting the critical role of helicopters in the Vietnam War.
Donna Rowe, a former head nurse at the 3rd Field Hospital in Saigon, provided insight into the medical challenges and heroism in the war’s triage units.
Colonel Robert Springer, a Vietnam veteran and NASA astronaut, recounted his time as a Marine Corps pilot and his transition to space exploration.
Patrick McLaughlin, author of Cheerful Obedience, presented the challenges of infantry service in Vietnam and the deep bonds formed among soldiers.
This year marks a significant milestone, as Kim Phuc will be the first non-Vietnam veteran to serve as the event’s guest speaker.
Kim Phuc: A Story of Tragedy and Triumph
Kim Phuc was only nine years old in 1972 when she was photographed fleeing her village after a South Vietnamese Air Force pilot mistakenly dropped napalm on civilians. The Pulitzer Prize-winning image, captured by Associated Press photographer Nick Ut, became one of the most haunting and powerful symbols of the Vietnam War.
Severely burned and left for dead, Kim was eventually rescued by Ut, who took her to a hospital where she fought for survival. For years, she endured painful medical treatments and struggled with the trauma of her experience. The Communist government in Vietnam later used her as a propaganda tool, a role she deeply resented.
Kim eventually sought asylum in Canada, where she rebuilt her life. Now a wife, mother, and advocate for peace, she has dedicated herself to helping children affected by war through The Kim Foundation International. She is also the author of Fire Road, a memoir detailing her journey from war victim to global humanitarian.
Kim Phuc’s message is one of healing and hope. She often says, “I am no longer a victim of war. I am now a survivor of war.” Her presence at the Ashland County Vietnam Veterans Reunion is expected to be an inspiring and deeply moving experience for all attendees.
Honoring Veterans, Preserving History
The Ashland County Vietnam Veterans Reunion continues to serve as an important event for veterans and their families, fostering connections and ensuring the sacrifices of those who served are never forgotten. The 2025 reunion is sure to be an unforgettable gathering, with Kim Phuc’s speech offering a powerful perspective on war, survival, and reconciliation.
For tickets and further details, contact the DeSanto Kellogg Law Office at 432 Center Street (419) 289-1454 from 9am to 4pm.
I finish lacing my shoes and shout to Ken, “I’m going to take Mary, Grace, and Joy for a little walk downtown.”
At the mention of “walk,” Grace jerks into full alert. We barely make it out the door before she leaps ahead like a fuzzy whirlwind and walks on her two hind legs. I don’t let her walk ahead without a command and a slight tug on her leash, which puts her into a full somersault.
Mary is trotting along like the sweet lady she is, and Joy stops midstride and lays out flat on the pavement like she fell out of the sky. I pick Joy up and we continue down Main Street and then Grace comes to a dead halt. I look down to see if she is hurt and out of the corner of my eye I see several stopped cars with laughing people inside.
What they see is Miss-Puppy-Feet-dog-walker with one year old Grace checking out new stuff to see, smell and tinkle on; baby Joy tucked into half my coat and a leash with a collar attached and no Mary. Apparently, Mary decided this was too much drama, so she slipped her collar and then walked elegantly behind me.
What to do? Wave, smile, nod, and disappear into the door of the nearest business then make our way back home through alleys and parking lots.
Now it’s time to run errands. Grace hears the jingle of car keys. She flies to the back door and stands there looking at me expectantly. Oops! forgot my list in the other room, so Grace follows me through the house to make sure I don’t sneak off without her.
The possibility of staying home never dawns on her. She likes the truck, so I take her everywhere: drug store, gas station, and church.
Just when I think I can’t clean up one more pee or wipe twelve dirty paws or listen to one more bark, Grace strolls into the kitchen and looks at me with eyes that say, I’m sitting so nicely. Don’t you want to pet me?
I lower my body down and hug her tummy and face and tell her what a good girl she is. Grace puts her forehead to my chest just below my neck and rests it there. This is my Grace Hug. Life doesn’t get any better!
Grace is God’s gift to me. Day by day, and minute by minute, Grace presents an opportunity to discover not what she can become but what I can become. Grace makes me laugh. She challenges me to get more exercise.
Joy is still in shock as the baby and older Mary tries to enjoy her company. All in all, I am blessed with a typical day, everyday with these three amazing pups.
Richland County Commissioners Release State of the County Video
MANSFIELD, Ohio – The Richland County Board of Commissioners released the State of the
County Video during regular session on Tuesday morning. This video highlights the 2024 year
in review and includes presentations from County Commissioners Tony Vero, Darrell Banks,
and Cliff Mears, as well as County Administrator Andrew Keller, Clerk of Courts Denise Ruhl,
and Prosecutor Jodie Schumacher.
The video spotlights several of the County’s important projects, community investments, and
financial position. It is the second annual State of the County Video released by the
Commissioners as part of the Board’s emphasis on transparency and local government
accountability.
Reed to Perform His 40th Faculty Recital on Feb. 23
Thomas Reed of the Ashland University Department of Music will present his annual faculty recital on Sunday, Feb. 23, at 7:30 p.m., in the Elizabeth Pastor Recital Hall at the Center for the Arts (331 College Ave.). The performance is free and open to the public.
For Reed, who plays the clarinet and saxophone, this marks his 40th faculty recital during his time at AU.
The first half of the recital will include classical selections by Sergei Prokofiev and Charles Reed, assisted by pianist Kevin Jones. The second half will feature jazz renditions of popular classics by Milan Dvorák, Pyotr Tchaikovsky, Gabriel Fauré and Ferde Grofé, and assisting musicians are Jane Reed (violin), McCray Martin (piano), Paul Martin (bass) and Steve Berry (drums).
Reed is a professor of music at AU and received the university’s Excellence in Scholarship award in 2012. He is a member of the Akron Symphony Orchestra and the Ashland Symphony Orchestra, and also has performed frequently with the Cleveland Orchestra. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan, a master’s in saxophone performance from the University of Akron and a doctor of musical arts in clarinet performance from the Ohio State University.
METRICH: Drugs and Guns Seized in Ashland County Search Warrant
On 2/5/25, Ashland Detectives assigned to the METRICH Enforcement Unit, the Ashland Special Response Team, the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office, and the Ashland Police Division executed a drug-related search warrant in Sullivan.
The search was part of an ongoing drug trafficking investigation by the METRICH Enforcement Unit. Detectives seized methamphetamine, fentanyl, prescription pills, bath salts, and two firearms.
As a result of the search, Luke A. Squire, 29, Sabrina M. Love, 28, Darryl E. Marks, 33, and Trent M. Sexton, 22, were arrested and taken to the Ashland County Jail on drugs and weapon charges.
The Ashland County Prosecutor’s Office is reviewing the case.
The METRICH Enforcement Unit would like to thank the community for providing tips that helped to execute this search warrant successfully and encourage all citizens to continue to report suspected drug activity.
On February 9, 2025, at approximately 5:07 p.m., the Medina County Sheriff’s Office received a call for a possible injury crash in the 7300 block of Vandemark Road, Chatham Township.
Deputies arrived to find a single-vehicle crash with extensive damage to the passenger compartment of the vehicle. The sole occupant of the vehicle, Julie Woolum of Lodi, Ohio, was extricated from the vehicle by the Chatham Township Fire Department and pronounced dead at the scene by Medina County Coroner, Dr. Lisa Deranek.
The cause of the crash is still under investigation. Alcohol and excessive speed are both suspected.
New Special Needs Support Group Launching in Ashland
Ashland, OH – Families raising children with special needs now have a new resource for connection, education, and support. Local advocates Kloey Kaeser and Celeste Gerwig are launching a Special Needs Families Support Group, providing a welcoming and low-stress environment for parents, caregivers, and advocates.
The group will meet bi-weekly on Thursdays from 6:30-8:30 PM at Grace Church, Room 209 (1144 W. Main Street, Ashland). Participants are encouraged to enter through the doors labeled “Grace Offices.”
“Our goal is to build a community where families can share experiences, gain knowledge, and support one another,” said Kaeser, an autism author, speaker, and IEP advocate.
Topics covered in the meetings will include:
✅ IEPs, 504 Plans, and Evaluations
✅ Special needs resources (SSA, waivers, insurance)
✅ Medical and at-home care options
✅ Self-care and balance for caregivers
The group is open to all parents, caregivers, providers, and advocates of individuals with special needs or disabilities.
The first meeting is scheduled for February 20, with additional sessions on:
📅 March 6, March 20, April 3, April 17, May 1, and May 15
For more information, contact:
📞 Celeste Gerwig – (419) 651-7797
📞 Kloey Kaeser – (567) 217-1972 or asnmkaeser@gmail.com
Join this opportunity to connect, learn, and support one another on the journey of special needs parenting.
Passenger Killed, Driver Arrested in Single-Vehicle Wayne County Crash
EAST UNION TOWNSHIP – On Sunday morning, February 9, 2025, at approximately 12:29 AM, the Wooster Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol was notified of an iPhone crash alert on Hackett Road, CR188 in the area of South Millborne Road, CR142. Responding emergency personnel from Apple Creek/East Union Township Fire Department located the crash east of Millborne Road, just east of the village of Apple Creek, Wayne County.
The initial investigation revealed the crash involved a gray 2020 Ford F-250 Super Duty pick-up that had been eastbound on Hackett Road from Apple Creek. The pick-up lost control on the icy roadway, rotated off the left side of the road, struck the ditch, and overturned onto its right side.
The vehicle was occupied by three people, including the unbelted driver, Trevor Lee Barker, 22, Washington Court House. The left rear passenger, Whitney Brooke Miller, 24, Millersburg was unbelted but uninjured in the crash. The right rear passenger, Hannah Eve Baird, 25, Big Prairie, was also unbelted and seriously injured. Life-saving efforts were provided on the scene by Apple Creek/East Union Township Fire Department and Baird was transported to Wooster Community Hospital where she died as the result of injuries sustained in the crash.
In addition to the fire department, troopers were assisted on the scene by personnel from Apple Creek Police, Wayne County Sheriff’s Office, and Three Son’s Towing & Recovery.
Alcohol was a factor in the crash. The actions and the events that led to the death of Baird remain under investigation with charges pending.
This is the first fatal crash in Wayne County in 2025. Over the previous five years in Wayne County, driver impairment has contributed to 44 traffic deaths (55%) and 35 unbelted occupants have been killed (43%). The Ohio State Highway Patrol, Wooster Post, reminds all occupants to drive sober, never ride with an impaired driver, and always buckle up, whether behind the wheel or along for the ride.
Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk Designate a Sober Driver this Super Bowl Sunday
In an effort to keep our roadways safe this Super Bowl Sunday, troopers will be cracking down on impaired drivers. Do your part in promoting roadway safety by reminding friends and family that Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk.
Last year’s Super Bowl reporting period was the deadliest in five years. From 6 a.m. Sunday, February 11 to 6 a.m. Monday, February 12, there were four fatal crashes on Ohio roadways, killing four people. Additionally, there were 126 crash-related injuries in that same timeframe. Of those injuries, 10 were OVI-related, resulting in troopers making 25 OVI arrests.
“Safe driving is a shared responsibility, and it begins with making smart choices,” said Colonel Charles A. Jones, Patrol superintendent. “Plan ahead, designate a sober driver and do your part to prevent the devastating consequences of impaired driving.”
If you host a Super Bowl party, make sure your guests have a safe and sober way to and from their destination, and do not serve alcohol to anyone under 21 years of age.
The public is encouraged to safely call #677 if you see dangerous driving on Ohio roadways.
Subscribe to receive a free email as soon as a big story is posted
Joe Lyons •
February 14, 2025
