Joe Lyons

Ashland Downtown Dream Cruise and Car Show Raises Record-Breaking $26,000 for Local “Shop with a Cop” Program

Joe Lyons • November 13, 2024

Ashland Downtown Dream Cruise and Car Show Raises Record-Breaking $26,000 for Local “Shop with a Cop” Program

Ashland, OH — In a heartwarming show of community spirit, Ashland Main Street’s Executive Director Sandra Tunnell presented a $26,000 check to Ashland Police Division Detective Kara Pearce for the “Shop with a Cop” program. This year’s donation brings the total raised by the Ashland Downtown Dream Cruise and Car Show to a staggering $223,000 since its inception.

The annual Dream Cruise and Car Show has become a major community event, drawing car enthusiasts from around the region while raising funds for the local Shop with a Cop initiative. The program helps spread holiday cheer by allowing local children to shop for gifts alongside officers from multiple law enforcement agencies, ensuring a memorable holiday season for everyone involved.

Over the years, the event’s contributions have steadily grown:

• 2011: $4,000
• 2012: $8,000
• 2013: $9,000
• 2014: $10,000
• 2015: $10,500
• 2016: $12,500
• 2017: $14,000
• 2018: $15,000
• 2019: $20,000
• 2020: $22,000
• 2021: $23,000
• 2022: $24,000
• 2023: $25,000
• 2024: $26,000

Each year, the event has broken its own fundraising records, helping make an ever-larger impact on the lives of Ashland’s children.

As part of the fundraising efforts, the community is invited to a silent auction on November 17, 2024, from 1 PM to 4 PM at O’Bryan’s Pub, located at 1065 Claremont Avenue. Guests can participate in friendly bidding wars on items donated by local businesses and community members, with all proceeds supporting Shop with a Cop. For added enjoyment, attendees can watch the Cleveland Browns game on a big screen while bidding for a great cause.

The holiday season’s main event will take place in December 2024 at the Ashland Walmart, where officers from the Ashland Division of Police, Ashland Sheriff’s Office, Ohio Highway Patrol, Mifflin Police, Loudonville Police, and Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District Rangers will join Ashland County First Responders. Together, they’ll help local children select gifts for family members and themselves, fostering a strong bond between law enforcement and the Ashland community.

Detective Kara Pearce expressed gratitude to the community for their ongoing support, saying, “This program brings so much joy to our local children, and it wouldn’t be possible without the incredible generosity of Ashland’s residents and businesses.”

Shop With A Cop Brings Big Smiles to Ashland County Children

AU Students Honor Veterans in Campus Ceremony

Joe Lyons • November 13, 2024

AU Students Honor Veterans in Campus Ceremony

Ashland, OH — In a display of unity and gratitude, the AU College Republicans, AU College Democrats, and Kappa Sigma fraternity came together on Monday night to honor local veterans at a special Veterans Day service. The event, held in Miller Chapel, featured speeches from campus leaders, including AU President Jon Parrish Peede, and representatives from each student organization.

The ceremony aimed to recognize the sacrifices made by veterans in the community, drawing a diverse audience of students, faculty, and area residents. The Ashbrook Choir provided a moving musical performance, adding to the evening’s reverent atmosphere. This collaboration across campus groups highlighted the shared respect for those who have served, fostering a spirit of remembrance and gratitude within the AU community.

Ashland Post Trooper of the Year: Trooper Richard Kluever 

Joe Lyons • November 13, 2024

Ashland Post Trooper of the Year:

(Ashland) – Ohio State Highway Patrol Trooper Richard Kluever has been selected as the 2024 Trooper of the Year at the Ashland Post.

The selection of Trooper Richard Kluever, age 36, is in recognition of outstanding service during the 2024 calendar year at the Ashland Post. Fellow officers stationed at the Ashland Post, elected Trooper Kluever based on his leadership abilities, professional ethics, courteous treatment of others, enthusiastic work attitude, and cooperation with supervisors, peers, and the public.

Trooper Kluever joined the Highway Patrol in 2012 and was a member of the 152nd Academy Class and earned his commission in 2012.   Trooper Kluever began his career at the Bucyrus Post before transferring to the Ashland Post in 2015. 

Trooper Kluever is originally from Lagrange, and was a graduate of Keystone High School in 2007. Trooper Kluever earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice at Youngstown State University, prior to joining the Ohio State Highway Patrol. Trooper Kluever was selected as the Ashland Post Trooper of the Year in 2015 and 2021. He has also received awards for safe driving and physical fitness.  Trooper Kluever has earned Criminal Patrol Awards in 2021, 2022, and 2023 which is given annually to troopers who excel in felony enforcement.  Trooper Kluever earned the state CPM award in 2023 for the most misdemeanor drug arrests of any trooper in the state. He continues to maintain high standards on a daily basis.

Trooper Kluever and his wife, Kristin, live in Spencer with their children: 3 year old Carson and 1 year old Canyon.  

The Ashland Post is proud to present Trooper Richard Kluever as their Post Trooper of the year and he is now in contention for the District and State Trooper of the Year Award.  

Patrol Investigates Fatal Crash Involving Commercial Vehicle and Pick-Up Truck

Joe Lyons • November 13, 2024

Patrol Investigates Fatal Crash Involving Commercial Vehicle and Pick-Up Truck

Sugar Creek Township – On Tuesday, November 12, 2024, at approximately 2:38 PM, the Wooster Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol was advised of a two-vehicle injury crash involving a pick-up truck and a commercial semi-truck on US-30 at the intersection with Kohler Road in Wayne County. 

A 2024 International semi-truck, operated by 34-year-old Issai Capetillo of Pleasantville, New Jersey, was traveling east on US-30.  Mr. Capetillo had stopped to make a left turn onto Kohler Road when he was struck in the rear by a 1999 Toyota Tacoma pickup operated by 45-year-old Robert Burr of Massillon, Ohio.

Mr. Burr was extricated by mechanical means and taken by Life-Flight to Akron General Hospital with serious injuries.  Adam Sartin, age 41, of Orrville, Ohio, was the right front passenger in the pickup truck and sustained fatal injuries as a result of the crash.  Mr. Capetillo was uninjured in the crash.

US 30 was closed for approximately 2 hours while the crash scene was being investigated. Neither the driver nor passenger of the Toyota pick-up were wearing safety belts. The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted on-scene by the Dalton Police Department, Kidron Fire Department, Wayne County Coroner’s Office, the Ohio Department of Transportation, and Rigz Towing. 

The crash remains under investigation at this time.

Police Involved Shooting with Amber Alert Suspect

Joe Lyons • November 12, 2024

Police Involved Shooting with Amber Alert Suspect

On November 11, 2024, at approximately 8:00 p.m., the Brunswick Division of Police located an Amber Alert subject in their city.  The Amber Alert indicated the non-custodial subject of interest had his 7-year-old daughter with him. 

The Brunswick Division of Police initiated a traffic stop on the suspect vehicle, which failed to stop.  Multiple jurisdictions pursued the vehicle southbound on Interstate 71 towards Medina.  During the pursuit, stop sticks were deployed causing the vehicle to be disabled.  The vehicle continued southbound and exited on SR 18, in Medina Township.  

The vehicle came to a stop in a business parking lot where law enforcement attempted to negotiate with the armed suspect.  The suspect, Charles Ryan Alexander, communicated with several dispatch centers by telephone.  Multiple guns shots were fired in an officer-involved shooting.  Alexander was pronounced dead at the scene by the Medina County Coroner, Dr.  Deranek  

The 7-year-old daughter was safely recovered from the scene and returned to family members without injury. 

No officers were physically injured during the incident. Agencies on scene included the Medina County Sheriff’s Office, Medina Township Police Department, Ohio State Highway Patrol, Brunswick Division of Police, Montville Police Department, US Marshals, Medina Fire Department and Cleveland Clinic Life Support Team.   

The Medina County Sheriff’s Office and Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation is investigating the incident.  Information concerning the investigation should be directed to Captain Eric Bors at Medina County Sheriff’s Office.   

Update to Mansfield Homicide Investigation

Joe Lyons • November 11, 2024

Update to Mansfield Homicide Investigation

At approximately 3:34 pm on November 8, 2024, Officers responded to 300 Wood St. Apt. 14, after receiving a report of a Domestic Violence incident. Upon arrival, neighbors advised Officers that they heard gunshots coming from the apartment prompting Officers to immediately enter the residence.

Upon entry Officers found one male and one female victim suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. Officers rendered medical aid until Mansfield Fire Department personnel arrived on scene and transported both victims to Ohio Health, where the female victim was pronounced deceased a short time later.

The Mansfield Division of Police was notified several hours later that the male victim also succumbed to his injuries.

During the investigation, it was found that both victims appeared to have sustained gunshot wound(s) however, detectives do not believe there to be any additional persons involved in the shooting at this time. The Richland County Coroner’s Office will be sending both victims for an autopsy as this is an ongoing investigation.

Major Crimes detectives are working to determine what led to the shooting and this tragic event.

Additional details will be released once they are available.

Anyone with information about this investigation is asked to call Major Crimes Detective Korey Kaufman at (419) 755-9748.

Ashland University College Republicans/Democrats to host Veteran’s Day Ceremony

Joe Lyons • November 10, 2024

Ashland University College Republicans to host Veteran’s Day Ceremony with the Veteran’s Center, Kappa Sigma Fraternity and College Democrats

ASHLAND, Ohio – Ashland University College Republicans with the College Democrats, Kappa Sigma fraternity and the AU Veteran’s Center will host its 1st Annual Veteran’s Day Ceremony on Nov. 11th at 6:30 p.m. in the Jack and Deb Miller Chapel.

It will feature a performance of the national anthem by the Ashbrook choir and a keynote speaker. After the ceremony, Kappa Sigma invites attendees to a reception at its fraternity house for light refreshments.

The fraternity will have donations bins available for the Heroes’ Fund, Kappa Sigma’s national fund for veterans.

 “It is important to show support for veterans on campus,” said Maddie Pugh, political director of College Republicans, “We are thrilled to team up with a variety of campus organizations to put on a spectacular event in honor of our American heroes for their service.”

All are invited to attend the event to honor the veterans of the Ashland community who dedicated their lives to protecting our great nation.

Windy Acres Shooting Update

Joe Lyons • November 9, 2024

Windy Acres Shooting Update

The New London Police Department continues to investigate a shooting that occurred at Windy Acres assisted living complex located at 96 Clifton St. within the village of New London on the morning of 11/08/2024.

As a result of the shooting, two employees of the facility were injured by the gunman who died at the scene from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The victims were transported to area hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries. We are happy to say that both victims have since been released from the hospital and are resting at home. We wish to praise them for their actions during that stressful situation.

Victim’s Identities:

Windy Acres office manager, Lora Gahagan (52), of New London sustained an upper torso injury, while Windy Acres maintenance employee, Kenneth Hawk (56) of Lorain County, sustained a head injury.

Gunman’s Identity:

Roger Murray (70), of New London.

As the investigation continues to evolve, our team is working to gather additional details. At this time, evidence and information collected over the course of the investigation has established what appears to be a preliminary motive for the shooting.

Motive:

Murray, a resident of the complex had filed multiple repair requests for his apartment and felt his requests were not being adequately met. He was further distraught over the matter due to a pending site inspection.

The community is urged to stay informed through local media outlets and the New London Police Department Facebook page.

Respectfully,

Chief Joseph K. Hicks