House Fire in Ashland County Turns Out to Be Self Set
Ashland County, OH – What was initially reported as a house fire on Township Road 1104 this morning took an unexpected turn when responders discovered the blaze was part of an unconventional demolition effort.
The Ashland County Sheriff’s Office, along with fire departments from Ashland, Savannah, Polk, and Nankin, responded to the scene after reports of a structure fire. Upon arrival, authorities found that the fire had been intentionally set by a group of Amish men who were demolishing the house and had allegedly used fire as a quick method to remove the structure.
Officials have confirmed the fire is under investigation. Citations are expected to be issued by local authorities, and a report will be sent to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for potential additional charges related to environmental violations.
Local authorities have reminded the public of the importance of following proper procedures and obtaining permits for demolitions. Updates on this case, including potential penalties, are expected as the investigation unfolds.
No injuries have been reported in connection with the incident.
Chili Showdown Simmers Into Spicy Showdown at Ashland County Sheriff’s Office
Ashland County, OH – The Sheriff’s Annex was bubbling with friendly rivalry today as the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office hosted a Chili Cookoff. But, the stakes were higher than ever—both for the chili and the bragging rights.
The event, coinciding with Sheriff E. Wayne Risner’s final month in office, served as a flavorful farewell and brought together teams from the Sheriff’s Office, Ashland Police Division, and the Ohio Highway Patrol for a showdown spicier than a jalapeño.
With 15 submissions, judges were up to their elbows in chili bowls. The illustrious panel included Sheriff Risner, Chief David Blake, foodie-favorite Jail C.O. Charles Scruggs, Mayor Matt Miller, and Judge David R. Stimpert. Each spoonful brought its own flair—smoky, sweet, tangy, and some downright fiery.
But the real heat wasn’t in the chili—it was behind the scenes. As it turns out, Detective Secretary Denise Patterson and front receptionist Steve Black had been trading “smack talk” over whose chili reigned supreme. What started as playful banter boiled over into one of the most dramatic moments in chili cookoff history.
The awards ceremony began innocently enough. Third place went to 911 Dispatcher Brooke Massie, sparking a round of applause. Then came second place: Steve Black, who took the stage with a grin and a hint of chili-stained pride.
And then the twist: Denise Patterson, ever the showwoman, called Steve forward to announce the winner. “And the first-place apron goes to… Denise Patterson!” she declared, with a victorious smirk.
Laughter, cheers, and perhaps a side of simmering revenge, as Steve begrudgingly handed the coveted apron to his office rival.
The crowd erupted, and the room was left wondering: was this justice, coincidence, or the perfect recipe for revenge? Either way, the only thing hotter than the competition was the chili—and Patterson’s well-played mic drop.
As Sheriff Risner enjoys his last month in office, one thing is certain: Ashland County doesn’t just protect and serve—it also spices things up.
Four Suspects Arrested in Attempted Car Theft, High-Speed Chase in Ashland
Ashland, OH — Four suspects were apprehended early Monday, December 2, 2024, after an attempted vehicle theft at Bill Harris Dealership turned into a high-speed chase and foot pursuit. The incident culminated in the arrest of three adults and one juvenile following a coordinated search involving drones and multiple law enforcement agencies.
The chase began when the suspects attempted to steal a 2019 Jeep from the Bill Harris Dealership and fled the scene in a vehicle reported stolen from another jurisdiction. After crashing at US Route 42 and State Route 603, they fled on foot into a wooded area. Law enforcement agencies, including the Ohio Highway Patrol, Ashland County Sheriff’s Office, and Ashland Police Division, established a perimeter and deployed the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office Drone Team to locate the suspects.
Court Proceedings and Charges
On Wednesday, three of the suspects appeared via video for bond hearings in Ashland County Common Pleas Court, facing felony charges.
Julien James (2040 Brussels St., Toledo, OH)
Count 1: Breaking and Entering (F5)
Count 2: Attempt to Commit an Offense—Grand Theft (F5)
Prosecutors requested a $25,000 bond with conditions including electronic monitoring, travel restrictions to Ohio, and 10% cash deposit. James was identified as a Toledo resident with a prior juvenile record, including aggravated assault/riot charges in 2022.
Taeshawn Greene (516 Nettler St., Toledo, OH)
Count 1: Breaking and Entering (F5)
Count 2: Attempt to Commit an Offense—Grand Theft (F5)
Prosecutors recommended a $50,000 surety bond due to Greene’s criminal history, including convictions for receiving stolen property and attempted felony theft as recently as October 2024. Greene was also flagged as a suspect in other vehicle thefts across jurisdictions.
Devin Rohn (519 Mettler St., Toledo, OH)
Count 1: Breaking and Entering (F5)
Count 2: Attempt to Commit an Offense—Grand Theft (F5)
Rohn faces similar charges and a $25,000 bond recommendation with monitoring and travel restrictions. Authorities cited Rohn’s connection to the other suspects and involvement in other investigations.
Juvenile Suspect
The fourth suspect, a juvenile, has not been publicly identified or charged in adult court.
Prosecutors Highlight Broader Criminal Activity
According to Ashland County Prosecuting Attorney Christopher R. Tunnell, the suspects are believed to be involved in a broader series of vehicle thefts across Ohio. The case highlights the importance of inter-agency cooperation and advanced tools like drones in apprehending suspects quickly and safely.
Community Concerns and Pending Updates
The Ashland Police Division declined to provide details, stating a press release would follow. However, no statement has been released as of yet. Court records have revealed preliminary information about three of the suspects, all adults, who appeared for a bond hearing via video on Wednesday.
The investigation remains active, and further updates are anticipated as additional evidence is released.
Patrol Continues to Focus on Removing Impaired Drivers from Ohio Roadways as Holidays Approach
Ashland – As friends and families gather across Ohio this holiday season, the Ohio State Highway Patrol will be highly visible on the state’s roadways. As always, the Patrol is committed to removing dangerous and impaired drivers, keeping Ohioans and our visitors safe.
“There is never an excuse for driving impaired,” said Ohio Governor Mike DeWine. “I encourage everyone to drive responsibly every day; troopers will have no tolerance for those driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.”
Since 2019, there have been 72,130 impaired driving-related crashes, resulting in the deaths of 3,920 people. This accounts for 54% of all fatal crashes on Ohio roadways. Additionally, during the same time period, nearly 44,000 others were injured in OVI-related crashes. Alcohol and/or drugs played a role in 53% of fatal crashes in the state. Of the 3,587 OVI-related fatal crashes since 2019, 28% were alcohol related, 40% were drug-related and 32% were a combination of alcohol and drugs.
“Telling families that your loved one won’t be coming home is one of the most difficult duties our troopers face, especially during the holiday season,” said Colonel Charles A. Jones, Patrol superintendent. “When you plan ahead and make responsible decisions, such as driving sober, you’re helping to ensure a safe holiday season for everyone.”
Troopers have issued more than 101,000 citations related to OVI since 2019, with nearly one in four citations involving a motorist impaired by one or more drugs.
The public is encouraged to safely call #677 to report reckless or impaired drivers and drug activity.
Ashland County Sheriff’s Office, Savannah Fire Department & EMS, and Nankin and Orange Township EMS responded to State Route 511 near County Road 1104 for a deer versus van accident this afternoon.
No injuries reported, but the airbags deployed after the deer struck the side of the van.
I decided to make a humorous side to this story
BREAKING: Deer Accused of Vehicular Mischief on State Route 511
Nankin, OH — Chaos erupted on State Route 511 near County Road 1104 as a rogue deer collided with a northbound van, setting off airbags and leaving behind nothing but a smear of bodily fluids and one very confused driver. The deer, clearly uninterested in exchanging insurance information, fled the scene, sparking a hunt for the suspect.
Responders from the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office, Savannah Fire Department & EMS, and Nankin and Orange Township EMS arrived quickly to assess the situation. Despite the airbag’s dramatic deployment, the van suffered only minor scratches. The passengers, unharmed but undoubtedly startled, were checked over by EMS and released with no injuries—unless you count a newfound distrust of wildlife.
Sergeant Neff of the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office, a man known for his quick wit, addressed the incident with humor. “If we can locate the deer,” Neff joked, “it’ll be facing charges for failure to yield, leaving the scene of an accident, and Hit & Run Unfortunately, it seems to be operating without a license or fixed address, so this could get complicated.”
The deer in question is described as medium build with brown hair, four legs, and a white tail—a description that matches approximately 98% of the local deer population. Witnesses last saw the suspect bounding into the woods, likely muttering, “Catch me if you can.”
Local wildlife expert Doug “The Buck Whisperer” Carlson weighed in on the event, calling it part of a troubling trend. “These deer are getting bold,” he said. “First, it’s running into vehicles. Next, it’s raids on the bird feeders. We need to set boundaries before it escalates.”
As for the deer, it remains at large. Law enforcement advises motorists to stay vigilant and remember that the woods are full of suspects who may, at any moment, throw caution—and themselves—to the wind.
AU Symphonic Band, Ashland Community Band presenting Winter Concert on Dec. 6
Ashland University’s annual Winter Festival Band Concert will be held this Friday, Dec. 6, at 7:30 p.m., at Hugo Young Theatre in the Center for the Arts. The free concert features the AU Symphonic Band and the Ashland Area Community Band and includes a series of holiday-themed selections.
Each ensemble is conducted by Joseph Lewis Jr., director of bands at AU.
The AU Symphonic Band, consisting of about 60 students from Ohio and across the U.S., features a high level of artistry and musicianship and performs an array of literature. On the docket for Friday night are “Where the Black Hawk Soars,” a soaring melody reminiscent of the flight of a hawk by Robert W. Smith; “Winter’s Revel,” a declarative melody featuring sleigh bells by Erika Svanoe; “Sleep My Child” by modern Grammy Award-winning composer Eric Whitacre; and “Them Basses, which has been used in countless movies and television shows.” by Getty Huffine.
The Ashland Area Community Concert Band, founded in 1993, is an ensemble that includes both university students and members of the community and performs a wide variety of literature from Broadway selections and classic marches to masterworks transcribed for concert band. Friday’s concert selections include “Procession of Nobles,” a grand march by Rimsky Korsakov; “Stille Nacht (Silent Night),” the popular Christmas carol composed by Franz Gruber; “La Sorella,” a melody that evokes the sights and sounds of France by Charles Borel-Clerc; “Lux Aurumque (Light and Gold),” a Christmas-based piece on a Latin poem by Whitacre; “A Christmas Festival,” a well-known holiday arrangement by Leroy Anderson that the audience will tap their feet too.
For more information, please contact Joseph Lewis Jr. at jlewisjr@ashland.edu or 419-289-5132.
Ashland Post Welcomes New Trooper to the Ohio Highway Patrol
Ashland County, OH — The Ashland Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol is excited to announce the arrival of its newest trooper, Savanna C. Miller. Trooper Miller graduated on November 8, 2024, as part of Class #174 from the State Highway Patrol Academy, where she completed 26 weeks of rigorous training.
A native of Valley City, Ohio, Trooper Miller is a proud graduate of Buckeye High School in Medina County. Before embarking on her career in law enforcement, she served the community by working in the Parks Department for the City of Medina.
With her academy training complete, Trooper Miller will now enter a field training phase spanning at least 70 working days. During this time, she will work alongside two Field Training Officers who will provide mentorship and ensure she gains practical, on-the-job experience in her new role.
The Ashland Post invites community members to welcome Trooper Miller as she begins her journey of service and dedication to protecting the residents of Ashland County. Her addition reflects the Ohio State Highway Patrol’s commitment to maintaining the safety and well-being of Ohio’s roads and communities.
So, leave her a message of encouragement in the comments.
ASHLAND, OH — The Ashland Police Division proudly welcomed its newest member, Officer Tyler Davis, during an oath of office ceremony on December 2, 2024. Mayor Matt Miller administered the oath, officially marking the beginning of Davis’s service to the community.
Officer Davis, 24, is a native of Ashland and a graduate of Ashland High School. A United States Marine Corps veteran, he recently completed his Police Academy training at North Central State College in August. This marks his first appointment as a peace officer.
Over the next four months, Davis will participate in the department’s field training program, working closely with experienced officers to become familiar with the division’s procedures and operations.
Expressing his dedication to the community, Officer Davis shared, “I grew up in Ashland and I care about the community. I feel like I am supposed to be here.”
With Davis joining the ranks, the Ashland Police Division now consists of 30 full-time officers, all committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of the city’s residents.
The Ashland Police Division and the City of Ashland welcome Officer Davis and look forward to his contributions to the department and the community.
COLUMBUS – According to provisional statistics, eight people were killed in seven crashes on Ohio’s roadways this Thanksgiving holiday, resulting in the fewest deaths since 2018, when seven people were killed. The five-day Thanksgiving reporting period began on Wednesday, November 27 at midnight and ran through 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, December 1.
Of the eight people killed, three were not wearing a safety belt and one crash involved impaired driving.
During the reporting period, troopers arrested 247 people for operating a vehicle while impaired. Troopers also issued 569 safety belt citations and 297 citations for distracted driving violations. Throughout the holiday reporting period, troopers assisted 1,638 motorists.
Joe Lyons •
December 6, 2024
