Joe Lyons

Ashland’s Tyler Sabo Competes in DI Men’s Golf Championship

Tyler Sabo stood on the par three 8th hole, two holes down in match play, to the 15th ranked amateur golfer in the world, William Moll. The Ohio State Buckeyes, who entered the DI Men’s Championship as the 32nd ranked team in the nation finished 7th in stroke play, found themselves playing No. 2 seed Vanderbilt in the quarterfinals.

After Moll, a graduate student, landed his shot within a couple feet of the hole, the redshirt freshman from Ashland, Ohio, one-upped his opponent spinning his ball back into the cup for a hole-in-one.

“The hole-in-one was probably the most timely shot I’ve ever hit in my golf career,” Sabo said, “there was no better feeling than to see that go in with my parents there watching and my coach by my side to celebrate.”

Sabo’s parents rarely miss any of his matches and they surely were not going to miss their son playing in the national championship despite having to travel to Carlsbad, California.

It’s a twenty-seven-hour day for us and we got up at 2am Ohio time,” said Diane Sabo via text message at a little after 9pm EDT on Tuesday(the night before the Buckeyes would begin play at the Omni La Costa North Course). “We have to park and get shuttled to the 10th hole,” she added, “which is the furthest point away.”

Tyler Sabo with parents Diane and Mark Sabo

 

Sabo grabbed the lead in his match on the 13th hole and took some pressure off teammate, Senior Adam Wallin. Wallin then defeated 2022 NCAA Men’s Individual Champion Gordon Sargent in 19 holes to propel Ohio State to a 3-1-1 victory.

The win would send the Buckeyes into the semifinals to play the No. 1 ranked team in college golf, the Auburn Tigers. The Tigers shot 20 under par nine days earlier to a earn a come from behind win on the last day of the Baton Rouge Regional in Louisiana.

With less than a few hours to celebrate, Sabo prepared mentally to take on his next opponent, Josiah Gilbert. Sabo came into the match ranked around 2100 spots below Gilbert in the World Amateur Golf Rankings.

“Match play is totally different than stroke play,” Sabo added. Neal Shipley and Maxwell Moldovan had prepared him for his first opponent(Moll) the night before. Sabo felt since he had beaten both Shipley and Moldovan that he was ready to take on any opponent. “Having those two as competitors has prepared me for moments like that,” offered Sabo.

He pulled off a huge upset over the freshman Gilbert(1UP) though his Buckeyes fell short of beating the Tigers, 3-2. Ohio State finished 3rd out of 30 teams at the championship.

Florida Southern Hall of Fame golfer and Ashland High School golf legend, Steve Paramore, was excited about Sabo’s performance. “I was impressed with his ability to perform when the lights came on while he was on the biggest stage,” Paramore said, “he responded in the biggest moments and took on some great players.”

The 2022 First Team All-Ohio golfer from Ashland High School wrapped up his season for the Buckeyes in California but has a busy summer ahead after returning home to decompress.

Sabo is the 2nd alternate after a one-hole playoff in April at the US Open local qualifier at Brookside Golf & Country Club in Columbus. He would like to return to the final qualifier where he played just two years ago. Shipley has already qualified for the US Open.

The future is bright, and Sabo proved he belongs in the same sentence with the best golfers in college. None of us will be surprised to see this Buckeye own the course his next three years wearing scarlet and gray. We will surely be ready when he tees off on his next par 3 for the four words every golfer dreams of hearing, “it’s in the hole.”

Tyler Sabo with his Caddie, Aidan Chandler, at the US Open local qualifier

Updated Cruising Ordinance in Mansfield

The Mansfield Division of Police would like to take this opportunity to remind everyone of the updated Cruising Prohibited Ordinance recently passed by Mansfield’s City Council. This ordinance went into effect May 7th 2024 however, the Mansfield Division of Police would like to give everyone time to adjust to the change.

Mansfield Police Officers will continue to conduct traffic enforcement in the Cruising Prohibited Designated Area however, Officers have been advised not to cite under the Cruising Prohibited Ordinance until July 1, 2024. Although, Officers are advised not to cite under this ordinance until July 1, 2024, Officers can still conduct traffic enforcement under this ordinance to assist in educating Motor Vehicle Operators and may take enforcement action on other traffic violations if observed.

A copy of City of Mansfield Ordinance 331.48 Cruising Prohibited is included below for reference.

331.48 Cruising Prohibited

(a) Definitions:

(1) “Designated Area” means that area of the City bound by Home Road on the west, Trimble Road on the east, Park Avenue West on south, and West Forth Street on the north.

(2) “Designated Hours” means the time between 8:00 PM and 3:00 AM from Friday evening into Saturday morning and Saturday evening into Sunday morning.

(3) “Traffic Control Point” means a reference point on a street within the Designated area within the Designated hours selected by a police officer for the purpose of enforcing this section.

(4) “Cruising” means driving a motor vehicle on a street past a Traffic Control Point, within a Designated Area, within Designated Hours, by the Mansfield Division of Police, more than two times in any two-hour period. The passing of a designated control point a third time under the aforesaid conditions shall constitute unnecessary repetitive driving and therefor a violation of this section.

2 (b) Cruising Prohibited. No person shall engage in unnecessary repetitive driving, also known for the purpose of this section as cruising.

(c) For purposes of this prohibition, upon a determination that a vehicle is Cruising, the person having control and/or ownership of the Cruising motor vehicle shall be considered the person cruising, without regard as to whether that person was actually driving the motor vehicle each time it passed the traffic control point.

(d) “Control or Ownership of a motor vehicle” shall be either the owner of the vehicle as stated on the vehicle registration, if said owner is present in the vehicle at the time of the violation, or if the owner is not present in the vehicle, the person operating the vehicle at the time of the violation of this section.

(e) Exclusions. This section shall not apply to any municipal, emergency, police, fire, ambulance or other governmental vehicle when such vehicle is being operated in an official capacity. In addition, this section shall not apply to any licensed public transportation vehicle, other business vehicles being driven for business or commercial purposes, or to residents of the designated area traveling to a specific destination.

(f) Penalty. Whoever violates any of the provisions of this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor on a first offense; on a second offense within one year after the first offense, the person is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree; on each subsequent offense within one year after the first offense, the person is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree.

County Road 700 Temporarily Closing for Culvert Replacements

The Ashland County Engineer’s Office, Kelly Hickey, Administrative Assistant/Safety, has announced that County Road 700 will be temporarily closed in two separate locations for essential culvert replacements.

First Closure:

Location: A section of County Road 700 in Jackson Township between Township Road 251 and County Road 175, specifically between House #184 and County Road 175.

Dates: Monday, June 3rd, and Tuesday, June 4th.

Details: The road will be closed overnight and is expected to reopen by 8:00 AM on Tuesday, June 4th.

Second Closure:

Location: Another section of County Road 700 in Jackson Township between Township Road 101 and State Route 42, specifically between House #76 and House #63.

Dates: Tuesday, June 4th, and Wednesday, June 5th.

Details: This section will also be closed overnight, with the anticipated reopening by 8:00 AM on Wednesday, June 5th.

Motorists are advised to plan alternate routes during these closures and to exercise caution when traveling in the affected areas. The culvert replacements are crucial for maintaining road safety and infrastructure integrity.

For further information, residents can contact the Ashland County Engineer’s Office.

The Ashland County Engineer’s Office appreciates the public’s patience and cooperation as these necessary repairs are completed.

One killed in Single Vehicle Wayne County Crash

Wooster Township – On Wednesday, May 29, 2024 at 4:57 AM the Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Wooster Post was notified of a single vehicle crash on SR 226 south of Township Road 76 (Valley Road).

A white 2014 Volkswagen Jetta was northbound on SR 226 and drove off the left side of the roadway striking a culvert, guardrail, and overturning into a creek bed at the bottom of an embankment.

 

The driver of the Jetta, David E. Ellis, 64 years old, of Shreve, died at the scene of the crash. Mr. Ellis was seat belted in the Jetta. Alcohol and drugs are not suspected to be contributing factors in this crash.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted on scene by the Wayne County Coroner’s Office, Wooster Township Fire and EMS, Bear’s Towing, and the Wayne County Sheriff’s Department.

Ashland Police Division to hold the summer’s first Cones with a Cop event

Ashland, Ohio—On Thursday, June 6, from 5:00-6:00 p.m., the Ashland Police Division

will hold the first Cones with a Cop event of the summer. Having much success in

previous years, this event offers kids the opportunity to connect with our local officers

and enjoy a sweet summer treat.

“The Cones with a Cop program is a great way for officers of the Ashland Police Division

to interact with youth in a non-enforcement role.” said Chief Dave Lay. “These fun

community engagement opportunities help to establish relationships and build trust in

local public safety professionals.”

June’s event will be hosted by EVA’s Treats, located at 601 Claremont Avenue. All are

welcome to stop by any time between 5:00-6:00 p.m. Complimentary frozen yogurt will

be provided.

Please contact Amanda Furman with any questions at (419) 289-4181.

James D. Taylor Charged with Aggravated Vehicular Homicide

 

Taylor Pleads Not Guilty; Bond Set at $100,000

James D. Taylor has been charged with Aggravated Vehicular Homicide, a second-degree felony, in connection with the death of 12-year-old Tye David Miezejewski. The charges stem from an incident on May 24, 2024, in which Taylor, while operating a 2009 Chevrolet Silverado, allegedly caused Miezejewski’s death.

 

James D. Taylor

In a video bond hearing yesterday at 2:30 PM, Taylor, represented by Attorney Patrick Farrell, appeared before Ashland County Court of Common Pleas, Magistrate Paul T. Lange. Ashland Prosecuting Attorney Christopher Tunnell represented the State of Ohio. Taylor entered a plea of not guilty.

Magistrate Lange set Taylor’s bond at $100,000, which can be met through a surety bond, a bond secured by real estate or securities, or a cash deposit. The bond conditions include several strict requirements:

Taylor must not use, consume, or possess any drugs of abuse or alcohol, and he will be subject to random drug and alcohol testing at his own expense. The use of any product containing THC is prohibited while he is on bond.

Taylor is required to seek a drug/alcohol assessment from a properly credentialed addiction treatment professional and comply with the recommended treatment plan. He must make an appointment and provide verification to the court within fourteen days of posting bond.

He will be subject to passive monitoring through Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) tracking and must comply with all associated terms and conditions. He is prohibited from entering any GPS exclusion zones and must adhere to curfew restrictions from 9:00 PM to 6:00 AM at his approved residence.

Taylor is barred from operating any motor vehicle.

He is also prohibited from having any contact, direct or indirect, with members of the victim’s family.

Magistrate Lange has scheduled a preliminary hearing for this case on Friday, May 31, 2024, at 10:00 AM via video.

The Crucial Role of Partnerships in Protecting Eastern Ohio from Floods

Friday, May 31 is National Dam Safety Day

 

Floods are deadly weather disasters that kill more Americans every year than hurricanes or tornadoes. As leaders in organizations whose missions include protecting lives and property from flooding, we know firsthand the devastation that flooding can inflict on our communities, and in honor of National Dam Safety Day approaching on May 31, we want to recognize the importance of that significance. Floods can literally wash away lives, homes, businesses, public infrastructure and the environment. Moreover, they pose a significant threat to communities themselves, and can forever alter the character of the places we call home.

To the challenge of preventing and reducing the impact of floods, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District (MWCD) each apply our respective expertise in engineering and water resource management, and a range of sophisticated—and expensive—tools including levees, dams, and flood control structures. Even with our technical know-how and resources, however, successful outcomes often depend on our working together. And sometimes, in spite of all of our best efforts and collaboration, Mother Nature wins the battle.

For more than 90 years the USACE and MWCD have been partners in flood mitigation in Eastern Ohio. The Muskingum River watershed is historically prone to flooding, and in 1913 a flood in the watershed took the lives of nearly 500 residents, destroyed 69 bridges in the area and effectively wiped away Ohio’s canal system. The cost in property destroyed and resulting economic losses exceeded $300 million. This event, which remains as the greatest natural disaster in Ohio history to this day, was the impetus to creating the MWCD and starting its collaboration with the USACE.

The USACE operates and maintains the 16 dams on MWCD property and the MWCD cost shares major dam safety modifications as well as owns and operates the lakes and parks.

Just as both agencies work in close collaboration with each other, we both also partner with local organizations throughout Eastern Ohio to advance flood mitigation and prevention. First, there isn’t a monopoly on good ideas or insights, so having other frontline partners expands what you know and how fast you know it. Despite all the technology we have today, it doesn’t replace firsthand, human intelligence when working in the natural environment where things change rapidly. Second, local partnerships foster community engagement and support, which is essential for the success and sustainability of flood management initiatives. Finally, local partnerships enable the pooling of resources and expertise, maximizing the effectiveness of flood mitigation efforts.

Though the Corps of Engineers and MWCD are each large organizations, with strong budgets and the ability to hire experts in dam operations and watershed management, we still lean on each other to protect Eastern Ohio residents and their homes, farms and businesses. Similarly, together, and separately we have a network of smaller, local partners that share our missions, and which amplify our mutual success—all for the purpose of protecting lives and property. This also reinforces the fact that the best and most effective responses to disasters, should they occur, start at the local level, and are amplified by external organizations.

The lesson in all of this is that no single leader, government, or organization can ever have all the know-how it needs to fulfill such an essential, complex, and multi-faceted mission as protecting Eastern Ohio from flooding. When other missions such as the conservation of wild spaces and recreation opportunities are added, the need for collaboration becomes even more true. We are proud of what our organizations have accomplished together and of the relationships that exist with other groups that share our mission. The example of the value and success of collaboration in natural resources management is an important one that we hope other organizations can learn and benefit from as we work to make Eastern Ohio a better, more prosperous place to live and work. We will stay connected and not rest on our laurels. We know there is more work to do and we, jointly with our local partners, will identify new opportunities and challenges and take actions to protect property and lives.

In addition, in partnership with the USACE and as part of MWCD’s 90th anniversary, we invite you to celebrate Dam Safety Day with a dam tour. Saturday, June 1 from 10:00am-2:00pm the Dover, Atwood, Bolivar, Clendening, Leesville, Pleasant Hill and Tappan dams will be open to the public to discover the power of collaboration between our organizations while learning about dam safety and history.

###

Craig Butler has a master’s degree in environmental science from Ohio University and is the former Director of the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency. He has served as CEO of the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District since 2020.

###

Colonel Jayson Putnam is a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and has a Master’s of Science Degree in Engineering Management from the University of Missouri-Rolla. He has led the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Huntington District since 2021

1, 2, 3… Splash-Off! The Ashland Kroc to host season opener for RJ’s Spray Park on June 1

ASHLAND, Ohio – If you’re looking for a local spot to cool off this summer, The Salvation Army Ray & Joan Kroc Center of Ashland has got some exciting news for you!

RJ’s Spray Park will be re-opening for the 2024 summer season on Saturday, June 1. To celebrate, The Ashland Kroc Center is hosting a special grand re-opening celebration from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Admission is FREE and the first 100 KIDS in the Spray Park will receive a free scoop of vanilla or chocolate frozen custard from Whit’s Frozen Custard!

Families will also be able to have fun playing disc golf, cornhole, a giant Connect Four game, and more on the lawn. Whit’s Frozen Custard of Ashland treat trailer will be onsite. After the first 100 kids get their free scoop of chocolate or vanilla frozen custard, all attendees will be able to purchase lunch, beverages, and frozen custard from Whit’s.

Thanks to the generosity of The Ashland County Community Foundation, after the June 1 celebration, RJ’s Spray Park will be FREE and open to the public during regular hours of operation for the 2024 season. Hours for the Summer are Monday – Saturday, from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. June 1 through August 18 (closed on July 4 and 5 for Independence Day).

“We are so grateful to The Ashland County Community Foundation for partnering to provide an option for the greater Ashland County community a free place to cool off and helping to cover a portion of the operating expenses for this summer,” says Dan Lawson, PhD, Director of Community Relations and Development.

“We are also extremely appreciative to Whit’s Frozen Custard of Ashland for donating the 100 free scoops of frozen custard and remaining onsite with all of their delicious food options for attendees to purchase lunch, beverages, and frozen custard.” Dr. Lawson adds.

Registration is not required but it is recommended. For quicker admission, go to: Free Spray Park

To see the full summer offering of classes and activities at the Ashland Kroc Center now through August, please go to the Program section of the Ashland Kroc Center’s website and download a digital version of their Summer Program Guide, or stop by one of the Welcome Desks during regular business hours and pick up a hardcopy.

Online registration and membership information

To stay up-to-date on the latest classes and events, please follow Ashland Kroc Center on Facebook or @AshlandKroc on Instagram.

If you have any questions, please feel free to call the Ashland Kroc Center at (419) 281-8001.

ACCF Women’s Fund launches ‘EmpowHer Giving Circle’

Courtney McNaull, Sandra Tunnell, Erin Stine

 

ASHLAND – The Women’s Fund of Ashland County Community Foundation is inviting local women to take part in a new collective giving initiative called the EmpowHer Giving Circle.

Participants will be able to enjoy networking and socializing while pooling their charitable resources to support causes that benefit women in Ashland County.

“Giving Circles are an increasingly popular form of philanthropy, and the concept is truly a perfect fit for our Women’s Fund,” said Ashland County Community Foundation Chief Operating Officer Kristin Aspin. “We’re building community among women, promoting women’s advancement and strengthening local women.”

Following a successful pilot event in March, the Women’s Fund Steering Committee is now opening the EmpowHer Giving Circle up to the public by encouraging all Ashland County women to attend the first public Giving Circle. The event will be 5:30-7:00 p.m. Monday, June 24 at South Street Grille, 121 South Street in Ashland. Weather permitting, the event will be outdoors. In case of inclement weather, the Circle will be moved indoors.

Attendees are asked to register by June 10 via Eventbrite, where they may make an online donation of $25, $50 or $75. Alternatively, guests can register online and make a donation in any amount at the door.

Appetizers and one drink ticket per guest will be provided by the Women’s Fund, allowing 100 percent of the money donated to be given away. Half of the donation pool will be granted to a cause selected by the group at the event to benefit local women immediately. The other half will be invested in the Women’s Fund endowment at ACCF to provide grants and scholarships that will benefit local women for years to come.

Each attendee will have the option of nominating a nonprofit organization or other charitable cause that benefits local women. A few nominations will be selected at random, and the chosen nominators will give a brief, informal pitch describing the cause and the reason they chose to nominate it.

Following these presentations, participants will take part in a group discussion about their shared values and the causes being considered. They will then cast ballots to vote for the cause they would most like to fund.

At the March pilot event, Women’s Fund Steering Committee members and a small group of guests donated a total of $1,320. They chose to make their $660 grant to OhioHealth Foundation to be used toward the purchase of a special camera for Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners at the OhioHealth Ashland Health Center to use in the care of domestic violence and assault survivors. The camera will allow hospital staff to obtain high-quality images that can show survivors the extent of injuries and can be used as evidence in court.

The SANE camera project was later selected by the ACCF Community Grants committee to receive an additional grant.

“Though the EmpowHer Giving Circle grant was small relative to the total cost of this advanced equipment, it is highly significant that this pooled donation represented the first dollars granted toward a project that so clearly resonates with local women,” McNaull said. “These women not only raised money but also spread awareness for this important cause, using their collective voice to say, ‘this matters for women and for our community.’ That’s the power of this new Giving Circle.”

For more information about the June 24 event, visit https://ashlandforgood.org/giving-circle/ or contact Courtney McNaull at courtney@ashlandforgood.org.

About Ashland County Community Foundation: Ashland County Community Foundation advances philanthropy and improves the quality of life in Ashland County by connecting people who care with causes that matter. ACCF has awarded over $30 million in scholarships, grants and distributions.

About the Women’s Fund: The Women’s Fund is a permanently endowed fund held at Ashland County Community Foundation and managed by the Women’s Fund Steering Committee. Annual fund distributions are used to make grants and provide scholarships that build community among women, promote women’s advancement and strengthen Ashland County women.

Women’s Fund Steering Committee Member Nichole

Aber speaks to attendees of the EmpowHer Giving Circle

Traffic Fatalities Decrease Over Memorial Day Weekend

Traffic Fatalities Decrease Over Memorial Day Weekend

OLUMBUS – The Ohio State Highway Patrol is reporting 14 crashes resulting in 17 deaths on Ohio’s roadways during the 2024 Memorial Day weekend, according to provisional statistics. This is a decrease from last year, when 26 individuals were killed. The four-day reporting period began Friday, May 24 and ran through Monday, May 27.

During the reporting period, state troopers made 19,104 traffic enforcement contacts, including 361 impaired driving arrests, 61 drug arrests, 2,662 safety belt citations and 1,090 distracted driving citations. In addition, the Patrol made 9,779 non-enforcement contacts including 1,950 motorist assists.

Motorists are reminded that roadway safety is a shared responsibility and are encouraged to call #677 to report drug activity and dangerous or impaired driving.

For a statewide breakdown of enforcement and crashes during the Memorial Day holiday weekend, please click here.

ASHLAND WEATHER