Ashland, OH — In an unfortunate incident this afternoon, four baby kittens were found abandoned in a Walmart shopping cart. The Ashland Police Division was called to the scene shortly after 4 PM, where officers discovered the kittens left in a dirty box at the store’s cart return area.
Authorities are now seeking any information from the public to identify the person responsible for abandoning the kittens. Walmart security is reviewing CCTV footage from the parking lot to aid in the investigation.
Meanwhile, Walmart employees quickly took action, providing a new box and a clean towel for the kittens. In a heartwarming turn, three of the employees volunteered to take care of the kittens, ensuring they received the immediate attention they needed. The employees have promised to share pictures of the kittens later to show their progress and well-being.
I reached out to Ryan Williams from The Cat House Feline Sanctuary here in the city if Ashland for a comment, Ryan Williams said, “We understand that all local shelters, including ours, are facing significant challenges due to the overwhelming number of cats in need. We are all operating at capacity, with limited space, time, and resources, which restricts how many animals we can assist. However, all rescues and shelters share a deep commitment to helping these cats and to connecting the community with the resources and options needed to make the right decisions for their care. While the process may not be immediate and requires some effort on your part, with the right information and dedication, we can work together to ensure the best outcomes for these animals.”
Ryan Williams went on to say, “In Ohio, cats and dogs are legally classified as companion animals, and there are strict laws against abandoning, mistreating, or harming them. The Ashland community plays a crucial role by reporting any instances of neglect or abandonment to the authorities. Those who fail to do the right thing will face serious consequences for their actions.”
Ryan Williams stressed, “Most importantly, we urge you to spay and neuter your pets, as well as any stray cats in your neighborhood. Early intervention is key—kittens can begin to conceive as early as four months old. There are regional low-cost and no-cost clinics dedicated to reducing the stray population. Please support these groups, as well as your local shelters, as they cannot fulfill their mission without the community’s backing.”
Ryan Williams concluded with, “We acknowledge that this requires time, money, and effort, and we understand that “they are not your cats.” However, they are part of our community. By working together, we can manage the cat population effectively, with everyone doing their part to make a difference.”
Kelleys Island – On August 23, 2024, at approximately 6:46 PM, a serious golf cart rollover crash occurred on Division Street near Titus in the Village of Kelleys Island, Erie County. The investigation is being handled by the Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Sandusky Post.
The crash involved a 2017 EZGO golf cart operated by Eleanor Austin, 27, of Clyde, Ohio. The golf cart was traveling northeast on Division Street when Ms. Austin lost control, traveled off the right side of the road and rolled into nearby trees. The impact resulted in Ms. Austin and her two passengers, Stela Francic, 25, and Brenda Mesa, 21, both from Sandusky, Ohio, being ejected from the vehicle.
Assisting agencies on scene, including the Kelleys Island Police Department, Kelleys Island Fire & EMS, Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), Cleveland Clinic Life Flight, Cleveland Metro Life Flight, and Mercy Life Flight, all arrived at the scene. Ms. Austin sustained serious injuries and was airlifted to Toledo St. Vincent’s Hospital, while Ms. Francic and Ms. Mesa were flown to Cleveland Metro Hospital for treatment.
On August 23rd,2024, METRICH detectives executed a drug related search warrant authorized by the Honorable Judge David Badnell of the Mansfield Municipal court for 336 Oxford Ave., Mansfield, Richland County, Ohio. Assisting with the search warrant was the Mansfield Division of Police and members of the Richland County ASORT.
The Search Warrant was a result of a short term drug trafficking investigation conducted by the METRICH Enforcement Unit. Seized was a total of 65 grams of suspected cocaine, 4 grams of suspected fentanyl and other drug related evidence.
Detectives arrested and charged Philip K. Moxley, 25, of Mansfield , Ohio with (3) cts. of Trafficking in Fentanyl (F-4), (3) cts. of Trafficking in Cocaine (F-4), (1) ct. of Trafficking in Cocaine (F-1) & (1) ct. of Possession of Cocaine (F-1). Philip K. Moxley was incarcerated in The Richland County Jail pending his appearance in court. Further charges may be forwarded to the Richland County Prosecutor’s Office.
METRICH Commander Lt. Steve Blust advised that this investigation was a direct result of the continued support from the community in reporting suspected drug activity.
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.
Ashland, OH — An Ashland man, Nicholas Barnett, has been arrested and charged in connection with alleged death threats made against Ashland Municipal Court Judge John L. Good. Barnett, 42, appeared before Magistrate Emily M. Bates in the Court of Common Pleas, Ashland County, on Thursday, August 22, 2024, for a bond hearing via video link.
Barnett faces a third-degree felony charge of Retaliation, as outlined in the Ohio Revised Code Sections 2921.05(A) and 2921.05(C). According to the complaint filed on August 22, Barnett is accused of threatening to kill Judge Good due to a previous sentencing decision. Barnett allegedly sent messages expressing his intent to harm the judge because he was sentenced to 50 days in jail for an OVI (Operating a Vehicle Impaired) offense.
Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Matthew Metcalf, who represented the State of Ohio during the hearing, emphasized the severity of the charge and the strength of the evidence. “This is a textbook case of retaliation,” Metcalf stated. “Mr. Barnett’s reason for threatening Judge Good was purely because the judge performed his duties by sentencing him to jail. These threats were taken seriously, and rightly so.”
Barnett sent some messages along the lines of. “I’m going to kill him” When asked why he was going to kill the judge, he said. “Because He gave him 50 days”. Metcalf stated during the hearing.
In addition to the alleged threats, Barnett also attempted to send a Facebook friend request to Judge Good during the same period, raising further concerns about his intentions. The situation escalated to the point where the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office conducted a wellness check on Judge Good to ensure his safety.
Given the gravity of the charges, Magistrate Bates set a bond of $50,000, with the option for Barnett to secure it through a surety bond, real estate, securities, or a cash deposit. The bond restrictions include passive monitoring via GPS tracking, prohibiting Barnett from entering any exclusion zones and mandating his presence in designated inclusion zones. Barnett is also strictly prohibited from having any contact, direct or indirect, with Judge Good.
Barnett has a history of legal issues, particularly related to traffic violations and OVI charges, dating back to 2002. His most recent charge was for OVI 2nd/Refused in September 2023. Despite this, the Retaliation charge marks a significant escalation in the nature of his offenses.
Barnett is scheduled to make his initial appearance on Tuesday, August 27, 2024, at 3:00 p.m. via video conference. The case will continue to be closely monitored as it progresses through the court system.
*** All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law***
Ashland, OH — An Ashland Police officer was assaulted during a response to a possible overdose at an apartment on Sandusky Street, leading to the arrest of 33-year-old Joshua Mullins. The incident occurred on August 21, 2024, at approximately 7:26 PM.
Officers from the Ashland Police Division, along with Ashland EMS, arrived at 233 Sandusky Street, Apartment 2, following a call indicating that CPR was in progress. As emergency responders attempted to assist, the situation escalated into a physical altercation involving Mullins.
Citations against Mullins indicated that Mullins interfered with the emergency operations, leading officers to deploy a taser to subdue him. Mullins was then taken into custody with the taser probe still embedded in his right breast, as captured in photos taken at the scene.
According to police records obtained through a Freedom of Information request, Mullins faces multiple charges, including:
Obstructing Official Business (Misdemeanor 2)
Assault: Knowingly Cause or Attempt Physical Harm (Felony 4)
Resisting Arrest: Causing Physical Harm to Law Enforcement Officer (Misdemeanor 1)
Misconduct at an Emergency: Hampering Operations (Misdemeanor 1)
Further investigation revealed additional serious charges. Court records from Ashland County Common Pleas Court show that Mullins is also accused of Corrupting Another with Drugs (Felony 2). The charge alleges that on or about August 21, Mullins knowingly administered or induced the use of methadone, a Schedule II controlled substance, to XXXXX XXXXX, causing her serious physical harm.
A bond hearing for Mullins is scheduled for August 26, 2024, at 8:00 AM. If convicted on all counts, Mullins could face significant prison time, particularly for the felony charge of corrupting another with drugs.
The incident highlights the challenges and dangers faced by law enforcement and emergency personnel, especially in situations involving drug-related emergencies, but the case is expected to be pursued aggressively.
This incident serves as a grim reminder of the ongoing issues surrounding drug abuse and the volatility of emergency situations. I will update the community as proceedings against Mullins move forward.
*** All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law***
Potent Mixtures Pose Risk of Drug Poisoning Death, Skin Wounds
(COLUMBUS, Ohio) – The Ohio Narcotics Intelligence Center (ONIC) released a public safety bulletin today alerting Ohioans to an increasing number of illicit drug samples found to contain mixtures of powerful drugs that can cause overdoses and/or skin wounds.
ONIC reported that drug testing labs across Ohio recorded an eight-fold increase in drug samples containing mixtures of “tranq-dope” (opioids and sedatives) and more than double the number of samples containing mixtures of “benzo-dope” (opioids and benzodiazepines) between 2021 and 2023 as compared to the three years prior. These drug mixtures have been identified in several forms, including counterfeit pills, powder, and rocks.
Sedatives and benzodiazepines are depressants that produce sedation and muscle relaxation while also lowering heart rate and blood pressure. Opioids such as fentanyl cause significant respiratory depression, which often is the primary cause of death in opioid-related drug poisoning cases.
Most of today’s illicit drug mixtures are extremely potent, which can make life-saving efforts more difficult. From 2017–2022, 58% of drug poisoning deaths in Ohio involved a mixture of illicit drugs.
“Part of the reason to issue this bulletin is the fact that naloxone may be less effective for someone experiencing an overdose caused by tranq-dope or benzo-dope,” said Cynthia Peterman, ONIC Executive Director. “Reversing the effects of a drug poisoning in those cases may require multiple doses of naloxone. These are extremely dangerous drug mixtures, and every Ohioan needs to be aware of the danger.”
Common drugs often mixed with tranq-dope or benzo-dope in Ohio include:
Opioids such as fentanyl/fentanyl analogues, heroin, nitazenes, and oxycodone.
Sedatives such as xylazine, medetomidine, ketamine, and detomidine.
Benzodiazepines such as bromazolam, alprazolam, clonazepam, and flualprazolam.
Launched by Governor Mike DeWine in 2019, ONIC is a specialized criminal intelligence unit that works to assist local law enforcement in conducting intelligence-driven drug trafficking investigations. ONIC’s criminal intelligence analysts and computer forensic specialists provide investigative, analytical, and digital forensic support to local law enforcement agencies and drug task forces throughout Ohio.
To report a drug tip to ONIC, please call 1-833-OHIO-NIC (644-6642). Information about how to access naloxone, the life-saving opioid overdose reversal medication, and fentanyl test strips is available by visiting naloxone.ohio.gov.
ASHLAND – This afternoon, a pedestrian was struck by a vehicle at the intersection of East Main Street and Eastern Avenue in front of the Circle K convenience store. The incident occurred at approximately 3:21 PM.
According to the Ashland Police Division, a vehicle traveling southbound on Miller Street attempted to make a left turn onto East Main Street. As the driver turned, they struck a female pedestrian who was crossing in the crosswalk. The vehicle also sideswiped a male who was walking with her.
The Ashland Fire Department and EMS responded to the scene. The female pedestrian was transported to UH Samaritan Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
The driver of the vehicle was cited for Failure to Yield to a Pedestrian. The investigation is ongoing.
It was a day like any other, or so I thought. Little did I know, my Son was about to witness the most dramatic showdown in veterinary history. The sun was shining, the birds were singing, and Charlie, my sweet, peace-loving Shih Tzu, was happily trotting along as we made our way to the Claremont Veterinary Clinic. We were just going in for some routine shots and bloodwork—simple, right? Well, not today.
The moment we stepped into the clinic, Jeremiah could sense a change in the air. Charlie’s nose twitched, his eyes narrowed, and a low growl rumbled in his throat. Something was brewing, and it wasn’t good.
As soon as they entered the exam room, all “H” broke loose. The vet, armed with nothing more than a tiny syringe, approached Charlie with a smile. But Charlie wasn’t having it. No sir, not today! With the speed of a ninja and the ferocity of a lion, my tiny Shih Tzu transformed into a whirlwind of barking, snapping, and growling. The once-peaceful clinic was now a battlefield, and Charlie was leading the charge.
The vet techs scrambled like they were in the middle of a tornado drill. “Code Red! Code Red!” someone might as well have shouted. In the chaos, the vet’s stethoscope flew across the room, a clipboard clattered to the floor, and a box of cotton balls exploded like a popcorn kernel in the microwave.
Charlie was relentless, defending himself against what he clearly believed was an invasion of his personal space. It was so bad they had to bring out the heavy artillery—the dreaded muzzle. And let me tell you, getting that muzzle on Charlie was like trying to wrestle an octopus into a sock. The vet techs worked in tandem, one holding Charlie, another trying to calm him with soothing words, and a third carefully slipping the muzzle over his tiny but very sharp teeth.
Finally, with the muzzle in place, Charlie was subdued—though he still gave them the side-eye, like a prisoner plotting his escape. The shots and bloodwork were completed in record time, and we were free to leave the war zone.
That night, back at home, Charlie curled up on my lap, his eyes big and soulful, as if to say, “Dad, I may have acted out today, but you wouldn’t believe what they were trying to do to me.” He looked so innocent, like a kid who just got caught with his hand in the cookie jar. How could I stay mad at that face? I gave him a kiss on the head and said, “That’s okay, buddy. Just… maybe don’t do that again.”
Charlie yawned, as if to say, “No promises,” and fell asleep, dreaming, no doubt, of his revenge, when they next meet.
*** All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law***
ASHLAND COUNTY – Thursday, August 22, 2024 — Motorists in Ashland County should be prepared for ongoing and new construction projects on major roadways starting next week. All construction activities are subject to weather conditions and may change.
U.S. Route 42 Urban Resurfacing
Location: City of Ashland, from Baney Road to just north of Cleveland Road
Details: Single lane closures will be in effect as resurfacing work continues. Traffic will be maintained throughout the project.
Estimated Completion: November 2024
U.S. Route 42 Bridge Replacement
Location: U.S. 42 between SR 89 and Township Road 553
Details: Single lane closures will occur for a bridge replacement. Temporary traffic signals will be used, and lane widths will be reduced to 10 feet in the work zone.
Estimated Completion: October 2024
Township Road 543 Closure
Details: Township Road 543 is currently closed for 75 days. The detour route is TR 543 to TR 1275 east to TR 593 to U.S. 42, and reverse.
Estimated Reopening: Saturday, September 21, 2024
U.S. Route 42 & State Route 302 Intersection Improvement
Details: The intersection of U.S. 42 and SR 302 is being converted into a single-lane roundabout. The intersection remains closed, and detours are in place for both local and non-local motorists. Local Detour: U.S. 42 east to SR 89 north to SR 58 north to U.S. 224 east to SR 301 south to SR 302, and reverse. Non-Local Motorists: SR 302 west to SR 301 north to U.S. 224 west to SR 58 south to SR 302, and reverse. SR 604 at U.S. 42: Closed due to the ongoing work at the U.S. 42 and SR 302 intersection, with only residential traffic maintained. SR 302 Westbound: Closed from SR 89 to U.S. 42, with access maintained for residents. SR 302 Eastbound: Closed from U.S. 42 to the Township Rd 251/1080 intersection, with access maintained for residents.
Estimated Completion: October 2024
Interstate 71 Bridge Repairs
Location: Various locations between U.S. 30 and SR 301
Details: Single lane closures in both directions for bridge repairs. Traffic will be maintained at all times.
Estimated Completion: September 2024
Interstate 71 Pavement Repairs
Location: Northbound I-71, just south of the U.S. 250 interchange
Details: Nightly lane closures for pavement repairs will continue. Traffic will be maintained at all times.
Estimated Completion: August 2024
State Route 96 Urban Resurfacing
Location: SR 96 in the city of Ashland, from Baney Road to Cottage Street
Details: Single lane closures for resurfacing. Traffic will be maintained at all times.
Estimated Completion: November 2024
State Route 604 Resurfacing
Location: SR 604, from U.S. 42 to just west of Camp Road
Details: Single lane closures for resurfacing work. Traffic will be maintained at all times.
Estimated Completion: September 2024
County Road 775 Closure
Location: Vermillion Township, between Township Road 757 and Township Road 2206
Details: A portion of County Road 775 will be closed from Monday, August 26th through Thursday, August 29th for culvert replacement.
Estimated Reopening: 4:00 pm, Thursday, August 29th
Motorists are advised to plan accordingly and follow posted detour routes to ensure safety and minimize travel delays. For the latest updates, visit the ODOT website.
Ashland, OH – The West Main Street Bridge project in Ashland is progressing with a significant milestone reached today as the concrete was poured for the bridge deck. Ashland County Engineer Ed Meixner provided an update on the status, acknowledging a slight delay in the project timeline but affirming that it remains on budget.
“We’re a little bit off schedule now, but we’re still on budget, so that’s the good thing,” Meixner said during his update. Initially, the project was slated for completion by August 30th. However, due to unforeseen circumstances, the completion date has been pushed back to around September 19th or 20th.
The delay, according to Meixner, is primarily due to the curing process of the concrete. “Once the concrete is poured, it usually takes about 28 days to fully cure. If testing shows the concrete reaches the necessary strength sooner, we may be able to open the bridge earlier than expected,” he explained.
The project, contracted to Adina Corporation, was initially bid at $998,000 but is now expected to come in under budget at approximately $950,000. This reduction in cost is attributed to the non-performance of certain tasks, which were more expensive than the additional work added during the project.
Funding for the bridge comes from multiple sources: a $500,000 grant from the Ohio Public Works Commission, $300,000 from the Ashland County Commissioners’ ARPA funds, with the remaining costs covered by gas and motor vehicle tax funds.
Meixner also praised the cooperation of the local residents, noting minimal complaints despite the inconvenience caused by the road closure. “The people along West Main Street have been a real blessing to work with,” he said, expressing gratitude for their patience throughout the construction period.
The project, which involves pouring about 95 cubic yards of concrete, represents a crucial step in restoring normal traffic flow in the area. Once completed, the bridge is expected to alleviate some of the traffic issues caused by the construction.
While some of the work has just taken longer to complete than was planned, the overall progress remains positive, with the community eagerly awaiting the reopening of West Main Street Bridge by mid-September.
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Joe Lyons •
August 24, 2024
Potent Mixtures Pose Risk of Drug Poisoning Death, Skin Wounds
