ASHLAND, Ohio – The Salvation Army Ray & Joan Kroc Corps Community Center in Ashland is excited to announce the next Youth Theatre production will be “Meredith Wilson’s The Music Man Jr.” Auditions for youth ages 8 through 17 will take place on Monday, Aug. 26 and Tuesday, Aug. 27 from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at The Salvation Army’s Ashland Kroc Center, 527 East Liberty Street, Ashland.
Audition packets for “The Music Man Jr” are now available for pick-up at either one of the Welcome Centers at the entrances of the Kroc Center, or online at the following links:
Audition Details, Requirements & Character Breakdown
Music Man Leads (Harold & Marion) Audition Songs & Scripts
Music Man Supporting Cast Audition Songs & Scripts
Auditions consist of three parts: vocal, acting and dance. Those wishing to audition for a specific role must prepare the provided audition song and script for that role. Youth wishing to be considered for more than one role only need to prepare audition materials for just one role.
Rehearsals will take place on Mondays and Thursdays from 5 to 7 p.m. Performances will take place on January 17, 18 and 19, 2025. Backstage crew will also be needed closer to production.
Production of “Meredith Wilson’s The Music Man Jr.” will be led by Majors Billy and Annalise Francis, and Amy Morgan.
“The Ashland Kroc Youth Theatre program has a holistic approach to learning vocal, acting, movement, and stage techniques in the process of being part of a production from start to performance,” says Major Annalise Francis. “We seek to inspire the development of each performer in an encouraging, cast-oriented, Christ-centered environment.”
Sponsorship opportunities to help provide participation scholarships and cover the cost of production are also available. If a local business or service organization is interested in partnering with the Ashland Kroc Center in the production of “Meredith Wilson’s the Music Man Jr” they should reach out to Dan Lawson, PhD, Director of Community Relations and Development for the Ashland Kroc Center, at (419) 281-8001.
Ashland County, OH — A horrifying incident involving a 6-year-old child who was viciously attacked by a Pitbull has led to the arrest of three adults in Savannah, Ohio. The child, who was restrained with handcuffs on both his hands and feet, sustained severe injuries in the attack.
According to Chief Deputy David Blake of the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office, the incident occurred on Saturday, August 17, 2024, at approximately 5:06 p.m. A 911 call was made, reporting that a Pitbull had bitten a young boy on the neck and ear at 23 Chapel Street. Emergency responders found the child in critical condition upon arrival and immediately called for Life Flight to transport him to a hospital for urgent medical care.
Initial investigations identified the child’s mother, Angelina Williams of Cleveland, Ohio, as living at the residence with a family member of the homeowner, Robert Michalski. Michalski, who owned the Pitbull, had left the house with the dog before authorities arrived.
Further investigation on Monday, August 19, 2024, revealed a disturbing detail: the 6-year-old child had been handcuffed by the adults in the home before the attack occurred. Deputies executed a search warrant at the residence, where they discovered evidence supporting this allegation.
Additionally, Michalski and the Pitbull were found hiding in a cubbyhole upstairs. The Pitbull has since been taken into custody and classified as a vicious dog.
Angelina Williams, Robert Michalski, and Williams’ boyfriend, Taylor Desiree Marvin-Brown, who allegedly assisted in restraining the child, were all arrested and taken to jail.
*** All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law***
The investigation is ongoing, and the case will be forwarded to the Ashland County Prosecutor’s Office for further action.
Ashland, OH—A single-vehicle rollover crash occurred on State Route 60, just south of County Road 2104, around 5:08pm this evening. Emergency services, including the Ohio Highway Patrol, Ashland County Sheriff’s Office, and Hayesville Fire Department & EMS, responded to the scene in the 2100 block of State Route 60.
Joe Daugherty, 60, of Ashland, was driving a silver 2008 Ford F-150 southbound on State Route 60 when he lost control of the vehicle while going around a curve. The pickup truck went off the west side of the road and overturned.
Daugherty was transported to Ohio-Health Mansfield Hospital with injuries believed to be serious but non-life-threatening.
An Ohio Highway Patrol trooper stated that the cause of the crash remains under investigation.
Ashland University is excited to serve as this year’s host of the 16th annual Connecting 4 Justice International Conference, which will examine the challenges and successes for transitioning out of prison and back to families and communities. It will take place on AU’s campus over a three-day period from Wednesday, Sept. 18, to Friday, Sept. 20, and the theme is “Conversations, Collaboration and Community.”
The event, formerly named the InterNational Prisoners Family Conference, is a collaboration between AU and The Ridge Project. It is intended to generate conversation on how to continue bridging the gaps in the carceral system and is geared towards anyone eager to gain knowledge—professional or personal—to take action to enhance the well-being and future success of justice-impacted persons transitioning to homes and communities.
Attendees at previous conferences have included formerly incarcerated individuals, addictions counselors, attorneys, faith-based organizations, criminal justice personnel, health care providers, mental health professionals, social service agencies, educators, government officials and many more.
Expert speakers and panelists will discuss topics such as the importance of family and challenges faced by those at home while a loved one is incarcerated and during return, the value of higher education in corrections and key reentry services through department of corrections, not-for-profit organizations and other social support agencies.
“This work, to provide pathways for reunification with families and communities, to attain educational degrees and training, and to pave clear connections to economically sustaining careers and employment, can only be achieved through the conversation and collaboration of many organizations and agencies … a quilt coming together with a common goal,” commented Jim Cox, assistant vice president of correctional education at AU.
There are a broad range of presentations and workshops being finalized. One of the highlights will be a keynote address by author and ethical leadership expert Chuck Gallagher. His keynote, “Victim or Victor,” centers on the importance of embracing a future where one is not defined by their past but empowered by their choices.
Today, Gallagher is a vice president of sales and marketing for American Funeral Financial and also the president of Ethics Resource Group, but he was previously convicted of embezzlement and tax evasion. He will present valuable lessons of his personal journey from incarceration to ethical leadership by illustrating the unique challenges of re-entry and providing the audience with tools and strategies to navigate this transition with confidence.
Another featured speaker will be Ashland alum Perry Holloway ’79. A managing partner of schoolman101.com, Holloway is committed to justice reform as he develops initiatives aimed at preventing young people from entering the prison pipeline and advocates for legislative changes to reduce the prison population. His presentation, “From Mass Incarceration to Decarceration,” will look at policies that seek to reduce incarceration and promote alternatives to imprisonment.
Also, Oscar McKnight, Ph.D., the director of AU’s Psychological Counseling Services, will be presenting “A Qualitative Examination of Life, Career and Educational Expectations.” McKnight is a seasoned mental health professional with more than 30 years of experience in counseling and administration with a focus on formerly incarcerated/justice-involved persons.
Head over to the corner of Jay Street and W. Walnut St. where Zack & Jillian Watson have set up a lemonade stand! All proceeds go directly to support the Wilcox family adoption fund.
They’ll be there until 4 PM today, serving up some refreshing lemonade and delicious baked goods.
Don’t miss out—stop by, enjoy a treat, and support a wonderful cause!
Collins, Ohio – On the evening of August 16, 2024, a serious incident occurred at the Huron County Fairgrounds during the popular Tough Truck event. At approximately 10:00 PM, one of the participants experienced a mechanical malfunction, causing their vehicle to veer into the staging area.
The mishap resulted in multiple injuries, two of which were severe. The injured individuals were transported to nearby trauma centers for further medical care.
In a statement issued by the Townsend Township Fire Department, Acting Fire Chief Jonathan White expressed deep concern for those affected by the incident. “We will be keeping everyone involved in our thoughts and prayers,” said Chief White.
Chief White also extended his gratitude to the emergency response teams who assisted in managing the situation. “I would like to thank the members of our department, Berlin Township Fire Department, New London Fire Department, and North Central EMS for doing a great job and keeping everything running as smoothly as possible,” he stated.
The swift response by the Huron County Sheriff’s Office and the Huron County Fair Board was also acknowledged for ensuring the safety of all involved and allowing emergency personnel to carry out their duties effectively.
The incident is under investigation, and further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
The community remains hopeful for the recovery of the injured and is rallying around those affected by this unfortunate event.
(COLUMBUS, Ohio)—Ohio Governor Mike DeWine joined Ohio Department of Commerce Director Sherry Maxfield and State Fire Marshal Kevin Reardon today at the Division of State Fire Marshal’s campus to announce a statewide Public Service Announcement (PSA) campaign to raise awareness for Ohio’s need for volunteer firefighters.
“Many Ohio communities rely on volunteer firefighters to keep them and their families safe every day,” said Governor DeWine. “As volunteer numbers decrease, Ohioans are increasingly at risk, which is why it so important to spread awareness for Ohio’s need. We hope to encourage everyday Ohioans to become extraordinary heroes by serving their communities as volunteer firefighters.”
In 2022, Governor DeWine created the Volunteer Fire Service Task Force, a group consisting of volunteer fire departments, municipalities, and state agencies, to study and improve the future sustainability of volunteer fire services in Ohio. The deployment of the PSA campaign is the latest fulfilled recommendation identified in the Task Force’s 31-page report.
Starting today, two 30-second PSAs will appear on televisions across the state along with ads on various digital platforms, including social media. The PSAs feature current Ohio volunteer firefighters sharing why they choose to serve encouraging Ohioans to consider becoming a volunteer firefighter themselves.
Individuals can visit MakeMeAFirefighter.org and search for volunteer firefighter opportunities in, or near, their communities. Users can then click on a specific position, read details about the role, and express their interest. Currently, there are nearly 400 open positions across Ohio listed on the website.
Approximately 70% of fire departments in Ohio are volunteer. While the number of emergency calls is increasing across the state, the number of volunteer firefighters is decreasing. From 2018 to 2021, there was a 6.5% decrease in the number of volunteer firefighters; meanwhile, from 2018 to 2020, there was a 9% increase in calls.
The nation is experiencing a similar trend. According to the National Volunteer Fire Council, approximately 65% of the country’s estimated 1,041,200 firefighters are volunteers, and 64% of 29,452 fire departments in the U.S. are all-volunteer. In 2020, the number of volunteer firefighters in the U.S. reached a low while call volume has more than tripled in the last 35 years.
“Many Ohioans underestimate or simply aren’t aware of the critical role that volunteer firefighters play in our daily lives,” said Ohio Fire Marshal Kevin Reardon. “There is no question that volunteers are a key component in our ability to maintain a strong, robust and responsive fire service across the state. These are men and women who, despite working full-time jobs, have made the decision to step up and serve their communities and neighbors, often on what could be considered the worst days of their lives. The trend we’re seeing at this moment in Ohio is unsustainable, which is why now is the time for Ohioans to step up and become the hometown heroes our communities desperately need.”
In addition to the new awareness campaign, the Division of State Fire Marshal has made strides toward fulfilling other recommendations from the Task Force, including making training classes at the State Fire Marshal’s Ohio Fire Academy 100% free for volunteer firefighters and volunteer fire departments, increasing fire department grant funding to $7.5 million, and hiring a volunteer service coordinator to support the needs of Ohio’s volunteer fire service.
Wooster – The Ohio State Highway Patrol, in conjunction with the Wooster Police Department and the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office, announced today that an OVI checkpoint will be held from 8PM to 11PM tonight on State Route 585 in Wayne County.
The OVI Checkpoint, funded by federal grant funds, is planned to deter and intercept impaired drivers.
The checkpoint will also be held in conjunction with nearby saturation patrols to aggressively combat impaired driver-related injury and fatal crashes.
If you plant to consume alcohol, designate a driver or make other travel arrangements before you drink.
Don’t let another life be lost by the senseless and selfish act of getting behind the wheel impaired.
Ashland, OH – The Ashland County Solid Waste Management District is gearing up for its highly anticipated third annual Farm Tire Collection Event, set to take place on August 27, 2024, at the Ashland County Fairgrounds. This initiative, designed exclusively for registered Ashland County farmers, aims to facilitate the disposal of old farm tires in an environmentally friendly manner.
Jim Skora, District Coordinator with the Ashland County Solid Waste Management District, emphasized the importance of the event, noting, “We’re excited to continue our commitment to environmental stewardship with this event. We want to make sure farmers have an easy and affordable way to dispose of their old tires.”
The event will run throughout the day at the fairgrounds’ main gate, and pre-registration is mandatory. Farmers must register by August 23, 2024, to secure their appointment time. Registration can be completed by calling 419-282-4338 or 330-603-0138.
Tire Disposal Costs and Guidelines
This year, the event will offer tiered pricing based on tire size and type:
Passenger and Light Truck Tires: $2.00 each
Semi-Truck and Small Implement Tires: $5.00 each
Large Tractor and Combine Tires: $10.00 each
All tires must be removed from rims prior to drop-off. Farmers bringing more than ten tires will receive a special letter from the health department to ensure smooth transport during the event.
The costs this year reflect a shift from previous years due to changes in funding. Unlike the past two years, where a flat fee was charged due to an Ohio EPA grant, the current tiered pricing covers the cost of contractor services and transportation.
Event Details
Location: Ashland County Fairgrounds, Main Gate, 2042 Claremont Ave, Ashland, Ohio
Date: August 27, 2024 (Rain or Shine)
Eligibility: Ashland County farmers only (No drive-ins accepted, pre-registration required)
Payment: Cash or check payable to Ashland County Treasurer
Acceptable Tires
Off-the-Road: $10.00 each (Tractor, Combine, Loader, Skid Steer, Wagon, Implement)
Semi-Truck: $5.00 each (Semi Truck and Trailer)
Passenger/Light Truck: $2.00 each (Pick-Up Truck, Bicycles, 4-Wheeler, Side by Side, Golf Cart, Motorcycle)
Non-Acceptable Tires
Rubber tracks, business and agricultural enterprises, schools, government entities, tire dealers/resellers, non-profit organizations, and non-Ashland County farm tires.
Recycling Commitment
All collected tires will be handled by Willie Tire Recycling in Crawford County, a zero-landfill facility dedicated to recycling and reusing materials. The company ensures that all tires are processed for beneficial use, including the extraction of steel, nylon, and rubber, which are then repurposed into various products or used as fuel.
For further information or to register, contact the Ashland County Solid Waste District at 419-282-4338 (office) or 330-603-0138 (cell).
Note: The Ashland County Solid Waste District is a department under the Ashland County Commissioners, and their continued support is integral to the success of these community-focused events.
Ashland, Ohio—The Copperheads Motorcycle Club’s Ashland chapter is preparing for their annual World Meeting, a significant event that draws members from across the globe. I had the opportunity to meet with Todd Grim, President of the Ashland chapter, at Fin Feather Fur Outfitters in Ashland, where the club was gearing up for the gathering.
“We are a well-established, spread-out club,” Grim explained. “We have five chapters across Ohio and many others throughout the United States, as well as internationally in England, Scotland, Canada, and the Cayman Islands.” This year, Ohio is the proud host of the world meeting, and members from various chapters are convening in Ashland before heading to Columbus, where the event will take place over the weekend.
A Brotherhood Beyond Borders
The Copperheads Motorcycle Club is unique in its composition and mission. While it is a law enforcement motorcycle club, membership is not limited to law enforcement officers. “We accept first responders, corrections officers, court officers, attorneys, magistrates, veterans, and active military,” Grim noted. “We even allow a small percentage of non-qualifying members who don’t fit into these categories but are still interested in joining the club.”
This inclusivity highlights the club’s commitment to serving those who serve. The Copperheads’ primary mission is to raise funds to support law enforcement officers who are injured in the line of duty or, in tragic cases, to assist the families of officers who have fallen.
A Legacy of Support
Each chapter of the Copperheads Motorcycle Club engages in various charitable activities beyond their core mission. For the Ashland chapter, this has included raising money for abused and neglected children—an issue close to Grim’s heart due to his professional background. “We each do our own things on top of the overall club goal,” Grim explained.
A key event for the club this weekend is the Terry McDowell Memorial Ride, an annual tribute to Officer Terry McDowell, a Whitehall Police Department officer who was tragically killed in the line of duty in 2001. The ride, which raises funds for law enforcement and their families, is open to anyone, not just club members. “We picked this date for our world meeting so all the Copperheads can be involved in the ride,” Grim said.
Changing Perceptions
Grim is keenly aware of the stereotypes often associated with motorcycle clubs, and he is quick to differentiate the Copperheads from the outlaw image. “We’re pretty much the exact opposite,” Grim emphasized. “We’re first responders and police officers who enjoy helping the communities we live in. We want people to realize that when they see us.”
The Copperheads Motorcycle Club is dedicated to being a positive force in the communities they serve. Their mission statement reflects this commitment: “The singular focus of the Copperheads Motorcycle Club is to support and assist all law enforcement, military, public safety, and their families during times of need.”
As the club prepares for this weekend’s events, they continue to embody their motto—heroes serving heroes—through their actions and their dedication to supporting those who protect and serve.
Joe Lyons •
August 21, 2024
Ashland County, OH — A horrifying incident involving a 6-year-old child who was viciously attacked by a Pitbull has led to the arrest of three adults in Savannah, Ohio. The child, who was restrained with handcuffs on both his hands and feet, sustained severe injuries in the attack.
