(COLUMBUS, Ohio) — The Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission (OPOTC) has unanimously approved recommendations put forth by Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost’s Blue Ribbon Task Force on the Future of Police Training, signaling a significant step forward in transforming the training of Ohio law enforcement.
“Law enforcement officers face unprecedented challenges daily, and it’s our duty to equip them with the best-in-class training and support they deserve,” Yost said. “We have updated training in pieces, but now with the commission’s approval, we can wholistically overhaul the training criteria to better equip officers with the training and tools they need to protect themselves and Ohioans.”
The Blue Ribbon Task Force was convened by Attorney General Yost in the fall of 2023 to identify areas for improvement in basic and continuing peace officer training, determine recommended standards for new officers, outline expectations for instructors, and establish new training methods.
The seven primary recommendations that OPOTC has now approved are:
Amend the Peace Officer Basic Training (POBT) curriculum to reflect contemporary police services.
Establish certification levels to reflect an officer’s training and experience.
Create a Tactical Patrol Officer Program.
Add new technologies while incorporating elements of reality-based situational decision-making scenarios into both basic and advanced training.
Develop integrated lesson plans across training platforms.
Focus Continuing Professional Training (CPT) so that it keeps advancing police services.
Expand annual firearms qualifications.
The 11-member task force, chaired by OPOTA Executive Director Tom Quinlan, published a special report in February, outlining their recommendations and detailing suggested remedies.
Prior to the commission’s vote, Quinlan stressed that the recommendations do not represent a condemnation of prior state-approved training protocols, but rather provide an updated roadmap.
“It is important to note that the recommendations are interdependent, and the best results will be realized when the combined strategies complement one another over time,” Quinlan added.
Notably, the adopted recommendations require changes at the basic academy level, including adjustments to the physical fitness standards required to graduate. Academies will also see a substitution of 72 hours of outdated curriculum with new courses on active shooter and threat response, critical decision making, crisis mitigation and de-escalation, communications and mediation, and incident debrief.
The recommendations that would alter Peace Officer Basic Training will require amendments to the Ohio Administrative Code. Yost’s office will work with the General Assembly on necessary changes as part of the implementation process.
The Ashland Public Library is thrilled to launch Summer Reading at Touch-A-Truck, an event that guarantees enjoyment, education, and lasting memories for all attendees!
Get ready for an exhilarating expedition on Ashland Main Street as the Ashland Public Library hosts its much-anticipated Touch-A-Truck event! This year, they’re rolling out an array of impressive vehicles on June 8, 2024, from 10am to 1pm. Start your adventure with a special quiet hour from 10am to 11am, designed for those who prefer a quieter exploration.
This year, the library will be parking its fleet of volunteers along Main St., transforming the area from Claremont Ave. to Union St. into a bustling hub of exploration and discovery. It’s a perfect playground for families and kids of all ages to climb aboard, take the driver’s seat, and uncover the secrets of various fascinating vehicles. These machines come from local businesses and community organizations, each with a story to tell and features to explore.
Dive into a world of wonder with vehicles like police cars, rugged construction machinery, a cheerful school bus, and the heroic fire truck. Learn from the friendly faces behind the wheels who bring these vehicles to life every day.
The Friends of the Ashland Public Library are also joining the adventure, setting up shop with a treasure trove of books, audiobooks, DVDs, and CDs for sale from 9am to 4pm inside the library.
They’re also planning a special giveaway for the little explorers.
Be sure to include a visit to the library’s Bookmobile and Outreach vehicles on your journey! These traveling ambassadors of literacy are not only ready to show you the library’s rich offerings and let you check out materials, but you can also register for the Summer Reading program right there.
Set your compass for fun and make your way to Ashland Main Street for an adventure-filled day that promises to be truly memorable!
For more information about the event, contact the Ashland Public Library by calling 419-289-8188, visiting www.ashland.lib.oh.us or stopping by the Public Services desk at the library.
ASHLAND – Ashland County Community Foundation’s IMPACT Youth Council, with ratification by the Board of Trustees, approved IMPACT Youth Grants for 2024.
Twenty-one organizations serving Ashland County youth were awarded grants totaling $28,259.
The following organizations received grants:
Advocates for Families received a grant for glass fusing classes for AFF families and youth.
Appleseed Community Mental Health Center received a grant to support Healthy Skills groups for youth.
Ashland Bookcase Project received a grant for bookcase materials and new children’s books.
Ashland Brethren In Christ Church received a grant to help with supplies for Vacation Bible School 2024.
Ashland Co 4-H Committee received a grant for Ashland County 4-H dog project(s) training equipment.
Ashland County Wildlife Conservation League received a grant for the ACWCL Kids Day educational program in the Historic Log Homestead house.
Ashland Special Needs Ministry received a grant to support the annual Night to Shine event.
Ashland Training Center Daycare and Preschool received a grant to support summer program activities and outings.
Associated Charities received a grant for new clothing for Kid’s Clothing Closet.
Hillsdale High School Fine Arts Department received a grant for supplies to support Scars, Shiners, Aging, & Beards: A Stage Makeup Exploration project.
Hospice of North Central Ohio received a grant to support Stuffed Animal Craft at Camp Hope Children’s Bereavement Camp.
Loudonville Church Women received a grant to purchase school supplies and other essentials to support students through the Back to School program.
Loudonville Theatre & Arts Committee received a grant for art equipment for The Ohio Theatre Arts Alive Art and Drama Camp(s) programs.
Nuhop Center for Experiential Learning received a grant for a new trail wheelchair to create access for all campers.
Park Street Brethren Preschool received a grant to support gross motor equipment.
Rape Crisis Domestic Violence Safe Haven/Appleseed received a grant to help with sensory items for youth accessing Safe Haven services.
Taft Intermediate received a grant to help with the 4th Grade Immersive History Exposure field trip.
The Salvation Army received funds to support its Safety Town program.
The following organizations were awarded proactive grants: ACCESS, Olive Tree Care and Green-Perrysville Fire Department.
IMPACT Youth Grants are competitive grants awarded by ACCF to 501(c)(3) and other qualifying charitable organizations in support of projects and initiatives specifically designed to benefit the youth of Ashland County.
Grant recipients are chosen by ACCF’s IMPACT Youth Council, a committee of student volunteers from Ashland County high schools. The council is led by director Sarah LeVeck.
The following students participated in IMPACT Youth Council during the 2023-2024 school year: Rilynn Ajian, Gabriel Barlow, Addi Bonfiglio, Joshua Bonfiglio, Keaton Christian, Aubrie Cooke, James Daubenspeck, Jocelyn Grassman, Alyssa Henley, Brendon Hess, Jocelyn Honaker, Taren Kramer, Haley McNaull, Katrin Parker, Mackenzie Parsons, Phoenix Rex, Emma Roar, Andrew Swartz, Jessica Wally and Marcus Wolboldt.
ACCF is currently accepting applications for next year’s IMPACT Youth Council. Ashland County students who will be sophomores, juniors or seniors during the 2024-2025 school year may apply online at www.ashlandforgood.org/impact-youth-council/.
The application deadline for IMPACT Youth grants is February 1 of each year. Inquiries can be made by calling the Foundation office at 419-281-4733 or visiting the ACCF website at www.ashlandforgood.org.
Marion – Troopers from the Marion Post are investigating a fatal crash that occurred on May 14, 2024, at approximately 11:57 PM, on State Route 95 in Marion County.
The crash involved a 2013 Chevrolet Malibu, driven by Shawna Kelson, age 38, of Marion, Ohio. The preliminary investigation indicates Ms. Kelson was traveling southbound on State Route 95 when her vehicle traveled left of the centerline and off the left side of the roadway. Once off road, the vehicle struck a tree and a utility pole before coming to rest. During the crash, Ms. Kelson was ejected from the vehicle.
Ms. Kelson was transported from the scene by Scioto Valley EMS to Marion General Hospital, where she was later pronounced deceased. Ms. Kelson was not wearing her seatbelt at the time of the crash.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted on scene by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, Scioto Valley Fire and EMS, Marion Township Fire and EMS, Mid-Ohio Energy Cooperative, and Ed’s 24 Hour Towing.
At approximately 5:00 PM on May 12th, 2024, the Wooster Police Department received a call from individuals fishing near 609 Freedlander Rd., reporting the discovery of an adult female body in the creek.
Upon arrival, officers confirmed the presence of the deceased and secured the area. The body was subsequently transported to the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner’s Office for further investigation.
The identity of the deceased has not been released, pending notification of next of kin. The Wooster Police Department extends condolences to the family and loved ones affected by the incident.
Captain Tony Lemmon of the Wooster Police Department stated that no further details will be disclosed at this time as the case remains under investigation.
Residents with any information relevant to the case are encouraged to contact the Wooster Police Department.
At approximately 5:00 PM on May 12th, 2024, the Wooster Police Department received a call from individuals fishing near 609 Freedlander Rd., reporting the discovery of an adult female body in the creek.
Upon arrival, officers confirmed the presence of the deceased and secured the area. The body was subsequently transported to the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner’s Office for further investigation.
The identity of the deceased has not been released, pending notification of next of kin. The Wooster Police Department extends condolences to the family and loved ones affected by the incident.
Captain Tony Lemmon of the Wooster Police Department stated that no further details will be disclosed at this time as the case remains under investigation.
Residents with any information relevant to the case are encouraged to contact the Wooster Police Department.
(COLUMBUS, Ohio) — The Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission (OPOTC) has unanimously approved recommendations put forth by Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost’s Blue Ribbon Task Force on the Future of Police Training, signaling a significant step forward in transforming the training of Ohio law enforcement.
“Law enforcement officers face unprecedented challenges daily, and it’s our duty to equip them with the best-in-class training and support they deserve,” Yost said. “We have updated training in pieces, but now with the commission’s approval, we can wholistically overhaul the training criteria to better equip officers with the training and tools they need to protect themselves and Ohioans.”
The Blue Ribbon Task Force was convened by Attorney General Yost in the fall of 2023 to identify areas for improvement in basic and continuing peace officer training, determine recommended standards for new officers, outline expectations for instructors, and establish new training methods.
The seven primary recommendations that OPOTC has now approved are:
Amend the Peace Officer Basic Training (POBT) curriculum to reflect contemporary police services.
Establish certification levels to reflect an officer’s training and experience.
Create a Tactical Patrol Officer Program.
Add new technologies while incorporating elements of reality-based situational decision-making scenarios into both basic and advanced training.
Develop integrated lesson plans across training platforms.
Focus Continuing Professional Training (CPT) so that it keeps advancing police services.
Expand annual firearms qualifications.
The 11-member task force, chaired by OPOTA Executive Director Tom Quinlan, published a special report in February, outlining their recommendations and detailing suggested remedies.
Prior to the commission’s vote, Quinlan stressed that the recommendations do not represent a condemnation of prior state-approved training protocols, but rather provide an updated roadmap.
“It is important to note that the recommendations are interdependent, and the best results will be realized when the combined strategies complement one another over time,” Quinlan added.
Notably, the adopted recommendations require changes at the basic academy level, including adjustments to the physical fitness standards required to graduate. Academies will also see a substitution of 72 hours of outdated curriculum with new courses on active shooter and threat response, critical decision making, crisis mitigation and de-escalation, communications and mediation, and incident debrief.
The recommendations that would alter Peace Officer Basic Training will require amendments to the Ohio Administrative Code. Yost’s office will work with the General Assembly on necessary changes as part of the implementation process.
The Richland County Sheriff’s Office has issued a statement regarding the tragic death of 54-year-old inmate Rebecca Westfield, who passed away following a medical emergency in a booking cell.
According to the statement released on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, at approximately 5:00 am, corrections staff and medical personnel responded to a call concerning Westfield, who was in custody at the Richland County Jail. Despite prompt life-saving efforts by the staff, Westfield succumbed shortly after being transported to Ohio-Health Mansfield Hospital.
Westfield had been detained since May 2, 2024, following the issuance of a bench warrant for a Bond Revocation out of Richland County Common Pleas Court. The circumstances surrounding her medical emergency and subsequent death remain under investigation by authorities.
ASHLAND COUNTY (Monday, May 13, 2024) State Route 89, between Glenn Street and Perry Township Road 395, will close Monday, May 20 for two consecutive culvert replacements.
The detour route will be SR 89 north to U.S. 30 west to SR 60 north to U.S. 42 north to U.S. 250 east to SR 89, and reverse.
Ashland Police Division Officers along with Ashland Fire Department & EMS responded to the intersection of E. 9th St. and Virginia Avenue for a motorcycle accident this evening.
One transported to UH Samaritan Medical Center for non-life-threatening injuries.
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Joe Lyons •
May 15, 2024
The Richland County Sheriff’s Office has issued a statement regarding the tragic death of 54-year-old inmate Rebecca Westfield, who passed away following a medical emergency in a booking cell.
ASHLAND COUNTY (Monday, May 13, 2024) State Route 89, between Glenn Street and Perry Township Road 395, will close Monday, May 20 for two consecutive culvert replacements.
