Assisting Agencies: Huron County Sheriff’s Office, Firelands Ambulance Service, Savannah Fire, Huron County Coroner’s Office, Huron County Prosecutor’s Office, Ohio BCI
The New London Police Department is currently investigating a shooting incident that occurred at the Windy Acres assisted living complex located at 96 Clifton St. within the village of New London. At approximately 10:52 AM Huron County dispatch advised of an active shooter inside the complex. A New London officer immediately responded to the scene with prompt assistance from two Huron County deputies who were also in town.
Upon arrival, officers quickly converged on the building’s entrance where they located two injured victims locked in the main office. Those victims were able to exit to safety through a window to awaiting EMS personnel. They were transported to separate area hospitals. Their exact condition is unknown at this time, but the injuries are not believed to be life threatening.
Officers entered the building where a deceased male was located in the lobby. Additional authorities from the Huron County Sheriff’s Office and the New London Police Department arrived soon thereafter and a thorough check of the building was conducted with no additional victims or suspects being located.
Once the scene was declared safe, investigators from Ohio BCI were contacted to further assist with forensic analysis and investigative support. The Huron County Sheriff’s Office also provided significant support in securing the scene and assisting with the investigation.
The deceased individual was identified as a resident of the complex who died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. At this time a motive is still being investigated. The names of the victims and the shooter are not being released at this time.
The New London Police Department is committed to ensuring the safety and security of our community. The collaboration between all of our local authorities as well as state agencies is critical in ensuring a thorough and accurate investigation.
At this time, law enforcement is working to gather all necessary information. Investigators are reviewing evidence, speaking with witnesses, and following up on leads. We ask anyone with information related to the incident to contact the New London Police Department at (419) 929-3504 or the Huron County Sheriff’s Office at (419) 663-2828. You may remain anonymous.
Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.
At approximately 3:34 pm on November 8, 2024, Officers responded to 300 Wood St. Apt. 14, after receiving a report of a Domestic Violence incident. Upon arrival, neighbors advised Officers that they heard gunshots coming from the apartment prompting Officers to immediately enter the residence.
Upon entry Officers found one male and one female victim suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. Officers rendered medical aid until Mansfield Fire Department personnel arrived on scene and transported both victims to Ohio Health, where the female victim was pronounced deceased a short time later. The male victim is still being treated at Ohio Health in critical condition.
During the investigation, it was found that both victims appeared to have sustained gunshot wound(s) however, detectives do not believe there to be any additional persons involved in the shooting at this time. The Richland County Coroner’s Office will be sending the victim for an autopsy as this is an ongoing investigation.
Major Crimes detectives are working to determine what led to the shooting and this tragic event. Additional details will be released once they are available.
Anyone with information about this investigation is asked to call Major Crimes Detective Kory Kaufman at (419) 755-9748
Shooting at New London Senior Living Facility Leaves 1 Dead, 2 Injured
NEW LONDON, Ohio – A tragic shooting unfolded late Friday morning at Windy Acres, a senior living retirement facility in New London, Ohio, leaving three people shot and one person dead.
According to the New London Police Department, the incident occurred just after 10:50 a.m. when a male resident of the facility allegedly opened fire on two employees. The two workers sustained gunshot wounds and were transported to the hospital; the severity of their injuries is currently unknown. The suspect was found dead, reportedly from a self-inflicted gunshot.
Windy Acres, located on Clifton Street, is an affordable housing complex for individuals aged 62 and older. Following the shooting, some residents were evacuated from the premises, with family members arriving to take some residents home. As a precaution, the facility remains under lockdown, limiting access to residents and their immediate families only.
Beach 360 Management, which oversees Windy Acres, issued a statement expressing their shock and support for those affected by the incident. Celia Kendall, a spokesperson for the company, confirmed that some residents were safely relocated from the property in the hours following the incident.
The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) is assisting local authorities in processing evidence and investigating the possible motives behind the shooting. Investigators have not yet determined a clear reason for why the suspect, a resident of the complex, initiated the attack.
On 11/6/24, Ashland Detectives assigned to the METRICH Enforcement Unit, along with the Ashland Police Division and Ashland County Sheriff’s Office, executed two search warrants in the city of Ashland at 721 Ohio Street and 139 ½ E. Liberty Street.
The search warrants were the culmination of drug trafficking investigations into each residence.
At 721 Ohio Street, Detectives seized a bulk amount of methamphetamine, a bulk amount of fentanyl, prescription pills, drug paraphernalia, and evidence indicative of drug trafficking. As a result of the search, Paul C. Kuhn, 39, was arrested and taken to the Ashland County jail and charged with Aggravated Possession of Drugs.
At 139 ½ E. Liberty Street, Detectives seized methamphetamine, fentanyl, drug abuse instruments, drug paraphernalia, and evidence of drug trafficking. As a result of the search, Tara N. Preece, 35, was arrested and taken to the Ashland County jail and charged with Aggravated Possession of Drugs.
Both cases have been forwarded to the Ashland County Prosecutor’s office for review.
The METRICH Enforcement Unit would like to thank the community for providing tips that helped investigators and encourage all residents to continue to report suspected drug activity.
Public safety is a joint effort; we rely on the community’s observation to help keep our neighborhoods safe. If you suspect drug activity, please call the METRICH Crime Tip Hotline at 419-52-CRIME (419522-7463) or use the METRICH enforcement unit mobile app to ‘Submit a Tip.’
ASHLAND – A recently established affiliate agreement between the Ashland County Community Foundation and the Ashland City Schools Foundation will allow the latter to be able to better meet the needs of the City Schools while enabling the Community Foundation to increase its reach in the community.
This affiliation allows a streamlining of operations, while providing increased opportunities to develop and grow a solid base of philanthropic support.
Incorporating into the Community Foundation’s operations will allow ACSF to focus its efforts on fundraising and meeting the needs of Ashland City Schools. The ACSF now operates as an advisory committee to the Community Foundation and has a new web presence at www.ashlandforgood.org/acsf.
ACCF and ACSF have worked closely together prior to this agreement, with ACCF previously holding an agency endowment fund for ACSF. A few years ago, the organizations began working together to administer their previously-separate Teacher Mini-Grant programs. This collaboration allowed applicants from Ashland City Schools to apply once and be considered for one or both foundations’ available grant dollars. Over the years, the relationship has grown until there was talk of affiliation.
“The expertise of the foundation has allowed us to grow,” said Dwight McElfresh, advisory chair for the ACSF. “It allows the City Schools Foundation to operate more fluidly.”
The ACSF’s close ties with the City Schools enable it to direct donors to the best use of their dollars. The advisory committee knows what is most needed at the schools because they are in close contact with the schools’ staff. With this affiliation, donors will have the expertise of the ACCF to make sure that their dollars can be invested efficiently and with maximum benefit.
“At ACCF, we continue to seek affiliate partners like ACSF, for whom we can provide administrative value while they concentrate their efforts on executing their mission. This winning formula increases efficiency, leverages intellectual and financial resources to a higher degree and allows considerably more community needs to be met,” said Jim Cutright, President/CEO of ACCF.
Additionally, this agreement allows the ACCF to serve nonprofit organizations and the community at an increased level.
“In working together, we’re able to make our grantmaking dollars stretch as far as possible and make the greatest impact – focusing on each entities’ priorities and strategizing to meet as many needs as possible, in the greatest way possible,” Cutright said.
About Ashland City Schools Foundation: Ashland City Schools Foundation, an affiliate of Ashland County Community Foundation, was founded in 1994 as the Ashland City Schools Academic Foundation by members of the class of 1942 and Dr. R. Lee Schafer. Since then, ACSF has generated close to $1 million in donations from AHS alumni, retired teachers, corporations, foundations and friends. These funds are used throughout the year to support Ashland City Schools with teacher grants and other special programs/contributions.
Projects that have stemmed from the City Schools Foundation’s efforts over the years have included the City Schools Libraries LinkNet, Archer Auditorium, Keith Wygant Fieldhouse and Project Pavise, as well as recognizing notable alumni.
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 $33 million in scholarships, grants and distributions.
Mechanics Bank Breaks Ground on New Ashland Location
Ashland- Mechanics Bank marked a major milestone today with the groundbreaking of its newest branch on George Road in Ashland, Ohio. Celebrating with members of the community, local business leaders, and chamber representatives, this ceremony heralded the bank’s 10th location—and its first outside of Richland County.
Amy Daubenspeck, President of the Ashland Area Chamber of Commerce, shared a personal connection, reminiscing about her early career days working with Mechanics Bank as a client. “It’s amazing to think that all these years later, I’d be welcoming Mechanics Bank to our community,” said Daubenspeck, who praised the bank’s commitment to supporting Ashland’s growth. She also noted how Mechanics Bank approached their first meeting with a genuine interest in how they could contribute to the community, underlining their commitment to becoming “a huge player in our community.”
Mechanics Bank, which has served Richland County since 1886, and maintains its headquarters in Mansfield. With over 138 years of independent management, the bank remains focused on serving its communities directly. President and CEO Mark Masters spoke of the longstanding relationship with Ashland residents, highlighting how Mechanics Bank has continually supported them through home loans and other financial services. He expressed excitement about the new branch, which is set to open in late 2025, noting that it will offer a full suite of services, from traditional banking to investments and community spaces.
“We hope to be seen as more than a bank—as a community resource,” Masters said. “Our people-focused approach goes beyond banking. It’s about seeing through our customers’ eyes, investing in the communities we serve, and playing an active role in their future.”
Ashland Mayor Matt Miller also addressed the crowd, sharing his appreciation for Mechanics Bank’s local touch and emphasizing the importance of banks as essential pillars of a thriving local economy. “We’re honored that Mechanics Bank has chosen to invest in Ashland,” said Miller. “Our community is a growing hub of industry, education, and healthcare, and a locally driven institution like Mechanics Bank will be a great fit here.”
Mechanics Bank announced its commitment to Ashland by presenting a $10,000 donation to the Ashland County United Way, aimed at supporting local initiatives. Mark Masters concluded the ceremony by introducing Nikki and Holly, the new branch manager and assistant manager for the Ashland branch, who expressed their excitement to serve the Ashland community.
As Ashland’s own Simonson Construction gets underway, the new branch promises to bring enhanced visibility to Mechanics Bank along the Route 250 corridor. With plans to provide meeting spaces for small groups and services geared toward both individual and business banking needs, the branch is poised to become an integral part of the Ashland community.
Learn more about Mechanics Bank at mymechanics.com.
Ashland County Authorities Arrest Local Man in Drug Raid, Seize Methamphetamines and Suspected Fentanyl
In a coordinated operation on Wednesday morning, the Ashland Police Division, Ashland County Sheriff’s Office, and SWAT team served a search warrant at 721 Ohio Street in Ashland, Ohio. The raid led to the arrest of 39-year-old Paul Kuhn, who now faces drug charges.
Authorities conducted the raid at approximately 8:00 a.m., executing a search warrant that resulted in the seizure of approximately 23.3 grams of methamphetamine and suspected fentanyl from Kuhn’s residence. The Ashland Police Division has filed a complaint against Kuhn, charging him with aggravated possession of drugs, a second-degree felony under Ohio law.
Kuhn appeared via video for a bond hearing before Magistrate Paul T. Lange of the Ashland County Common Pleas Court. Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Matthew C. Metcalf requested a bond of $100,000, recommending conditions should Kuhn be released. These include a surety bond option, travel restrictions, and a mandatory drug and alcohol assessment.
The prosecution argued for these conditions, citing Kuhn’s lengthy criminal history, which includes prior convictions for complicity to felonious assault, burglary, obstructing official business, and other offenses. Court records also reveal previous convictions in Ashland for offenses such as petty theft, criminal trespass, menacing, and disorderly conduct.
Kuhn’s residence in Ashland and criminal record were noted in the prosecution’s argument for a high bond. Assistant Prosecutor Metcalf highlighted concerns regarding community safety, given the substantial quantity of methamphetamine and presence of suspected fentanyl found in Kuhn’s possession.
As the case proceeds, Ashland law enforcement has reiterated their commitment to combating drug activity in the area. The Ashland Police Division encourages residents to report any suspicious activity and assures the community of its continued efforts to address local drug-related crime.
Ashland Police Division has not yet issued a public statement regarding the arrest or the details of the search warrant execution, despite multiple requests.
Ashland Woman Faces Drug Charges Following Police Raid
Ashland, Ohio – Ashland Police Division Officers, and the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office, along with the SWAT team served a search warrant on the morning of November 6th at 139 1/2 E Liberty Street, leading to the arrest of 35-year-old Tara Preece. Law enforcement executed the warrant around 9:30 a.m., uncovering methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, and suspected fentanyl at the residence.
Preece appeared for a virtual bond hearing at 1:30 p.m. before Ashland County Common Pleas Court Magistrate Paul T. Lange. The hearing addressed a complaint filed by the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office, detailing a felony charge of aggravated possession of drugs. According to the complaint, Preece is alleged to have knowingly obtained or used a controlled substance, specifically 2.509 grams of methamphetamine, on or about November 6.
Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Matthew C. Metcalf recommended that bond be set at $5,000, secured by cash or other assets, and proposed conditions for release. These included requiring Preece to remain within Ohio, undergo a drug and alcohol assessment, and comply with treatment recommendations due to her history of substance-related charges. Metcalf cited previous convictions involving drug offenses, falsification, and failure to appear as additional grounds for the bond terms.
The court was informed that Preece has a prior record, with several drug-related convictions dating back to 2017. In 2021, she was convicted in Ashland of aggravated possession of drugs, adding to similar offenses in 2019 and 2020.
Ashland Police Division has not yet issued a public statement regarding the arrest or the details of the search warrant execution, despite multiple requests.
BCI and Dayton Police Partner to Review
Cold-Case Homicide of Three-War Veteran
(COLUMBUS, Ohio) — At the request of the Dayton Police Department, the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation is conducting a cold case review of the unsolved 2009 homicide of 85-year-old Army Sgt. Maj. (Ret.) North Woodall, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost announced today.
“The military has an ethos that you don’t leave a teammate behind,” AG Yost said. “We’re hoping on Veterans Day that someone remembers something — they heard something or saw something — and will reach out to help us get justice for this American hero.”
Woodall, a decorated veteran of World War II and the Vietnam and Korean wars, was killed on July 27, 2009, inside his home on Walton Avenue. Even though authorities collected fingerprints and DNA from the scene, the case went cold.
Fifteen years later, the Dayton Police Department, eager to do right by Woodall and his service to our country, is partnering with BCI’s Cold Case Unit to review the case.
DNA from the crime scene has been submitted to CODIS, the FBI’s national Combined DNA Index System, in hopes of finding a matching profile.
“All murders and deaths are tragedies, but this one in particular considering what Mr. Woodall had been through in his life, having served our country,” Dayton Police Maj. Brian Johns said. “Especially around Veterans Day, I would love to solve this case for Mr. Woodall, and for his family.”
Tips about this case can be called in to 855-BCI-OHIO (855-224-6446) or reported here.
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Joe Lyons •
November 8, 2024
