Joe Lyons

U.S. Attorney and FBI Cleveland Warn About COVID Fraud Enforcement Scam

CLEVELAND – A new twist on an old scam is targeting consumers and businesses throughout Northeast Ohio. The United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Ohio, and FBI Cleveland are warning the public about a scam that combines aspects of tech-support fraud with government impersonation.

In this scam, the victim receives a document or documents resembling an official court document both in its format and language, sent through an email, the U.S. Mail, a text, or website pop-up. The document and/or accompanying notice state that the victim is being investigated for Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) fraud and that an arrest warrant has been issued. The notice asserts that the Department of Justice (“DOJ”) Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch has issued it, and it states that, to “lift the warrant,” the victim must go to a cryptocurrency kiosk and make a designated payment. Such notices and documents are fake, and persons who receive them should report receiving them to the FBI at https://www.ic3.gov.

“Fraudsters are often quite sophisticated. Time and again, we see these criminals refine their schemes to make their false claims seem more believable, and then succeed in cheating our community members of their hard-earned money,” said U.S. Attorney Rebecca C. Lutzko. “Recently, we are seeing more and more scammers impersonate law enforcement officers, government agencies, banks, and companies, and use these false personas to convince their victims to hand over money, gold, or other things of value. The United States Attorney’s Office, the FBI, and our other law enforcement partners will continue to pursue such scammers aggressively, but we would much rather prevent a scam than prosecute one. Please remain vigilant, treat unsolicited emails, texts, and pop-up ads with suspicion, and check in on friends or loved ones who you think might be particularly susceptible to these types of scams. And if you believe that either you or someone you know has been the victim of a scam, promptly report it to the FBI or, if appropriate, call the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-FRAUD-11 [1-833-372-8311].”

“Scammers are becoming increasingly clever in the way they are portraying government agencies and banking and financial institutions,” said FBI Cleveland Special Agent in Charge Greg Nelsen. “This scam– creating bogus documents designed to look like a court summons and compelling the victim to oblige or face arrest, jail time, or further action, highlights the efforts the criminals will take to dupe unsuspecting victims. We can’t stress enough to the public that the government will not contact you via email or text with a summons for action, payment, or arrest and instead, urge residents to place a phone call with the publicly listed phone number of the government agency, not the number or email listed in the [bogus] document, to confirm if a communication was sent by that agency. Typically, it’s a scam. And in that case, we ask that you report it to the FBIs Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov.”

In addition to COVID Fraud Enforcement and PPP Resolution scams, internet-based crimes continue to target all Americans. According to information from the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center, last year, consumers in Toledo, Akron, Cleveland, Youngstown, and beyond reported that they received notifications that their computer or Amazon account was compromised. These alerts came in the form of websites or pop-ups. Victims believed they were talking to tech support staff from Microsoft or Amazon and then were transferred to other individuals who represented themselves as an “officer of the law” or staff from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) who then requested tens of thousands of dollars to remedy the situation. The victims were asked to put the cash in a package and then meet with a “federal marshal” for the pickup. The locations where the victims met the couriers were areas like gas stations, fast food restaurant parking lots, and even their own homes. Sometimes the victims were shown educational videos about fraud by the scammers and thanked for “doing the right thing” and supporting law enforcement efforts. Victims were often older consumers who lost tens of thousands of dollars. While tech support scams are not new, this newest trend is quite frightening because scammers are requesting face-to-face meetings for cash pickups while impersonating law enforcement. Both seniors and their families should be aware of this and other, similar scams.

Consumers who are asked to wire, pay, or transport large amounts of cash or crypto currency to avoid arrest, jail time, or fix a tech support or some type of business-related account issue should cease communications, and instead contact the FBI directly by filing a report online at the Internet Crime Complaint Center (https://www.ic3.gov).

Additionally, consumers should always try to verify questionable correspondence with a government agency or member of law enforcement by a separate means—such as contacting them directly using information found on an official website.

As Americans Mark National Consumer Protection Week, AG Yost Targets Deceitful Home-Improvement Contractors

Reinforcing his pledge to hold unscrupulous business owners accountable, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost filed six consumer-protection lawsuits in five counties against businesses accused of ripping off Ohioans who wanted to make home improvements.

The legal actions coincide with National Consumer Protection Week – being observed March 3-9 this year — a nationwide initiative to arm consumers with information about their rights and resources to help them make informed financial decisions.

“This week and every week, deceptive and illegal business practices — especially those that hit consumers hard in the pocketbook — will not escape our attention,” Yost said. “We’re dedicated to protecting Ohioans and their hard-earned money year-round.”

All six lawsuits allege violations of the Ohio Consumer Sales Practices Act and request that the defendants reimburse consumers and pay civil penalties and court costs. Likewise, the state requests that all defendants be prohibited from engaging in any consumer transactions in Ohio until their judgments are paid.

Cuyahoga County

A home-improvement contractor and his company are accused of not delivering goods and services to consumers and performing shoddy work that did more damage than good.

Yost’s lawsuit, filed in Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court, names Charles Jones of Blacklick and his Columbus-based business, Veritas Home Refinishing.

Several consumers for whom Jones provided some work needed to have the work finished or redone by different contractors, the lawsuit says. The consumers maintain that the damages exceed $200,000.

Franklin County

The owner of a high-end home design and remodeling company based in Columbus allegedly accepted substantial amounts from consumers for home-improvement projects but did not complete the projects, did shoddy work and/or left debris and materials on property.

Yost’s lawsuit, filed in Franklin County Common Pleas Court, names Delaware resident Josh Powers and the business known as Josh Powers Design and Remodel.

According to complaints filed with the Attorney General’s Office, the loss to consumers exceeds $100,000.

A concrete-pouring company serving central Ohio is accused of accepting over $20,000 in up-front payments from consumers and performing, at best, shoddy or incomplete work.

Yost’s lawsuit, filed in Franklin County Common Pleas Court, names Lawrence Hurst and his company, B&L Custom Concrete, which he operated out of his Columbus home.

In 2022, the Attorney General sued Hurst and his company True 2 Finish for similar violations of the Ohio Consumer Sales Practices Act. That lawsuit, filed in Warren County, ended in a default judgment for Yost’s office.

Hamilton County

The owner of a concrete business from Aurora, Indiana is accused of accepting consumer payments but not providing any services; consumer complaints allege payments of over a combined $20,000.

Yost’s suit, filed in Hamilton County Common Pleas Court, names Roger Gray, who does business using the name All Around Concrete. Gray has also solicited Ohio consumers by representing that his business was named or affiliated with CIN-Concrete or Cincinnati Concrete Co.

The lawsuit alleges that, after Roger Gray accepted money from consumers for projects, he left their homes and indicated he would return, but then he never returned and never did the work.

Lorain County

Customers of an Avon home builder and remodeler allegedly suffered significant financial losses when the contractor failed to fulfill promises or provided subpar workmanship, leaving some homes in worse condition than when he started working on them.

Yost’s lawsuit, filed in Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court, names Jeffrey Crawford Jr. and his company, Cleveland Custom Homes.

Several consumers had to hire other contractors to redo or complete work that was poorly performed or left unfinished by the defendants, including finishing new homes that were not fit to live in when defendants abandoned the job. The customers allege losses in excess of $1 million.

Marion County

A Marion driveway-repair and -paving contractor is accused of taking $13,000 from homeowners but providing incomplete work and/or shoddy work.

Yost’s lawsuit, filed in Marion County Common Pleas Court, names Justin Lovell and his company Everyday Paving & Sealcoating.

In one instance, Lovell requested a customer write him a second check because the first one had been damaged. After receiving the replacement, Lovell cashed both checks.

When considering whether or who to hire for a home improvement job, consider the following:

Get recommendations. Successful contractors will make it easy to access feedback on their work and related documentation.

Ask for licensing, certification and proof of insurance. Depending on the project you are going to undertake, this may be important to the safety of your renovation.

Go online. Check out the company’s reputation with the Ohio Attorney General’s Office and the Better Business Bureau. You can also search for previous lawsuits filed by the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Section.

Understand payment options. Do not make a large down payment. Instead, pay in increments – for example, one-third at the beginning of the job, one-third after half of the work is completed to your satisfaction and one-third when the job is completed. Avoid paying in cash. It leaves you with a limited paper trail if something goes wrong. Be cautious of contractors who want payment made out to themselves as individuals, instead of a company.

Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District: Honoring our Past, Planning our Future

Last year was a landmark year for the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District (MWCD) as we honored our past by celebrating 90 years of providing unparalleled flood prevention, recreation, and conservation benefits to Ohio.

As 2024 begins, we will build upon the accomplishments from 2023 and work towards our 5-year strategic plan titled, “Honoring our Past, Planning our Future.” I am excited to provide a sample of the achievements of 2023 and initiatives we have planned for the year.

One very significant achievement from 2023 was the reduction of the assessment for property owners within the watershed by 66%, or $4 million. We made this change because we built a stable financial future through careful resource management. Even with this reduction, we invested over $2.3 million in improvements to our network of dams and lakes in 2023. Additionally, these investments are part of the $221 million park improvements and upgrades made since 2014 which have supported 2,606 jobs paying nearly $300 million in wages and benefits. Through these improvements and upgrades, MWCD has contributed an estimated $1 billion to our region’s economy, according to 2023 Cleveland State University study.

Careful thought goes into how MWCD invests in improvements and upgrades to our facilities that support our mission of flood prevention and control, recreation, and conservation. Our system of dams and other flood mitigation assets is well established and carefully managed in close partnership with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. We are proud of the continued high marks we receive from the Corps for our work, ranging from our fiscal support of fixing the Zoar levee and other dam improvements, to our own work restoring and protecting shorelines, strategic dredging operations, and invasive species control. Last year alone we spent more than $4.4 million to maintain and improve this system of reservoirs, dams, and levees to ensure that it is in top shape to preserve life and property. This is our first and primary mission and we will continue to give this our full attention and priority.

Additional investments in our lakes and parks help ensure they are desirable places for families to gather and enjoy Ohio’s natural resources. Projects such as Pleasant Hill Lake Park’s new pickleball and basketball courts, cornhole boards, and shaded seating area are perfect examples of such additions. Similarly, at Tappan Lake Park, we have improved the beach experience with a new restroom and changing area and upgraded the concession building and shelter. Atwood and Piedmont Lakes received new basketball courts, as well. We also completed the 1.3-mile Tappan Beall Farm Connector Trail, which enhances off-lake opportunities and showcases our collaborative partnership with regional conservation groups.

We have ambitious plans for 2024. Proposals are being evaluated for new developments at Atwood Lake. Important infrastructure upgrades are coming to Clendening Lake, including a new wastewater treatment plant, pump stations, and rehabilitation efforts. Tappan Lake Park will see a new welcome center to better serve guests. Additional amenities, including ADA kayak launches, concrete cornhole boards, and playgrounds at various parks demonstrates our dedication to recreation for all. Plans for Seneca Lake Park include a splashpad, playground, sport courts, and additional facilities for a more enjoyable beach experience. The investment back into MWCD facilities at Tappan and Seneca alone exceeds $6 million.

In 2024, MWCD is striving for more sustainable energy solutions and making a groundbreaking leap with a $2.3 million investment in renewable energy and is currently evaluating proposals for 15 solar projects that will produce approximately 1.1 million kilowatt hours.

This year will also see an expanded focus on our conservation mission. This work is essential for us to offer healthy and beautiful lakes, parks, and waterways for both wildlife and visitors. A groundbreaking new partnership with the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio has been formed with our $5 million endowment, which aims to support $200,000 worth of conservation projects, scholarships, and fellowships annually. This aligns with an expansion of our water quality monitoring efforts and collaboration with agency partners to develop a regional plan to support healthy wildlife populations. Water quality starts with land use and to maintain our high standards of water quality and reduce impairments in our region, we are increasing our support for best agricultural management practices, sustainable forestry, and wetland conservation. From clean water flows opportunity for recreation, economy, and public health.

As we move forward, MWCD remains dedicated to the core mission of flood prevention and control. Other parts of our program naturally dovetail today to strengthen our recreation and conservation efforts. By working together, our core programs provide protection from flooding and enrich our lives. Eastern Ohio is one of the most beautiful natural areas in the Ohio River Watershed. Preserving this legacy of natural beauty is our shared responsibility and our shared joy. To ensure that MWCD is here for at least another 90 years, we are developing a plan to secure long-term financial stability through the creation of a legacy fund that will live in perpetuity. This fund will benefit future MWCD projects, operations, and potentially lend financial support to other like-minded organizations within the Muskingum Watershed.

MWCD is honored to be part of the communities across the watershed. As was the vision from our founders, we seek to build a conservancy that not only protects millions from devastating floods, but ensures the waters are clean, and we provide unparalleled recreation, educational, and economic development opportunities. This is a responsibility that we fully embrace.

Together, with our communities and partners, we will forge a path toward a sustainable and thriving future for the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District and the communities we serve. We look forward to a year filled with exciting developments and more shared successes in stewardship of this beautiful place we are lucky enough to call home.

Sheriff E. Wayne Risner Endorses Kurt Schneider for Ashland County Sheriff

In a heartfelt speech delivered this morning, Sheriff E. Wayne Risner announced his endorsement of Kurt Schneider for the position of Ashland County Sheriff. After nearly 24 years of dedicated service, Sheriff Risner expressed confidence in Schneider’s qualifications and commitment to uphold the legacy of excellence within the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office.

Sheriff Risner, who has served as Ashland County Sheriff for over two decades, reflected on his illustrious career spanning both military and law enforcement roles. With a combined 56 years of service to his name, including 22 years in the United States Army and 34 years with the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office, Sheriff Risner emphasized the agency’s unwavering dedication to maintaining high standards of professionalism and service to the community.

In his address, Sheriff Risner highlighted the multifaceted responsibilities of the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office, encompassing divisions such as corrections, civil process administration, enforcement, and specialized teams including the Drone Team, Dive Team, K9 Team, and Bomb Squad. He underscored the critical role of each division in ensuring public safety, upholding the law, and preserving the peace throughout Ashland County.

Drawing attention to the extensive duties performed by the Sheriff’s Office, Sheriff Risner emphasized the importance of honesty and integrity as foundational principles of law enforcement. He commended the tireless efforts of the agency’s deputies and staff in fulfilling their duties with professionalism and dedication, day in and day out.

In endorsing Kurt Schneider for Ashland County Sheriff, Sheriff Risner cited Schneider’s proven track record and comprehensive understanding of the office’s operations. Having worked his way up from a special deputy to a full-time deputy with experience in both corrections and enforcement, Schneider demonstrated a deep commitment to public service and a thorough knowledge of the inner workings of the Sheriff’s Office.

Sheriff Risner expressed confidence in Schneider’s ability to lead the agency effectively, build upon its existing strengths, and address challenges such as maintaining the integrity of the 911 dispatch system.

In concluding his endorsement speech, Sheriff Risner called upon the community to join him in supporting Kurt Schneider as the next Sheriff of Ashland County, pledging to continue the tradition of excellence and service that has defined the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office under his leadership.

As Ashland County prepares for the upcoming election, Sheriff E. Wayne Risner’s endorsement serves as a testament to Kurt Schneider’s qualifications and commitment to upholding the highest standards of law enforcement and public safety in the community.

Full Video:

A Letter in Support of Kurt Schneider for Ashland County Sheriff

Kurt Schneider is a more than qualified candidate (and my choice) to be the next Sheriff of Ashland County. Kurt not only has ample knowledge of and experience in the Ashland County Sheriff’s Department, he has the knowledge and experience he brings from being a volunteer firefighter and paramedic, fire Investigator, and small business owner in Ashland, Ohio.

Kurt Schneider’s career as a law enforcement officer began in 1994 and ran until his retirement in 2016. Thirteen of those twenty-two years was spent in our very own Ashland County Sheriff’s Department, building knowledge of the local area, procedure, and relationships with fellow Deputy’s, along with other local law enforcement agencies and their officers. He is still up to date on his training, maintains his certificate, and stays current on all aspects of law enforcement, the good and the bad. There will be no learning curve for Kurt when he takes the oath of office of Ashland County Sheriff. He will be able to step in on day one and do the job, utilizing the knowledge and relationships that he built during his thirteen years at the ACSO.

As a business owner, Kurt Schneider understands management. Daily, he deals with budgets, planning, employee morale, supply chain, and more. All of this provides him a unique insight that he can utilize in the office of Sheriff. Small business owners have a unique perspective on management, because the buck stops with them. There is no organizational chart that can buffer mistakes. There is no “upper management” that can take the blame. Their actions directly affect their personal lives, and the lives of their employees and their families. That level of responsibility creates a unique appreciation for employees and commitment to excellence that most don’t understand.

At the end of the day, credentials and experience without a plan are both worthless. Kurt Schneider actually has a plan to help move the Ashland County Sheriff’s Department forward, focusing strictly on the safety and wellbeing of the citizens of Ashland County. Improvements to our 911 system, tackling the drug crisis, fighting child trafficking, and criminal reform are among his top priorities, and he has talked about them and his plan for implementation at length with voters all across the County.

Don’t take my word for it. Just look at the number of relevant endorsements that Kurt Schneider has earned throughout the course of this campaign. Not only has he earned the respect and support of area Ohio Sheriffs, he has earned the same from our own current Sheriff, E. Wayne Risner, who said “Kurt has the intelligence, knowledge, demonstrated ability, and desire to perform all the functions of this office.” Risner went on to say that “to my knowledge, he is the only candidate to actively request any information relating to this agency.” In closing, Risner said “I believe Kurt will strive to excel in the office of Ashland County Sheriff. His desire is not to change the world as it relates to this agency, but to assume this office and continue to build on, support, and even improve on the great performance, performed by the great employees every day.”

Kurt is also being supported by retired Ashland County Chief Sheriff’s Deputy Carl Richert and retired Ashland County Commissioner Marilyn Byers, two people who were extremely influential in the development of the Ashland County Sheriff’s Department.

However, one of the most important endorsements Kurt Schneider could receive comes from how respected he is by his employees. This endorsement has no political bias. It is a true testament to Kurt’s character, something that is extremely important in the office of Sheriff. Honesty, integrity, loyalty, a high moral character, a commitment to ethical practices, and a drive to always be better and help other people is essential for the office of Sheriff, especially in this time of political corruption.

Still don’t believe me? Still don’t understand Kurt’s plan for success in Ashland County? Still can’t weed through the mess of misinformation circulating on the internet? Kurt Schneider has, since day one, published his own personal cell phone number on his website and literature and encouraged people to call and talk with him. In today’s world, there are very few candidates who do that because they feel it opens them up to calls from supporters of opposing candidates. But Kurt doesn’t shy away from those calls. He wants your views, your thoughts, and your opinions. I encourage you to reach out and get your questions answered.

Personally, Kurt Schneider is one of the most honorable men I have ever met. He embodies the “service above self” mentality, and to me, this is an extremely important quality in a candidate for Sheriff. Kurt is not seeking a “job.” He isn’t doing this on a whim. Kurt truly cares about the citizens of Ashland County and his desire is to serve them and keep them safe. We cannot afford complacency in this office. That is why I am asking you to join me on or before March 19th in casting your vote for Kurt Schneider for Ashland County Sheriff.

Matt Young

Ashland, OH

AU earns prestigious business accreditation from AACSB International

ASHLAND, Ohio – Ashland University is pleased to announce that its Dauch College of Business and Economics has earned business accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). It was announced Tuesday by AACSB International, the longest-serving global accrediting body for business schools, and the largest business education network connecting learners, educators and businesses worldwide.

“AACSB accreditation recognizes institutions that have demonstrated a focus on excellence in all areas, including teaching, research, curriculum development and student learning,” stated Stephanie M. Bryant, executive vice president and chief accreditation officer of AACSB. “We congratulate Ashland University and Dean Dan Fox on earning accreditation and applaud the entire team, including the administration, faculty, staff and students, for their roles in earning this respected honor.”

AU President Carlos Campo, Ph.D., added, “We congratulate the faculty and staff in the College of Business and Economics for their commitment to excellence, which led to achieving this milestone. We also thank the AACSB for partnering with us on this achievement, as they were professional partners during the academic journey which resulted in this outstanding news.”

AACSB accreditation is synonymous with the highest standards of quality. Less than six percent of the world’s schools offering business degree programs hold AACSB accreditation. Through Tuesday’s ratification, which included six other schools, a total of 1,019 institutions across 65 countries and territories have earned AACSB accreditation in business.

“The academic community of Ashland University is so appreciative of the validation that AACSB has provided for the quality journey which the faculty of the College of Business and Economics has been actively traveling to reach this milestone,” said Amiel Jarstfer, Ph.D., provost of AU. “We’re confident that the business students will continue to perceive the deep engagement of the teaching scholars in this college of Ashland University.”

Achieving AACSB accreditation is a mission-driven, rigorous process that includes an in-depth assessment of internal activities, mentorship with an AACSB advisor and a peer-reviewed evaluation focused on continuous improvement. During this multiyear path, schools focus on developing and implementing a plan to achieve their mission and align with AACSB’s accreditation standards. These principles-based standards require excellence in areas relating to strategic management and innovation, research and teaching and learning.

“We are honored by this recognition as it affirms our commitment to providing students with the highest quality business education. This achievement would not have been possible without the dedication of our students, faculty, administration and staff,” said Dan Fox, dean of AU’s College of Business and Economics. “With AACSB accreditation, we are now positioned as a college to achieve even greater things as we carry out the mission of providing students with a transformative learning experience and shaping graduates who work, serve and lead with integrity in their local, national and global communities.”

AU’s College of Business and Economics, or COBE as it is affectionately known on campus, offers a wide variety of undergraduate academic programs, ranging from traditional disciplines like accounting, finance, management and marketing to more specialized areas like entrepreneurship, fashion merchandising, sport management and its newest offering, industrial and systems engineering. There is also a top-rated MBA program that features a variety of formats and specializations to advance one’s career.

COBE also houses the Burton D. Morgan Center for Free Enterprise & Entrepreneurship, devoted to encouraging the entrepreneurial spirit and innovation of all AU students, no matter their major. The center provides expertise, support, education and connections to help turn one’s passion into a profitable business idea.

“Ashland University’s commitment to earning accreditation is a true reflection of (its) dedication, not only to (its) students, alumni network and greater business community, but to the higher education industry as a whole,” added Bryant. “Today’s students are tomorrow’s business leaders, and the addition of Ashland University to the network of AACSB-accredited schools will have a lasting positive impact for (its) institution, both locally and globally.”

Fugitives of the Week March 4, 2024

The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force is offering a reward for information which would lead to the capture of fugitive Terrence Ison. Ison is wanted U.S. Marshals Service and the Adult Parole Authority on a parole violation on the original charge of aggravated burglary and weapons under disability. Ison 40, is described as a black male with black hair and blue eyes, standing 5 feet 11 inches tall. Ison has ties to the city of Mansfield.

 

Terrence Ison

The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force is offering a reward for information which would lead to the capture of fugitive Calvin Brooks. Brooks is wanted by the U.S. Marshals Service and the Richland County Sheriff’s Office on a probation violation on the original charge of aggravated burglary (F1). Brooks, 52, is described as a black male with black hair and brown eyes, standing 5 feet 9 inches tall. Brooks has ties to the city of Mansfield.

 

Calvin Brooks

The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force is offering a reward for information which would lead to the capture of Zachary Simmons. Simmons is wanted U.S. Marshals Service and the Richland County Sheriff’s Office on a probation violation on the original charge of felonious assault. Simmons, 31, is described as a white male with brown hair and brown eyes, standing 6 feet 5 inches tall. Simmons has ties to the city of Mansfield.

 

Zachary Simmons

 

The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force is offering a reward for information which would lead to the capture of fugitive Quinness Howell. Howell is wanted U.S. Marshals Service and the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office for trafficking in drugs. Howell, 19, is described as a black male with black hair and brown eyes, standing 5 feet, 8 inches tall. Howell has ties to the city of Mansfield.

 

Quinness Howell

If you have any information in reference to Terrence Ison, Calvin Brooks, Zachary Simmons, or Quiness Howell, please contact the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force at 1-866-4WANTED or Text keyword WANTED and tip to 847411 (tip411). Tipsters can remain anonymous and reward money is available.

More Reasons to Vote for Chad Enderby for Sheriff

The election for Ashland County Sheriff includes two political newcomers who have approached this campaign in very different ways. Chad Enderby built a team of local people to help guide his campaign. Chad’s expectations for his supporters were that they be honest, hard-working, and respectful to the voters.

His opponent took a different direction by hiring two outside political consulting firms that are based in the Washington D.C. area. Per the Ashland County Board of Elections public filings, that campaign has spent $21,300 (as of the end of December) to help craft an image. That helps to explain the phone surveys, the unsolicited text messages, and the often-annoying robocalls.

But don’t be fooled by a campaign that has been advised by self-described “tough as nails political veterans.” Look past the rhetoric and look deeper into the facts and you’ll see why Chad Enderby is the best Sheriff candidate for the people of Ashland County.

Chad Enderby spent 30 years in the Ohio State Highway Patrol. During his OSHP career, Enderby received multiple promotions as he moved up through the ranks of supervision and administration. He ultimately was selected to be the Assistant District Commander, Cleveland District OSHP. There Chad managed 240 employees, administered an annual budget in excess of $10,000,000, and oversaw 7 individual highway patrol posts. He has had real, high-level responsibilities and actual management experience.

Take a careful look at the endorsements of both candidates. Chad Enderby’s endorsements include local people with names that you already recognize: the Ashland Fire Local 1386, elected city and county officials, business people, and retired law enforcement officers.

Enderby is developing carefully thought out plans for the future of Ashland County. He has not made rash, simple, politically-expedient claims on 911 dispatch. He understands that the hardware, software, communications, and legal complexities will require the collaborative efforts of many individuals and entities to improve 911 dispatch. There is no quick-fix, easy solution.

Electing Chad Enderby brings us a Sheriff with extensive experience, relevant local endorsements, and the understanding that is needed to develop a cooperative, comprehensive, common sense plan for 911 dispatch.

Please vote for Chad Enderby for Sheriff on Tuesday, March 19th.

Tom M. McNaull

Ashland, OH

Fatal Crash on State Route 314 near Millsboro Road

Springfield Township – The Ohio State Highway Patrol, Mansfield Post, is investigating a two-vehicle crash involving a 2018 Honda CBR1000RR motorcycle and a 2016 Dodge Journey on State Route 314, north of Millsboro Road.

 

The crash occurred on March 3, 2024, at approximately 3:38 PM, when Evan Gale, 32 years old, of Mansfield, was attempting to turn left out of a private driveway onto SR 314. Joshua Miller, 24 years old, of Ontario, was northbound approaching the driveway.

As Mr. Gale started to enter the roadway, Mr. Miller, in an attempt to avoid a collision, laid down the motorcycle. Mr. Miller collided with the front of the Dodge. Mr. Miller was transported to Ohio Health Mansfield, by Springfield EMS, where he succumbed to his injuries.

SR 314 was temporarily closed during the crash investigation with the assistance of the Ontario Police Department.

Additional agencies and entities who assisted in the investigation include the Richland County Sheriff’s Office, the Ontario Police Department, Springfield Township Fire and EMS, and Terry’s Towing.

The crash remains under further investigation at this time.

ASHLAND WEATHER