I would like to give a huge shout-out to Bill Harris Dealerships for sponsoring the monthly updates with Ashland Mayor, Matt Miller. this will help to ensure that Ashland County Pictures (ACP) will be able to continue serving the Ashland area with breaking news and up to date information.
Jackson Township – The Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Norwalk Post is investigating a one vehicle fatal traffic crash that was reported today, November 25, 2024 at approximately 11:54 AM. The crash occurred on Township Road 154 and Township Road 101, Jackson Township, Seneca County.
Stephen J. Hoover, age 64, of Fostoria, Ohio was driving a 2008 Chevrolet Trail Blazer west bound on Township Road 154. Mr. Hoover failed to yield to a stop sign at Township Road 101, traveled through the intersection and ran off the west edge of Township Road 101. Mr. Hoover’s vehicle went airborne, struck a yard and then a ditch. Mr. Hoover was not wearing his seat belt at the time of the crash and suffered fatal injuries.
It is unknown if alcohol and/ or drugs were a factor in the crash and the crash remains under investigation.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted by the Seneca County Sheriffs Office, Kansas Fire Department, Seneca County Coroners Office and John’s Towing.
The Highway Patrol Brings Recruitment Closer to Home
This morning, aspiring Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) recruits gathered at the Gault Recreation Center in Wooster, Ohio, for a unique opportunity: the chance to complete the initial phases of the rigorous Highway Patrol recruitment process without traveling to Columbus.
Assisting in this regional testing initiative is Sergeant Marshall, an 18-year OSHP veteran, former Ashland Post Trooper, and a previous Ashland recipient of the prestigious “Trooper of the Year” award. Now working on recruitment efforts out of the OSHP Academy in Columbus, Sgt. Marshall is passionate about making the application process more accessible.
“Wooster is just one of several stops we’re making across the state,” Sgt. Marshall shared. “The goal is to bring the process closer to home for applicants, giving them a better chance to pursue this career without the barriers of travel.”
The Recruitment Process
The day began at 8 a.m. with a written exam—a 50-question computer-based test designed to evaluate applicants’ knowledge and problem-solving skills. Those who passed immediately advanced to the physical fitness test, which included:
Push-ups: Minimum of 22 in one minute.
Sit-ups: Minimum of 33 in one minute.
1.5-Mile Run: Completed in 12 minutes and 58 seconds or less for a typical 20-year-old male.
Sgt. Marshall noted that the standards are rigorous but achievable with preparation. “We’re here to identify the best candidates and prepare them for success in the academy and beyond,” he said.
Academy Life and Career Opportunities
For those who advance, academy life offers intense training. Cadets are paid $22 per hour and receive full benefits during their approximately six-month training period. They stay on-site five days a week, where they learn Ohio laws, arrest techniques, self-defense, and defensive driving, among other critical skills.
The OSHP is committed to molding highly-motivated, well-trained professionals who are ready to serve the community. “As troopers, we enforce traffic laws, investigate crashes, and uphold public safety. The work is challenging but incredibly rewarding,” said Sgt. Marshall.
A Hometown Connection
For Sgt. Marshall, Ashland remains close to his heart. “Ashland will always be home—a great post and community,” he reflected. While his new role keeps him stationed in Columbus, he hinted at the possibility of bringing a recruitment event to Ashland in the future.
Do You Have What It Takes?
OSHP is actively seeking dedicated individuals to join the next generation of troopers. If you’re ready to test your mental and physical strength, tackle the challenges of academy life, and commit to serving the community, now is the time to step up.
For more information on recruitment and upcoming testing events, visit the OSHP website or contact your local post. Your journey to becoming an Ohio State Highway Patrol trooper could start today.
Ashland County Jr. Fair Board Shines in Statewide Food Drive, Donating Over 10,000 Pounds to Fight Hunger
Ashland, OH – The Ashland County Jr. Fair Board played a crucial role in combating hunger through their participation in Farm Credit Mid-America’s Fight Hunger, Stock the Trailer competition. Collecting 10,080 pounds of food, the board secured second place in the Northeast Ohio regional contest and earned a $3,500 prize to support their future activities.
The initiative, held annually by Farm Credit and sponsored by Rural 1st, inspires youth to combat food insecurity in their communities. This year, Ashland County’s Jr. Fair Board received donations from local businesses, 4-H clubs, and fairgoers. Their efforts contributed to Ohio’s record-breaking total of 286,339 pounds of food collected statewide—a 25% increase from the previous year.
“The kids did an amazing job,” said an Ashland County Jr. Fair advisor. “They stayed focused on the purpose of the drive, often expressing how much they wanted to help families in need. Comments like ‘I hope someone enjoys my favorite meal’ or ‘I made sure to create an entire meal package’ show their thoughtfulness and dedication.”
In Northeast Ohio, 17 county fairs participated, amassing a collective 77,938 pounds of donations. The Lorain County Fair topped the regional leaderboard with 32,580 pounds, while Ashland County claimed the second spot, followed by Stark County at 8,620 pounds.
Ashland’s contribution mirrored a broader statewide effort that brought together 66 fairs to address food insecurity affecting over one million Ohioans. Farm Credit awarded more than $50,000 in prizes to junior fair boards, with $500 given to every participating county and additional prizes for top performers.
Melanie Strait-Bok, senior vice president of agricultural lending for Farm Credit Mid-America, praised the initiative: “This year, we were able to increase the total amount raised by over 25%, setting a new record. It’s inspiring to see young people and communities come together to help bridge the gap in food insecurity.”
For Ashland County’s Jr. Fair Board, the drive was about more than competition. As board member Alexus Evans shared, “Doing Stock the Trailer these past few years has shown me the difference even a small donation can make for a family. It’s incredibly rewarding.”
The fair board’s efforts highlight the community’s generosity and the potential of youth-led initiatives in making a significant difference.
1st place regional winners were awarded $5,000 in addition to the $500 donation they received for participating in the event.
This year’s 1st place winners were:
Champaign County Fair for collecting 11,700 pounds of food
Guernsey County Fair for collecting 30,340 pounds of food
Lorain County Fair for collecting 32,580 pounds of food
Ross County Fair for collecting 30,140 pounds of food
Van Wert County Fair for collecting 7,340 pounds of food
2nd-place winners were awarded $3,500 in addition to the $500 donation they received for participating in the event.
This year’s 2nd place winners were:
Ashland County Fair for collecting 10,080 pounds of food
Clermont County Fair for collecting 12,455 pounds of food
Hartford County Fair for collecting 13,677 pounds of food
Henry County Fair for collecting 4,380 pounds of food
Warren County Fair for collecting 7,080 pounds of food
3rd place winners were awarded $1,500 in addition to the $500 donation they received for participating in the event.
This year’s 3rd place winners were:
Brown County Fair for collecting 10,100 pounds of food
Defiance County Fair for collecting 3,043 pounds of food
Greene County Fair for collecting 5,440 pounds of food
Muskingum County Fair for collecting 10,300 pounds of food
Stark County Fair for collecting 8,620 pounds of food
To learn more about Farm Credit Mid-America and their programs supporting rural communities, visit www.fcma.com.
Amish Buggy Rollover on County Road 175 Leaves One Injured
Jeromesville, Ohio — Ohio Highway Patrol and the Jeromesville Fire Department & EMS responded to a horse-drawn buggy accident on County Road 175 at the intersection of Township Road 2100 resulted in one Amish man being hospitalized and a horse suffering minor injuries this evening around 6:15pm.
The incident occurred just after 6 p.m. when a piece of wood in the road startled the horse pulling the buggy driven by Eli Troyer, 31, of Jeromesville. The horse veered off the road, crashing through an electric fence before overturning the buggy and pinning the animal underneath. With assistance they were able to upright the buggy and free the horse, which appeared to have sustained only minor injuries.
Eli Troyer was transported by Jeromesville EMS to Ohio-Health Mansfield Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
The crash remains under investigation by the Ohio Highway Patrol
House Committee Passes Bill to Block Interchange Construction
COLUMBUS, OH – State Rep. Melanie Miller (R-City of Ashland) has issued the following statement on the passage of Amended Senate Bill 155, which would repeal a provision of the transportation budget requiring the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) to construct certain interstate interchanges:
“This is a significant step forward for the Brunswick community and a victory for the many residents who have worked tirelessly to make their voices heard in the district and in Columbus about the detrimental impact of this interchange. I’d like to thank my fellow committee members for their unanimous support of this legislation. This vote reflects the strong, shared commitment to addressing these concerns, and after years of debate, we are one step closer to a solution. I am optimistic about seeing this bill pass the House before the end of this General Assembly.”
Senate Bill 155 now moves to the House floor for a vote.
The Mansfield Division of Police received a call from authorities in Harrison County, Ohio, regarding a body found in their jurisdiction. The body was taken to the Cuyahoga County coroner’s office because of suspicious circumstances. The body was later identified as Trentin Isaac.
Mansfield Police Detectives are currently working with state and local authorities as there are more questions than answers at this point. The family and the community can be assured that the division will work diligently to not only answer these questions but also bring justice to the individuals who committed this act.
We continue to seek the public’s assistance with any information about this case.
Again, detectives investigating the case have received numerous unverified tips and rumors concerning videos and social media posts but no such evidence has been submitted to Mansfield Police. The department urges anyone with information regarding potential videos, photographs, or social media content related to Trentin or the circumstances of his disappearance to come forward immediately.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Mansfield Division of Police Detective Ronee Swisher at 419-755-9432.
One Killed in Single Vehicle Motorcycle Crash in Wayne County
Franklin Township – On Tuesday, November 19th, 2024, at 2:22 AM, the Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Wooster Post was notified of a single-vehicle motorcycle crash on Graber Rd (CR 159) east Fredericksburg Rd (CR 501).
A white 2005 Suzuki GSXR600 motorcycle was eastbound on Graber Rd and drove off the right side of the roadway, striking an embankment and then a group of pine trees.
The driver of the motorcycle, Nathan D. Coblentz, 17 years old, of Holmesville, was transported to Wooster Hospital by South Central EMS, where he died approximately an hour after the crash.
Mr. Coblentz was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash. Alcohol and drugs are not suspected to be contributing factors in this crash.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted on the scene by South Central Fire and EMS, TNT Towing, and the Wayne County Sheriff’s Department.
Children left unattended in running vehicles can lead to abductions, AMBER Alerts
COLUMBUS – The Ohio AMBER Alert Advisory Committee is reminding Ohioans that leaving unattended children in running vehicles, even for a brief period of time, can result in stranger abductions requiring an AMBER Alert activation.
From 2021 through 2024, of the 48 total AMBER alert activations in Ohio initiated by either the Ohio State Highway Patrol or Cuyahoga Emergency Communications System, six involved children being left in stolen vehicles.
These six stranger abductions were all the result of individuals, whether they were parents, guardians or caretakers, leaving children in running vehicles while the adult entered places of business for short periods of time. Activities included picking up pizzas, getting items at gas stations and dropping off siblings at day care or preschool. Each incident led to AMBER Alert activations because children were left unattended in running vehicles.
Vehicle thieves seek out targets of opportunity and take advantage of otherwise careful individuals. Unfortunately, in their impulsive rush to capitalize on opportunities to steal vehicles, these thieves do not take care to determine what is inside the vehicle.
“It is not safe to leave children in vehicles regardless of whether the vehicle is running,” said Ohio State Highway Patrol Captain Ron Raines, who is a member of the Ohio AMBER Alert Advisory Committee. “Even though the likelihood is low of having your vehicle stolen while left running with children in the vehicle, any inconvenience to the adult is not worth the risk.”
Entering into the holiday season, the Ohio AMBER Alert Advisory Committee wants adults to consider their obligation to take simple precautions to ensure the well-being of the children in their care. Children should never be left in a vehicle unattended because, in addition to the risk of abduction, they can suffer heat or cold-related injuries, depending on the time of year.
The Ohio AMBER Alert Advisory Committee is composed of representatives from the Ohio Emergency Management Agency; Ohio State Highway Patrol; Ohio Department of Transportation; Attorney General’s Office – BCI, Missing Persons Unit; State Emergency Communications Committee; Buckeye State Sheriffs’ Association; Ohio Association of Chiefs of Police; Ohio Association of Broadcasters; a victim’s advocate; a community member and a representative from a local/regional AMBER plan.
Mansfield Police Seek Public Assistance in Disappearance of Trentin Isaac
The Mansfield Division of Police are seeking the public’s assistance in locating Trentin Isaac who has been missing since November 12, 2024. Despite extensive search efforts by law enforcement and family members, Trentin’s whereabouts remain unknown.
Detectives investigating the case have received numerous unverified tips and rumors concerning videos and social media posts allegedly related to Trentin’s disappearance. However, to date, no such evidence has been submitted to the Mansfield Police for investigation.
The department is urging anyone with information regarding potential videos, photographs, or social media content related to Trentin or the circumstances of his disappearance to come forward immediately.
The Mansfield Division of Police would also like to remind the public that, while we appreciate the community’s concern and support, we strongly discourage individuals from attempting to conduct their own investigations. In particular, the public is urged not to approach or attempt to contact individuals who may have relevant information.
All tips, leads, and inquiries should be directed to the Mansfield Police Department to ensure the integrity of the investigation.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Mansfield Division of Police Detective Ronee Swisher at 419-755-9432
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Joe Lyons •
November 25, 2024
