Jimi Vincent, a seasoned musician with roots deep in the heartland of Ohio, captivated audiences in the latest episode of Buckeye Music Spotlight with an acoustic rendition of his song “Lonely State of Mind” from his acclaimed album “Horse Play.”
Vincent’s musical journey began at the tender age of five, inspired and mentored by his father and uncle. A promise to master the guitar by the time his uncle returned from the Vietnam War was the driving force behind his early dedication. By the time he performed “Put a Little Love in Your Heart” for his elementary school classmates, it was clear that music was his calling.
Vincent’s formative years were spent performing with his father’s country band, where he honed his vocal, guitar, and stage skills. This experience laid the groundwork for a career that would see him share the stage with legendary artists such as Robert Cray, Guy Davis, Travis Tritt, Bonnie Raitt, Emmylou Harris, Kenny Neal, and Big James and the Chicago Playboys.
In 1996, Vincent and his band recorded “Horse Play” with the legendary Jack Clement at the iconic Cowboy Arms Hotel and Recording Spa in Nashville, TN. This album helped cement Vincent’s reputation in the music world, showcasing his soulful vocals and intense guitar playing. His sound, described as mesmerizing and “the real deal,” has resonated with audiences across Ohio, West Virginia, Tennessee, Michigan, and Indiana.
Vincent’s live performances are a testament to his dynamic stage presence and musical prowess. Notable venues and events such as BB King’s Memphis, The Rum Boogie Cafe, The Dayton Blues Festival, and The Blues, Brews and BBQ in Ft. Wayne, Indiana, have all hosted Vincent, with audiences frequently requesting encores. His collaboration with the Mansfield Symphony Orchestra stands out as a highlight, blending his blues roots with classical elements.
A three-time competitor in the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, TN, Vincent has consistently demonstrated his talent on an international stage. Despite his extensive experience, he continues to seek new creative avenues and is currently working on a 12-song album set to be released in the summer of 2024.
Fans can enjoy Vincent’s music on popular streaming platforms like Spotify and YouTube Music. His latest performance on Buckeye Music Spotlight is a testament to his enduring talent and passion for music. To stay updated on his latest news and performances, follow Jimi Vincent and his band on Facebook at “/jimivincentbluesman“.
Vincent’s appearance on Buckeye Music Spotlight not only highlights his exceptional musicianship but also cements his status as a beloved figure in the regional music scene. His acoustic performance of “Lonely State of Mind” is a reminder of the emotional depth and technical skill that define his music, making this episode a must-watch for fans and newcomers alike.
Ohio Highway Patrol, Ashland County Sheriff’s Office, Hayesville Fire Department & EMS responded to a car versus ATV in the 900 block of Ashland County Road 2256, after a juvenile came onto the road striking the front of the driver side of the vehicle.
The juvenile driver of the ATV was transported by Hayesville EMS
COLUMBUS, OH – State Rep. Melanie Miller (R-City of Ashland) invited and presented a commendation from the Ohio House Representatives to Ashland Police Officer Soren Osicka, during a recognition ceremony on the House floor. Miller also acknowledged Ashland Police Chief David Lay (30+ years), Captain Craig Kiley (24 years), and Lieutenant Aaron Klein (17 years) for their distinguished service in law enforcement to the Ashland community during the legislative session.
“Today, as we remember Police Week, just being this last week, we have a very special young man that we want to honor today, Officer Soren Osicka for his heroic actions and acting swiftly when there was an emergency,” Miller said.
Officer Soren Osicka is 23 years old and became a police officer less than a year ago. After about five months on the job, he saved a 3-year-old girl’s life by administering CPR after she hit her head and stopped breathing.
“On behalf of the Ohio House of Representatives, myself, and our Speaker of the House, Mr. Jason Stephens, we would like to honor you with a commendation from the House of Representatives to recognize you and your heroic efforts.”
Including Osicka, Miller invited members of the Ashland Police Department to the Statehouse to tour the grounds and be recognized during the House session to be recognized for police week and their service to their community.
To view the commendation presentation, please watch here.
To view the point of personal privilege during House Session, please watch here.
###
State Representative Melanie Miller is currently serving her first term in the Ohio House of Representatives. She represents the 67th House District, which includes all of Ashland County and the western portion of Medina County.
ODOT works with its contractors to reduce the size of work zones and open as many lanes as possible through Memorial Day weekend. Current road closures will remain closed until their estimated completion date. All work will resume Tuesday, May 28.
ASHLAND COUNTY – (Thursday, May 23, 2024) – The following construction projects are anticipated to affect highways in Ashland County next week. All outlined work is weather permitting and is subject to change.
U.S. Route 42 & State Route 302 intersection improvement – The U.S. 42 and State Route 302 intersection will be converted from the current two-way stop-controlled intersection into a single lane roundabout.
CONTINUING IMPACTS: Current Phase 1 Construction
SR 302 eastbound direction, from U.S. 42 to Township Rd 251/1080 intersection, remains closed for construction on the new roundabout. The intersection at U.S. 42 and SR 302 remains open, so motorists are able to travel along U.S. 42 during this phase of construction.
Access along SR 302 will be maintained for residents only. All residents and emergency personnel will need to enter the zone from SR 302 westbound.
Phase 1 work will approximately last from April 2024 till August 2024.
The detour route for all other motorists will be SR 302 west to SR 301 north to U.S. 224 west to SR 58 south to SR 302, and reverse.
Estimated completion of entire project: October 2024
State Route 89 & State Route 302 intersection improvement – The State Route 89 and State Route 302 intersection will be converted from the current two-way stop-controlled intersection into a single lane roundabout.
NEW IMPACTS: Upcoming Phase 2 Construction
The SR 89 and SR 302 intersection will close Monday, June 3 for 60 days to construct the remaining roundabout at this intersection. Detour routes:
Local detour: SR 89 north to U.S. 42 east to SR 301 north to U.S. 224 west to SR 58 south to SR 89, and reverse.
All other motorists: SR 302 west to SR 301 north to U.S. 224 west to SR 58 south to SR 302, and reverse.
Estimated completion of Phase 2: Friday, August 2, 2024
This is phase two of the project and will approximately last from June 2024 till August 2024.
CONTINUING IMPACTS: Current Phase 1 Construction
SR 302 eastbound direction, from SR 89 to U.S. 42 intersection, remains closed to traffic. The intersection at SR 89 and SR 302 remains open until Monday, June 3, so motorists are able to travel along SR 89 during this phase of construction.
Access along SR 302 will be maintained for residents only. All residents and emergency personnel will need to enter the zone from SR 302 westbound.
Phase 1 work will approximately last from April 2024 till June 2024.
Estimated completion of entire project: October 2024
Sullivan Township – On Friday, May 24, 2024, at approximately 3:39 PM, a black 2009 Chevrolet Silverado was southbound on County Road 681, approaching Township Road 350. While traveling southbound, the Silverado struck a child who was riding his bicycle southbound in the roadway.
The driver of the Silverado, James Dwayne Taylor, 55 years old of Ashland, Ohio, was not injured as a result of the crash and remained on scene. The child, whose name is not being released at this time, received life-threatening injuries and was flown by medical helicopter to Akron Children’s Hospital in Akron, OH.
Mr. Taylor was arrested at the scene for Operating a Vehicle While Under the Influence of Alcohol. Additional charges are pending.
Assisting at the scene were: The Ashland County Sheriff’s Office, Sullivan and Polk Fire and EMS, and Aber’s Towing.
FOSTORIA – The Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Norwalk Post is investigating a fatal crash involving a train in Loudon Township. The crash occurred today at approximately 1:30 p.m. on U.S. 224, just west of U.S. 23.
The preliminary investigation showed a Kia Soul, operated by Ellen Atherton, 72, Arlington, was driving northeast on U.S. 224 and went through a lowered railroad gate arm. The Kia was struck by a northbound CSX train and pushed off the left side of the roadway, before striking a utility pole.
Ellen Atherton and the front-seat passenger, Rex Atherton, 75, Arlington, suffered fatal injuries at the scene.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted on scene by the Seneca County
Sheriff’s Office, Hancock County Sheriff’s Office, Bascom Joint Fire District,
Bascom EMS, Seneca County EMS, Seneca County Coroner’s Office, CSX Police Department, Seneca County Community Emergency Response Team and Keller Brothers Enterprise.
ASHLAND COUNTY, OH – The Ashland County Sheriff’s Office Bomb Squad has recently acquired new advanced equipment, the XR150 Portable X-ray Generator, thanks to a grant from Region 5 Summit County. This state-of-the-art technology, valued at nearly $40,000, is set to significantly enhance the squad’s operational capabilities.
Bomb Team Commander Sgt. Josh Early highlighted the importance of the new X-ray device. “The XR150 is a new X-ray source for us, provided by Region 5 Summit County through their generous grant,” Sgt. Early explained. “Our old developer was at least 15 years old, and support for it had ceased, so we were in dire need of new equipment. This new device is a game changer.”
The XR150 Portable X-ray Generator, weighing just over 2 kilograms, can penetrate over 15mm of steel, making it ideal for remote locations and light-scale security operations. Key features include a 150 KVP power, a 12V custom battery pack, and a weather-resistant touchpad. It also boasts new functionalities such as pulse setting from 1 to 999 counts and the ability to set multiple pulse trains with time delays between them.
Sgt. Early emphasized the operational benefits, stating, “The X-ray equipment is our most used piece next to us. Whenever we deal with devices, military ordinance, or anything potentially explosive, we use the X-ray to get a better look. The portability and speed of the XR150 drastically reduce the time we spend on scenes, which is a huge increase in our efficiency and safety.”
The Ashland County Bomb Squad, comprising six dedicated members, is on call 24/7 and serves not only Ashland County but also Knox and Richland Counties, and assists in Crawford and Marion Counties. The squad utilizes two robots, acquired through grants, to assist with various calls, which range from threats and suspicious packages to improvised explosive devices and fireworks recovery.
Certified as the 19th FBI Bomb Squad in Ohio in 2007, the team requires all members to be certified hazmat technicians, with two certified bomb technicians currently on the team. These certifications are maintained through rigorous training and annual classes on updates and new information.
The Bomb Squad responds to an average of 35 to 40 calls per year and trains diligently to ensure a safe and rapid response to any situation, staying current on all new potential threats.
For those interested in learning more about the Bomb Squad or arranging a demonstration, Sgt. Josh Early can be contacted at jearly@ashlandcountysheriff.org.
ASHLAND – Ashland County Community Foundation is pleased to announce the recipients of its recently awarded Community Grants, who are also the inaugural recipients of the Foundation’s new spring Community Grants cycle.
The spring grants cycle is made possible thanks to a partnership with The Norma Foundation, which allows for more needs to be met in the community with the additional funds available. Local nonprofit organizations are now able to apply for Community Grants in the spring and fall.
The board of trustees approved 22 grants totaling $150,000 for causes ranging from building improvements for nonprofit organizations to children’s concerts for the community.
“These organizations work hard to improve lives in Ashland County in many areas, and we are grateful for the ability to work with them to make their goals a reality,” said ACCF Chief Operating Officer Kristin Aspin. “We are grateful to the donors as well as The Norma Foundation, who make these grants possible.”
Grants were awarded to the following organizations to support programs or projects of community-wide benefit:.
ACCESS received a grant for funding to kickstart their aftercare program, which aims to offer gift cards as incentives for participation and continued engagement.
Advocates For Families received a grant to fund building improvements, including those which will help with security for clients and staff.
Ashland Brethren in Christ Church received a grant to help improve their security systems.
Ashland Chautauqua received a grant to help cover expenses related to its Silver Celebration.
Ashland Christian Health Center received a grant to help with home health services and its diabetes program.
Ashland City Schools received a grant to support its Arrow Media Industry Readiness Project.
Ashland County Cancer Association received a grant to purchase supplies to enable access to its semi-trailer, which will be used for storing rummage sale items.
Ashland Special Needs Ministry received a grant to support its summer/fall respite program.
Catholic Charities Corporation – Ashland County received a grant to fund its Pen Pal Project expansion.
City of Ashland, Guy C. Myers Memorial Band Shell received a grant to support its 75th Anniversary Celebration for its annual Summer Concert Series.
Jeromesville Coon Hunters Club received a grant for renovations for kitchen/electrical upgrades.
North Central State College Foundation received a grant to support the costs of training nurses and to maximize the LPN to RN articulation program.
North Central Workforce Alliance of Ohio received a grant for its strategic planning, re-branding and website project.
OhioHealth Foundation received a grant to purchase an OhioHealth Ashland SANE Camera.
Olive Tree Care received a grant to begin operating a summer school program for K-6 grade students.
Park Street Brethren Preschool received a grant to update the Pre-K classroom.
Pathfinder Farms received a grant to fund equipment for a new building to house female programs, and assist with the installation of electrical services.
Pleasant Hill Outdoor Camp received a grant to fund program upgrades.
Snuggled in Hope Quilts – Ashland Chapter received a grant to help pay for supplies related to the Ashland Creative Comfort Project
The American Red Cross Chapter of Heartland, Stark, Muskingum Lakes received a grant to support a blood drive in Ashland County.
The Salvation Army received a grant to help cover additional operating costs of expanded free hours at the outdoor Spray Park.
Trinity Community Church received a grant to provide funds for security cameras.
Along with support from The Norma Foundation, ACCF’s Community Grants are made possible by generous donations from our community. With a minimum of $10,000, paid at one time or over a period of five years, donors can create a named, permanently endowed fund designated specifically to support Community Grants.
“We are grateful to our donors who help make the vision of these nonprofits a reality. We are also fortunate this year to be able to begin partnering with The Norma Foundation to expand our grant offerings, and more local programs and projects can benefit from this collaboration,” said Jim Cutright, ACCF President/CEO.
To learn more about how you can join our list of more than 50 donors who have created Community Grants funds, contact Ashland County Community Foundation President/CEO Jim Cutright at (419) 281-4733 or cutty@ashlandforgood.org.
(WASHINGTON, D.C. & COLUMBUS, Ohio ) — Senator JD Vance and Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost issued the following joint statement to express their concern that the U.S. Department of Justice’s recently announced settlement with Norfolk Southern could severely undercompensate the people of East Palestine. The DOJ’s announcement comes before the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) was allowed to complete its investigation into the circumstances leading up to the derailment and the decision-making process which resulted in the “vent and burn” of derailed tanker cars.
“This federal settlement, reached prior to the completion of the NTSB’s investigation, risks undercompensating the residents of East Palestine,” said Senator Vance and Attorney General Yost. “The Department of Justice would have better served East Palestine and surrounding communities by negotiating against Norfolk Southern armed with all relevant facts surrounding the disaster—facts which can only be revealed by the NTSB. The residents of East Palestine deserve full compensation to account for the hardships they have faced in the months since the derailment, but they also deserve the full truth about why the derailment and vent and burn occurred. With its decision to reach a settlement now, the DOJ may have sacrificed its opportunity to use the NTSB’s findings to impose maximum leverage on those responsible for any potential wrongdoing. We are reviewing the now-public settlement proposal, but with so much unknown at this time, it is difficult to assess its impact. We will continue to do everything in our power to ensure those impacted by the derailment are made whole and to ensure anyone responsible for wrongdoing is held accountable.”
The Department of Justice has closely guarded the details of this settlement and did not make co-plaintiffs, including the State of Ohio, aware of crucial details before its public release today. This problem deserves more time and consideration as Ohio was only presented with this agreement today. Ohio, the state which bore the brunt of the damage caused by this derailment, should have been consulted on the details of the resulting settlement. It is not known why the DOJ failed to follow standard practice to do so.
Joe Lyons •
May 25, 2024
ASHLAND – Ashland County Community Foundation is pleased to announce the recipients of its recently awarded Community Grants, who are also the inaugural recipients of the Foundation’s new spring Community Grants cycle.
