Rocky Mountain High Experience: Rick Schuler Brings John Denver’s Spirit to Ashland, Ohio
ASHLAND – The Ashland Theater on Center Street will be filled with the nostalgic melodies of John Denver’s music on April 19 at 7:00 p.m., as Rick Schuler brings his renowned Rocky Mountain High Experience to town. The concert, presented by J.E.T. Entertainment, promises an evening of heartwarming tunes, powerful storytelling, and a tribute to Denver’s lasting legacy.
Ed Kieper, owner of J.E.T. Entertainment, shared his excitement about the upcoming event. “Rick Schuler embodies the spirit and sound of John Denver like no one else,” Kieper said. “This isn’t just a concert—it’s a journey through Denver’s timeless music and messages.”
Schuler, a singer-songwriter and adventurer based in Los Angeles, discovered his connection to Denver at the age of 13 when people noticed his uncanny resemblance to the folk icon. “I didn’t know who John Denver was at the time,” Schuler recalled. “But I realized he was the voice behind the music I already loved. I was a shy kid, and teaching myself guitar through his songs changed my life.”
Over the last four decades, Schuler has become the leading interpreter of Denver’s music, performing in front of thousands at theaters, arts centers, and festivals across the country. He often collaborates with members of Denver’s original band, who have praised his vocal likeness and dedication to Denver’s humanitarian spirit.
Beyond his concerts, Schuler’s work has been featured on nationally syndicated television and radio programs. He recently recorded music for the film Grace and Grit, starring Mena Suvari and Frances Fisher. Schuler’s global influence and community connection mirror Denver’s legacy of peace, love, and environmental stewardship.
“John Denver wasn’t just about catchy tunes,” Schuler noted. “There’s a depth to his lyrics—messages about nature, humanity, and compassion. Songs like ‘Rocky Mountain High’ still resonate today, with lines like ‘why they try to tear the mountains down to bring in a couple more…’ highlighting timeless environmental concerns.”
Audience members can expect to hear Denver’s most beloved hits, including “Take Me Home, Country Roads,” “Annie’s Song,” and “Sunshine on My Shoulders,” which Schuler says brings tears to many. In a nod to Denver’s cultural outreach, Schuler performs “The Lord’s Prayer” in Ancient Hebrew, inviting audiences to join in English, creating a moment of unity and reflection.
In addition to covering Denver’s classics, Schuler will perform original works, including “Rainmaker”—a theme song reaching millions weekly—and selections from his upcoming Nashville project. One standout track, “Golden Days of Aspen Glow,” pays homage to both Denver and fellow folk legend Dan Fogelberg.
Schuler’s concerts transcend mere tribute performances. “Music speaks where words fail,” he said, quoting poet Rainer Maria Rilke. “I’m grateful to carry John’s message forward—love for God, the Earth, and humanity.”
Tickets for the Rocky Mountain High Experience® at the Ashland Theater https://theashland.org are available now through the venue’s box office and online platforms. Don’t miss this chance to relive the music that has touched generations and experience an evening filled with warmth, nostalgia, and inspiration.
Representatives King and Miller Introduce Alyssa’s Law
Bill works to enhance safety in Ohio school districts and communities
COLUMBUS – State Representatives Angie King (R- Celina) and Melanie Miller (R- Ashland) recently introduced “Alyssa’s Law” as House Bill 106, which works to enhance safety in Ohio school districts and communities by creating a pilot grant program that will allow schools the opportunity to purchase a variety of panic alert systems. These panic alert systems work to help accelerate law enforcement response time when life-threatening emergencies occur on school campuses.
Alyssa’s Law is named in honor of Alyssa Alhadeff, who was a victim of the February 2018 shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. This law will allow schools to purchase brand new alert systems, through the pilot program, that notify local law enforcement of an emergency.
“Alyssa’s Law aims to provide swift notification to law enforcement and school personnel. Enhancing the response time between our law enforcement, even by minutes, can save lives,” said Representative King. “By creating access to this life-saving technology, we can give both educators and students the security and peace of mind to feel safe while they’re at school.”
“This legislation will provide our schools with the tools needed to respond quickly in emergencies,” said Representative Miller. “Ohio’s version of Alyssa’s Law will help create a more secure environment where students can learn, and educators can teach without fear.”
Two-Vehicle Crash on US Route 30 Under Investigation
Jeromesville, Ohio — February 18, 2025: Emergency crews responded to a two-vehicle crash on the eastbound lane of US Route 30 at County Road 175 around 7:35 p.m. Tuesday evening.
According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, a woman had pulled over to the side of the highway with a flat tire and was waiting for AAA assistance when a pickup truck collided with the rear driver’s side of her vehicle.
The Jeromesville Fire Department and EMS were on scene, with authorities reporting minor injuries. The Ashland Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol is continuing to investigate the cause of the crash.
Multiple People Injured in Two-Vehicle Crash at US Route 42 and State Route 89
Ashland County, OH – February 18, 2025 — Multiple people were transported to local hospitals following a two-vehicle accident at the intersection of US Route 42 and State Route 89 this evening. Emergency crews responded to the scene around 6:45 p.m.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol, Ashland County Sheriff’s Office, Polk Fire Department & EMS, Ashland EMS, and Sullivan EMS assisted in the response. Authorities reported minor injuries among those involved.
The Ashland Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating the cause of the crash. No further details have been released at this time.
Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force Seek Public’s Help in Locating Fugitives of the Week
February 18, 2025 – The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force is seeking assistance from the public in locating four fugitives who are currently at large. Authorities are offering rewards for information leading to their arrests.
Maxwell Davis
Maxwell Davis, 23, is wanted by the U.S. Marshals Service and the Richland County Sheriff’s Office for a probation violation related to a prior charge of carrying a concealed weapon. He is also wanted by the Columbus Police Department for aggravated robbery. Davis is described as a Black male with black hair and brown eyes, standing 6 feet 5 inches tall. He has known ties to Mansfield and Columbus.
Mickey Jones
Mickey Jones, 55, is wanted by the U.S. Marshals Service and the Richland County Sheriff’s Office for aggravated possession of drugs, a third-degree felony. Jones is described as a white male with blond hair and blue eyes, standing 5 feet 8 inches tall. He has connections in Mansfield, Plymouth, and Willard, Ohio.
David Moore
David Moore, 61, is wanted by the U.S. Marshals Service and the Richland County Sheriff’s Office for failure to provide a change of address as a registered sex offender. Moore is described as a white male with black hair and blue eyes, standing 5 feet 7 inches tall. He has known ties to Mansfield.
Dourrough Rutherford
Dourrough Rutherford, 57, is wanted by the U.S. Marshals Service and the Richland County Sheriff’s Office for failing to verify his current address as a registered sex offender. Rutherford is described as a Black male with black hair and brown eyes, standing 5 feet 9 inches tall. He is known to have ties to Mansfield.
How to Provide Information
Authorities urge anyone with information on the whereabouts of these fugitives to contact the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force at 1-866-4WANTED (1-866-492-6833) or text the keyword WANTED along with the tip to 847411 (tip411). All tipsters can remain anonymous, and reward money is available for information leading to an arrest.
Morning Commute Disrupted by Plow Truck Crash in Ashland County
ASHLAND COUNTY, OH – A single-vehicle crash early this morning caused traffic disruptions at the intersection of U.S. Route 42 and State Route 603.
According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, a northbound pickup truck equipped with a plow veered off the right side of the highway, striking a cement culvert before crashing into a utility pole. The impact brought down fiber optic lines, initially believed to belong to Armstrong Cable. However, after further investigation, officials determined the lines were part of Frontier Communications’ network.
Emergency responders from the Ohio State Highway Patrol, Ashland County Sheriff’s Office, and Ashland Fire Department & EMS arrived at the scene. No injuries were reported.
Shelly Smith & Sons Towing worked to clear the wreckage while Frontier crews assessed the damage. Residents and businesses in the area may experience temporary service outages as repairs are made throughout the day.
The crash remains under investigation by the Ohio State Highway Patrol.
Juvenile Crashes Stolen Car, Flees Scene Before Capture in Ashland County
Ashland County, OH – A juvenile suspect is in custody after crashing a stolen vehicle on Interstate 71 and attempting to flee law enforcement early this morning.
According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP), Troopers responded to a single-vehicle crash involving a 2013 Hyundai Sonata in the southbound lanes of I-71 near mile marker 189 at approximately 7:46 a.m.
An off-duty firefighter had stopped to check on the driver, asking if he was okay. However, the juvenile suspect suddenly fled the scene on foot, prompting the firefighter to alert the OSHP he fled across I-71 and into a field.
Upon arrival, OSHP discovered that the vehicle had been reported stolen out of Columbus around 3:00 a.m. this morning.
About an half an hour later, Ashland County Sheriff’s Office deputies located the suspect on Ashland County Road 1302. The suspect had allegedly attempted to steal another vehicle by breaking into it and damaging the steering column. A foot chase ensued, leading deputies to State Route 89 and near 399 Ashland County Road 1302.
Deputies took the suspect into custody at approximately 8:42 a.m. Following his arrest, Polk EMS transported him to UH Samaritan Medical Center for evaluation.
Ohio State Highway Patrol and the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office continue to investigate the incident.
Morrow County Prosecuting Attorney Andrew Wick announced that on February 13, 2025, the Morrow County Grand Jury returned an indictment against Joshua Boucher on a seventeen (17) count indictment for:
Attempted Aggravated Murder;
Attempted Murder;
Aggravated Burglary;
Aggravated Robbery (3 counts);
Felonious Assault (3 counts);
Domestic Violence;
Kidnapping;
Disrupting Public Services;
Tampering with Evidence (4 counts);
and Breaking and Entering.
Multiple counts of the indictment carry firearm specifications that allege that the Defendant brandished or used a firearm in the commission of the offense.
This indictment originates from events that occurred on April 1, 2024 in Chesterville that resulted in the shooting of D.B., the wife of Mr. Boucher and a multi-county pursuit of Mr. Boucher. The case has been investigated by Morrow County Sheriff’s Office Detective Bureau.
Mr. Boucher is currently being held in the Ashland County Jail on separate charges related to the April 1st events and will be arraigned by the Morrow County Common Pleas Court at a later date.
As with all persons indicted by the Morrow County Grand Jury, Mr. Boucher is to be considered innocent until proof of guilt is found in the Common Pleas Court.
Andrew S. Wick
Morrow County Prosecuting Attorney
Note: Read case details here https://www.ashlandcountypictures.com/?s=Joshua+Boucher+
Drugs Seized in Ashland Search Warrant, One Arrested
ASHLAND, OH – A drug-related search warrant executed on February 13, 2025, led to the seizure of methamphetamine and the arrest of an Ashland man, Ashland Police Division Detectives confirmed.
Ashland Detectives, assigned to the METRICH Enforcement Unit and the Ashland Police Division, carried out the search at a residence on West Main Street as part of an ongoing drug trafficking investigation.
During the operation, detectives confiscated methamphetamine, and Brian Purdy, 52, was taken into custody. He was transported to the Ashland County Jail on drug-related charges. The Ashland County Prosecutor’s Office is reviewing the case
The METRICH Enforcement Unit expressed appreciation to the community for providing valuable tips that contributed to the successful operation. Officials encourage residents to continue reporting suspected drug activity to aid in ongoing efforts to combat illegal drug distribution in the area.
Ashland County Pictures News would also extended thanks to those who submitted news tips and photos related to this story.
Citizens can call the METRICH Crime Tip Hotline at 419-52-CRIME (419-522-7463) or the Task Force line at 419-755-9728 or by using the METRICH app.
For updates on this case and other local news, stay tuned.
Ashland County Vietnam Veterans Era Dinner to Feature Kim Phuc as Guest Speaker
ASHLAND, OHIO – The Ashland County Vietnam Veterans Committee has announced that its 6th annual Vietnam Veterans Era Dinner will take place on March 29, 2025, featuring Kim Phuc, known worldwide as the “Napalm Girl” from the iconic Vietnam War photograph, as the keynote speaker. The event will be held at the Ashland Eagles, and tickets are now available for purchase at DeSanto Kellogg Law Office, 432 Center Street, Ashland, Ohio. Seating is limited, and those interested can call (419) 289-1454 for more information.
The Ashland County Vietnam Veterans Committee, which includes Carl Rickert, Bob DeSanto, Lonnie Miller, Greg Gorrell, Jack Cadley, Brooks Whitmore, Tim Schar, and Ann Schar, continues to organize this annual event to honor those who served during the Vietnam War and to educate future generations about the complexities of the conflict.
A Legacy of Thought-Provoking Speakers
Committee member Bob DeSanto reflected on past reunions, which have featured esteemed guest speakers and authors who have shared their personal experiences and perspectives on the Vietnam War:
Ron Rutowski, author of We Were Not the Enemy, discussed the sacrifices of Vietnam veterans and the Cold War’s political and military complexities.
Lou Jennings, author of 19 Minutes to Live, shared his harrowing experiences as an Air Cavalry Cobra Gunship pilot, highlighting the critical role of helicopters in the Vietnam War.
Donna Rowe, a former head nurse at the 3rd Field Hospital in Saigon, provided insight into the medical challenges and heroism in the war’s triage units.
Colonel Robert Springer, a Vietnam veteran and NASA astronaut, recounted his time as a Marine Corps pilot and his transition to space exploration.
Patrick McLaughlin, author of Cheerful Obedience, presented the challenges of infantry service in Vietnam and the deep bonds formed among soldiers.
This year marks a significant milestone, as Kim Phuc will be the first non-Vietnam veteran to serve as the event’s guest speaker.
Kim Phuc: A Story of Tragedy and Triumph
Kim Phuc was only nine years old in 1972 when she was photographed fleeing her village after a South Vietnamese Air Force pilot mistakenly dropped napalm on civilians. The Pulitzer Prize-winning image, captured by Associated Press photographer Nick Ut, became one of the most haunting and powerful symbols of the Vietnam War.
Severely burned and left for dead, Kim was eventually rescued by Ut, who took her to a hospital where she fought for survival. For years, she endured painful medical treatments and struggled with the trauma of her experience. The Communist government in Vietnam later used her as a propaganda tool, a role she deeply resented.
Kim eventually sought asylum in Canada, where she rebuilt her life. Now a wife, mother, and advocate for peace, she has dedicated herself to helping children affected by war through The Kim Foundation International. She is also the author of Fire Road, a memoir detailing her journey from war victim to global humanitarian.
Kim Phuc’s message is one of healing and hope. She often says, “I am no longer a victim of war. I am now a survivor of war.” Her presence at the Ashland County Vietnam Veterans Reunion is expected to be an inspiring and deeply moving experience for all attendees.
Honoring Veterans, Preserving History
The Ashland County Vietnam Veterans Reunion continues to serve as an important event for veterans and their families, fostering connections and ensuring the sacrifices of those who served are never forgotten. The 2025 reunion is sure to be an unforgettable gathering, with Kim Phuc’s speech offering a powerful perspective on war, survival, and reconciliation.
For tickets and further details, contact the DeSanto Kellogg Law Office at 432 Center Street (419) 289-1454 from 9am to 4pm.
Subscribe to receive a free email as soon as a big story is posted
Joe Lyons •
February 21, 2025
