At approximately 5:00 PM on May 12th, 2024, the Wooster Police Department received a call from individuals fishing near 609 Freedlander Rd., reporting the discovery of an adult female body in the creek.
Upon arrival, officers confirmed the presence of the deceased and secured the area. The body was subsequently transported to the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner’s Office for further investigation.
The identity of the deceased has not been released, pending notification of next of kin. The Wooster Police Department extends condolences to the family and loved ones affected by the incident.
Captain Tony Lemmon of the Wooster Police Department stated that no further details will be disclosed at this time as the case remains under investigation.
Residents with any information relevant to the case are encouraged to contact the Wooster Police Department.
(COLUMBUS, Ohio) — The Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission (OPOTC) has unanimously approved recommendations put forth by Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost’s Blue Ribbon Task Force on the Future of Police Training, signaling a significant step forward in transforming the training of Ohio law enforcement.
“Law enforcement officers face unprecedented challenges daily, and it’s our duty to equip them with the best-in-class training and support they deserve,” Yost said. “We have updated training in pieces, but now with the commission’s approval, we can wholistically overhaul the training criteria to better equip officers with the training and tools they need to protect themselves and Ohioans.”
The Blue Ribbon Task Force was convened by Attorney General Yost in the fall of 2023 to identify areas for improvement in basic and continuing peace officer training, determine recommended standards for new officers, outline expectations for instructors, and establish new training methods.
The seven primary recommendations that OPOTC has now approved are:
Amend the Peace Officer Basic Training (POBT) curriculum to reflect contemporary police services.
Establish certification levels to reflect an officer’s training and experience.
Create a Tactical Patrol Officer Program.
Add new technologies while incorporating elements of reality-based situational decision-making scenarios into both basic and advanced training.
Develop integrated lesson plans across training platforms.
Focus Continuing Professional Training (CPT) so that it keeps advancing police services.
Expand annual firearms qualifications.
The 11-member task force, chaired by OPOTA Executive Director Tom Quinlan, published a special report in February, outlining their recommendations and detailing suggested remedies.
Prior to the commission’s vote, Quinlan stressed that the recommendations do not represent a condemnation of prior state-approved training protocols, but rather provide an updated roadmap.
“It is important to note that the recommendations are interdependent, and the best results will be realized when the combined strategies complement one another over time,” Quinlan added.
Notably, the adopted recommendations require changes at the basic academy level, including adjustments to the physical fitness standards required to graduate. Academies will also see a substitution of 72 hours of outdated curriculum with new courses on active shooter and threat response, critical decision making, crisis mitigation and de-escalation, communications and mediation, and incident debrief.
The recommendations that would alter Peace Officer Basic Training will require amendments to the Ohio Administrative Code. Yost’s office will work with the General Assembly on necessary changes as part of the implementation process.
The Richland County Sheriff’s Office has issued a statement regarding the tragic death of 54-year-old inmate Rebecca Westfield, who passed away following a medical emergency in a booking cell.
According to the statement released on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, at approximately 5:00 am, corrections staff and medical personnel responded to a call concerning Westfield, who was in custody at the Richland County Jail. Despite prompt life-saving efforts by the staff, Westfield succumbed shortly after being transported to Ohio-Health Mansfield Hospital.
Westfield had been detained since May 2, 2024, following the issuance of a bench warrant for a Bond Revocation out of Richland County Common Pleas Court. The circumstances surrounding her medical emergency and subsequent death remain under investigation by authorities.
ASHLAND COUNTY (Monday, May 13, 2024) State Route 89, between Glenn Street and Perry Township Road 395, will close Monday, May 20 for two consecutive culvert replacements.
The detour route will be SR 89 north to U.S. 30 west to SR 60 north to U.S. 42 north to U.S. 250 east to SR 89, and reverse.
Ashland Police Division Officers along with Ashland Fire Department & EMS responded to the intersection of E. 9th St. and Virginia Avenue for a motorcycle accident this evening.
One transported to UH Samaritan Medical Center for non-life-threatening injuries.
Matthew 25 Outreach Center of Ashland County Luray Lanes 647 E. Main St Ashland, OH
Drive through distribution starts at 10:00 am and ends at 1:00pm
Volunteers needed from 7:00am through 1:00pm
If you are willing to help lead this weekend, please come at 7 am and help. We have 6 regulars who will gone.
We provide food to anyone in need, while sharing God’s love and peace with all we encounter. This work requires the help of many volunteers ….. so bring your family, friends, neighbors, and your co-workers to join us as we distribute groceries to families in need of assistance.
Our FREE drive-through grocery distribution takes place from 10:00am – 1:00pm, in the parking lot of the Luray Lanes, located at 647 E. Main St, in Ashland. The entire distribution is outdoors so please dress for the weather. The bowling alley will be open, so we’ll have access to restrooms and to take a break from the weather, as needed.
If you would like to help with this FREE grocery distribution, please meet us Saturday, May 18th at
7:00am to help with the initial staging process, as our truckload of food arrives
7:00am to help direct traffic
8:00am to help package bulk foods into family size packages, to make ready for distribution
8:00am to help register every family that receives food (a quick training session is available)
8:00am to help with home deliveries (this requires the use of your personal vehicle) Not available to help us the 4th Saturday of each month? That’s OK ……
Please contact us if you are interested in delivering shelf stable food boxes to seniors located in Ashland County …. deliveries take place anytime throughout the month.
We have volunteer opportunities for people of all ages and all abilities! Please join us (and bring your friends) as we distribute FREE groceries and share God’s love with the people of Ashland County. We look forward to seeing you Saturday and pray that you’ll serve alongside us!
Blessings,
Matthew 25 Outreach Center Ashland Team www.m25oc.org
419-961-0110
The Richland County Sheriff’s Office has issued a statement regarding the tragic death of 54-year-old inmate Rebecca Westfield, who passed away following a medical emergency in a booking cell.
According to the statement released on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, at approximately 5:00 am, corrections staff and medical personnel responded to a call concerning Westfield, who was in custody at the Richland County Jail. Despite prompt life-saving efforts by the staff, Westfield succumbed shortly after being transported to Ohio-Health Mansfield Hospital.
Westfield had been detained since May 2, 2024, following the issuance of a bench warrant for a Bond Revocation out of Richland County Common Pleas Court. The circumstances surrounding her medical emergency and subsequent death remain under investigation by authorities.
Ashland, OH – On May 10th, 2024, Ashland Detectives, in collaboration with the METRICH Enforcement Unit, conducted a search warrant at 512 Ray Ave as part of an ongoing drug investigation. The operation, supported by the Ashland Special Response Team, resulted in the arrest of Ryan Flickinger and the seizure of suspected illegal drugs and firearms.
The investigation, prompted by intelligence gathering, reflects law enforcement’s commitment to addressing drug-related concerns within the community. Following Flickinger’s arrest, he was placed in custody at the Ashland County Jail, pending further legal proceedings. The case is currently under review by the Ashland County Prosecutor.
Authorities expressed appreciation for community cooperation, encouraging residents to continue reporting suspected drug activities through the METRICH Crime Tip Hotline at 419-52-CRIME (419-522-7463) or via the METRICH Enforcement Unit mobile app.
For further inquiries, Detective Kody Hying can be reached at 419-289-3639 ext. 1039 or via email at hying.kody@ashland-ohio.com.
The successful execution of the search warrant highlights law enforcement’s ongoing efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of Ashland residents.
(EUCLID, Ohio) — Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost issued the following statement regarding the death of Euclid Police Officer Jacob Derbin who was killed on Saturday evening in the line of duty.
“The promise to protect is signed with the blood of our officers. The killer who ambushed Officer Derbin will be found and will receive the full measure of justice.
It is a cruel irony that a mother lost her son on Mother’s Day, and that this murder happened just as we prepare to solemnize our fallen during Police Memorial Week. My heart burns with anger at this injustice, for the family of this young officer and the Euclid Police Department.”
Derbin was in his first year with the department.
The Euclid Police Department requested assistance from the Attorney General’s Bureau of Criminal Investigation to investigate the officer-involved critical incident. BCI’s investigation is active and ongoing.
Governor DeWine Orders Flags Lowered in Honor of Euclid Police Officer Jacob Derbin
(COLUMBUS, Ohio)— In honor of the life and service of Euclid Police Officer Jacob Derbin, Governor Mike DeWine has ordered the flags of the United States and the state of Ohio to be flown at half-staff upon all public buildings and grounds throughout Cuyahoga County and at the Ohio Statehouse, the Vern Riffe Center, and the Rhodes State Office Tower in Columbus today until sunset on the day of his funeral.
All other public buildings and grounds throughout the state may fly the flags of the United States and the State of Ohio at half-staff at their discretion for the same time period.
Matthew 25 Outreach Center of Ashland County Luray Lanes
647 E. Main St
Ashland, OH
Drive through distribution starts at 10:00 am and ends at 1:00pm
Volunteers needed from 7:00am through 1:00pm
If you are willing to help lead this weekend, please come at 7 am and help. We have 6 regulars who will gone.
We provide food to anyone in need, while sharing God’s love and peace with all we encounter. This work requires the help of many volunteers ….. so bring your family, friends, neighbors, and your co-workers to join us as we distribute groceries to families in need of assistance.
Our FREE drive-through grocery distribution takes place from 10:00am – 1:00pm, in the parking lot of the Luray Lanes, located at 647 E. Main St, in Ashland. The entire distribution is outdoors so please dress for the weather. The bowling alley will be open, so we’ll have access to restrooms and to take a break from the weather, as needed.
If you would like to help with this FREE grocery distribution, please meet us Saturday, May 18th at
7:00am to help with the initial staging process, as our truckload of food arrives
7:00am to help direct traffic
8:00am to help package bulk foods into family size packages, to make ready for distribution
8:00am to help register every family that receives food (a quick training session is available)
8:00am to help with home deliveries (this requires the use of your personal vehicle)
Not available to help us the 4th Saturday of each month? That’s OK ……
Please contact us if you are interested in delivering shelf stable food boxes to seniors located in Ashland County …. deliveries take place anytime throughout the month.
We have volunteer opportunities for people of all ages and all abilities! Please join us (and bring your friends) as we distribute FREE groceries and share God’s love with the people of Ashland County. We look forward to seeing you Saturday and pray that you’ll serve alongside us!
Joe Lyons •
May 14, 2024
The Richland County Sheriff’s Office has issued a statement regarding the tragic death of 54-year-old inmate Rebecca Westfield, who passed away following a medical emergency in a booking cell.
ASHLAND COUNTY (Monday, May 13, 2024) State Route 89, between Glenn Street and Perry Township Road 395, will close Monday, May 20 for two consecutive culvert replacements.
