(COLUMBUS, Ohio) — On a day set aside to raise awareness nationally about fentanyl-related overdose deaths, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost released data from the Bureau of Criminal Investigation’s laboratory highlighting the ongoing prevalence of the synthetic opioid in Ohio.
“Illegal use of fentanyl continues to wreck Ohioans’ lives, causing addiction and death,” Yost said. “Unless the pills you’re taking were prescribed by your doctor, you can’t be sure what it is – don’t risk it.”
Three years ago, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) established May 7 as National Fentanyl Awareness Day, an effort to educate Americans about the public health crisis that illegal fentanyl poses and engage them in the fight to prevent more tragic deaths.
Last year alone, the DEA says, more than 70,000 Americans fatally overdosed on illegally made fentanyl. In Ohio in 2023, the total number of fentanyl-related opioid deaths was 3,579, according to Yost’s Scientific Committee on Opioid Overdose and Prevention Education (SCOPE), which monitors such deaths statewide using Ohio Department of Health data.
Those 3,579 deaths represent 98% of the 3,651 overall opioid fatalities in Ohio last year — reinforcing the breadth of the state’s challenge with illegal fentanyl.
“These numbers are frightening if you look at them as numbers,” Yost added. “They are heartbreaking when you realize they were someone’s loved ones.”
Fentanyl update
As the largest criminal drug lab in the state, BCI’s laboratory tests a majority, but not all, of the drug evidence seized by law enforcement agencies in Ohio.
The BCI lab continues to process a high number of cases involving fentanyl, which in the first quarter of 2024 was the second-most-often identified substance in drug-evidence samples (after only methamphetamine). Since 2018, fentanyl has posed an increasingly larger public threat than heroin, whose prevalence has steadily declined in recent years.
Fentanyl is manufactured for doctors to control patients’ pain within a controlled environment. When fentanyl is illicitly manufactured in clandestine laboratories and mixed with other substances by drug traffickers — and/or used recreationally — it can be lethal.
Illicitly manufactured fentanyl often contains forms of fentanyl whose structure is chemically modified, making their potency and toxicity unknown. To date, BCI has identified at least 33 distinct versions of chemically modified fentanyl.
Fentanyl can be found in many forms, including pills and powder, and is often combined by traffickers with heroin, cocaine and/or other drugs. When consumed, complex mixtures of drugs can create dangerous interactions in the body, amplifying the danger. One sample recently analyzed by BCI contained 11 controlled substances.
Carfentanil update
Carfentanil, a fentanyl analogue that is roughly 100 times more potent than fentanyl and 10,000 times more potent than morphine, continues its ongoing presence in Ohio.
The drug was first detected in Ohio drug samples in 2016 and caused a spike in overdoses in 2017. Five years later, the public threat posed by carfentanil seemed to be abating, with BCI’s lab identifying the drug in only five samples in all of 2022.
In September of last year, however, AG Yost issued a warning about an uptick in carfentanil prevalence. Since Oct. 23, the BCI lab has identified a combined 36 items containing carfentanil in 14 counties, with the majority of those seized in northeastern Ohio.
Carfentanil is often found with other drugs and has been identified in market tablets and powders, including those similar in appearance to materials used to manufacture oxycodone tablets.
Safety
If you believe you have been exposed to fentanyl or carfentanil, you should seek immediate medical attention and notify law enforcement.
Law enforcement officers and first responders should wear proper personal protective equipment and use caution in handling evidence suspected of containing carfentanil or any fentanyl-related substance, particularly in cases where an overdose has occurred.
(COLUMBUS, Ohio) — Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost testified before the House Criminal Justice Committee this afternoon in support of legislation Office Also Launches ‘HT 101’ Guide to Aid Communitiesthat would expand the eligibility of human trafficking survivors to have their criminal records expunged.
“Once the nightmare of human trafficking is over, many individuals begin another battle – putting their lives back together and starting over,” Yost said. “The journey to recovery is made even tougher when survivors are barred from employment, housing or education because of their past involvement with trafficking.”
House Bill 385, sponsored by Reps. Tracy Richardson (R-Marysville) and Josh Williams (R-Sylvania), would remove the predicate requirement for those applying for expungement of fourth- and fifth-degree felonies and all misdemeanors.
Currently, a trafficking survivor must have one of three predicate charges to be eligible to apply for expungement: solicitation, loitering to engage in solicitation, or prostitution.
“These predicate charges exclude both sex trafficking victims who were never convicted of those specific crimes, as well as labor trafficking victims, who would not have solicitation charges,” Yost testified. “The statute also ignores the modernization of traffickers, who increasingly use the internet and cellphones to commit their crimes.”
Survivors would still have to provide clear and convincing evidence that the crimes they committed resulted from being trafficked.
Also testifying during today’s hearing were multiple trafficking survivors, including Natasha Cooper, who serves on the Ambassador Advisory Commission of Yost’s Human Trafficking Initiative.
“Even though I have more than four years clean and have accomplished a great deal, I am still affected by my past,” Cooper told the House committee. “If I had my record expunged, this would help me move forward in life in so many ways — it would help me with more diverse employment opportunities, (provide) greater access to safe and stable housing and give me a sense of pride. I am a productive member of my community and want to be viewed for who I am not what my past charges have been.”
Yost also supported House Bill 385’s companion legislation in the Ohio Senate, Senate Bill 214, which has already passed out of the chamber.
On message with today’s testimony, AG Yost also announced a new “best practices” guide for addressing human trafficking in Ohio communities.
The publication, “Human Trafficking 101: Best Practices Guide to Raising Awareness in Your Community,” was developed by the Public Awareness Subcommittee of the Attorney General’s Human Trafficking Commission. It is intended as a “how to” resource for anti-trafficking coalitions and community leaders statewide.
“Human trafficking is happening in Ohio, and traffickers thrive when communities are in the dark about how to handle it,” Yost said. “This guide sheds light on the basics and gives everyone the same checklist for responding.”
The guide, available through the AG’s website, focuses on four main topics:
High-Level Essentials
Myth vs. Fact
Credible Resources
Checklists for Trainings
It provides a comprehensive overview of human trafficking as well as appropriate imagery and language for groups to use. It also emphasizes the importance of involving survivors in community discussions because of the unique knowledge and perspective that lived experience provides.
Yost created the Human Trafficking Initiative in 2019 to build awareness, empower Ohioans to take action in their communities, strengthen victim services throughout the state and ensure that traffickers and “johns” are brought to justice.
The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force is offering a reward for information which would lead to the capture of fugitive Anthony Alexander. Alexander is wanted by the U.S. Marshals Service and the Adult Parole Authority on a parole violation on the original charge of possession drugs. Alexander, 38, is described as a white male with brown hair and brown eyes, standing 6 feet 0 inches tall. Alexander has ties to the cities of Mansfield and Marion.
The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force is offering a reward for information which would lead to the capture of fugitive David Greene. Greene is wanted by the U.S. Marshals Service and the Richland County Sheriff’s Office on a fail to verify address as a sex offender. Greene, 39, is described as a white male with brown hair and hazel eyes, standing 6 feet 0 inches tall. Greene has ties to the city of Mansfield and Galion.
The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force is offering a reward for information which would lead to the capture of fugitive Nestor Salazar. Salazar is wanted by the U.S. Marshals Service and the Richland County Sheriff’s Office for illegal conveyance of drugs. Salazar, 34, is described as a Hispanic male with black hair and brown eyes, standing 5 feet 9 inches tall. Salazar has ties to the cities of Willard and Columbus.
The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force is offering a reward for information which would lead to the capture of fugitive Jose Fox. Fox is wanted by the U.S. Marshals Service and the Richland County Sheriff’s Office for possession of drugs. Fox, 54, is described as a white male with gray hair and hazel eyes, standing 6 feet, 4 inches tall. Fox has ties to the cities of Mansfield and Bellville.
If you have any information in reference to David Greene, Anthony Alexander, Nestor Salazar, or Timothy Fox, 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.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol is bringing awareness to the potential increase of motorcycles on our roadways. May is National Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, and the Ohio State Highway Patrol would like to remind motorcyclists to ride trained and sober.
From 2019 to 2023, there were 19,544 traffic crashes involving motorcycles resulting in the death of 1,045 motorcyclists and 12 others. Another 5,770 motorcyclists were injured. Cuyahoga, Franklin, Hamilton, Summit and Lucas counties accounted for 32 percent of the motorcycle crashes in Ohio.
“Motorcycle safety is a shared responsibility. Whether you’re on two wheels or four, awareness and respect for fellow motorists are key to ensuring safe travels for everyone,” said Governor Mike DeWine.
Taking a training class, wearing safety equipment and riding with proper endorsements will help you protect yourself and others. During the same time period, 50 percent of at-fault motorcycle drivers involved in crashes did not have a motorcycle license endorsement.
“This is the season for both motorcyclists and motor vehicle drivers to consider the unique traffic safety challenges as more motorcyclists take to the roads with the warmer weather,” said Colonel Charles A. Jones, Patrol superintendent. “Whether your chosen mode of transportation is a motorcycle or a motor vehicle, everyone has a part in safe motorcycling. As a motorcyclist, make sure you have a valid motorcycle endorsement, quality motorcycle training and proper safety equipment. Also, remember to always ride sober. As a motorist, be aware that there are more motorcycles on the roads, and focus your attention on their surroundings when driving on Ohio’s roadways.”
Ohio law requires helmets for riders under 18 and riders with less than one year of motorcycle experience. Passengers on motorcycles must wear helmets when the driver is required to do so.
For more information visit www.motorcycle.ohio.gov.
Cutting-Edge Facility Offers Digital Simulation Training and Luxurious Amenities
Ashland, Ohio – Mayor Matt Miller, alongside a diverse crowd, celebrated the grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony of Ohio’s newest all digital indoor shooting range, Hot Shots Shooting Center. Positioned as the state’s premier destination for shooting enthusiasts, the center boasts state-of-the-art digital infrastructure and an array of amenities.
Central to Hot Shots’ offerings is its interactive simulation training software, providing an immersive experience for law enforcement personnel and CCW license holders. Equipped with cutting-edge equipment, the facility aims to elevate training standards and enhance skills in a controlled indoor environment.
One standout feature is the exclusive lounge accessible to members, complete with a poker table, large-screen TV, and plush furniture. Plans are in place to utilize this space for future in-house events, promising a blend of recreation and camaraderie for patrons.
Operating hours cater to different schedules, with Hot Shots open Tuesday through Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. This flexibility ensures accessibility for enthusiasts of all levels.
The facility houses four rooms dedicated to MILO simulations, with plans for expansion, including a theater-style room with three large screens for a heightened immersive experience. Hot Shots offers a selection of handgun options, including Glock 17 and 19 models, and two styles of the SIG Sauer P320, favored by law enforcement and CCW license holders. Additionally, training on defense tactics with mace or a Taser, as well as AR-15s, is available.
Monthly CCW courses, led by licensed instructor Doug Murillo of Action Defense LLC, are among the center’s regular offerings. Murillo’s credentials through the National Rifle Association and the U.S. Concealed Carry Association emphasize the commitment to professional instruction and safety standards.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony, held at 2112 S. Baney Road, saw the attendance of Ashland city and county elected officials, alongside esteemed guests, marking the official launch of Hot Shots Shooting Center as a important addition to Ohio’s firearms training landscape.
Ashland Police Division Officers along with Ashland Fire Department & EMS responded to a two-vehicle collision around 2:30 PM. In what was believed to be cause by an medical emergency.
Both drivers involved were taken to UH Samaritan Medical Center for treatment by Ashland EMS.
Following the initial collision, a Red Cross van collided with a Jeep, causing minor damage.
The security cameras at Ashland Drive-Thru on 1032 E Main St captured the first incident on video, which was obtained by Ashland County Pictures.
Mount Vernon – The Mount Gilead Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating a fatal traffic crash that occurred on Thursday, May 2nd, 2024 at approximately 4:41 PM, on Columbus Road in the City of Mount Vernon.
Jeffrey Davis, age 40, of Howard, Ohio, was operating a 2022 Kenworth T880 on Columbus Road traveling northeast. Robert Staats, age 73, of Mount Vernon, Ohio, was operating a 2006 Suzuki Burgman 650 scooter northeast on Columbus Road. Mr. Davis failed to keep an assured cleared distance ahead and struck Mr. Staats in the rear.
Mr. Staats was pronounced deceased on scene by medical personnel. Mr. Davis was wearing his seat belt at the time of the crash and was not injured. Mr. Staats was not wearing helmet at the time of the crash. Alcohol and drugs are not a suspected factor in the crash.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted on scene by Mount Vernon Police Department, Mount Vernon EMS, Mount Vernon Street Department, Knox County Coroner’s Office and Mount Vernon Law Director’s Office.
The traffic crash remains under investigation by the Mount Gilead Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol.
Group Photo: Courtney McNaull, Lanie Hartge, Liz Hosfeld, Jim Cutright, Mindy Howman, Kristin Aspin, Brittaney Reep
ASHLAND – In response to the continued growth of the organization, Ashland County Community Foundation is hiring an additional staff member and realigning other staff responsibilities.
As the foundation approaches its 30th year, it provides careful stewardship of more than 670 funds, with over $87 million of assets under management. Importantly, ACCF has given back to the Ashland County community more than $30 million in grants, scholarships and fund distributions.
“Thanks to the more than 7,500 donors who have entrusted us to manage their charitable funds and steward their gifts, our resources have grown significantly, as has our ability to positively impact our community,” said President/CEO Jim Cutright. “With eyes to the future, we’re now building out our staff capacity to match that growth, achieve even greater impact and ensure organizational stability for many years to come.”
The realignment places greater emphasis on the foundation’s strategic priorities, including effective grantmaking and community engagement.
While Cutright focuses his efforts on setting vision and strategy, cultivating board and staff leadership and developing donors, Kristin Aspin is being promoted to a new role in which she will help execute ACCF’s vision and mission in managing the foundation’s day-to-day operations as Chief Operating Officer.
Kristin Aspin
In her 26-year tenure at ACCF, Aspin has performed nearly all job functions at the foundation. Most recently, she oversaw the grant and scholarship programs as Chief Program Officer.
“As anyone knows, who has worked closely with Kristin, her organizational skills and attention to detail are second-to-none. She is so deserving of this advancement of her role at ACCF, as she takes this next step in her leadership journey, helping to propel ACCF into the future,” stated Cutright.
Courtney McNaull is stepping into a new role as Community Engagement Director, a two-pronged assignment that includes grants management as well as communications management. McNaull had previously served as Communications Director since she was hired in 2019.
“When I asked Courtney to join the staff at ACCF, I had no idea of the breadth of her talents. She is not only a great communicator, but a highly-skilled facilitator, graphics designer and project manager. Her expanded role will give her and ACCF further opportunities to flourish,” continued Cutright.
A new employee, Liz Hosfeld, has been hired as a communications specialist to support McNaull’s communications strategies and create materials such as newsletters, annual reports, website and social media content, and printed materials. She will also assist with general office duties and scholarship administration.
Hosfeld comes to ACCF with wide-ranging expertise in the communications field, including experience as a news reporter, photographer and copywriter. She also is a familiar face at ACCF, where she has been a longtime volunteer.
Liz Hosfeld
“Liz is someone whom we have long valued and so she was the first person who came to mind for this new staff opportunity. Already a part of the ‘ACCF Family’, she will be a perfect fit,” said Cutright.
Meanwhile, Office Administrator Mindy Howman is being promoted to the new role of Grants Administrator. While retaining oversight of office management functions, she also will support McNaull with coordination and administration of grants, grantmaking committees and events.
“Mindy has been the ‘hub’ of our office for 12 years now, and we’re excited to see her step into new and expanded responsibilities with our grants management. For many of the nonprofit agencies we serve, she has long been the initial point of contact, so this is an evolution that makes total sense on so many levels,” summarized Cutright.
Mindy Howman
A majority of ACCF’s staff work part-time, flexible schedules, allowing the organization to employ highly skilled professionals on a modest budget. This realignment brings the employee headcount to seven, but with a full-time equivalency of just over five employees.
“Together with Chief Financial Officer Brittaney Reep and Educational Programs Director Lanie Hartge, who each remain in their current roles, these newly-promoted and newly-hired staff members will round out our team as we continue to pursue excellence, foster growth and create positive impact in Ashland County,” Cutright said.
About Ashland County Community Foundation: Ashland County Community Foundation advances philanthropy and improves the quality of life in Ashland County by connecting people who care with causes that matter. ACCF has awarded over $30 million in scholarships, grants and distributions.
Mohican Township residents, please take note: County Road 1950 is scheduled for temporary closure due to essential culvert replacement work, as announced by Administrative Assistant/Safety, Kelly Hickey from the Ashland County Engineer’s Office.
The closure will occur in two phases:
Monday, May 6th through Tuesday, May 7th: County Road 1950 will be closed between County Road 175 and Bell Road. This portion of the road, specifically spanning from House # 88 to House # 74, will be inaccessible to traffic during this time. The closure is necessary for the culvert replacement project. Authorities anticipate reopening by 8:00 am on Tuesday, May 7th.
Tuesday, May 7th through Wednesday, May 8th: A second phase of closure will take effect. County Road 1950 will again be closed between County Road 175 and Bell Road, but this time between House # 74 and House # 70. This closure is part of the same culvert replacement project and is expected to conclude by 8:00 am on Wednesday, May 8th.
Residents and motorists are urged to plan alternative routes and allow extra travel time during the closure periods. The Ashland County Engineer’s Office is working diligently to ensure minimal disruption while prioritizing the completion of this vital infrastructure upgrade.
Stay updated on any changes to the schedule and additional information regarding the County Road 1950 closure. Your cooperation and understanding are greatly appreciated as we work towards improving road safety in Mohican Township.
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Joe Lyons •
May 7, 2024
The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force is offering a reward for information which would lead to the capture of fugitive Anthony Alexander. Alexander is wanted by the U.S. Marshals Service and the Adult Parole Authority on a parole violation on the original charge of possession drugs. Alexander, 38, is described as a white male with brown hair and brown eyes, standing 6 feet 0 inches tall. Alexander has ties to the cities of Mansfield and Marion.
The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force is offering a reward for information which would lead to the capture of fugitive Jose Fox. Fox is wanted by the U.S. Marshals Service and the Richland County Sheriff’s Office for possession of drugs. Fox, 54, is described as a white male with gray hair and hazel eyes, standing 6 feet, 4 inches tall. Fox has ties to the cities of Mansfield and Bellville.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol is bringing awareness to the potential increase of motorcycles on our roadways. May is National Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, and the Ohio State Highway Patrol would like to remind motorcyclists to ride trained and sober.
Mount Vernon – The Mount Gilead Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating a fatal traffic crash that occurred on Thursday, May 2nd, 2024 at approximately 4:41 PM, on Columbus Road in the City of Mount Vernon.
Meanwhile, Office Administrator Mindy Howman is being promoted to the new role of Grants Administrator. While retaining oversight of office management functions, she also will support McNaull with coordination and administration of grants, grantmaking committees and events.