In a heartwarming display of compassion and community spirit, students and staff at Crestview Elementary School have brought joy to our fur babies at the Ashland County Dog Shelter. Their efforts, part of the school’s “Kindness Month” initiative dubbed “Show Us Your Heart,” culminated in a generous donation drive throughout February.
Led by Molly Henderson and School Counselor Beth Cole, Crestview Elementary embarked on a mission to support their local shelters. Students eagerly participated, with each donation earning them a spot as the “I” in the word “KIND” displayed proudly in the school hallway.
The call for donations was met with overwhelming enthusiasm, as the community rallied behind the cause. The list of requested items, including essentials like Purina Dog Chow, soft treats, peanut butter, and cleaning supplies, struck a chord with many. Some students even went the extra mile by crafting homemade dog treats, showcasing their dedication to the cause.
The generosity didn’t stop there. Dana Emmons of Val’s Beauty Parlor in Medina caught wind of the initiative and wholeheartedly joined in, significantly boosting the donation pool through Facebook and her workplace.
The culmination of the donation drive was marked by a special visit to the Ashland County Dog Shelter, where the children were greeted by Dog Warden Joe Eggerton. The tour of the shelter proved to be a highlight for the students, who were visibly thrilled by the opportunity to interact with the shelter’s furry residents.
As the visit came to a close, expressions of gratitude echoed throughout the shelter. The Crestview Elementary School community’s kindness and generosity had made a tangible difference in the lives of the shelter animals and the staff caring for them.
In the spirit of giving and compassion, Crestview Elementary School has not only demonstrated the power of community but also instilled invaluable lessons of empathy and kindness in its students. Their efforts serve as a shining example of how small acts of kindness can make a big difference in the world, one paw at a time.
The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force is offering a reward for information which would lead to the capture of fugitive Mark Urbine. Urbine is wanted by the U.S. Marshals Service and the Adult Parole Authority on a parole violation on the original charge of robbery and domestic violence. Urbine 32, is described as a white male with brown hair and blue eyes, standing 5 feet 5 inches tall. Urbine has ties to the cities of Mansfield, Toledo, Willard, and Monroeville OH.
Mark Urbine
The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force is offering a reward for information which would lead to the capture of fugitive Dion Walker. Walker is wanted by the U.S. Marshals Service on a supervised release violation on the original charge of distribution of cocaine. Walker, 57, is described as a black male with black hair and brown eyes, standing 5 feet 7 inches tall. Walker has ties to the city of Mansfield.
Dion Walker
The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force is offering a reward for information which would lead to the capture of Zachary Simmons. Simmons is wanted by the U.S. Marshals Service and the Richland County Sheriff’s Office on a probation violation for felonious assault. Simmons, 31, is described as a white male with brown hair and brown eyes, standing 6 feet 5 inches tall. Simmons has ties to the city of Mansfield.
Zachary Simmons
The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force is offering a reward for information which would lead to the capture of fugitive Antoine Bentley. Bentley is wanted U.S. Marshals Service on a supervised release violation on the original charge for conspiracy to distribute and possess a controlled substance. Bentley, 40, is described as a black male with black hair and brown eyes, standing 5 feet, 9 inches tall. Bentley has ties to the city of Mansfield.
Antoine Bentley
If you have any information in reference to Mark Urbine, Dion Walker, Zachary Simmons, or Antoine Bentley, 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.
My first meeting with Sheriff candidates Kurt Schneider and Chad Enderby was at the Ashland County Fair in September of 2023 where both had booths in their bid to be our next sheriff.
In talking to both candidates in those early days, it was clear Kurt Schneider had the vision of why he wanted to become our next Sheriff and what his priorities would be.
I subsequently heard candidate Enderby speak at the Black River school one evening and listened to him describe what he portrayed to be experience in the Sheriff’s office which I understood not to be an accurate portrayal of his real experience (or lack there of).
Rather than listen to second hand information, I picked up the phone and personally spoke to Sheriff Wayne Risner to verify what was being said by the candidate.
Sheriff Risner confirmed what we all now clearly know, Chad Enderby never worked a minute serving in the Ashland Sheriff’s department.
Enderby’s portrayal that he “had experience in the Sheriff’s department” disturbed me—it still does.
There is enough deception and half-truths we have to live with in Washington. I personally don’t want to worry about that locally with our top local law enforcement official.
I don’t want to have to dissect every word and listen for the “half-truth” part of what is being said. That is just a deal breaker for me in a job this important.
Contrast that with Kurt Schneider who has not only years of experience serving on Ashland County patrol but also working in the jail and with the canine unit and other special teams. Kurt has years of actual, real work experience in the Ashland Sheriff’s department.
Kurt has the full endorsement of the current Ashland County Sheriff Wayne Risner, Retired Ashland Sheriff Larry Overholt, and multiple Sheriffs outside of Ashland County he has worked with—they have seen his dedication, good judgment and hard work partnering with their departments and endorse him to be Ashland County’s next Sheriff.
I don’t know how it can be any clearer when multiple people who DO THE JOB tell us Kurt is the most qualified.
They do this job day in and day out. They know what it takes. They know Kurt. It’s just that clear.
Vote Tuesday March 19th to make Kurt Schneider our next Ashland Sheriff!
Washington Township – The Ohio State Highway Patrol, Mansfield Post, is investigating a fatal crash involving a 2018 Dodge Durango on Vanderbilt Road, at the intersection of Middle Bellville Road.
Shawn McNamara, age 48, of Bellville, was driving eastbound on Vanderbilt Road, near Middle Bellville Road, when the vehicle traveled off the right side of the road a struck a tree.
The crash occurred on March 16, 2024 at approximately 11:18 P.M. Mr. McNamara was transported from the scene to Ohio Health Mansfield, by Washington Township EMS, where he succumbed to his injuries.
Additional agencies and entities who assisted in the investigation include the Richland County Sheriff’s Office, Washington Township Fire & EMS and Mike’s Towing.
Integrity matters. If you were to Google “integrity” you would find it defined as “the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles; moral uprightness.” Whether people know, realize, accept or fail to acknowledge it, Law Enforcement officers hold a great deal of responsibility in the sense that many things they do happens behind closed doors and out of the view of the taxpayers. Preparing reports, gathering statistics, applying for grants, internal discipline to name a few can all happen behind closed doors for years. You may never see it, you may only see it when a law enforcement officer of many years is suddenly charged with a crime, such as dereliction of duty or even theft. But you have to ask yourself, how do we get to this point? How can someone hired by a law enforcement agency fall so far from grace? Was it over time? Or did they have a moral imbalance from the start. As a retired law enforcement officer I can tell you where it starts, and that is at the top.
You as the voter, the voice of Ashland County, need to take all of this into account this Tuesday when you vote. You hold the power to decide what kind of person you want at the head of the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office. The person you will entrust with the ability to effectively lead with integrity the main enforcement body of this county who administers the jail, our 9-11 dispatch center for many residents or the deputies who respond to your house when you need it most.
That person is NOT Kurt Schneider. We all know elections can bring out the worst in people, you do not have to go far to see that. It is a sad reality, but under the extreme pressure of putting yourself in the spotlight like Schneider and Chad Enderby have done, someone’s real moral aptitude can be revealed. Kurt Schneiders lack of moral integrity has been shown to alarming levels during this campaign.
In a comment in response to Chad Enderby’s endorsement from J&H Lawn Care, a concerned voter made the following statement “Kurt was in our neighborhood today soliciting votes. When I pointed out our neighborhood’s “no soliciting” sign, his retort was “it is his constitutional right” to knock on our doors. To me, this is just disrespectful for our neighborhood. When I was talking a couple of weeks ago, one of Chad’s people stopped me and asked if the sign meant them. I said yes because it was soliciting votes. Right or wrong, Chad is respecting us. Kurt is not. Made up my mind who we are voting for. Two more votes for Chad! Also, I am on the side of needing new people with new ideas and no favoritism for the old school”.
As a voter, you must ask yourself is this how you want your deputies to be led? That it is ok to push the extreme boundaries of the citizens constitutional rights? It does not stop there.
On 3/17/2024, the Kurt Schneider campaign advertised and held a free BBQ at the corner park directly across from the Ashland County Board of elections, where citizens were casting their early votes. One could argue this is in violation of Ohio Revised Code 3501.35 (A)(5), No loitering or congregating near polling places specifically during an election and the counting of ballots, no person shall do any of the following: solicit or in any manner attempt to influence any elector in casting the elector’s vote. Additionally, once the event ended several campaign signs were left behind on the county park property in violation of established rules prohibiting this.
As a voter of Ashland County, if this is what a prospective Sheriff is willing to do, one could only wonder what he would allow to happen behind the closed doors of the Sheriff’s office. You would probably never know until it hit the headlines. A vote for Chad Enderby this Tuesday will end a revolving door of the “good old boys” we have known for so long. Integrity matters.
Mount Vernon, Ohio – History came alive at the historic Woodward Opera House in downtown Mount Vernon, Ohio, as renowned historian Ken Hammontree embodied the legendary composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart in “Mozart the Genius.” Joined by his student, Anna Smith from Genesis Christian Academy, the duo delighted audiences with a captivating portrayal of the musical maestro.
From the moment the performance began, Hammontree’s portrayal of Mozart captivated the audience, bringing to life the genius and eccentricity of the iconic composer. With his trademark quirky laugh and references to his “noodle,” Hammontree skillfully depicted Mozart’s playful personality, transporting viewers back in time to experience the essence of the musical prodigy.
Mozart’s remarkable musical talent was evident from a young age, as highlighted during the performance. Playing the keyboard at three and composing minuets at five, Mozart’s early achievements set the stage for a prolific career. By age twelve, he had completed his first opera, showcasing his extraordinary abilities and earning him the moniker “loved of God” with his middle name.
Central to the performance was Mozart’s Sonata in C Major, composed just three years before his untimely death. The piece, written for one of Mozart’s pupils, exemplifies the composer’s mastery of melody and balance, embodying the elegance of the Viennese classical period.
Despite his musical brilliance, Mozart’s life was marked by financial struggles and personal challenges. His penchant for spending led to financial woes, compounded by the failure of his concert promotions. However, his legacy endures through over 600 works, including operas, symphonies, concertos, and sonatas.
Tragically, Mozart’s life was cut short by rheumatic fever at the age of 35. He was laid to rest in a common grave, a stark contrast to the grandeur of his musical legacy.
The living history program provided audiences with a unique opportunity to witness Mozart at work, mentoring a promising young musician from Genesis Christian Academy. By incorporating a student into the performance, the program offered a more immersive and realistic portrayal of Mozart’s life and influence.
Throughout the 50-minute program, Mozart shared insights into his life and music, offering a glimpse into the mind of a musical genius. As the audience laughed and applauded, “Mozart the Genius” proved to be an unforgettable journey into the life and legacy of one of history’s greatest composers.
In the March 9, 2024 addition of The Ashland Times Gazette a contrast piece about the Sheriff Candidates ran. In usual TG style it is full of errors and misinformation. The article “attempts to clarify” the issue of Chad Enderby’s “service” with the Sheriff’s Office. The article states that “Enderby was not an employee of the Sheriff’s Office” but then goes on to say Enderby held a part-time position and was named a
Special Deputy. So which is it? What is the truth?
Let me clarify this for all residents of Ashland County. Chad Enderby signed up to be a Special Deputy, and some might have even seen the photo posted of him being sworn in on his Facebook page. Well, folks that was the beginning and end of his service at the Sheriff’s Office. I did a public records request and Kurt Schneider had 55 pages of work history at the Office, while Chad Enderby had “no data found”. After he signed up for service, Enderby was supposed to have a 12 week training program, which he did not participate in. He was also supposed to work 8 hours a months after he successfully completed his training. Which he could not do because he could not perform the duties of Special Deputy without the training.
Chad Enderby has also stated on the record that besides being a Special Deputy, he consulted on HR matters with the Sheriff’s Office, which he did not. I have had this verified with Sheriff Risner as well as by payroll records.
All this has been brought to the attention of the Times Gazette and they have failed to print a retraction for errors in their November article, and now they have printed more misinformation.
Beware Residents of Ashland County do not be fooled. As stated by our current Sheriff with 24 years holding the office, Sheriff Risner, “Kurt Schneider is the only choice to be our next sheriff”. I do not think we want to vote for a candidate that repeatedly has tried to pad his record in regards to service at the Sheriff’s Office, to the point of being dishonest. Who do you want leading you law enforcement in the County? Someone that misleads and does not tell the truth, or someone with the experience and transparency and the honesty this County needs. My vote is for Kurt Schneider, and I hope you will all make the right choice, or should I say the ONLY CHOICE. Vote Schneider for Sheriff on Tuesday.
In a proactive effort to enhance emergency preparedness and coordination, Ashland County first responders joined forces for an intensive active shooter training exercise on Friday, March 15, 2024, at Grace Church in the City of Ashland. The collaborative effort involved personnel from various agencies, underscoring the community’s commitment to safety and resilience.
Personnel from a multitude of agencies, including University Hospital, the Ashland Fire Division, the Ashland Police Division, the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office, the Ohio State Highway Patrol, the Loudonville Police Department, the Ashland County Emergency Management Agency, all the Ashland County Fire Departments, the Ashland County Coroner’s Office, and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, participated in the simulation. Their collective presence underscored the importance of interagency cooperation in mitigating the impact of active threat events.
Active shooter incidents are complex and demand a swift and coordinated response. By engaging in joint training exercises, first responders enhance their ability to communicate effectively and work together seamlessly during high-pressure situations. Such exercises not only bolster individual agency preparedness but also strengthen the overall safety of the community.
Acknowledging the significance of the training, leaders of the Ashland community expressed gratitude to all participants, including volunteers who played crucial roles as victims, evaluators, and bystanders. Their involvement was instrumental in ensuring the success of the training event, reflecting the community’s spirit of collaboration and dedication to safety.
Following the exercise, all participants engaged in a comprehensive debriefing session, reflecting on lessons learned and identifying areas for improvement. Such critical self-assessment is essential for refining response protocols and enhancing preparedness for future incidents involving multiple emergency response agencies in and around Ashland County.
The commitment demonstrated by Ashland County first responders to joint active threat training is a testament to their unwavering dedication to safeguarding the community. Through ongoing collaboration and continuous improvement efforts, they remain steadfast in their mission to protect lives and ensure the safety and well-being of all residents.
As threats evolve and challenges persist, Ashland County stands ready, equipped with a resilient network of first responders united in their resolve to confront adversity and uphold the highest standards of public safety.
As Ohio cities turn “green” for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, the Ohio State Highway Patrol and our local partners are teaming up to remove impaired drivers from Ohio roadways. The effort is part of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving campaign.
During the last five years, there were 216 impaired driving-related crashes on St. Patrick’s Day. Of those impaired driving-related crashes, there were 117 injuries and 11 fatal crashes that resulted in 14 deaths. Additionally, the Patrol made 417 OVI arrests on St. Patrick’s Day from 2019 to 2023.
“Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day irresponsibly can lead to tragedy,” said Colonel Charles A. Jones, Patrol superintendent. “There’s no excuse to get behind the wheel if you’ve been drinking, always designate a sober driver.”
“We encourage bars, restaurants and patrons work together to ensure a safe St. Patrick’s Day,” said Ohio Investigative Unit Senior Enforcement Commander Erik Lockhart. “Patrons can take proactive steps by designating a driver and not consuming an excessive amount of alcohol. We ask permit holders to educate their staff on recognizing signs of over serving and underage drinking to ensure safety.”
As always, motorists are encouraged to safely call #677 to report unsafe or impaired drivers on Ohio roadways.
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Joe Lyons •
March 20, 2024
In a heartwarming display of compassion and community spirit, students and staff at Crestview Elementary School have brought joy to our fur babies at the Ashland County Dog Shelter. Their efforts, part of the school’s “Kindness Month” initiative dubbed “Show Us Your Heart,” culminated in a generous donation drive throughout February.
The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force is offering a reward for information which would lead to the capture of fugitive Mark Urbine. Urbine is wanted by the U.S. Marshals Service and the Adult Parole Authority on a parole violation on the original charge of robbery and domestic violence. Urbine 32, is described as a white male with brown hair and blue eyes, standing 5 feet 5 inches tall. Urbine has ties to the cities of Mansfield, Toledo, Willard, and Monroeville OH.
The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force is offering a reward for information which would lead to the capture of fugitive Dion Walker. Walker is wanted by the U.S. Marshals Service on a supervised release violation on the original charge of distribution of cocaine. Walker, 57, is described as a black male with black hair and brown eyes, standing 5 feet 7 inches tall. Walker has ties to the city of Mansfield.
The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force is offering a reward for information which would lead to the capture of Zachary Simmons. Simmons is wanted by the U.S. Marshals Service and the Richland County Sheriff’s Office on a probation violation for felonious assault. Simmons, 31, is described as a white male with brown hair and brown eyes, standing 6 feet 5 inches tall. Simmons has ties to the city of Mansfield.
The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force is offering a reward for information which would lead to the capture of fugitive Antoine Bentley. Bentley is wanted U.S. Marshals Service on a supervised release violation on the original charge for conspiracy to distribute and possess a controlled substance. Bentley, 40, is described as a black male with black hair and brown eyes, standing 5 feet, 9 inches tall. Bentley has ties to the city of Mansfield.
My first meeting with Sheriff candidates Kurt Schneider and Chad Enderby was at the Ashland County Fair in September of 2023 where both had booths in their bid to be our next sheriff.
Washington Township – The Ohio State Highway Patrol, Mansfield Post, is investigating a fatal crash involving a 2018 Dodge Durango on Vanderbilt Road, at the intersection of Middle Bellville Road.
Integrity matters. If you were to Google “integrity” you would find it defined as “the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles; moral uprightness.” Whether people know, realize, accept or fail to acknowledge it, Law Enforcement officers hold a great deal of responsibility in the sense that many things they do happens behind closed doors and out of the view of the taxpayers. Preparing reports, gathering statistics, applying for grants, internal discipline to name a few can all happen behind closed doors for years. You may never see it, you may only see it when a law enforcement officer of many years is suddenly charged with a crime, such as dereliction of duty or even theft. But you have to ask yourself, how do we get to this point? How can someone hired by a law enforcement agency fall so far from grace? Was it over time? Or did they have a moral imbalance from the start. As a retired law enforcement officer I can tell you where it starts, and that is at the top.
As Ohio cities turn “green” for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, the Ohio State Highway Patrol and our local partners are teaming up to remove impaired drivers from Ohio roadways. The effort is part of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving campaign.