Joe Lyons

AU earns prestigious business accreditation from AACSB International

ASHLAND, Ohio – Ashland University is pleased to announce that its Dauch College of Business and Economics has earned business accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). It was announced Tuesday by AACSB International, the longest-serving global accrediting body for business schools, and the largest business education network connecting learners, educators and businesses worldwide.

“AACSB accreditation recognizes institutions that have demonstrated a focus on excellence in all areas, including teaching, research, curriculum development and student learning,” stated Stephanie M. Bryant, executive vice president and chief accreditation officer of AACSB. “We congratulate Ashland University and Dean Dan Fox on earning accreditation and applaud the entire team, including the administration, faculty, staff and students, for their roles in earning this respected honor.”

AU President Carlos Campo, Ph.D., added, “We congratulate the faculty and staff in the College of Business and Economics for their commitment to excellence, which led to achieving this milestone. We also thank the AACSB for partnering with us on this achievement, as they were professional partners during the academic journey which resulted in this outstanding news.”

AACSB accreditation is synonymous with the highest standards of quality. Less than six percent of the world’s schools offering business degree programs hold AACSB accreditation. Through Tuesday’s ratification, which included six other schools, a total of 1,019 institutions across 65 countries and territories have earned AACSB accreditation in business.

“The academic community of Ashland University is so appreciative of the validation that AACSB has provided for the quality journey which the faculty of the College of Business and Economics has been actively traveling to reach this milestone,” said Amiel Jarstfer, Ph.D., provost of AU. “We’re confident that the business students will continue to perceive the deep engagement of the teaching scholars in this college of Ashland University.”

Achieving AACSB accreditation is a mission-driven, rigorous process that includes an in-depth assessment of internal activities, mentorship with an AACSB advisor and a peer-reviewed evaluation focused on continuous improvement. During this multiyear path, schools focus on developing and implementing a plan to achieve their mission and align with AACSB’s accreditation standards. These principles-based standards require excellence in areas relating to strategic management and innovation, research and teaching and learning.

“We are honored by this recognition as it affirms our commitment to providing students with the highest quality business education. This achievement would not have been possible without the dedication of our students, faculty, administration and staff,” said Dan Fox, dean of AU’s College of Business and Economics. “With AACSB accreditation, we are now positioned as a college to achieve even greater things as we carry out the mission of providing students with a transformative learning experience and shaping graduates who work, serve and lead with integrity in their local, national and global communities.”

AU’s College of Business and Economics, or COBE as it is affectionately known on campus, offers a wide variety of undergraduate academic programs, ranging from traditional disciplines like accounting, finance, management and marketing to more specialized areas like entrepreneurship, fashion merchandising, sport management and its newest offering, industrial and systems engineering. There is also a top-rated MBA program that features a variety of formats and specializations to advance one’s career.

COBE also houses the Burton D. Morgan Center for Free Enterprise & Entrepreneurship, devoted to encouraging the entrepreneurial spirit and innovation of all AU students, no matter their major. The center provides expertise, support, education and connections to help turn one’s passion into a profitable business idea.

“Ashland University’s commitment to earning accreditation is a true reflection of (its) dedication, not only to (its) students, alumni network and greater business community, but to the higher education industry as a whole,” added Bryant. “Today’s students are tomorrow’s business leaders, and the addition of Ashland University to the network of AACSB-accredited schools will have a lasting positive impact for (its) institution, both locally and globally.”

Fugitives of the Week March 4, 2024

The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force is offering a reward for information which would lead to the capture of fugitive Terrence Ison. Ison is wanted U.S. Marshals Service and the Adult Parole Authority on a parole violation on the original charge of aggravated burglary and weapons under disability. Ison 40, is described as a black male with black hair and blue eyes, standing 5 feet 11 inches tall. Ison has ties to the city of Mansfield.

 

Terrence Ison

The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force is offering a reward for information which would lead to the capture of fugitive Calvin Brooks. Brooks is wanted by the U.S. Marshals Service and the Richland County Sheriff’s Office on a probation violation on the original charge of aggravated burglary (F1). Brooks, 52, is described as a black male with black hair and brown eyes, standing 5 feet 9 inches tall. Brooks has ties to the city of Mansfield.

 

Calvin Brooks

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 U.S. Marshals Service and the Richland County Sheriff’s Office on a probation violation on the original charge of 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 Quinness Howell. Howell is wanted U.S. Marshals Service and the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office for trafficking in drugs. Howell, 19, is described as a black male with black hair and brown eyes, standing 5 feet, 8 inches tall. Howell has ties to the city of Mansfield.

 

Quinness Howell

If you have any information in reference to Terrence Ison, Calvin Brooks, Zachary Simmons, or Quiness Howell, 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.

More Reasons to Vote for Chad Enderby for Sheriff

The election for Ashland County Sheriff includes two political newcomers who have approached this campaign in very different ways. Chad Enderby built a team of local people to help guide his campaign. Chad’s expectations for his supporters were that they be honest, hard-working, and respectful to the voters.

His opponent took a different direction by hiring two outside political consulting firms that are based in the Washington D.C. area. Per the Ashland County Board of Elections public filings, that campaign has spent $21,300 (as of the end of December) to help craft an image. That helps to explain the phone surveys, the unsolicited text messages, and the often-annoying robocalls.

But don’t be fooled by a campaign that has been advised by self-described “tough as nails political veterans.” Look past the rhetoric and look deeper into the facts and you’ll see why Chad Enderby is the best Sheriff candidate for the people of Ashland County.

Chad Enderby spent 30 years in the Ohio State Highway Patrol. During his OSHP career, Enderby received multiple promotions as he moved up through the ranks of supervision and administration. He ultimately was selected to be the Assistant District Commander, Cleveland District OSHP. There Chad managed 240 employees, administered an annual budget in excess of $10,000,000, and oversaw 7 individual highway patrol posts. He has had real, high-level responsibilities and actual management experience.

Take a careful look at the endorsements of both candidates. Chad Enderby’s endorsements include local people with names that you already recognize: the Ashland Fire Local 1386, elected city and county officials, business people, and retired law enforcement officers.

Enderby is developing carefully thought out plans for the future of Ashland County. He has not made rash, simple, politically-expedient claims on 911 dispatch. He understands that the hardware, software, communications, and legal complexities will require the collaborative efforts of many individuals and entities to improve 911 dispatch. There is no quick-fix, easy solution.

Electing Chad Enderby brings us a Sheriff with extensive experience, relevant local endorsements, and the understanding that is needed to develop a cooperative, comprehensive, common sense plan for 911 dispatch.

Please vote for Chad Enderby for Sheriff on Tuesday, March 19th.

Tom M. McNaull

Ashland, OH

Fatal Crash on State Route 314 near Millsboro Road

Springfield Township – The Ohio State Highway Patrol, Mansfield Post, is investigating a two-vehicle crash involving a 2018 Honda CBR1000RR motorcycle and a 2016 Dodge Journey on State Route 314, north of Millsboro Road.

 

The crash occurred on March 3, 2024, at approximately 3:38 PM, when Evan Gale, 32 years old, of Mansfield, was attempting to turn left out of a private driveway onto SR 314. Joshua Miller, 24 years old, of Ontario, was northbound approaching the driveway.

As Mr. Gale started to enter the roadway, Mr. Miller, in an attempt to avoid a collision, laid down the motorcycle. Mr. Miller collided with the front of the Dodge. Mr. Miller was transported to Ohio Health Mansfield, by Springfield EMS, where he succumbed to his injuries.

SR 314 was temporarily closed during the crash investigation with the assistance of the Ontario Police Department.

Additional agencies and entities who assisted in the investigation include the Richland County Sheriff’s Office, the Ontario Police Department, Springfield Township Fire and EMS, and Terry’s Towing.

The crash remains under further investigation at this time.

Man Created Plot to Conduct Mass Shooting of Women

CINCINNATI – A local, self-identified “Incel” was sentenced in U.S. District Court today to 80 months in prison for attempting to conduct a mass shooting of women.

Tres Genco, 24, of Hillsboro, Ohio, admitted he plotted to commit a hate crime, namely, a plan to shoot women at a university in Ohio. He was arrested by federal agents in July 2021 and has remained in custody since.

“Genco intended to carry out a devastating mass murder of innocent women in this state for no other reason than the fact that he hated them. Everybody deserves to live without threats of violence or fearing acts of terror,” said U.S. Attorney Kenneth L. Parker. “Genco’s sentence reflects the need to protect the community from him for a significant period of time. I thank each of our law enforcement partners for working together to keep our community safe.”

“Genco plotted to violently attack women and was motivated by his personal hatred,” stated FBI Cincinnati Acting Special Agent in Charge Cheryl Mimura. “Law enforcement, working together, stopped his deadly attack from happening. The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force will continue to work closely with our law enforcement and community partners to disrupt threats and prevent violence in our community.”

Genco identified as an Incel or “involuntary celibate.” The Incel movement is a predominantly male online community that harbors anger towards women, fueled by their inability to convince women to engage in sexual activity with them.

According to court documents, Genco maintained profiles on a popular Incel website from at least July 2019 through mid-March 2020 and posted more than 450 times on the site. More than 3,000 items on Genco’s two phones contained the word “Incel.”

In one online post, Genco detailed spraying “some foids [women] and couples” with orange juice in a water gun. Genco compared his “extremely empowering action” to similar conduct by known Incel Elliot Rodger. In May 2014, Rodger killed six people and injured 14 others, including shooting individuals outside a University of California, Santa Barbara sorority house. Prior to his mass attack, Rodger shot a group of college students with orange juice from a water gun. Rodger also emailed a 107,000-word manifesto to multiple media outlets before his mass shooting.

Genco wrote a manifesto, too, stating he would “slaughter” women “out of hatred, jealousy and revenge…” and referring to death as the “great equalizer.” The investigation revealed that the day he wrote his manifesto, Genco searched online for two sororities, including one at The Ohio State University. His Google searches included “sorority osu” and “ohio state university sororities.”

As part of this investigation, law enforcement agents discovered a note of Genco’s that indicated he hoped to “aim big” for a “huge!” kill count of 3,000 people with a reference to the same date as Elliot Rodger’s attack. The note said Genco intended to attend military training.

In 2019, Genco purchased tactical gloves, a bulletproof vest, a hoodie bearing the word “Revenge,” cargo pants, a bowie knife, a skull facemask, two Glock 17 magazines, a 9mm Glock 17 clip, and a holster clip concealed carry for a Glock.

Genco attended Army Basic Training in Georgia from August through December 2019. He was discharged for entry-level performance and conduct.

On Jan. 11, 2020, Genco wrote a note on his phone entitled “isolated” that he described as “the writings of the deluded and homicidal.” Genco signed the document, “Your hopeful friend and murderer.”

On Jan. 15, 2020, the defendant wrote another note on his phone that appears to document surveillance of an unidentified school. He wrote: “10:53 am, fairly busy, Wednesday, Students seem fairly nerdy, some hipster dull kids as well. The track is primarily unused. Ages vary. The average appears to be early 20s. Car quality is generally mid lower tier. Some sort of building behind the college look into it. They have no check of any sort entering the building. I wasn’t questioned at all. Backpacks are very common.”

That same day, Genco searched online for topics including “planning a shooting crime” and “when does preparing for a crime become an attempt?”

On March 11, 2020, Genco screenshotted information on his phone about radio codes for Columbus police and The Ohio State University police. He also accessed the Facebook pages for one of the university’s sororities.

The next day, on March 12, 2020, Highland County sheriff’s deputies responded to Genco’s residence. At the residence, in the trunk of Genco’s vehicle, police officers found, among other things, a firearm with a bump stock attached, several loaded magazines, body armor and boxes of ammunition. Inside the residence, police officers found a modified Glock-style 9mm semiautomatic pistol, with no manufacturer’s marks or serial number, hidden in a heating vent in Genco’s bedroom. As part of his plea, Genco admitted that he possessed both firearms in furtherance of his plot.

Genco pleaded guilty in October 2022 to one count of attempting to commit a hate crime.

Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Cheryl Mimura, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Cincinnati Division; Daryl S. McCormick, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF); and Highland County Sheriff Donnie Barrera announced the sentence imposed today by Senior U.S. District Judge Susan J. Dlott. Assistant United States Attorneys Megan Gaffney Painter and Timothy S. Mangan are representing the United States in this case.

Enderby for Sheriff

I’ve had friends, acquaintances and even some strangers approach or message me and ask, why is it that I so strongly support Chad Enderby for Sheriff? It’s simple really, it says it right on his campaign slogan, EXPERIENCE, LEADERSHIP, INTEGRITY. These are all three qualities that we must have in our next Sheriff. These are three qualities that have been developed in Chad Enderby through training and experience with the Ohio Highway Patrol and as the City of Ashland Human Resources Director.

If we take a close look at Chad Enderbys experience versus his opponent you’ll see a clear distinction between them.

Nearly thirty years of experience and high level training with the Ohio Highway Patrol, with twenty of those years spent climbing the ranks of supervision.

The benefits of time and training spent in a law enforcement supervisory position. Writing policy, enforcing policy, budgeting, working within a budget, analyzing community problems and developing solutions to them, as well as managing others that are required to perform these tasks.

Human relations, the ability to form and maintain collaborative relationships. This is crucial as we look to the future, to bring partner agencies back together to work toward common goals, i.e, bringing city dispatch back to Ashland County.

Chad Enderby has these relationships in place now in his current position as HR Director and he has them in place from his past law enforcement leadership positions.

These are four very brief points that cannot be overlooked. Four very brief points where Chad Enderbys opponent simply does not have the experience.

I’m not writing this based on what I’ve read or what I’ve been told. I’m writing this based on what I know from my experience as a police officer and then as a police supervisor in our community for nearly twenty-eight years. I worked with and along-side both of the candidates running for Sheriff. Chad Enderby is what our county and our sheriff’s office needs! Please join me on or before March 19th and vote for Chad Enderby for Sheriff.

Respectfully,

Darcy Baker

Ashland, Ohio

Community Urged to Donate and Participate in Fundraiser for Cancer Patients

Community Urged to Donate and Participate in Fundraiser for Cancer Patients

The Ashland County Cancer Association (ACCA) is gearing up for its annual rummage sale, a beloved community event aimed at raising funds to support cancer patients in need. With a focus on providing financial assistance and emotional support to those battling cancer, ACCA is calling on the generosity of residents to donate items and participate in the sale, scheduled to take place from May 30th to June 1st, 2024.

Donations for the rummage sale are currently being accepted at the ACCA office from Monday to Thursday, now thru May 14th, from 9 am to 3:30 pm. Accepted items include purses, books, office supplies, crafts, electronics, household décor, kitchenware, clothing, shoes, and much more. However, organizers emphasize that only items in good condition will be accepted, with no broken, stained, torn, or outdated items permitted.

For those unable to drop off donations during the specified office hours, the Ashland County Cancer Association will be collecting at the Ashland Fairgrounds in the Gold Building from May 15th to 18th and May 20th to 24th, between 10 am and 4 pm. Large items require prior approval and can be submitted by texting a picture, description, and name to the provided number.

The highly anticipated rummage sale will be held at the Ashland County Fairgrounds, located on Claremont Avenue, in the Green and Gold Buildings. The event promises something for everyone, from household essentials to clothing, toys, and furniture. Attendees are encouraged to mark their calendars for the following dates and times:

Thursday, May 30th: 3 PM – 8 PM

Friday, May 31st: 9 AM – 6 PM

Saturday, June 1st: 9 AM – 2 PM

Additionally, on Saturday, June 1st, from 2:30 PM to 4 PM, all remaining items will be available for free, providing an opportunity for community members to find treasures while supporting a worthy cause.

Volunteers are crucial to the success of the rummage sale, and ACCA is actively seeking individuals to help sort and pack donations at the agency’s offices. Those interested in lending a hand can call the ACCA office at 419-281-1863, or visit during office hours, Monday through Thursday, between 10 am and 4 pm.

With the collective efforts of donors, volunteers, and attendees, the Ashland County Cancer Association aims to make a meaningful difference in the lives of local cancer patients, ensuring they receive the support and assistance they need during challenging times. For more information or inquiries, text 419-606-0549, or call 419-281-1863.

Join ACCA in making a difference, one donation and one sale at a time, in the fight against cancer.

Olivesburg General Store Grand Reopening

Olivesburg General Store had their grand reopening today with Local Consignors and Vendors giving samples throughout the day.

Local Consignors and Vendors were:

Fyre BBQ

Shoup’s Sweet Honey

Generations Baking

Miller’s Baked Goods

Tri-State Cheese

Hershey’s Ice Cream

Flour & Sugar (Baked Goods)

Dandylion Farms

Jones Potato Chips

Down by the Crick Candy

5:00 Wishmaker House starts wine tasting(must be 21 tasting tickets for purchase) & Tri-State Cheese will bring out a new selection of cheeses

6:00-8:00 The Phoenix Brewing Company will be here for tastings,including 2 new drops

6:00-8:00 Live Music: David Berry

Community Urged to Donate and Participate in Fundraiser for Cancer Patients

community urged to donate

The Ashland County Cancer Association (ACCA) is gearing up for its annual rummage sale, a beloved community event aimed at raising funds to support cancer patients in need. With a focus on providing financial assistance and emotional support to those battling cancer, ACCA is calling on the generosity of residents to donate items and participate in the sale, scheduled to take place from May 30th to June 1st, 2024.

Donations for the rummage sale are currently being accepted at the ACCA office from Monday to Thursday, now thru May 14th, from 9 am to 3:30 pm. Accepted items include purses, books, office supplies, crafts, electronics, household décor, kitchenware, clothing, shoes, and much more. However, organizers emphasize that only items in good condition will be accepted, with no broken, stained, torn, or outdated items permitted.

For those unable to drop off donations during the specified office hours, the Ashland County Cancer Association will be collecting at the Ashland Fairgrounds in the Gold Building from May 15th to 18th and May 20th to 24th, between 10 am and 4 pm. Large items require prior approval and can be submitted by texting a picture, description, and name to the provided number.

The highly anticipated rummage sale will be held at the Ashland County Fairgrounds, located on Claremont Avenue, in the Green and Gold Buildings. The event promises something for everyone, from household essentials to clothing, toys, and furniture. Attendees are encouraged to mark their calendars for the following dates and times:

  • Thursday, May 30th: 3 PM – 8 PM
  • Friday, May 31st: 9 AM – 6 PM
  • Saturday, June 1st: 9 AM – 2 PM

Additionally, on Saturday, June 1st, from 2:30 PM to 4 PM, all remaining items will be available for free, providing an opportunity for community members to find treasures while supporting a worthy cause.

Volunteers are crucial to the success of the rummage sale, and ACCA is actively seeking individuals to help sort and pack donations at the agency’s offices. Those interested in lending a hand can call the ACCA office at 419-281-1863, or visit during office hours, Monday through Thursday, between 10 am and 4 pm.

With the collective efforts of donors, volunteers, and attendees, the Ashland County Cancer Association aims to make a meaningful difference in the lives of local cancer patients, ensuring they receive the support and assistance they need during challenging times. For more information or inquiries, text 419-606-0549, or call 419-281-1863.

Join ACCA in making a difference, one donation and one sale at a time, in the fight against cancer.

“A Night of Celebration: The Ashland County Cancer Association’s Survivor Dinner at Mt. Vernon Estates”

The Ashland County Cancer Association’s Survivor Dinner at Mt. Vernon Estates surpassed all expectations, delivering an unforgettable evening of celebration and support for 161 survivors and their guests. Hosted against the picturesque backdrop of Mt. Vernon Estates, the event was a testament to resilience and camaraderie in the face of adversity. 

Guests were treated to a sumptuous feast prepared by Exclusively Yours Catering, featuring delectable dishes that delighted the palate. The culinary experience was elevated with exquisite desserts masterfully crafted by Jessica Sprague and Kim Norris, leaving attendees craving for more. 

Adding to the festivities was the unparalleled entertainment provided by comedian magician David McCreary, whose remarkable performance left the audience in stitches and filled the room with laughter and joy. Each survivor received a heartwarming memento of the evening, thanks to photographer Tim Black, who captured precious moments in complimentary 5 by 7 photos. 

The generosity of sponsors made the event truly special, with incredible swag bags provided by Shelly Bernhart, Sutton Bank, Tim Horton’s, Z’s Hair Design, and Snuggled in Hope Ministries. The support of venue sponsors, the Ashland County Community Foundation and Ben and Brenda Uselton, ensured that the evening unfolded flawlessly, while Peace Lutheran Church and the Samaritan Hospital Foundation stepped up as food and entertainment sponsors, respectively, further enriching the experience for all. 

A heartfelt thank you goes out to the Ashland County Cancer Association for orchestrating such a remarkable evening, reminding survivors that they are not alone in their journey. With each laughter shared and bond forged, the Survivor Dinner served as a beacon of hope and solidarity, reaffirming the strength of community in overcoming adversity.

ASHLAND WEATHER