Mechanics Bank Breaks Ground on New Ashland Location
Ashland- Mechanics Bank marked a major milestone today with the groundbreaking of its newest branch on George Road in Ashland, Ohio. Celebrating with members of the community, local business leaders, and chamber representatives, this ceremony heralded the bank’s 10th location—and its first outside of Richland County.
Amy Daubenspeck, President of the Ashland Area Chamber of Commerce, shared a personal connection, reminiscing about her early career days working with Mechanics Bank as a client. “It’s amazing to think that all these years later, I’d be welcoming Mechanics Bank to our community,” said Daubenspeck, who praised the bank’s commitment to supporting Ashland’s growth. She also noted how Mechanics Bank approached their first meeting with a genuine interest in how they could contribute to the community, underlining their commitment to becoming “a huge player in our community.”
Mechanics Bank, which has served Richland County since 1886, and maintains its headquarters in Mansfield. With over 138 years of independent management, the bank remains focused on serving its communities directly. President and CEO Mark Masters spoke of the longstanding relationship with Ashland residents, highlighting how Mechanics Bank has continually supported them through home loans and other financial services. He expressed excitement about the new branch, which is set to open in late 2025, noting that it will offer a full suite of services, from traditional banking to investments and community spaces.
“We hope to be seen as more than a bank—as a community resource,” Masters said. “Our people-focused approach goes beyond banking. It’s about seeing through our customers’ eyes, investing in the communities we serve, and playing an active role in their future.”
Ashland Mayor Matt Miller also addressed the crowd, sharing his appreciation for Mechanics Bank’s local touch and emphasizing the importance of banks as essential pillars of a thriving local economy. “We’re honored that Mechanics Bank has chosen to invest in Ashland,” said Miller. “Our community is a growing hub of industry, education, and healthcare, and a locally driven institution like Mechanics Bank will be a great fit here.”
Mechanics Bank announced its commitment to Ashland by presenting a $10,000 donation to the Ashland County United Way, aimed at supporting local initiatives. Mark Masters concluded the ceremony by introducing Nikki and Holly, the new branch manager and assistant manager for the Ashland branch, who expressed their excitement to serve the Ashland community.
As Ashland’s own Simonson Construction gets underway, the new branch promises to bring enhanced visibility to Mechanics Bank along the Route 250 corridor. With plans to provide meeting spaces for small groups and services geared toward both individual and business banking needs, the branch is poised to become an integral part of the Ashland community.
Learn more about Mechanics Bank at mymechanics.com.
Ashland County Authorities Arrest Local Man in Drug Raid, Seize Methamphetamines and Suspected Fentanyl
In a coordinated operation on Wednesday morning, the Ashland Police Division, Ashland County Sheriff’s Office, and SWAT team served a search warrant at 721 Ohio Street in Ashland, Ohio. The raid led to the arrest of 39-year-old Paul Kuhn, who now faces drug charges.
Authorities conducted the raid at approximately 8:00 a.m., executing a search warrant that resulted in the seizure of approximately 23.3 grams of methamphetamine and suspected fentanyl from Kuhn’s residence. The Ashland Police Division has filed a complaint against Kuhn, charging him with aggravated possession of drugs, a second-degree felony under Ohio law.
Kuhn appeared via video for a bond hearing before Magistrate Paul T. Lange of the Ashland County Common Pleas Court. Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Matthew C. Metcalf requested a bond of $100,000, recommending conditions should Kuhn be released. These include a surety bond option, travel restrictions, and a mandatory drug and alcohol assessment.
The prosecution argued for these conditions, citing Kuhn’s lengthy criminal history, which includes prior convictions for complicity to felonious assault, burglary, obstructing official business, and other offenses. Court records also reveal previous convictions in Ashland for offenses such as petty theft, criminal trespass, menacing, and disorderly conduct.
Kuhn’s residence in Ashland and criminal record were noted in the prosecution’s argument for a high bond. Assistant Prosecutor Metcalf highlighted concerns regarding community safety, given the substantial quantity of methamphetamine and presence of suspected fentanyl found in Kuhn’s possession.
As the case proceeds, Ashland law enforcement has reiterated their commitment to combating drug activity in the area. The Ashland Police Division encourages residents to report any suspicious activity and assures the community of its continued efforts to address local drug-related crime.
Ashland Police Division has not yet issued a public statement regarding the arrest or the details of the search warrant execution, despite multiple requests.
Ashland Woman Faces Drug Charges Following Police Raid
Ashland, Ohio – Ashland Police Division Officers, and the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office, along with the SWAT team served a search warrant on the morning of November 6th at 139 1/2 E Liberty Street, leading to the arrest of 35-year-old Tara Preece. Law enforcement executed the warrant around 9:30 a.m., uncovering methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, and suspected fentanyl at the residence.
Preece appeared for a virtual bond hearing at 1:30 p.m. before Ashland County Common Pleas Court Magistrate Paul T. Lange. The hearing addressed a complaint filed by the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office, detailing a felony charge of aggravated possession of drugs. According to the complaint, Preece is alleged to have knowingly obtained or used a controlled substance, specifically 2.509 grams of methamphetamine, on or about November 6.
Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Matthew C. Metcalf recommended that bond be set at $5,000, secured by cash or other assets, and proposed conditions for release. These included requiring Preece to remain within Ohio, undergo a drug and alcohol assessment, and comply with treatment recommendations due to her history of substance-related charges. Metcalf cited previous convictions involving drug offenses, falsification, and failure to appear as additional grounds for the bond terms.
The court was informed that Preece has a prior record, with several drug-related convictions dating back to 2017. In 2021, she was convicted in Ashland of aggravated possession of drugs, adding to similar offenses in 2019 and 2020.
Ashland Police Division has not yet issued a public statement regarding the arrest or the details of the search warrant execution, despite multiple requests.
BCI and Dayton Police Partner to Review
Cold-Case Homicide of Three-War Veteran
(COLUMBUS, Ohio) — At the request of the Dayton Police Department, the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation is conducting a cold case review of the unsolved 2009 homicide of 85-year-old Army Sgt. Maj. (Ret.) North Woodall, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost announced today.
“The military has an ethos that you don’t leave a teammate behind,” AG Yost said. “We’re hoping on Veterans Day that someone remembers something — they heard something or saw something — and will reach out to help us get justice for this American hero.”
Woodall, a decorated veteran of World War II and the Vietnam and Korean wars, was killed on July 27, 2009, inside his home on Walton Avenue. Even though authorities collected fingerprints and DNA from the scene, the case went cold.
Fifteen years later, the Dayton Police Department, eager to do right by Woodall and his service to our country, is partnering with BCI’s Cold Case Unit to review the case.
DNA from the crime scene has been submitted to CODIS, the FBI’s national Combined DNA Index System, in hopes of finding a matching profile.
“All murders and deaths are tragedies, but this one in particular considering what Mr. Woodall had been through in his life, having served our country,” Dayton Police Maj. Brian Johns said. “Especially around Veterans Day, I would love to solve this case for Mr. Woodall, and for his family.”
Tips about this case can be called in to 855-BCI-OHIO (855-224-6446) or reported here.
Ohio State Highway Patrol warns motorists to lookout for deer
The Ohio State Highway Patrol is reminding motorists of the increase in deer-involved crashes during this time of year.
Since 2019, there have been 109,507 deer-involved crashes on Ohio roadways. While 95% of deer-involved crashes only resulted in property damage, 44 crashes were fatal and resulted in 45 deaths. Additionally, from 2019-2023, 47% of these crashes occurred in October, November and December, with 22% occurring in November alone.
“Practicing safe driving habits and staying fully focused on the road increases your chances of spotting deer before it’s too late,” said Colonel Charles A. Jones, Patrol superintendent. “If you do strike a deer, prioritize your safety by moving to a secure location if possible, turning on your hazard lights and reporting the incident.”
The most crashes involving deer have happened in Stark (3,138), Richland (2,880), Hancock (2,725) and Defiance (2,560) counties. Combined, these four counties accounted for 10% of all deer-involved crashes. Additionally, more than 100 deer-involved crashes have happened in all but one Ohio county since 2019.
Simple tips to avoid an animal collision are: scan the road ahead, use high-beam headlights when able, be extra cautious at dawn and dusk and if a collision is unavoidable, brake – don’t swerve ! stay in your lane.
Motorists are reminded they can safely dial #677 from their mobile device to be connected to the nearest Ohio State Highway Patrol Post during a roadway emergency.
Suspicious Package at Former Synagogue in Mansfield Cleared by Authorities
November, 5, 2024, Mansfield, OH — A suspicious package found at 973 Larchwood Road. The property, which previously served as a Jewish synagogue and now operates as the McElvain Group Home for individuals with developmental disabilities, became the focus of heightened concern due to past threats targeting the location.
Around 1:30 p.m., the Mansfield Police Division reached out to the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office Bomb Squad for assistance after a potentially dangerous package was discovered on the premises. Authorities explained that given the site’s history of prior threats — including reports of potential gun violence — they were compelled to conduct a thorough investigation.
Mansfield Police emphasized the importance of conducting “due diligence” given the sensitivity of the location and its history. Officers promptly evacuated the area and implemented safety protocols as the bomb squad assessed the package.
Following a careful inspection, authorities confirmed that the item was, in fact, a legitimate package and posed no threat. Law enforcement officials cleared the scene shortly afterward, reassuring community members that the area was safe.
Ashland County Shatters Record with 4,200 Pounds of Donations for Annual “Cram the Cruiser” Food Drive
In a remarkable show of generosity, the residents of Ashland County set a new record during this year’s “Cram the Cruiser” food drive, hosted by the Ashland Post of the Ohio Highway Patrol. Held over the weekend, the event saw an incredible response from the community, ultimately collecting a record-breaking 4,200 pounds of food, nearly 1,000 pounds more than last year’s record of 3,420 pounds.
Ohio Highway Patrol Sgt. Kumor, who spoke about the event earlier in the month, had high hopes but remained cautiously optimistic. “We’ll see,” he said at the time. “Ashland residents are a giving community, but we will see.” And the results surpassed expectations, with Ashland residents stepping up in a major way.
The collected donations were delivered Monday morning to Associated Charities / Ashland County Food Bank on Cleveland Ave., where Christine Box, the Executive Director, was on hand to receive the van filled to capacity. Box, reflecting on the annual event’s growth, shared the impressive historical figures:
2018: 2,800 lbs.
2019: 2,380 lbs.
2020: 2,460 lbs.
2021: 3,080 lbs.
2022: 3,280 lbs.
2023: 3,420 lbs.
2024: 4,200 lbs.
Seeing the packed van, Box was taken aback. “I was shocked,” she said. “I actually drove by the post yesterday and thought the van was going to explode! This is incredible. This time of year is our busiest season, and this will sustain us through the holidays and into the start of next year.”
In addition to the food, the community donated over $1,300 in cash, marking a historic level of support. Lieutenant Brad Bishop, Commander of the Ashland Post, expressed deep gratitude for the county’s generosity. “It’s very humbling,” he said. “This outpouring of support from the people of Ashland and seeing it turned around to help those in need is really incredible. I never imagined we’d reach over 4,000 pounds, plus these generous cash donations. Walmart, Associated Charities, and Ashland University’s Criminal Justice Club have all been invaluable partners in making this possible.”
Sgt. Kumor also gave a shoutout to Ohio Highway Patrol retirees who contributed by bringing down vintage patrol cars, adding a nostalgic and festive touch to the event. “People loved seeing the cars and taking pictures with them. It was a lot of fun,” he said.
As the Ashland community reflects on this year’s record-breaking achievement, the lasting impact of the donations will be felt into 2025, providing vital support to families in need.
17-Year-Old Driver Charged with OVI in Ashland County Rollover Crash
Mifflin, OH — A 17-year-old male has been charged with Operating a Vehicle Under the Influence (OVI), Child Endangerment, Fail to Control, following a late-night crash. The incident took place around 10:26 PM on 11 Main Street in Mifflin when the driver lost control of his 2014 Hyundai Veloster, which veered off the roadway, crashed down an embankment, and came to a stop against a tree, causing severe damage to the vehicle.
According to Ohio State Highway Patrol, the 17-year-old was driving westbound on Ashland County Road 30A when the car went off the right side of the road, rolling over before stopping halfway down the embankment. The impact was so severe that it nearly tore the engine from the Hyundai.
The young driver had two passengers on board: 18-year-old Lakisha Hall and a 3-year-old child, whose names have not been released.
Emergency responders from multiple agencies, including the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office, Mifflin Fire Department, and EMS units from Hayesville and Richland County Mifflin Township, quickly responded to the scene.
The three occupants were transported to Mansfield Ohio-Health Hospital, where they were treated for what are believed to be non-life-threatening injuries.
Due to the vehicle’s precarious position down the embankment, Aber’s Towing & Crane Service was called to the scene. They used a specialized rotator crane to carefully lift the damaged vehicle from the ravine.
The incident remains under investigation, and authorities are urging drivers to exercise caution, especially when transporting passengers.
Press Release:
Troopers Investigating Serious Injury Crash
Village of Mifflin – On Saturday, November 2nd, 2024, at approximately 10:26 PM, a 2014 Hyundai Veloster was traveling westbound on Maine St. when it ran off of the right side of the roadway and struck a tree.
The operator of the Hyundai is a 17 year old juvenile male, and was transported to Ohio Health Mansfield Hospital with minor injuries by Mifflin Fire and EMS. A female passenger, Lakisha Hall 18 years old, from Mansfield, Ohio was transported to Ohio Health Mansfield Hospital by Mifflin Fire & EMS with serious non-life threatening injuries. Ms. Hall’s 3 year old daughter was also transported to Ohio Health Mansfield Hospital with minor injuries by Mifflin Fire & EMS. All three occupants of the vehicle were wearing proper safety belt equipment at the time of the crash.
Speed and alcohol are factors in the crash, and the crash is still currently under investigation.
Assisting at the scene were: The Ashland County Sheriff’s Office, Mifflin Fire and EMS, and Aber’s Towing. The roadway was closed for approximately 2 hours.
Single-Vehicle Rollover Accident on US Route 42 Sends One to Hospital
Ashland County, OH – Emergency responders were called to the scene of a single-vehicle rollover accident on U.S. Route 42 at 5:47 p.m. this evening. The Ohio Highway Patrol, along with the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office, Ashland Police Division, and Ashland Fire Department & EMS, responded to the incident, which occurred near State Route 511.
The driver, 61-year-old Teresa Bates of Ashland, was operating a 2022 Hyundai Accent southbound on U.S. Route 42. According to the Ohio Highway Patrol, Bates veered off the right side of the highway, striking an embankment. The impact caused her vehicle to roll over and come to rest at the bottom of a ravine.
Ashland Firefighters used mechanical means to extricate Bates.
Ashland EMS personnel transported Bates to Ohio-Health Mansfield Hospital, her injuries are believed to be non-life-threatening.
Troopers do not believe drugs or alcohol were factors in the crash.
The Ohio Highway Patrol is continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.
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Joe Lyons •
November 7, 2024
