ASHLAND, Ohio – Ashland’s streets will be filled by the smell of rebellion when The Salvation Army Ray & Joan Kroc Corps Community Center in Ashland presents, “Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical Jr.,” on January 12, 13 and 14 at The Ashland Theatre, 212 Center Street, Ashland.
Based on the beloved book “Matilda” by Roald Dahl and adapted from the award-winning full-length musical, Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical Jr. tells the story of an extraordinary girl who, armed with a vivid imagination and a sharp mind, dares to take a stand and change her own destiny.
This is the Ashland Kroc Youth Theatre’s fourth production and largest cast yet, with two alternating leads and over 57 kids from Ashland County and surrounding communities. Production of “Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical Jr.” has been led by Majors Billy and Annalise Francis, and Amy Morgan.
“One of my favorite moments early in the show is when Matilda sings, ‘Even if you are little you can do a lot’. It’s such a powerful reminder for each of us, tall and small, to take ownership in how we can create our reality,” says Major Billy Francis. “Through the process of putting on this musical, these youth are doing just that: they are joining together and working hard to create this extraordinary event for their community. We think they deserve a standing ovation for all their work,” he adds.
The Ashland Kroc Youth Theatre’s performances of “Matilda the Musical Jr.” will take place on Friday, January 12 at 7 p.m., Saturday, January 13 at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.; and Sunday, January 14 at 3 p.m. Tickets range from $12 to $18 and may be purchased by going to The Ashland Theatre’s website (https://theashland.org/) or in-person at their box office.
“The Ashland Kroc Youth Theatre program has a holistic approach to learning vocal, acting, movement, and stage techniques in the process of being part of a production from start to performance,” explains Major Annalise Francis. “We seek to inspire the development of each performer in an encouraging, cast-oriented, Christ-centered environment.”
“Those who attend just may receive the biggest hug in the world, one that even might hug all of the air out of them,” adds Major Annalise.
Dan Lawson, PhD, Director of Community Relations and Development for the Ashland Kroc Center, would also like to thank the Ashland community for their support of the production.
“From the financial support of the Ashland County Community Foundation, Masterminds Escape Room & Game Library and Donley Ford, to The Ashland Theatre graciously partnering with us to host the production, and Vinyl Marketing for their assistance with developing our promotional video, we can’t thank our community enough.”
Dr. Lawson continues, “Their support not only helps underwrite the cost of this production, but it makes it possible for the amazing talent these youth have to be developed, grown and shared with the greater community.”
For more information, please follow Ashland Kroc Center on Facebook or @AshlandKroc on Instagram. Should you have any questions, feel free to call the Ashland Kroc Center at (419) 281-8001.
At approximately 8:27 pm on January 8th Officers responded to 319 E. Arch St. after receiving a report of two gunshot victims inside the residence. Upon arrival officers entered the residence where they found two victims deceased.
During the death investigation, it was found that both victims appeared to have sustained a single gunshot wound however, detectives do not believe there to be any additional persons involved in the shooting at this time. The Richland County Coroner’s Office will be sending the victims for an autopsy
as this is an ongoing investigation.
Major Crimes detectives are working to determine what led to the shooting
and this tragic event. Additional details will be released once they are
available.
Anyone with information about this investigation is asked to call Major Crimes
Donald Zehner, a dedicated and experienced law enforcement officer, is running for the position of Richland County Sheriff. With his impressive 30-year career in the Sheriff’s Office, Zehner is poised to promote Improvement through Integration and bring positive change to the department. His vision includes enhancing mental health services for inmates, creating a Behavior Response Team, and adding an explosive detection dog to the existing K-9 program. Let’s explore into these initiatives and see the impact they can have on Richland County.
Candidate Donald Zehner
The Vision for Improvement
Enhancing Mental Health Services
One of the key aspects of Donald Zehner’s vision is to provide better mental health services for inmates. By adding to the medical and substance abuse screening during the book-in process, potential at-risk inmates can be identified. This proactive approach will help address their needs and reduce the risk of further issues within the correctional system. Through collaboration with local agencies and organizations, Zehner aims to ensure that inmates receive the necessary support and treatment.
Creating a Behavior Response Team (BRT)
In order to address the root causes of problematic behavior among individuals in contact with the Sheriff’s Office, Zehner proposes the creation of a Behavior Response Team. This team will consist of representatives from various agencies and will work in collaboration with the community to identify and respond to mental health illnesses, PTSD, and substance abuse issues. By conducting outreach follow-ups and providing necessary services, the BRT aims to break the cycle of incarceration and promote rehabilitation.
Adding an Explosive Detection Canine to the K-9 Program
To bolster the capabilities of local law enforcement agencies, Donald Zehner plans to add an explosive detection dog to the existing K-9 program. This addition will provide the ability to detect both gunpowder and explosive materials, ensuring greater safety for the community. By working with schools and other organizations, the canine team can help prevent gun violence and enhance security in various facilities. Additionally, the team will assist in evidence recovery and the investigation of crimes involving firearms.
Why Donald Zehner is the Right Candidate
With over three decades of experience in the Sheriff’s Office, Donald Zehner brings a comprehensive understanding of law enforcement to the table. His rise through the ranks, from being a Corrections Officer to Captain of Road Patrol Deputies, reflects his dedication and expertise. Holding a valid Ohio Peace Officer Commission and an Associate Degree in Fish and Wildlife Management, Zehner possesses the necessary qualifications to lead as Richland County Sheriff.
Donald Zehner’s campaign to become the next Sheriff of Richland County offers a refreshing vision for improvement. By prioritizing mental health services for inmates, creating a Behavior Response Team, and adding an explosive detection dog to the K-9 program, Zehner aims to enhance community safety and create a more integrated approach to law enforcement. With his extensive experience and commitment to service, Donald Zehner is poised to make a positive impact as Richland County Sheriff.
(COLUMBUS, Ohio)—Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Lt. Governor Jon Husted released the following statements after Chief Judge Algenon L. Marbley, the United States District Judge for the Southern District of Ohio, Eastern Division, granted tech lobbying group NetChoice’s request to temporarily stop the Social Media Parental Notification Act from being enforced beginning January 15 while their request for a preliminary injunction is pending. NetChoice represents Meta and other social media giants.
“I supported the Social Media Parental Notification Act because parents should have a role in their children’s social media use,” said Governor DeWine. “The negative effects that social media sites and apps have on our children’s mental health have been well documented, and this law was one way to empower parents to have a role in their kids’ digital lives. I am disappointed in this injunction and hope it will be lifted as the case further proceeds so these important protections for children can take effect.”
“I’m very disappointed in today’s ruling,” said Lt. Governor Husted. “The big-tech companies behind this lawsuit were included in the legislative process to make sure the law was clear and easy to implement, but now they claim the law is unclear. They were disingenuous participants in the process and have no interest in protecting children.”
The Social Media Parental Notification Act requires certain online companies to obtain verifiable parental consent to contractual terms of service before permitting kids under the age of 16 to use their platforms. This proposal was championed by Lt. Governor Husted, passed by the General Assembly, and signed into law by Governor Mike DeWine as part of the 2023-24 executive budget and was to take effect on January 15, 2024.
The law also includes a requirement for companies to provide parents with their privacy guidelines to show them what will be censored or moderated content on their child’s profile.
About the Social Media Parental Notification Act:
Companies must:
Create a method to determine whether the user is a child under the age of 16.
Obtain verifiable parental or legal guardian consent.
Send written confirmation of the consent to the parent or legal guardian.
If the user indicates that they are under the age of 16, the following methods can be used for verification:
Sign a digital form consenting to the terms of service.
Use a credit card, debit card, or other online payment system.
Call a toll-free telephone number.
Connect to trained personnel via video-conference.
Check a form of government-issued identification.
Who this includes:
Social media and online gaming/activities companies accessed by children
Who this does NOT include:
E-commerce: Online shopping
Media outlets
If a parent or legal guardian fails or refuses to consent to the terms of service, the company must deny access or use of the online website, online service, online product, or online feature by the child. In cases in which operators fail to provide notification or a parent wishes to terminate a child’s access, parents should contact the website operator who then has 30 days to terminate the child’s access. If parents are unsuccessful in the account being deleted, they are encouraged to file a complaint with the Ohio Attorney General’s Office at OhioProtects.org.
In a significant turn of events, Aaron Drushell, 34, a former Ashland City Firefighter, changed his plea in a high-profile rape case. Drushell’s, decision comes after a plea agreement with the state, in the wake of a mistrial, on July, 13, 2023, where the jury was unable to reach a verdict from the charges in the indictment on March 11, 2022.
The indictment contained five counts of Rape, all classified as 1st Degree Felonies. Additionally, he faced one charge of Kidnapping, a 1st Degree Felony, Tampering with Evidence, a 3rd Degree Felony, and Gross Sexual Imposition, a 4th Degree Felony.
Drushell, who had been on unpaid leave with the Ashland City Fire Department, chose to voluntarily resign in August 2023.
The change of plea hearing was conducted remotely using Zoom, with Judge David R. Stimpert presiding over the case.
The hearing began with Senior Assistant with the Attorney General Office, Denise Salerno, who stated that Drushell had decided to withdraw his previous plea of not guilty, and instead plead guilty to count 7 of the indictment, which involves tampering with evidence. This charge falls under revised code sections 2921.12(A)(1) and 2921.12(B) and is categorized as a low-tier felony of the third degree. Salerno also highlighted the potential penalties, which include a prison term of up to 36 months, a maximum fine of $10,000, and the possibility of discretionary post-release control for two years.
In exchange for Drushell’s change of plea to count 7, the state has agreed to dismiss all other charges against him. This significant development means that Drushell will only face consequences for the tampering with evidence charge. Salerno emphasized that the change of plea was not induced by any threats or promises. It is clear that Drushell is entering into this plea knowingly, voluntarily, and intelligently, said Salerno.
Attorney James Mayer, III, representing Drushell, confirmed the understanding of the charge being pleaded to, and acknowledged the dismissal of the remaining counts. Mayer also revealed that the state has agreed to remain silent regarding any sentencing recommendations related to incarceration. This stipulation ensures that no additional factors will influence the sentencing process.
Criminal sentencing in this case has been scheduled for February 26, 2024, at 1:00 PM in the Common Pleas Court of Ashland County. This crucial event will determine the exact consequences Drushell will face as a result of his plea change. The sentencing will take into account the severity of the tampering with evidence charge and any other relevant factors that may influence the judge’s decision.
The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force is offering a reward for information which would lead to the capture of fugitive Derrick Taylor. Taylor is wanted U.S. Marshals Service and the Richland County Sheriff’s Office on the charge of felonious assault. Harris, 45, is described as a white male with brown hair and brown eyes, standing 6 feet 2 inches tall. Harris has ties to the cities of Ashland, Baltic, and Galion.
The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force is offering a reward for information which would lead to the capture of fugitive Devin Cramer. Cramer is wanted U.S. Marshals Service and the Adult Parole Authority on a parole violation on the original charge of aggravated burglary with firearm spec. Cramer, 27, is described as a white male with black hair and brown eyes, standing 5 feet 10 inches tall. Cramer 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 Mark Margan. Morgan is wanted U.S. Marshals Service and the Richland County Sheriff’s Office for strangulation. Morgan, 57, is described as a black male with brown hair and brown eyes, standing 5 feet 9 inches tall. Morgan 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 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.
If you have any information in reference to Derrick Taylor, Devin Cramer, Mark Morgan, 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.
UPDATE: The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation has positively identified the victim in this case through fingerprint analysis. The victim has been identified as 40-year-old Darcy Hooper of South Fulton, Tennessee.
Investigation into this matter is on-going.
At 4:30pm on January 5. 2024, the Marion County Central Dispatch Center received a 911 call from a citizen reporting that a possible deceased female was located in a drainage ditch in the 3000 block of Harding Highway East in Marion County.
Upon the arrival of deputies from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, it was confirmed that the female was deceased and was laying, partially submerged, in a drainage ditch. The remains were partially decomposed and could not be immediately identified.
The victim’s body will be sent to the Lucas County Medical Examiner’s Office for an autopsy to determine the cause of death and assistance with her identification.
Sheriff Bayles would like to thank Ohio BCI, the First Consolidated Fire Department, the Marion County Coroner’s Office and the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office for their assistance in this case.
Investigation is ongoing and anyone with any information pertaining to this matter may contact Captain Ken Rittenour of the Marion County Sheriff’s Office at 740-382-8244.
At approximately 8:27 pm on January 8th Officers responded to 319 E. Arch St. after receiving a report of two gunshot victims inside the residence. Upon arrival officers entered the residence where they found two victims deceased.
Donald Zehner, a dedicated and experienced law enforcement officer, is running for the position of Richland County Sheriff. With his impressive 30-year career in the Sheriff’s Office, Zehner is poised to promote Improvement through Integration and bring positive change to the department. His vision includes enhancing mental health services for inmates, creating a Behavior Response Team, and adding an explosive detection dog to the existing K-9 program. Let’s explore into these initiatives and see the impact they can have on Richland County.
Law was to go into effect January 15, 2024
Joe Lyons •
January 9, 2024
The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force is offering a reward for information which would lead to the capture of fugitive Derrick Taylor. Taylor is wanted U.S. Marshals Service and the Richland County Sheriff’s Office on the charge of felonious assault. Harris, 45, is described as a white male with brown hair and brown eyes, standing 6 feet 2 inches tall. Harris has ties to the cities of Ashland, Baltic, and Galion.
The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force is offering a reward for information which would lead to the capture of fugitive Devin Cramer. Cramer is wanted U.S. Marshals Service and the Adult Parole Authority on a parole violation on the original charge of aggravated burglary with firearm spec. Cramer, 27, is described as a white male with black hair and brown eyes, standing 5 feet 10 inches tall. Cramer 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 Mark Margan. Morgan is wanted U.S. Marshals Service and the Richland County Sheriff’s Office for strangulation. Morgan, 57, is described as a black male with brown hair and brown eyes, standing 5 feet 9 inches tall. Morgan 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 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.
UPDATE: The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation has positively identified the victim in this case through fingerprint analysis. The victim has been identified as 40-year-old Darcy Hooper of South Fulton, Tennessee.
