Ashland— The Ashland Future Farmers of America (FFA) Chapter is excited to announce the start of their annual Mum Fundraiser, running from Wednesday, August 14th through Saturday, August 31st. This popular event features a vibrant selection of six colors of annual mums—red, orange, yellow, pink, purple, and white—each grown by dedicated Ashland FFA members.
The mums are priced at $10 each or $27 for a set of three, making it an affordable way to beautify your garden while supporting a great cause. Proceeds from the sale will benefit the chapter by funding various activities, Career Development Event registrations, and enriching the experiences of over 250 FFA members.
To purchase mums, interested parties can reach out to any Ashland FFA member or contact the chapter via Facebook at Ashland FFA Chapter and Ashland FFA Alumni Association, or email ashlandffa2024@gmail.com.
Show your support for the Ashland FFA and add a burst of color to your garden with these beautiful mums!
For more information, contact:
Facebook: Ashland FFA Chapter and Ashland FFA Alumni Association
MARGARETTA TOWNSHIP – The Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating a serious injury motorcycle crash that occurred on August 13, 2024, at approximately 11:06 P.M. at the intersection of Mason Road and State Route 269 in Margaretta Township, Erie County.
Micah L. Plemens, age 29, of Tiffin, Ohio was operating a 2008 Harley-Davidson. Trinity R. Robinson, age 30, of Republic, Ohio, was the passenger of the motorcycle. Mr. Plemens was driving westbound on Mason Rd east of SR 269.
Mr. Plemens failed to maintain control while approaching the intersection, overturned, traveled through the intersection of Mason and SR 269 and struck a barbed wire fence before coming to rest.
The driver and passenger were both ejected from the motorcycle and both were not wearing a helmet. Both the driver and passenger sustained serious injuries as a result of the crash and were both taken by Life Flight to St. Vincent Medical Center.
Alcohol and drug use are unknown and no charges have been filed at this time. The crash remains under investigation.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted on scene by Margaretta Twp Fire & EMS, Erie County Sheriff’s Office, and Sandusky Towing.
ASHLAND, OH — As students across Ohio prepare to return to the classroom, school districts are emphasizing the importance of school bus safety. With the new school year approaching, ensuring the safety of students who travel by bus is a top priority for the state.
Since 2019, Ohio has reported 6,145 traffic crashes involving school buses, including eight fatal incidents, one of which resulted in a student’s death while on a bus. In light of these statistics, state officials are urging all drivers to review and adhere to school bus safety laws.
Governor Mike DeWine stressed the collective responsibility required to protect school bus riders. “Bus safety isn’t just the responsibility of the bus driver,” DeWine said. “Other drivers, parents, and students all have a role to play.”
Ohio School Bus Traffic Laws
Motorists must be aware of specific rules when encountering a school bus:
Two-Lane Roads: All traffic in both directions must stop at least 10 feet from a stopped school bus and remain stationary until the bus resumes movement or the driver signals that it is safe to proceed.
Four-Lane Roads: Vehicles traveling in the same direction as the bus must stop when the bus is stopped to pick up or drop off passengers. Traffic from the opposite direction is not required to stop.
Divided Highways: Similar to four-lane roads, only vehicles traveling in the same direction as the bus need to stop.
Failure to comply with these laws can result in significant penalties. Violations may incur fines up to $500 and could lead to license suspensions. Notably, drivers charged with passing a stopped school bus must appear in court and cannot settle the matter with a waiver.
Safety Tips for Parents and Motorists
For Parents and Caregivers:
Arrive at the bus stop early and stand at least 10 feet away from the road.
Wait for the bus to come to a complete stop and the driver to signal before boarding.
Ensure clothing and backpacks are free from dangling objects that could get caught.
Always walk in front of the bus and be visible to the driver.
For Motorists:
Always stop for a school bus with flashing lights and extended stop-arm.
Yellow lights signal the bus is preparing to stop; red lights mean it is time to halt.
Never pass a bus on the right side where children enter or exit.
Stay alert for children near bus stops and avoid distractions while driving.
The goal of these measures is to protect the lives of young passengers, who are most vulnerable during the crucial moments of getting on and off the bus. For additional information on school bus safety and illegal passing, visit NHTSA’s School Bus Safety page.
As the new school year begins, let’s ensure that every child gets to and from school safely.
The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force is offering a reward for information which would lead to the capture of fugitive Allando Grose. Grose is wanted by the U.S. Marshals Service and the Richland County Sheriff’s Office for attempted murder. Grose, 33, is described as a black male with brown hair and brown eyes, standing 6 feet 3 inches tall. Grose has ties to the cities of Mansfield, Cleveland, and Columbus.
Allando Grose
The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force is offering a reward for information which would lead to the capture of fugitive Dorrien Smith. Smith is wanted by the U.S. Marshals Service and the Adult Parole Authority on a probation violation on the original charge of aggravated robbery. Smith, 45, is described as a black male with brown hair and brown eyes, standing 6 feet 4 inches tall. Smith has ties to the city of Mansfield.
Dorrien Smith
The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force is offering a reward for information which would lead to the capture of fugitive Tracy Baker. Baker is wanted U.S. Marshals Service and the Richland County Sheriff’s Office for possession drugs. Baker, is described as a white female with blond hair and blue eyes, standing 5 feet 4 inches tall. Baker has ties to the cities of Mansfield and Edison OH.
Tracy Baker
The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force is offering a reward for information which would lead to the capture of fugitive Jose Flores. Flores is wanted by the U.S. Marshals Service and the Richland County Sheriff’s Office for rape. Bowens, 45, is described as a Hispanic male with black hair and brown eyes, standing 5 feet, 11 inches tall. Flores has ties to the cities of Mansfield, Bakersfield CA, and Fernley NV.
Jose Flores
If you have any information in reference Allando Grose, Dorrien Smith, Tracy Baker, or Jose Flores, 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 Ashland County Park District will be holding its annual Deer and Waterfowl Hunting Lottery on Wednesday, August 21, 2024, at Freer Barn, located at 1264 Center Street, Ashland, OH. Doors will open at 5:00 PM, with the first draw for deer starting at 6:00 PM, followed by the waterfowl lottery.
Entry into the lottery is $10 per person, cash only. The event will also feature a Youth Lottery, which is free of charge. Parents or guardians may enter their youth hunters into the Youth Lottery on their behalf, provided they have proof of license. However, youth hunters who wish to participate in the general lottery must be present at the event—no exceptions.
For more information, please contact the Ashland County Park District office at 419-289-3524 or visit their website at www.ashlandcountyparks.com.
Ashland, OH – August 7, 2024 – In a recent interview, Mayor Matt Miller provided updates on several key projects and initiatives shaping the future of Ashland. Fresh off a busy city council meeting, Mayor Miller shared details about new business developments, property acquisitions, community support initiatives, and upcoming events.
E-commerce Giant Purchases Industrial Land
Mayor Miller kicked off the conversation by discussing the special city council meeting held last night, despite the usual August recess. “We have so many important projects happening right now in the city,” Mayor Miller said. “We called a special meeting to address them.”
One of the highlights was the sale of 22.4 acres in the city’s industrial park to a Fortune 500 e-commerce company. The land, located just north of Wells Rd. with frontage on US 250, was sold for $20,000 per acre, totaling $448,000—the highest price ever received for industrial park land. The company plans to build a regional hub, with construction expected to begin soon and completion anticipated by mid-next year.
Acquisition of the Frontier Building
The city also decided to purchase the vacant Frontier building on Main Street. The building, which has been empty for over two decades, contains vital equipment for Frontier’s network in its basement. “We felt it was important to get that building into local hands,” Mayor Miller explained. The city aims to rehabilitate the building and attract new businesses to the downtown area.
Support for ACCADA
In a unique move, the city purchased a vehicle for the Ashland County Council on Alcoholism & Drug Abuse (ACCADA). The purchase was funded by money received from legal settlements with pharmaceutical companies involved in the opioid epidemic. “This vehicle will help ACCADA transport clients in recovery to appointments and other necessary locations,” Mayor Miller said, highlighting the city’s commitment to supporting those affected by drug addiction.
Street Resurfacing Plans
Addressing concerns about street resurfacing, Mayor Miller reassured residents that the work is scheduled to begin soon. “The contract is still in play, and you’ll probably see work start toward the end of this month or in September,” he said. Key areas to be resurfaced include Sandusky Street, parts of US 42, and several streets in the northeast quadrant of the city.
Mayor’s Golf Classic
Looking ahead, Mayor Miller expressed excitement about the upcoming Mayor’s Golf Classic this Friday. Now in its fourth year, the event raises funds for special projects at Brookside Golf Course. “Thanks to the generosity of our community, we are on track to break our records for revenue this year,” Mayor Miller said. The event features prizes, including a vehicle from Bill Harris Chevrolet and $10,000 in cash, as well as a meal and other festivities.
As Ashland continues to grow and develop, these initiatives underscore the city’s commitment to economic development, community support, and quality of life improvements for its residents.
I would like to give a huge shout-out to Bill Harris Dealerships for sponsoring the monthly updates with Ashland Mayor, Matt Miller. this will help to ensure that Ashland County Pictures (ACP) will be able to continue serving the Ashland area with breaking news and up to date information.
Marion – Troopers from the Marion Post continue to investigate a crash that occurred August 5, 2024, at approximately 2:09 PM, on US23 in Marion County.
The crash involved a 2015 Freightliner Cascadia semi-tractor trailer, driven by Abdulkhalif Mohamed Warsame, age 40, of Gahanna, Ohio. The second vehicle involved was a 2011 Harley Davidson Tri Glide Ultra motorcycle, driven by James P. Wetzel, age 79, of Marion, Ohio. The third vehicle involved was a 2019 Ford Taurus, driven by Jonathan T. Cathers, age 44, of Oregon, Ohio.
The preliminary investigation indicated Mr. Warsame and Mr. Wetzel were traveling northbound on US23 in the right lane. Mr. Cathers was traveling northbound on US23 in the left lane. Mr. Wetzel slowed to turn right to travel eastbound on Linn Hipsher Rd. (CR195). Mr. Warsame swerved to the right, traveled onto the paved berm, and struck Mr. Wetzel’s motorcycle. Mr. Warsame’s truck traveled off the northeast side of the intersection, struck a stop sign, and came to final rest in a ditch. Mr. Cathers vehicle struck debris from the crash.
Mr. Wetzel sustained serious injuries and was transported from the scene by Salt Rock EMS to Marion General Hospital. He was later flown to Grant Medical Center.
On August 6, 2024 Mr. Wetzel succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased at Grant Medical Center.
Mr. Warsame and Mr. Cathers did not sustain any injuries.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted on scene by Salt Rock Fire and EMS, Marion Township EMS, Ohio Department of Transportation, Liverpool Towing and Kirby’s Towing.
The Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District (MWCD) is now accepting applications for the Nonpoint Source Implementation Strategy (NPS-IS) Development Fund. This newly created fund is intended to assist communities in developing a 9-element nonpoint source implementation strategy for watersheds within the Muskingum River Basin and implement them through conservation programs and projects, water quality issues, and flood reduction and mitigation projects.
Nonpoint source pollution does not come from a single, identifiable source, such as an industrial facility or residence, but instead is created collectively from multiple diffuse sources, such as agriculture or forestry, construction activities or even highways. Because the sources are difficult to pin down, it can be difficult to correct and, therefore, requires larger, community-wide strategies to effectively address.
A NPS-IS is a strategic planning document that summarizes the causes of nonpoint source water impairments and identifies projects to address them. Each watershed has its own unique list of issues, and each plan will be unique to properly address those issues. Most of all, an approved NPS-IS opens the door to funding opportunities through both state and federal organizations that are otherwise unavailable.
“This fund represents a significant step forward in supporting MWCD’s neighboring communities as they work to improve water quality and manage flood risks,” said Craig Butler, MWCD Executive Director. “By assisting with the development of these strategic plans, we are helping to lay the groundwork for long-term environmental and economic benefits throughout the Muskingum River Basin.”
The new fund aims to reimburse up to 75% of a community’s costs associated with developing a nonpoint source implementation strategy (NPS-IS), up to $9,000.00 per plan. The grant opportunity provides assistance to local agencies and groups involved in projects and programs that support the conservation and flood control aspects of MWCD’s mission as outlined in the Amendment to the Official Plan of the MWCD.
The deadline to apply is October 1, 2024. The application is available online at www.MWCD.org and can be emailed to Rome Marinelli, Watershed Coordinator at rmarinelli@mwcd.org.
Ashland, OH – The Ashland County Council on Aging has extended a heartfelt thanks to all Ashland County first responders by organizing a special event called the “Dog Days of Summer Free Grab & Go Lunch.” The event, set up under a little tent at 240 East Third Street, offers a complimentary lunch every Tuesday throughout August.
Sandy Enderby, the director of the Ashland County Council on Aging, shared the motivation behind the event. “Every Tuesday for the month of August here on 3rd Street, we have a drive-thru for our Public Safety services partners. We feel that we want to give back to the community and appreciate the ones who take care of us and protect us,” said Enderby. “So, we have a free lunch every Tuesday for the month of August. It’s a drive-thru between 11:30 and 1:00. They can come by, get a packed lunch, and be on their way. It’s just our way of giving back to our service guys and gals who put their lives on the line for us in our community. We do appreciate our first responders.”
The lunch includes a hot dog, a bag of chips, a cookie, and drinks, all served with a smile from volunteers. Among the volunteers is Shirley Jordan, who just celebrated her 90th birthday. Jordan, formerly known for her “Shirley’s Kitchen” at the Ashland County Fairgrounds, was the grill cook for the event, adding a touch of nostalgia and warmth to the occasion.
The Ashland County Council on Aging invites all first responders to take advantage of this small token of appreciation. The drive-thru lunch not only provides a quick meal but also serves as a reminder of the community’s gratitude for the unwavering dedication of its first responders.
Jill Matthes Baxter, director of Ashland University’s Doctor of Nursing Program and associate professor of nursing, was recognized as one of the 2024 Faces of Care by the Ohio League for Nursing (OLN). The six nurse educators honored as Faces of Care were celebrated during a gala event in June, presented by the OLN and Cleveland Magazine.
The nurse educators were selected for being standouts in their field who exemplify the mission of advancing excellence and serve as high-achieving role models in the state.
“To be featured in the Faces of Care was a wonderful surprise,” remarked Baxter. “I am in the company of so many wonderful nurse educators. To be considered in this group was humbling to say the least. Healthcare is in crisis, we are desperate for more nurses. I am honored to help educate these students. To be a part of their journey is one of the most rewarding jobs.”
In Faces of Care, Baxter’s passion for mindfulness as a teaching strategy was emphasized. She uses mindfulness concepts to reduce the stress of her nursing students, which in turn will help their future patients.
“Especially for children because we don’t want to start them on medications. If you can teach them coping strategies and how to deal with their emotions they’re experiencing, it’s much more effective,” Baxter told the publication.
“If you’re able to help the students, and they’re also helping the patients, it’s kind of a full circle,” she added.
Baxter has been a faculty member at AU since 2016. While leading the DNP program, she teaches courses on pediatrics, genetics and nursing concepts.
Baxter spent 10 years as a clinical nurse at Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital in Cleveland before pursuing a slightly different career path in higher education.
“I really loved education,” she explained. “When I worked at the hospital, I taught a clinical group of nursing students and just fell in love with it and decided that I really had a passion for teaching and went back to school to get my master’s.”
The OLN is a constituent of the National League for Nursing and works in concert to ensure a strong and diverse nursing workforce to advance the nation’s health. OLN’s membership is passionate about the development of scholarly, research-oriented nurse educators with a compassion for teaching the next generation of nurses how to deliver quality patient-centered nursing care.
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Joe Lyons •
August 14, 2024
ASHLAND, OH — As students across Ohio prepare to return to the classroom, school districts are emphasizing the importance of school bus safety. With the new school year approaching, ensuring the safety of students who travel by bus is a top priority for the state.
The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force is offering a reward for information which would lead to the capture of fugitive Allando Grose. Grose is wanted by the U.S. Marshals Service and the Richland County Sheriff’s Office for attempted murder. Grose, 33, is described as a black male with brown hair and brown eyes, standing 6 feet 3 inches tall. Grose has ties to the cities of Mansfield, Cleveland, and Columbus.
The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force is offering a reward for information which would lead to the capture of fugitive Dorrien Smith. Smith is wanted by the U.S. Marshals Service and the Adult Parole Authority on a probation violation on the original charge of aggravated robbery. Smith, 45, is described as a black male with brown hair and brown eyes, standing 6 feet 4 inches tall. Smith 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 Tracy Baker. Baker is wanted U.S. Marshals Service and the Richland County Sheriff’s Office for possession drugs. Baker, is described as a white female with blond hair and blue eyes, standing 5 feet 4 inches tall. Baker has ties to the cities of Mansfield and Edison OH.
The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force is offering a reward for information which would lead to the capture of fugitive Jose Flores. Flores is wanted by the U.S. Marshals Service and the Richland County Sheriff’s Office for rape. Bowens, 45, is described as a Hispanic male with black hair and brown eyes, standing 5 feet, 11 inches tall. Flores has ties to the cities of Mansfield, Bakersfield CA, and Fernley NV.
The Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District (MWCD) is now accepting applications for the Nonpoint Source Implementation Strategy (NPS-IS) Development Fund. This newly created fund is intended to assist communities in developing a 9-element nonpoint source implementation strategy for watersheds within the Muskingum River Basin and implement them through conservation programs and projects, water quality issues, and flood reduction and mitigation projects.
Jill Matthes Baxter, director of Ashland University’s Doctor of Nursing Program and associate professor of nursing, was recognized as one of the 2024 Faces of Care by the Ohio League for Nursing (OLN). The six nurse educators honored as Faces of Care were celebrated during a gala event in June, presented by the OLN and Cleveland Magazine.