This year, all of our buildings will be decorated and open to the public with a Christmas tree in every room including the recently opened James and Suzanne Clark Carriage House and revamped Veterans Exhibit. In total, the museum will feature twenty-three full-sized Christmas trees spread across all four buildings – three more trees than last year thanks to the help of our wonderful volunteers.
In the Manor House, guests will enjoy live music and freshly baked cookies. Visitors are also invited to head over to the Freer Home which features over-the-top decorations including an elf room and Barbie display.
According to the Ashland County Historical Society’s Events and Program Coordinator, Sydney Miller, “Decorating for Christmas is one of the biggest projects we take on and we certainly couldn’t pull it off without the help of our wonderful volunteers. Every year we try and make our display bigger and better than the previous year which means we are always looking to recruit more volunteers to help. It really is a community project.”
Be sure to mark your calendars for Sunday, Dec. 10 from 4 to 7 p.m. for some early Christmas festivities. The Noonan House, Carriage House, and Manor House will be open at our Main Campus in addition to the Freer Home.
Guests are encouraged to visit both locations to get the full experience. Our Main Campus is located at 420 Center Street, and the Freer Home is at 1260 Center Street.
This event is free and open to the public. The Ashland County Historical Society is dedicated to preserving the history of our small community; any contribution is welcome and greatly appreciated.
Ashland, a town brimming with holiday spirit and captivating sights, is set to capture the essence of the Christmas season with the help of talented photographers, just like you.
As we embark on the joyful festivities, I invite photographers and anyone who has snapped a remarkable photo related to Christmas in Ashland to join our cause. If you have captured a picturesque moment that encapsulates the magic of this beloved holiday, we encourage you to share it with us.
Kindly email your photograph, along with your contact information, Facebook page, and/or website, to pilyons@yahoo.com.
Our aim is to unite the Ashland community in celebration, so rest assured that your photo will be showcased alongside others on December 31st.
You can view the entire collection on both https://www.ashlandcountypictures.com/ and our Facebook page, allowing everyone to delight in the beauty of the season that Ashland offers.
Thank you for contributing to this endeavor and for helping us showcase the wonders of Ashland at Christmas.
Get ready to celebrate the holiday season in Ashland with an array of festive events and activities. From the 18th annual TubaChristmas concert to the Ashland Christmas Parade, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So mark your calendars and join in on the Christmas spirit in Ashland!
18th Annual TubaChristmas at AU
Ashland University will be hosting its 18th annual TubaChristmas concert on Saturday, December 2nd at the Hugo Young Theatre. This concert features traditional holiday favorites performed by ensembles of tubas, euphoniums, baritones, and sousaphones. It’s a joyous and free event that is open to the public. The concert will start at noon, so make sure to arrive early to secure a seat. For more information, contact Scott Garlock at 419-289-5134 or sgarlock@ashland.edu.
Winter Fest at the Tin Can Chandelier
9:00am, On Saturday, December 2nd, head over to the Tin Can Chandelier for a delightful Winter Fest event. Local artists and craft vendors will be showcasing their creations, including ceramic items, holiday decor, wood signs, candles, jewelry accessories, and much more. Don’t forget to satisfy your taste buds with delicious food from the PANCHOS’ TACOS Food Truck parked outside. And for those feeling creative, a special ornament craft will be available for visitors to enjoy. Stay tuned for other fun activities throughout the day!
Iceless Ice Skating Festival at the Ashland Kroc Center
Experience the joy of ice skating without the ice at the Ashland Kroc Center’s Iceless Ice Skating Festival. Starting on Saturday, November 18th and running through Saturday, December 30th, this festival offers a unique skating experience for all ages. The iceless ice rink will be open Monday through Friday from 5 to 7 p.m., and on weekends from 1 to 5 p.m. Non-members can purchase tickets for $12, which includes skate rental. Kroc Center members can enjoy a discounted rate of $10. Lace up your skates and join in on the winter fun!
Ashland Christmas Parade, Tree Lighting, & Fireworks
Get ready for an enchanting evening at the 2023 Ashland Christmas Parade. Taking place on Saturday, December 2nd, this year’s parade promises to be the most spectacular yet. With festive floats, merry music, and the magical lighting of the Christmas tree, Ashland aims to create a truly memorable celebration of the season. Make sure to bring your loved ones and join in on the holiday spirit. The parade will be followed by a dazzling fireworks display that is sure to leave you in awe.
Visit Grandpa’s Cheesebarn & Sweeties Jumbo Chocolates on Sunday, December 3rd @! 1:00pm for a delightful Santa experience. Santa’s reindeer will be on-site, along with miniature ponies and a festive sleigh. Enjoy Christmas music, candy, and prizes for the kids. Warm up with a cup of hot chocolate, and don’t forget to treat yourself to some homemade Candy Cane Crunch Ice Cream. This is a family-friendly event that promises fun and excitement for all.
With the 18th annual TubaChristmas concert, the Winter Fest at the Tin Can Chandelier, the Ashland Kroc Center’s Iceless Ice Skating Festival, the Ashland Christmas Parade, and Santa’s visit to Grandpa’s Cheesebarn, Ashland is ready to celebrate the holiday season in style. Don’t miss out on these incredible events and immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere. It’s time to get ready for 2023 Ashland Christmas festive fun!
Last night, the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office, along with the Polk Fire Department & EMS, Nankin Fire Department, Ashland City Fire Department, Jeromesville Fire Department & EMS, and Sullivan Fire Department swiftly answered the call of duty.
A concerned passerby alerted the Ashland County 911 to a house fire in the 400 block of State Route 302, reporting visible flames emanating from a nearby structure.
Spreading Joy this Holiday Season: Ohio State Highway Patrol and Ashland Salvation Army Join Forces for Toy Drive
“PLEASE, WE NEED YOUR HELP! Donations may be dropped off at the Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Ashland Post from November 18th to December 2nd, between 8 AM and 8 PM.
Exciting Announcement: Join us in spreading joy this holiday season in Ashland, Ohio!
The Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Ashland Post and the Ashland Salvation Army Kroc Center have teamed up for a special holiday toy drive!
We kindly ask for your support by donating new and unwrapped toys for children aged 3-5 years old. Let’s make their holidays extra special!
Donations may be dropped off at the Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Ashland Post from November 18th to December 2nd, between 8 AM and 8 PM. In case no one is available, simply press the call button in the lobby and leave your contribution there.
Together, we can make a difference and bring smiles to the faces of local children! Thank you in advance for your generosity. 🙏❤️
In the early morning hours, Law Enforcement officers responded to a tense situation at the Super 8 Motel located at 736 U.S. Route 250 in Ashland. Seth Geaslen, a 35-year-old Ashland man with a Felony Bench Warrant for which the original charge was Aggravated Drug Possession, barricaded himself inside a hotel room.
Law Enforcement Officers from the Ashland Sheriff’s Office and the METRICH Drug Enforcement Unit were called to the scene in response to an anonymous tip regarding Geaslen’s whereabouts. With a felony bench warrant hanging over his head, Geaslen made the decision to barricade himself inside the hotel room, refusing to comply with Law Enforcement’s commands.
For nearly an hour, Deputies and Detectives attempted to coax Geaslen out of the room through negotiations. They strived to resolve the situation peacefully, hoping to avoid any unnecessary conflicts. However, despite their efforts, Geaslen remained steadfast in his refusal to surrender.
Facing limited options and concerned for Geaslen’s well-being, Law Enforcement Officers made the difficult decision to forcefully open the hotel room door. With utmost caution and precision, they entered the room to detain Geaslen. In such high-stress situations, with suspects believed to be under the influence of narcotics their primary concern is the safety of all parties involved.
Seth Geaslen, after being taken into custody, now faces potential additional charges related to the incident. The investigation is still ongoing, and the Ashland Sheriff’s Office will determine the appropriate course of action. The consequences of barricading oneself and defying Law Enforcement can be severe, compounding the legal issues already at hand.
During the standoff, Law Enforcement Officers discovered a Chocolate Lab Mix in Geaslen’s hotel room. They promptly reached out to Joe Eggerton, the Ashland County Dog Warden, for assistance. As Eggerton guided the dog out of the Hotel, it suddenly collapsed and experienced a seizure. Eggerton quickly took action, assessing the dog for any injuries and contacting the Claremont Veterinary Clinic for immediate emergency care.
Following the apprehension of Geaslen, METRICH Drug Enforcement Unit Detectives obtained a search warrant to collect evidence from the scene at Super 8. Thorough investigation and evidence collection are crucial steps in building a strong case against individuals involved in criminal activities. The Detectives meticulously combed through the room to gather any pertinent evidence that could further support legal proceedings.
The barricade incident at the Super 8 Motel in Ashland this morning highlights the challenges faced by Law Enforcement Officers and the potential consequences for individuals who choose to defy them. Seth Geaslen’s actions have intensified his legal predicament, and the ongoing investigation will shed more light on the events leading up to this standoff. It is crucial for individuals to understand the implications of their decisions and to comply with Law Enforcement, promoting a safer and more secure community for everyone.
ASHLAND, Ohio – Ashland University’s version of TubaChristmas will be taking place this Saturday, Dec. 2, at Hugo Young Theatre. The concert, featuring traditional holiday favorites, is free and open to the public and will start at noon.
Hundreds, maybe even thousands, of TubaChristmas events take place throughout the world. The first such concert was held in 1974 and now ensembles everywhere take the opportunity to showcase seasonal melodies from tubas, euphoniums, baritones and sousaphones. Saturday’s TubaChristmas will mark the 18th held at Ashland.
Scott Garlock, professor of music at AU, will conduct TubaChristmas and encourages one and all to attend one of “the most unique and fun Christmas sounds that you can sing along with.”
He added, “It’s free, it’s fun and it’s festive.”
For more information, contact Scott Garlock at 419-289-5134 or sgarlock@ashland.edu.
Virginia Tactical Gear & Equipment company agrees to pay more than $2 million to settle allegations related to Buy American Act
COLUMBUS, Ohio – U.S. Attorney Kenneth L. Parker today announced that a Virginia-based tactical gear and equipment company has agreed to pay nearly $2.1 million to resolve False Claims Act allegations that it failed to comply with the requirements of the Buy American Act (“BAA”), Trade Agreements Act (“TAA”) and Berry Amendment when selling textile-based products to the Department of Defense.
London Bridge Trading Company, Ltd. (“LBT”) entered the settlement with the United States and qui tam relator Ann Keating.
The BAA was enacted in 1933 to protect U.S. manufacturing by creating a preference for domestic products when the federal government purchases supplies. The Berry Amendment requires certain items purchased by the Department of Defense to be 100% domestic in origin and mandates a higher level of domestic content than the Buy American Act. The TAA governs trade agreements between the United States and foreign countries and limits certain U.S. Government procurement to US-made products or products made in designated countries.
Court documents allege that since at least 2008, LBT submitted false claims in connection with the sale of “American-made” products that were actually manufactured in foreign countries, including Peru, Mexico and China. The company marketed its goods as “100% made in America” and replaced the original foreign manufacturers’ tags with tags that read “Made in USA.”
LBT also offered its products for sale to all federal agencies on the government-owned website “GSA Advantage!” that permits government agencies throughout the United States to purchase products from contracted vendors.
The United States, including through the Defense Logistics Agency’s supply center located in Columbus, purchased a variety of textile-based products from LBT, including clothing, armor, boots, belts, bags, rope, slings, backpacks and medical pouches. This settlement specifically addressed load-out bags purchased from LBT that violated the TAA and Berry Amendment.
The civil settlement includes the resolution of claims brought by an employee of LBT under the qui tam provisions of the False Claims Act. These provisions allow a private party, known as a relator, to file an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of any recovery. Under the terms of the settlement agreement the relator will receive a share of the proceeds.
The lawsuit is titled U.S. ex rel. Keating v. London Bridge Trading, et al. The relator in this case had a personal interest in the safety and security of the United States military; in 2004, the relator’s son was killed while serving in Iraq. The relator believes the scheme as alleged was a threat to the safety and integrity of U.S. military operations.
This matter was investigated by agents from the Department of Defense, Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service’s Mid-Atlantic Field Office; Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division, Major Procurement Fraud Field Office; General Services Administration, Office of Inspector General, Mid-Atlantic Division; Homeland Security Investigations; and Defense Logistics Agency working with the U.S. Attorneys’ offices in the Southern District of Ohio and Eastern District of Virginia.
“We greatly appreciate the steadfast, thorough, and collaborative work on this case by each of the federal agencies involved,” said U.S. Attorney Kenneth L. Parker. “This office takes very seriously the duty of government contractors to meet all of their obligations under government contracts and we will pursue anyone falsely certifying compliance with the Buy American Act.”
“GSA OIG will continue to work with its investigative partners and the Department of Justice to protect the integrity of GSA’s Multiple Award Schedule program and hold accountable those who attempt to defraud the government,” said Special Agent in Charge Elisa Pellegrini with the General Services Administration’s Office of Inspector General.
“We are very pleased with this resolution. This is a testament to the aggressive investigation we conducted, and now the public can see this.” said Andrew Johnson, Special Agent in Charge, Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division, Major Procurement Fraud Field Office. “Companies that do business with the government must comply with all of their obligations, and if they seek to circumvent the rules and regulations of what and how they supply our women and men in uniform, they must be held accountable for their actions.”
Civil Chief Andrew M. Malek is representing the United States in this matter.
The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.
(COLUMBUS, Ohio)— Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, Lt. Governor Jon Husted, and Treasurer Robert Sprague today announced details of the Ohio Homebuyer Plus program, a new savings account plan designed to encourage homeownership in Ohio.
The program, which was first proposed by Governor DeWine in his 2023 State of the State address, will make specialized, tax-advantaged savings accounts available to Ohioans to assist them on their homebuying journey. Prospective homebuyers can open Ohio Homebuyer Plus accounts through participating financial institutions beginning in January.
“This savings account program is part of our work to holistically improve access to adequate, affordable housing in Ohio,” said Governor DeWine. “By making it easier for residents to save, we can help more Ohioans achieve their dreams of homeownership.”
The program is being created with support from the Ohio General Assembly as part of the state operating budget that Governor DeWine signed in July. The program will be administered by the Ohio Treasurer’s Office.
“Ohio is the best place to live, work, and raise a family, and we want to continue to create new opportunities to build a life in our state,” said Lt. Governor Husted. “With the challenges in today’s market, we are encouraging Ohioans through this program to think about their future here and to take the steps necessary to enhance their quality of life.”
Following the same “linked deposit” model used for existing programs like Ag-LINK and Family Forward, Ohio Homebuyer Plus will offer above-market interest rates to accountholders who deposit money at participating banks or credit unions. Additionally, individuals who open an account may also qualify for certain Ohio state income tax deductions.
“To own a home in Ohio is to invest in Ohio,” said Treasurer Sprague. “However, prospective homebuyers face no shortage of challenges in today’s market, including the increasing amounts needed for their down payments and closing costs. Through Ohio Homebuyer Plus, we’re putting the strength of the state’s balance sheet to work for Ohioans as they build their nest egg and the savings needed to make one of life’s most important purchases.”
To qualify for enhanced interest savings through an Ohio Homebuyer Plus account, an eligible accountholder must:
Be an Ohio resident at least 18 years of age;
Have a primary residence in the State of Ohio; and
Only use the account proceeds toward the down payment or closing costs of a primary residence purchased in Ohio.
Accounts connected with Ohio Homebuyer Plus must be used within five years, maintain a minimum balance of at least $100, and cannot exceed a maximum balance of $100,000.
Ohio Homebuyer Plus will launch in January 2024, with a specific launch date to be announced in the coming weeks.
Prospective homebuyers will work with a participating bank or credit union to apply for a savings account through Ohio Homebuyer Plus.
More information, including a list of participating financial institutions, will be shared upon the program’s launch in January at www.ohiotreasurer.gov.
Brian Mays Age: 38
White / Male / 5’10” / Brown Hair / Brown Eyes
Wanted by the U.S. Marshals Service and the Richland County Sheriff’s Office for possession of fentanyl.
Ties to Mansfield area.
Rafael Martinez Age: 39
White / Male / 5’8” / Black Hair / Brown Eyes
Wanted by the U.S. Marshals Service and the Richland County Sheriff’s Office for a bond violation on the original charges of trafficking in fentanyl, wanted by the adult parole authority on a parole violation on the original charge of rape.
Ties to Mansfield area.
Trenton Schoenman Age: 23
Black / Male / 5’10’’ / 164lbs / Brown Hair / Brown Eyes
Wanted by the U.S Marshals Service and Richland County Sheriff’s Office a probation violation on the original charges of weapons under disability, tampering with evidence, possession of drugs, and receiving stolen property.
Ties to Mansfield area.
David Greene Age: 38
White / Male / 6’0’ / 140lbs / Brown Hair / Hazel Eyes
Wanted by the U.S Marshals Service and Richland County Sheriff’s Office on the charge of failure to verify address on a sex offense (F1).
Ties to Mansfield and Galion area.
Reward money is available for information directly leading to an arrest. Anyone with information concerning any of these fugitives can contact the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force office at 419-774-3565 or the tip line at 1-866-4WANTED (1-866-492-6833) or you can send a web tip at the following webpage http://www.usmarshals.gov/district/oh-n/index.html.
Tipsters may remain anonymous, and a cash reward may be available. The Task Force’s “Dangerous Dozen” fugitives can be viewed at https://www.usmarshals.gov/sites/default/files/media/document/dangerous-dozen.pdf, which is updated monthly.
The NOVFTF Akron Division consists of the following federal, state and local agencies:
United States Marshals Service, Mansfield Police Department, Ohio Adult Parole Authority, Richland County Probation, Richland County Sheriff’s Office, Ashland County Sheriff’s Office, Bucyrus Police Department, Galion Police Department, Huron County Sheriff’s Office, Lexington Police Department, Loudonville Police Department, Ohio State Highway Patrol, Ontario Police Department, Plymouth Police Department, Willard Police Department and Crestline Police Department.
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Joe Lyons •
November 30, 2023
This year, all of our buildings will be decorated and open to the public with a Christmas tree in every room including the recently opened James and Suzanne Clark Carriage House and revamped Veterans Exhibit. In total, the museum will feature twenty-three full-sized Christmas trees spread across all four buildings – three more trees than last year thanks to the help of our wonderful volunteers.
Ashland, a town brimming with holiday spirit and captivating sights, is set to capture the essence of the Christmas season with the help of talented photographers, just like you.
Get ready to celebrate the holiday season in Ashland with an array of festive events and activities. From the 18th annual TubaChristmas concert to the Ashland Christmas Parade, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So mark your calendars and join in on the Christmas spirit in Ashland!
Brian Mays Age: 38
Rafael Martinez Age: 39
Trenton Schoenman Age: 23
David Greene Age: 38