The Mansfield Police Department made a shocking discovery on Sunday, November 5th, at North Lake Park, when they stumbled upon a decomposed body while responding to another call.
After a preliminary investigation, the remains were identified as belonging to Shealeah Lachelle Staley, an Ashland woman who had been reported missing since August 31st.
The body was found deep within the woods of the park. This finding triggered the involvement of the Richland County Coroner’s Office and Mercyhurst University’s Forensic Anthropology Team, known for their expertise in meticulously processing crime scenes.
While there does not appear to be any foul play involved, it is crucial for investigators to piece together the puzzle of Staley’s death, and shed light on the circumstances surrounding her disappearance.
This tragic incident serves as a reminder of the invaluable role that professional agencies play in bringing closure to unfortunate events, while also extending compassion and support to those affected.
Back in October, I shared a Facebook post about Staley’s disappearance, after a request from Sara Mae to share the post, highlighting the urgency to find her. Thanks to all who shared the post.
God certainly knew what He was doing when He created the changing seasons. I guess it’s the same for me. The seasons in my life change as I age, but they all work together for good. My children are grown and married and have given me beautiful grandchildren. December is, and has always been, a time of reflection for me…remembering the past seventy-five years and the people and dogs that have part of my life. I recall some of the dogs from my childhood to the present in this way:
Jet=Kindness
I learned so much by watching the way she rejoiced in life’s simplest moments. Every morning was Christmas morning. Every run was the best run. Every dinner was the best dinner. Jet taught me to be kind to others.
Rusty=Patience
I adopted Rusty when I was nineteen, working full time, was a first time renter and first time human with a dog. Rusty didn’t get the attention he needed, so training was quite a chore, but he loved me anyway and taught me patience.
Jesse=self control
Jesse taught me to wait to control my thoughts and emotions. She would snuggle up to me and say, “This is only a moment, it is not the rest of your life,” and I would immediately calm down, breathe, and tackle the problem.
This year, I’ve decided to make the biggest strides at Christmas and focus on others: humans and animals. I want to be grateful for the profound yet simple things. It’s impossible to dwell on my problems when serving coffee to a woman whose child is fighting cancer. Or when visiting a lonely gentleman in a nursing home. Or when a little girl tugs on your shirt and wants you to take time to see the drawing she made for her mommy. Or when you find a lost pup, give him a bath, a meal and then try to find his owner.
Christmas is truly a season of miracles. I pray that we all practice what Jet, Rusty and Jesse taught me; that portraying kindness, patience and self control will let us focus on others in the coming year.
Blessing, and Happy Thanksgiving, and Merry Christmas!
Dianne Hammontree, Secretary of Homeward Bound, Inc.
Veterans Day originated as “Armistice Day” on November 11, 1919, to commemorate the end of World War I. Over the years, this day has evolved to honor all those who have selflessly served their country in times of war and peace. Congress passed a resolution in 1926, making it an annual observance, and in 1938, it became a national holiday. In 1954, the name was changed to Veterans Day to honor veterans from all wars. Today, this day holds great significance as the nation comes together to show gratitude and respect for the brave men and women who have defended our country.
In the United States in 2022, there are approximately 16.2 million military veterans. This accounts for 6.2% of the total civilian population aged 18 and over. Among these veterans, 1.7 million are women, making up 10.3% of the total veteran population. The diversity among veterans is notable, with various racial and ethnic backgrounds represented.
When we consider the history of veterans, it is important to acknowledge the different wars they have served in. While only 0.8% of veterans in 2022 served in World War II, 4.1% served in the Korean War, 33.6% in the Vietnam War, 24.4% in the first Gulf War, and 26.3% in the second Gulf War. These numbers highlight the sacrifices made by veterans across generations and the range of experiences they have encountered in service to their country.
The veteran population in 2022 is characterized by its diversity. Among veterans, 8.6% identify as Hispanic or Latino. The majority of veterans, 72.3%, identify as White alone (not Hispanic or Latino). African Americans make up 12.4% of the veteran population, while Asian Americans account for 2.1%. Additionally, 0.8% are American Indian or Alaska Native, and 0.2% identify as Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander. It is worth noting that these percentages only include those who have reported a single race.
In 2022, the age distribution among veterans is varied. Veterans aged 75 and older make up 26.5% of the population, demonstrating the wisdom and experience they bring from decades of service. In contrast, 8.5% of veterans are younger than 35 years old, representing a new generation of heroes stepping forward to protect and serve their country.
On Veterans Day, our nation comes together to honor and show gratitude to those who have served. Parades and ceremonies take place across the country, paying tribute to the bravery and sacrifices made by military veterans. One powerful example of this recognition is the ceremony held at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia. This solemn and moving event serves as a reminder of the dedication and unknown sacrifices made by countless individuals in service to our nation.
Veterans Day is a time for us to reflect on the significant contributions made by veterans. From World War II to the present day, these brave individuals have defended our country and protected our freedoms. As we observe Veterans Day, let us honor their dedication, bravery, and selflessness. Let us express our gratitude for their service and work towards creating a society that supports and uplifts our veterans. Together, we can ensure that their sacrifices are never forgotten.
An estimated 10 million doses of controlled substances have been seized, including eight million doses of fentanyl and methamphetamine laced pills and powder. The total street value of the drugs seized is upwards of $8 million. Three men have been arrested in connection with allegedly running this large-scale drug trafficking organization (DTO) on the North Shore of Massachusetts.
Emilio Garcia, also known as 6, 25, of Lynn, Massachusetts, was charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and possess controlled substances with intent to distribute and one count of possession of controlled substances with intent to distribute; Sebastien Bejin, also known as Bash, 33, of Lynn, Massachusetts, was charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and possess controlled substances with intent to distribute and one count of possession of controlled substances with intent to distribute; and Deiby Felix, 40, of Lynn, Massachusetts, was charged with one count of possession of controlled substances with intent to distribute. The defendants will appear in U.S. District Court on Nov. 13.
According to the charging documents, in July 2023, an investigation into an overdose death in Salem, Massachusetts, led investigators to a DTO allegedly led by Garcia, Bejin, and Felix. The defendants were surveilled for three months, which culminated in search warrants at locations identified in the investigation, and their arrests on Wednesday, Nov. 1.
On Nov. 1, searches were conducted at four locations in Lynn. These were identified as locations frequented by Garcia and Bejin. The searches resulted in, what is believed to be, one of the largest single-location seizures of fentanyl and methamphetamine in Massachusetts and the region. Over 100 kilograms (220 pounds) of controlled substances were seized. The seizure included nine kilograms (20 pounds) of pink heart shaped fentanyl-laced pills pressed to look like candy.
In total, an estimated eight million individual doses of fentanyl and methamphetamine laced pills and powder was seized. The street value is believed to be upwards of $8 million.
More specifically, according to the charging documents, the following drug quantities were seized from the basement of a two-family residential home that was occupied by multiple families and small children:
More than 10 kilograms (22 pounds) of white powder and rock like substances which field tested positive for methamphetamine and cocaine base;
More than 17 kilograms (37 pounds) of suspected raw methamphetamine which equates to approximately more than 3.5 million individual doses;
Approximately 280,000 counterfeit Percocet pills, believed to contain fentanyl, weighing 28 kilograms (61 pounds) with a street value in the range of approximately $1.4 million to over $7 million;
More than 27 kilograms (59 pounds) of counterfeit Adderall pills, believed to contain methamphetamine; and
Approximately 1.8 kilograms (four pounds) of brown rock and powder-like substances, which tested positive for cocaine, fentanyl, and methamphetamine. This quantity of fentanyl equates to about 900,000 individual doses.
Additional narcotics and five firearms were also seized during the searches.
“The only thing more depraved than trafficking deadly fentanyl is trafficking deadly fentanyl designed to look like candy to appeal to teenagers,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “The Justice Department is focused on attacking every link in the global fentanyl trafficking chain, and we will not stop until those responsible for the fentanyl poisoning epidemic are brought to justice. We also continue to urge families to have open and honest conversations about the urgent threat posed by this epidemic, and the fact that just one pill can kill.”
“This seizure by the FBI’s North Shore Gang Task Force saved lives in communities throughout Massachusetts,” said FBI Director Christopher Wray. “Not only was this seizure one of the largest in the history of Massachusetts, but some of the pills were created to look like candy, potentially presenting an enormous risk to children. The FBI will continue to relentlessly pursue those involved in narcotics trafficking to keep drugs off our streets, and out of the hands of children.”
“The doses of controlled substances seized in this case exceed the number of residents in Massachusetts,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Joshua S. Levy for the District of Massachusetts. “The fact that we now are seeing fentanyl-laced pills pressed to resemble candy only underscores the urgency of this fentanyl crisis.”
Surveillance during the investigation revealed that Garcia and Bejin would travel to the Broadway stash location on a daily basis and then bring quantities of suspected from the premises to supply lower-level dealers. One such location that appeared to be supplied from the main stash location was an address at 341 Western Avenue in Lynn, where Deiby Felix is alleged to reside. A search of 341 Western Avenue revealed more than three kilograms (6.6 pounds) of pressed pills containing methamphetamine and fentanyl, consistent with those found in the Broadway stash location and a firearm.
The charges of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, and conspiracy to do the same, each provide for a sentence of a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after reviewing the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The FBI Boston Field Office investigated the case, with valuable assistance provided by the Essex County District Attorney’s Office, Massachusetts State Police, Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Boston Division, IRS-Criminal Investigation in Boston, and the Chelsea, Lynnfield, Salem and Lynn Police Departments.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip A. Mallard of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit for the District of Massachusetts is prosecuting the case.
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Well, well, well, it looks like the time has come for that delightful little tradition known as “fall back.”
That’s right, folks, grab your comfiest pajamas and get ready to indulge in an extra hour of precious, glorious sleep. Because on Sunday, Nov. 5 at 2 a.m., daylight saving time will bid us adieu for 2023, and our clocks will go back an hour, giving us a much-needed respite from the hustle and bustle of our daily lives.
Ah, sweet, sweet Standard Time, how we’ve missed you. In a blink of an eye, the time officially changes at 2:00 a.m. local time to become 1:00 a.m., magically granting us the hour we so cruelly lost in the spring.
But fear not, my weary friends, for this impending magical time shift will bestow upon us the precious gift of an extra hour of sleep.
So, whether you’re a snooze-button enthusiast or a connoisseur of all things cozy, get ready to savor that sweet, sweet slumber. Embrace the joy of an extended stay in dreamland, for tomorrow’s alarm will be silenced for just a little while longer.
Sleep tight, my friends, and may your dreams be as delightful as this extra hour of sleep.
*UPDATE – November 4* – Marion Post investigating fatal plane crash in Marion County
The occupants of the Piper have been identified. The left front seat occupant was Hal E. Durbin, 71, Findlay, and the right front seat occupant was William J. David, 70, Bowling Green. The incident remains under investigation.
Marion Post investigating fatal plane crash in Marion County
MARION – The Marion Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating a fatal plane crash that occurred today at approximately 11:30 a.m. in Pleasant Township.
The preliminary investigation show ed a Piper Cherokee Six crashed into a bean field, approximately nine miles southwest of the Marion Municipal Airport. The single-engine Piper sustained major damage and the two occupants suffered fatal injuries.
The names of the occupants are being withheld at this time, pending positive identification.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted at the scene by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, Marion County Coroner’s Office, Pleasant Township Fire Department, Battle Run Fire District, Fort Morrow Fire District, 1st Consolidated Fire District and the Federal Aviation Administration.
The National Transportation Safety Board has been notified and the incident remains under investigation.
On October 27, 2023, E. Third Street officially opened as a two-way street, marking a significant change in traffic flow. However, tonight, this transition led to the first accident on this newly transformed road.
At approximately 9:30 pm, Ashland Police Division Officers, Ashland Fire Department, and EMS swiftly responded to a two-vehicle crash on E. Third Street, at the intersection of N. Central Street.
The confusion surrounding the recent alteration seemed to have played a role in this unfortunate incident.
The driver of the at fault vehicle, a lifelong resident, admitted that he mistakenly believed E. Third Street was still a one-way street. Consequently, he found himself driving on the wrong side, inadvertently causing this collision.
Thankfully, the injuries sustained were minor, and two individuals were transported to the hospital by Ashland EMS for further examination.
It is important to note that drugs and alcohol were ruled out as contributing factors to the crash.
As the community adjusts to this new traffic pattern, it is crucial for everyone to remain vigilant and aware of the recent changes to ensure the safety of all motorists.
As a weekly library patron, of course I want the library to update its collection on a regular basis. But how much does an already full library need updated yearly and at what cost to the taxpayers, especially in the digital age?
Public Records Requests and emails with library officials have yielded the following information: In the 2023 $2.5 million budget (combining state and local funding), $240,300 was allocated for “Library Materials and Information.” During this year alone, 8,725 physical items have been added to the library, not counting digital items accessed by subscriptions. These physical items were manufactured (many from trees), transported (burning fuel and polluting the environment), and processed into the library system (using costly work hours). To make room for these new items in an already full library, it would make sense that around 8,000 “old” materials acquired the same way had to be processed out of the system and then discarded or sold at a fraction of the original cost.
Financially and environmentally, this goes against everything we know about conservation and trustworthy stewardship of resources. According to their own admission in public information, the library repeats such terrible waste every single year as our taxes rise.
Additionally, based on a Public Records Request of book titles purchased over the past five years, no fewer than several hundred books placed in the Juvenile, Youth, and Young Adult sections had themes of sexuality, transgenderism, and CRT. Not just the five books discussed at board meetings in 2022, not just a few dozen (plenty if the motive had only been to “educate”), but actually hundreds are now in Ashland’s library. This obsessive focus on one particular set of topics isn’t healthy or without consequences.
Some would argue that a “no” vote on the November 7th levy would “defund” the library. However, this temporary funding reduction in local funding, until another levy passes, would simply be a wake-up call to teach the library to spend more wisely and be accountable to the taxpayers. As the levy doesn’t affect state funding, its defeat wouldn’t close the library’s doors. No one is trying to do that.
The $2.5 million budget for the library isn’t for APL Board Members to waste, especially on obsessive agendas as they see fit. Please vote “no” on the library levy.
Sylvia Keller, Loudonville
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Joe Lyons •
November 7, 2023
The Mansfield Police Department made a shocking discovery on Sunday, November 5th, at North Lake Park, when they stumbled upon a decomposed body while responding to another call.
CHANGE
Well, well, well, it looks like the time has come for that delightful little tradition known as “fall back.”
*UPDATE – November 4* – Marion Post investigating fatal plane crash in Marion County
