Milan Township- The Sandusky Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating a two commercial vehicle serious injury crash that occurred Friday September 6, 2024 at 12:49 PM at the intersection of Mason Road and Hoover Road in Milan Township, Erie County.
Matthew Snyder, age 57, of Parma, was driving a white 2018 Mack truck southbound on Hoover Road. Mr. Snyder failed to yield for the posted stop sign on Hoover Road at Mason Road. Mr. Snyder was struck in the right side by another commercial vehicle that was traveling eastbound on Mason Road. Mr. Snyder’s vehicle careened off the southeast corner of the intersection and struck a tree. Mr. Snyder sustained serious incapacitating injuries and found to be wearing his safety belt.
Thomas Reising, age 26, of Berlin Heights, was driving a 2023 Volvo commercial dump truck eastbound on Mason Road. Mr. Reising struck the side of the 2018 Mack truck in the intersection of Hoover Road. Mr. Reising’s vehicle also careened off the southeast corner of the intersection, overturned, and struck a utility pole. Mr. Reising had to be extracted from the vehicle by fire/EMS. He sustained serious injuries as a result. Mr. Reising was found to not be wearing a safety belt at the time of the crash.
The crash remains under investigation.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted by the Erie County Sheriff’s Office, Milan Township Fire Department, North Central EMS, Interstate Towing, and Ralph’s Towing
(COLUMBUS, Ohio) — Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost today sued the Columbus City Schools Board of Education for refusing to transport hundreds or thousands of students to charter and private schools despite the district’s legal obligation to provide the bus service.
“As a parent and grandparent, I understand the importance of making sure every child has a safe way to get to and from school,” Yost said. “These families have a right to choose what school is best for their child, and the law is clear that transportation is to be provided. The School Board needs to comply with the law whether they agree with it or not.”
Yost’s filing, a petition for a writ of mandamus in the Ohio Supreme Court, seeks to compel Columbus City Schools to immediately provide transportation to and from charter and private schools for each student whose family has requested mediation regarding bus service until the mediation is resolved. It also demands that the district provide lists of students for whom they deem transportation to be “impractical” to the charter and private schools, as the district failed to provide legally required notice to many affected families of their right to request mediation.
The district is statutorily obligated to provide transportation for charter and private school students who live within the district’s boundaries and no more than 30 minutes from the public school to which they would be assigned if they attended.
Columbus City Schools has not complied with the law since the start of this academic year for hundreds or thousands of students, calling bus transportation for these students “impractical” and providing parents of those affected with just a few days’ notice, far short of the notice required by law. The district has also failed to provide transportation to students challenging the district’s “impracticality” decision, which is also in violation of state law.
“It appears that the district has chosen to ignore its legal obligations. . ., perhaps calculating that the district is better off paying future non-compliance fines than meeting its current legal obligations,” Yost wrote.
The district’s insufficient response to the letter prompted today’s lawsuit, as the elimination of transportation is causing serious harm to students, their families and charter and private schools.
*UPDATE – August 28* – Highway Patrol Investigating Two Vehicle Fatal Crash*
*Chavis Freeman died as a result of the injuries he sustained in the crash.*
Clinton Township – The Norwalk Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating a two-vehicle fatal crash that occurred on August 27, 2024 at 12:34 p.m. on State Route 18 at the Township Road 15 intersection in Clinton Township, Seneca County.
The preliminary investigation showed a 2018 Hyundai Sonata, operated by Sarah A. Law, age 25, of Republic, traveling east on State Route 18. A 2005 Dodge Magnum, operated by John D. Adcock III, age 46, of Fremont, was traveling south on Township Road 15. Mr. Adcock failed to stop for a stop sign at the intersection and struck the Hyundai.
After the collision, the Dodge struck a traffic sign and overturned into a field in the southeast corner of the intersection. The Hyundai struck a traffic sign before coming to rest in the same field.
Mr. Adcock was not wearing his seatbelt and was ejected from the vehicle. He sustained serious injures and was flown from Tiffin Mercy Health to St. Vincent Medical center.
Chavis J. Freeman, age 40, of Fremont, was a passenger of the Dodge. He was not wearing his seatbelt and was ejected from the vehicle. He sustained serious injuries and was flown to St. Vincent Medical Center from the scene.
Destiny M. Stines, age 28, of Fremont, was a passenger of the Dodge. She was not wearing a seatbelt and was ejected from the vehicle. Ms. Stines sustained fatal injuries from the crash.
Ms. Law was wearing her seatbelt. She sustained minor injuries and was transported to Tiffin Mercy Health.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted at the scene by the Seneca County Sheriff’s Office, Tiffin Fire Department, Clinton Township Volunteer Fire Department, Seneca County EMS, Mercy Health Life-Flight, Seneca County Coroner’s Office, The Ohio Department of Transportation, and Rush Towing.
Kelleys Island – On August 23, 2024, at approximately 6:46 PM, a serious golf cart rollover crash occurred on Division Street near Titus in the Village of Kelleys Island, Erie County. The investigation is being handled by the Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Sandusky Post.
The crash involved a 2017 EZGO golf cart operated by Eleanor Austin, 27, of Clyde, Ohio. The golf cart was traveling northeast on Division Street when Ms. Austin lost control, traveled off the right side of the road and rolled into nearby trees. The impact resulted in Ms. Austin and her two passengers, Stela Francic, 25, and Brenda Mesa, 21, both from Sandusky, Ohio, being ejected from the vehicle.
Assisting agencies on scene, including the Kelleys Island Police Department, Kelleys Island Fire & EMS, Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), Cleveland Clinic Life Flight, Cleveland Metro Life Flight, and Mercy Life Flight, all arrived at the scene. Ms. Austin sustained serious injuries and was airlifted to Toledo St. Vincent’s Hospital, while Ms. Francic and Ms. Mesa were flown to Cleveland Metro Hospital for treatment.
Potent Mixtures Pose Risk of Drug Poisoning Death, Skin Wounds
(COLUMBUS, Ohio) – The Ohio Narcotics Intelligence Center (ONIC) released a public safety bulletin today alerting Ohioans to an increasing number of illicit drug samples found to contain mixtures of powerful drugs that can cause overdoses and/or skin wounds.
ONIC reported that drug testing labs across Ohio recorded an eight-fold increase in drug samples containing mixtures of “tranq-dope” (opioids and sedatives) and more than double the number of samples containing mixtures of “benzo-dope” (opioids and benzodiazepines) between 2021 and 2023 as compared to the three years prior. These drug mixtures have been identified in several forms, including counterfeit pills, powder, and rocks.
Sedatives and benzodiazepines are depressants that produce sedation and muscle relaxation while also lowering heart rate and blood pressure. Opioids such as fentanyl cause significant respiratory depression, which often is the primary cause of death in opioid-related drug poisoning cases.
Most of today’s illicit drug mixtures are extremely potent, which can make life-saving efforts more difficult. From 2017–2022, 58% of drug poisoning deaths in Ohio involved a mixture of illicit drugs.
“Part of the reason to issue this bulletin is the fact that naloxone may be less effective for someone experiencing an overdose caused by tranq-dope or benzo-dope,” said Cynthia Peterman, ONIC Executive Director. “Reversing the effects of a drug poisoning in those cases may require multiple doses of naloxone. These are extremely dangerous drug mixtures, and every Ohioan needs to be aware of the danger.”
Common drugs often mixed with tranq-dope or benzo-dope in Ohio include:
Opioids such as fentanyl/fentanyl analogues, heroin, nitazenes, and oxycodone.
Sedatives such as xylazine, medetomidine, ketamine, and detomidine.
Benzodiazepines such as bromazolam, alprazolam, clonazepam, and flualprazolam.
Launched by Governor Mike DeWine in 2019, ONIC is a specialized criminal intelligence unit that works to assist local law enforcement in conducting intelligence-driven drug trafficking investigations. ONIC’s criminal intelligence analysts and computer forensic specialists provide investigative, analytical, and digital forensic support to local law enforcement agencies and drug task forces throughout Ohio.
To report a drug tip to ONIC, please call 1-833-OHIO-NIC (644-6642). Information about how to access naloxone, the life-saving opioid overdose reversal medication, and fentanyl test strips is available by visiting naloxone.ohio.gov.
Collins, Ohio – On the evening of August 16, 2024, a serious incident occurred at the Huron County Fairgrounds during the popular Tough Truck event. At approximately 10:00 PM, one of the participants experienced a mechanical malfunction, causing their vehicle to veer into the staging area.
The mishap resulted in multiple injuries, two of which were severe. The injured individuals were transported to nearby trauma centers for further medical care.
In a statement issued by the Townsend Township Fire Department, Acting Fire Chief Jonathan White expressed deep concern for those affected by the incident. “We will be keeping everyone involved in our thoughts and prayers,” said Chief White.
Chief White also extended his gratitude to the emergency response teams who assisted in managing the situation. “I would like to thank the members of our department, Berlin Township Fire Department, New London Fire Department, and North Central EMS for doing a great job and keeping everything running as smoothly as possible,” he stated.
The swift response by the Huron County Sheriff’s Office and the Huron County Fair Board was also acknowledged for ensuring the safety of all involved and allowing emergency personnel to carry out their duties effectively.
The incident is under investigation, and further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
The community remains hopeful for the recovery of the injured and is rallying around those affected by this unfortunate event.
(COLUMBUS, Ohio)—Ohio Governor Mike DeWine joined Ohio Department of Commerce Director Sherry Maxfield and State Fire Marshal Kevin Reardon today at the Division of State Fire Marshal’s campus to announce a statewide Public Service Announcement (PSA) campaign to raise awareness for Ohio’s need for volunteer firefighters.
“Many Ohio communities rely on volunteer firefighters to keep them and their families safe every day,” said Governor DeWine. “As volunteer numbers decrease, Ohioans are increasingly at risk, which is why it so important to spread awareness for Ohio’s need. We hope to encourage everyday Ohioans to become extraordinary heroes by serving their communities as volunteer firefighters.”
In 2022, Governor DeWine created the Volunteer Fire Service Task Force, a group consisting of volunteer fire departments, municipalities, and state agencies, to study and improve the future sustainability of volunteer fire services in Ohio. The deployment of the PSA campaign is the latest fulfilled recommendation identified in the Task Force’s 31-page report.
Starting today, two 30-second PSAs will appear on televisions across the state along with ads on various digital platforms, including social media. The PSAs feature current Ohio volunteer firefighters sharing why they choose to serve encouraging Ohioans to consider becoming a volunteer firefighter themselves.
Individuals can visit MakeMeAFirefighter.org and search for volunteer firefighter opportunities in, or near, their communities. Users can then click on a specific position, read details about the role, and express their interest. Currently, there are nearly 400 open positions across Ohio listed on the website.
Approximately 70% of fire departments in Ohio are volunteer. While the number of emergency calls is increasing across the state, the number of volunteer firefighters is decreasing. From 2018 to 2021, there was a 6.5% decrease in the number of volunteer firefighters; meanwhile, from 2018 to 2020, there was a 9% increase in calls.
The nation is experiencing a similar trend. According to the National Volunteer Fire Council, approximately 65% of the country’s estimated 1,041,200 firefighters are volunteers, and 64% of 29,452 fire departments in the U.S. are all-volunteer. In 2020, the number of volunteer firefighters in the U.S. reached a low while call volume has more than tripled in the last 35 years.
“Many Ohioans underestimate or simply aren’t aware of the critical role that volunteer firefighters play in our daily lives,” said Ohio Fire Marshal Kevin Reardon. “There is no question that volunteers are a key component in our ability to maintain a strong, robust and responsive fire service across the state. These are men and women who, despite working full-time jobs, have made the decision to step up and serve their communities and neighbors, often on what could be considered the worst days of their lives. The trend we’re seeing at this moment in Ohio is unsustainable, which is why now is the time for Ohioans to step up and become the hometown heroes our communities desperately need.”
In addition to the new awareness campaign, the Division of State Fire Marshal has made strides toward fulfilling other recommendations from the Task Force, including making training classes at the State Fire Marshal’s Ohio Fire Academy 100% free for volunteer firefighters and volunteer fire departments, increasing fire department grant funding to $7.5 million, and hiring a volunteer service coordinator to support the needs of Ohio’s volunteer fire service.
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.
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.
Joe Lyons •
September 6, 2024
Potent Mixtures Pose Risk of Drug Poisoning Death, Skin Wounds
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.