Ashland County Breaks Ground on New Airport Terminal: A Major Step Forward for Economic Growth and Aviation Education
ASHLAND, OH – March 25, 2025 — In a landmark moment for Ashland County, officials broke ground Monday on a long-anticipated new terminal building at the Ashland County Airport, setting the stage for a wave of aviation and economic development that leaders say will reshape the region’s future.
Dozens of community members, local and state dignitaries, and aviation supporters gathered under overcast skies on March 24 to celebrate the ceremonial launch of construction for the $1.95 million project. Among those in attendance were State Senator Mark Romanchuk, State Representative Melanie Miller, Ashland Mayor Matt Miller, all three Ashland County Commissioners, Sheriff Kurt J. Schneider, and representatives from JobsOhio & TeamNEO with the Ashland County Airport Authority.
Ashland County Commissioner Mike Welch kicked off the event by acknowledging the collaborative effort that made the project possible. “I’m also Vice President of Economic Development,” Welch said. “And all this would not have been possible without the help from our economic development team, including Cameo Carey and Lindsey Hoover from the Simonson Construction Group. You get a couple of hardworking ladies involved, and things happen!”
Welch praised his fellow commissioners— Denny Bittle and Jim Justice—for working together on a shared vision. “We recognize projects that are vital and make sense. We gave $550,000 of our American Rescue Plan Act dollars, and we added another $900,000 for a total of $1.45 million.”
The remaining funding, including a critical $300,000 grant from JobsOhio’s Site Inventory Program (OSIP), allowed the county to officially move the project into the construction phase.
“A Terminal Designed for Tomorrow”
Tom Zupan, Trustee with the Ashland County Airport Authority, expressed both pride and gratitude in his remarks. “Today marks the beginning of an important next chapter,” he said. “Our current terminal has served us well, but it’s no longer adequate to meet the needs of our growing aviation community. Rather than patching an aging structure, we made the decision to invest in something forward-looking.”
The new 4,100-square-foot terminal will include a public pilots’ lounge, classrooms, meeting spaces, and a designated observation area for visitors. It’s also being designed with future expansion in mind—including the possibility of establishing a permanent flight school that would help address a national pilot shortage.
“We’re especially excited to include a space for a future FAA Part 141-certified flight school,” Zupan said. “It’s a facility built not just for today but for the next generation.”
Zupan also acknowledged Airport Manager Denny Baum and Secretary Tracie Baum, as well as architect Brad Adams of VSWC, whose firm developed the terminal’s design. The construction contract was awarded to local contractor SCS following a competitive bidding process.
“Elevating Ashland’s Role in Aviation”
Steve Bechtol, also a member of the Airport Authority and a longtime advocate for the terminal project, took the stage to reflect on the years of work leading up to the groundbreaking. “This day has been a long time in the making,” he said. “The Ashland County Airport quietly serves our community, powered largely by volunteers.”
Bechtol emphasized the educational potential of the new facility, pointing to the need for more pilots and aviation professionals. “We’re seeing a surge in demand. One airline I spoke with is looking to hire 11,000 pilots over the next five years,” he said. “We can be part of the solution right here in Ashland.”
He spoke of how the terminal’s thoughtful design—complete with runway-facing observation rooms and aviation-inspired architecture—is intended to inspire youth. “We want local kids to be able to hang out here and dream about flying. This isn’t just about infrastructure—it’s about opportunity.”
Bechtol also referenced his personal aviation history, noting that his company, Blue Northern Enterprises—now part of Barr Air Patrol—operated from the Ashland County Airport for 17 years. “This is home,” he said. “We want to see businesses like ours continue to grow with the support of this new facility.”
“Investing in Growth and Community”
JobsOhio Sites Director Diana Rife outlined the larger impact the terminal will have. “This building will house a base of operations, classrooms, flight simulators, and will provide ADA-compliant facilities for visitors and aviation professionals alike,” Rife said. “This is about developing a skilled workforce and creating new career pathways right here in Ashland County.”
She emphasized that the $300,000 grant from JobsOhio was part of a broader statewide effort to invest in job-ready sites. “The support from state, federal, and local agencies—alongside private stakeholders—has been vital in moving this forward.”
“A Community Effort, A Vision Realized”
While much of the ceremony focused on the technical and financial aspects of the terminal, the prevailing message was one of gratitude and collective achievement.
“This terminal is more than steel and drywall,” Commissioner Mike Welch said in closing. “It’s a symbol. A commitment to our community. A signal to the world that Ashland is growing, innovating, and investing in its future.”
From economic growth to flight education and regional tourism, the Ashland County Airport’s new terminal represents a bold new era in the county’s aviation history. Construction is now officially underway, with completion expected in 2026.
As Tom Zupan put it, “This building is Ashland’s front door to the skies—and we’re proud to finally open it.”
“This Is a Win for Ashland and for Ohio”
State Senator Mark Romanchuk took the podium with a message of gratitude and recognition for the coalition that made the project possible.
“Congratulations to the Ashland community and the Ashland County Airport Authority for finally getting this done,” Romanchuk said. “And thank you to our sponsor, JobsOhio, the county commissioners, and most importantly, the taxpayers of Ohio—because of them, we at the state level have the resources to support projects like this.”
Romanchuk also paid tribute to former State Representative Darrell Kick, who helped get the ball rolling years ago. “He was the one who really spearheaded this effort early on, and through the help of the Commissioners, the vision stayed alive. Though term limits have since moved him on, he did a yeoman’s job with me on this project.”
He closed by presenting a “President’s Letter” from the Ohio Senate to commemorate the groundbreaking, saying, “We look forward to coming back and seeing the completed terminal soon.”
“Ashland Will Now Sparkle Even More”
Following Romanchuk’s remarks, State Representative Melanie Miller brought her signature enthusiasm to the celebration.
“This is a very exciting day in Ashland County,” she said. “Ohio is known as the birthplace of aviation—thanks to the Wright brothers and the innovation that started in Dayton. So it’s only fitting that Ashland is carrying that legacy forward.”
Miller emphasized the economic and educational opportunities that the new terminal will bring. “We need more pilots. We need more aviation mechanics. And projects like this allow us to meet that demand while drawing more people to our region.”
She also touched on the importance of first impressions: “When people fly in—whether to Columbus, Cleveland, or Ashland—airports are the front door to our communities. We all remember the great ones and the not-so-great ones. With this terminal, Ashland’s front door will shine.”
As Chair of the new House Arts, Athletics, and Tourism Committee, Miller stressed the importance of tourism and its link to regional development. “This project puts Ashland on the map. It’s a chance to attract new businesses, students, and families to our area.”
She concluded by citing the state’s recently passed House Bill 54, Ohio’s transportation budget, which invests $11.48 billion over two years into infrastructure—including airports.
“One of the exciting initiatives we just launched is the Division of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) under ODOT,” Miller said. “This will help Ohio remain a leader in efficient cargo transport and aviation innovation. Ashland’s new terminal is part of that vision.”
Ashland County, OH — A high-speed chase that began in Medina County and spanned multiple jurisdictions came to a end on Saturday when a 70-year-old Tallmadge man was arrested after refusing to stop for law enforcement.
According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, Victor Head was driving westbound on I-76 in a black 2022 Tesla Model Y when a Medina County trooper attempted to initiate a traffic stop for speeding—clocked at 99 miles per hour. Instead of pulling over, Head accelerated and merged onto I-71 southbound.
The Medina County Sheriff’s Office and Lodi Police Department joined the pursuit as it continued into Ashland County. There, troopers from the Ashland County Post and deputies from the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office became involved. Spike strips were deployed near mile marker 184, successfully puncturing both passenger-side tires of the Tesla.
The vehicle came to a stop two miles later, near the 182-mile marker. Despite coming to a halt, Head initially refused to exit the vehicle. After a 15-minute standoff, he eventually complied and was taken into custody without incident.
Head was checked at the scene by Ashland EMS before being transported to the Medina County Jail. He has been charged with failure to comply with the order or signal of a police officer, a fifth-degree felony.
The standoff caused significant traffic backups in both directions on I-71, though no injuries were reported.
ASHLAND COUNTY (Monday, March 24, 2025) State Route 96, just east of Township Road 1193, will close Monday, March 31 for a culvert replacement.
The detour route for eastbound motorists will be State Route 96 east to State Route 545 north to the village of Savannah to U.S. 250 east to the city of Ashland to U.S. 42 south to State Route 96 (Main St.), and reverse for westbound motorists.
Garfield Heights Woman Indicted on Multiple Felony Counts in Ashland County Fraud Case
ASHLAND, OHIO — March 20, 2025 — A Garfield Heights woman is facing a series of felony and misdemeanor charges after allegedly executing a multi-location bank fraud scheme that targeted multiple Park National Bank branches across north-central Ohio.
Daion Owens, 29, appeared before Magistrate Emily M. Bates of the Ashland County Common Pleas Court today via video conference following her arrest on a sealed indictment (sub rosa) issued by a Ashland grand jury.
Owens, who was not represented by legal counsel during the hearing, was informed of her rights and the eight-count indictment against her. Attorney Kimberly Stout-Sherrer was subsequently appointed as her legal representative after Owens was found to be indigent.
The indictment, presented by Assistant Prosecutor James Reese, outlines a complex scheme in which Owens allegedly forged and attempted to cash fraudulent checks across multiple counties on August 2, 2023. The charges include:
Two counts of Theft (Fifth-degree felonies), for allegedly stealing a total of over $3,500 from two Park National Bank branches — one in Ashland and another in Ontario.
Two counts of Attempted Theft (First-degree misdemeanors), stemming from unsuccessful attempts to cash fraudulent checks in Mansfield.
Four counts of Forgery (Fifth-degree felonies), related to forged checks drawn on an account belonging to a Park National Bank customer, “The Veterans and First Responders.”
According to the indictment, Owens successfully cashed checks at the Ashland and Ontario locations, totaling $1700.00 and $1849.19 respectively. However, her attempts to cash similar fraudulent checks at Mansfield branches were denied.
Court records show that Owens is accused of using checks from a compromised account ending in 5965, belonging to The Veterans and First Responders, a nonprofit organization. Investigators allege she knowingly presented forged instruments with the intent to defraud the organization and the bank.
During the bond hearing, Prosecutor Reese referenced Owens’ extensive criminal history, including recent charges in multiple Ohio counties:
2023: Three counts of counterfeiting (F4) and one count of forgery (F5) in Summit County
2023: Seven counts of forgery (F5), receiving stolen property (F5), and grand theft (F4) in Lorain County
2023: Theft charge (M1) in Mayfield Heights
2017: Falsification charge (M1) in North Olmsted
The magistrate set bond at $25,000, allowing for either a 10% cash deposit or full bond via surety or collateral. As part of her bond conditions, Owens must not leave the state without permission, abstain from drugs and alcohol, submit to random testing, and have no contact with Park National Bank locations.
She is scheduled for arraignment on Monday, March 24, 2025, at 2:00 p.m., which will also be held via video unless she posts bond prior to the hearing.
Owens is currently held on the charges of theft, attempted theft, and forgery, all carrying potential prison time if convicted. The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities have not ruled out the possibility of additional charges or co-conspirators in the fraud scheme.
Braving the Cold: ‘Freezin’ for a Reason’ Returns to Support Special Olympics
Ashland, OH – Get ready to take the plunge! The annual “Freezin’ for a Reason” event is set to take place on Saturday, March 22, 2025, in the back parking lot of Dale Roy School. This chilly tradition, benefiting Special Olympics Ohio, invites participants to embrace the cold while raising funds and awareness for a great cause.
Event Schedule & Details
Registration: 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
A $5 donation grants participants a lunch ticket and a door prize ticket.
A $10 donation provides a lunch ticket and five door prize tickets.
Photo Frame Pics: Capture the “before” moments leading up to the big plunge!
Lunch (11:15 AM – 12:00 PM): Enjoy hot dogs, chips, dessert, and water.
Costume Contest: Participants are encouraged to dress up in creative outfits for a chance to win. Secret judges will determine the best-dressed plungers!
Opening Ceremonies (12:45 PM): A pre-plunge celebration featuring the announcement of costume contest winners and other awards.
Time to Take the Plunge!
At 1:00 PM, the moment of truth arrives as participants step under a fire water tank truck spray, testing their endurance against the icy water. The Dale Roy Cafeteria will be open for warming up afterward, offering food, fellowship, and a variety of door prizes.
This event is proudly sponsored by Ashland County and supported by law enforcement, local businesses, and volunteers. Proceeds benefit Special Olympics Ohio, helping athletes with disabilities compete, train, and thrive in sports.
Ohio Conducts Statewide Tornado Drill for Severe Weather Awareness Week
March 19, 2025 – Ohio residents heard tornado sirens blare this morning, but there was no cause for alarm—it was part of the state’s annual tornado drill.
As part of Severe Weather Awareness Week, observed from March 16-22, Ohio officials conducted the drill at 9:50 a.m. to test emergency preparedness systems and encourage public safety measures. The event, held every year during the third week of March, allows communities to practice their tornado response plans.
The statewide test uses the same siren tone as an actual tornado warning, ensuring that residents recognize the alert in the event of real danger. During the drill, local governments, schools, and businesses are encouraged to review their emergency sheltering procedures and test warning systems to ensure they are functional.
Understanding Tornado Alerts: Watch vs. Warning
The National Weather Service (NWS) issues two types of tornado alerts:
A Tornado Watch signals that conditions are favorable for tornado formation. Residents should remain alert and be prepared to take shelter if necessary.
A Tornado Warning means a tornado has been sighted or detected by radar and poses an immediate threat. When a warning is issued, residents should seek shelter immediately.
How to Stay Safe During a Tornado
Ohioans are reminded to follow safety measures in the event of a tornado. A common method taught in schools is the DUCK strategy:
D – Go down to the lowest level and stay away from windows.
U – Get under something sturdy, like a table or basement staircase.
C – Cover your head to protect from debris.
K – Keep sheltered until the storm has passed.
Preparing for Severe Weather
Governor Mike DeWine has proclaimed March 16-22, 2025, as Severe Weather Awareness Week, urging Ohioans to prepare for hazardous spring and summer weather, including tornadoes, thunderstorms, and floods.
Residents are encouraged to create an emergency plan, assemble emergency kits for their homes and vehicles, and familiarize themselves with local emergency shelters. The Ashland County Emergency Management Agency offers additional safety resources at www.ashlandcountyoh.us.
When is Tornado Season in Ohio?
According to the National Weather Service, Ohio’s peak tornado season runs from April through June, but tornadoes can occur at any time of the year.
Trio of Retired AU faculty Members Receive Emeritus Status
ASHLAND, Ohio – Three former Ashland University faculty members have received emeritus status, as announced by the Office of the President. Emeritus faculty status can be granted to faculty members who completed at least 15 years of full-time service at AU.
Receiving emeritus status recognizes the individual’s long-term contributions to AU in the areas of teaching, scholarship and service, and it takes effect immediately.
Those granted emeritus status are Duncan Jamieson, Ph.D., of the College of Arts and Sciences, Diane Moretz of the Dauch College of Business and Economics and Jackie Owens, Ph.D., of the Dwight Schar College of Nursing and Health Sciences.
“Professors Jamieson, Moretz and Owens transformed the lives of generations of AU students, and we are ever grateful for their teaching and service to our university,” stated AU President Jon Parrish Peede.
Jamieson, a professor of history, retired after a remarkable 45-year career at AU (1978-2024). In addition to holding every rank of professor, he served as the Director of the Honors Program, Dean of the School of Sciences, Assistant to the President for Academic Affairs, Director of Institutional Research, Grants and Special Programs and Director of Continuing Education at different times during his tenure. In the classroom, he taught a wide variety of courses in American history, and he was the recipient of an AU Academic Mentor Award four times. Jamieson contributed to his field in national professional organizations, including serving as president of the Sport Literature Association and the Popular Culture Association in the South. He also is co-author of “The Eagles of Ashland,” a fascinating history of the eagle statues that make for unique decorations across the AU campus.
Moretz, an assistant professor of marketing, completed 36 years of full-time service to AU (1988-2024). She began her tenure teaching in the hospitality program on the main campus as well as at the Ohio State Reformatory, then moved her focus to marketing and eventually chaired the Department of Marketing, Fashion Merchandising and Sport Management. She was also active on numerous committees, including Faculty Senate, Academic Standards, Admissions and Marketing, Athletics and COBE Scholarship.
Owens began her service to AU as a professional instructor of nursing and she retired as a tenured professor of nursing after 21 years (2003-24). She served as program director of the RN to BSN program for more than a decade and was a two-time recipient of the AU Academic Mentor Award and a five-time finalist for the Taylor Excellence in Teaching Award. She was on several university committees, including Institutional Promotion and Tenure, Faculty Senate, Shared Governance Task Force and Graduate Council and Graduate Curriculum. Owens developed an extensive scholarly record with dozens of publications and presentations and was the editor-in-chief of The Online Journal of Issues in Nursing, the scholarly journal of the American Nurses Association.
Mansfield Man Cited and Fined for Shooting Protected Trumpeter Swan
Ashland County, OH – A Mansfield man has been found guilty and fined after unlawfully killing a protected trumpeter swan during the early teal and goose hunting season last fall.
According to a March 4, 2025, field report from the Ohio Division of Wildlife, the case dates back to September 8, 2024, when State Wildlife Officer Evan Huegel received a Wildlife Turn-In-A-Poacher (TIP) call about a hunter shooting a trumpeter swan in Black Fork Bottoms hunting area. A witness reported seeing a group of trumpeter swans flying overhead, followed by multiple gunshots. One swan was observed falling into the water.
Upon arriving at the scene, Officer Huegel identified the only hunter in the area as Jeffrey E. Cline of Mansfield, Ohio. Surveillance showed Cline retrieving a dead goose while a dead swan lay approximately 10 yards away, which he did not attempt to recover.
When questioned, Cline admitted to shooting the swan, stating he had misidentified it as a goose. Though he possessed all required hunting permits and stamps, he was cited for unlawful take of a certain non-game bird, a first-degree misdemeanor under Ohio law.
Court Ruling and Fine
Cline appeared in Ashland Municipal Court on September 20, 2024, where Magistrate Fred Oxley accepted his no-contest plea and found him guilty. He was fined $350 plus court costs, bringing the total to $437.
Protected Status of Trumpeter Swans
The Trumpeter Swan (Cygnus buccinator) is North America’s largest native waterfowl species and was recently removed from Ohio’s endangered species list. However, it remains a protected species, and hunting them is strictly prohibited.
Speaking on the case, Andy Chow, Chief of the Office of Communications for the Ohio Division of Wildlife, emphasized the importance of proper species identification to prevent unlawful killings of protected wildlife.
Legal and Conservation Efforts
Violating Ohio’s wildlife protection laws can result in fines, license suspensions, and even jail time. The Ohio Division of Wildlife continues to urge hunters to carefully identify their targets before shooting.
Report Wildlife Violations
Residents can report illegal hunting activities through Ohio’s Turn-In-A-Poacher (TIP) hotline at 1-800-POACHER.Photo credit: Matt Platz
Ashland Celebrates St. Patrick’s Day with Parade, Music, and Tradition
Ashland, OH – Despite the cooler temperatures, Ashland’s St. Patrick’s Day celebration was anything but dull. A bright blue sky and lively Irish traditional chanteys set the perfect backdrop for the city’s annual Walking Parade, which drew hundreds of residents to the streets in a spirited display of Irish pride.
The parade, which began at Foundation Plaza around 5:15 p.m., was a spectacle of entertainment, featuring stilt walkers, a dazzling mirror-clad duo, and the unmistakable sound of bagpipes leading the way. Among the distinguished participants were Mayor Matt Miller and his wife, State Representative Melanie Miller, along with members of the Ashland City Council. Representing the Ashland Police Division, Lieutenant Aaron Kline stood out in a kilt paired with his police uniform, proudly carrying the city flag.
The parade procession made its way down Main Street to City Hall, where Mayor Miller and ten lucky children—winners of the city’s St. Patrick’s Day coloring contest—had the honor of dyeing the town creek green, continuing a cherished tradition. This year, 141 children between the ages of five and 18 submitted colorful illustrations of a leprechaun for the contest.
City officials, also sporting kilts, joined the festivities as the community came together for an evening of culture, camaraderie, and celebration. With music in the air and green dye in the water, Ashland once again proved that its St. Patrick’s Day spirit is as vibrant as ever.
Joe Lyons •
March 25, 2025
