Congress Township — On Wednesday, October 23, 2024, at approximately 2:30 p.m., The Wooster Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol was called to the scene of a two-vehicle fatal crash on West Britton Road (Township Road 0178) near Maple Valley Drive in Congress Township of Wayne County.
The on-scene investigation revealed that a gray 2019 Ford F-250 hauling a farm implement was entering the roadway from a field access to turn east onto West Britton Road. A green 2001 Harley Davidson Heritage Springer was traveling east on West Britton Road and struck the rear of the Ford F-250 as it was completing its turn.
The motorcyclist, George W. Wood Jr., 60, of Burbank, was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash and was pronounced deceased on scene.
The driver of the Ford F-250, Andrew R. Stands, 42, of Creston, was not injured in the crash.
At this time, the crash remains under investigation. Alcohol and drugs are not believed to be contributing factors to the crash.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted on the scene by Canaan Township Fire Department and EMS, Bear’s Towing, and the Wayne County Coroner’s Office.
The Strange Stories of the Battle of Gettysburg, 1863: A Field Trip Discovery
October 18, 2024 – Gettysburg, PA: Genesis Christian Academy students embarked on a journey into history during a field trip to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, exploring not just the well-known strategies and outcomes of the battle, but also the lesser-known, human stories of love and tragedy. Led by History teacher Kenneth Hammontree and historian Tyler Rice, the trip focused on the three-day conflict of July 1863, which forever changed the course of the American Civil War.
The trip served to bring history to life for the 38 students, parents, and staff members in attendance. As they walked the same grounds where Union and Confederate forces clashed, Hammontree began sharing a particularly poignant tale from the battle: the story of Mary Virginia “Jennie” Wade, the only civilian killed during the Battle of Gettysburg.
Jennie Wade: A Tragic Casualty of War
As Hammontree described, Jennie Wade’s story is a deeply human one, marked by both her untimely death and her unwavering bravery in the face of unimaginable danger. Wade, a 20-year-old woman, found herself in the middle of one of the most brutal engagements of the Civil War, not as a soldier but as a civilian trying to help others. On July 3, 1863, while kneading dough in her sister’s home, Wade was struck down by a stray Confederate bullet, becoming the only civilian casualty of the battle.
Despite the chaos surrounding her, Jennie had chosen to assist Union soldiers rather than hide in the cellar like many other civilians. She brought food and water to wounded soldiers, providing much-needed comfort amidst the horrors of battle. “Her courage is remembered, and her story resonates even today,” Hammontree told the group of students, some of whom were hearing this tragic tale for the first time.
One of the most heartbreaking aspects of Wade’s death was the discovery that she was carrying a photograph of her childhood sweetheart, Corporal Jack Skelly, a Union soldier who had been gravely wounded in an earlier battle. Their love story, cut short by war, is still shrouded in a degree of mystery and sorrow.
A Love Lost to War: Jack Skelly and Jennie Wade
Jack Skelly was wounded at the Battle of Carter’s Woods in June 1863, just days before the Battle of Gettysburg. While recovering in a Confederate hospital, Skelly encountered a strange twist of fate—his childhood friend, Wesley Culp, who had joined the Confederate army, was also at the same hospital. Culp had grown up in Gettysburg, like Skelly, but he fought for the South after moving to Virginia before the war. The odds of the two friends meeting in such a situation were incredibly slim.
Skelly, too injured to write, asked Culp to deliver a message to Jennie Wade, back home in Gettysburg. According to Hammontree, the message included a marriage proposal, though some historians debate whether Skelly and Wade were ever officially engaged. “It’s difficult to definitively know the truth after so many years,” Hammontree explained, “but Jennie’s sister, Georgia McClellan, believed they intended to marry in the fall of 1863.”
Unfortunately, neither Jennie nor Jack would live to see that day. Wade was killed in her sister’s home on July 3, 1863, while Skelly, unaware of her death, succumbed to his injuries just nine days later, on July 12. The letter Culp had carried, containing Jack’s proposal to Jennie, never made it to her. Wesley Culp himself died during the Battle of Gettysburg, on the very land where he grew up, and the letter was lost forever when he was buried in an unmarked grave.
The Unpredictability of War
The series of tragic events surrounding the Battle of Gettysburg highlights the strange twists of fate that occur during war. Wesley Culp’s choice to fight for the Confederacy, despite being from a Union state, is a story in itself. His chance encounter with Jack Skelly in a Confederate hospital, and his subsequent death just days later, adds another layer of heartbreak. “It’s a story of love, loss, and the unpredictability of war,” Hammontree said, his voice somber as he recounted the series of events that unfolded over the summer of 1863.
For the Genesis Christian Academy students, these personal stories brought the realities of war into sharp focus. As they stood on the same grounds where Wade, Skelly, and Culp had lived out their final days, the weight of history was profound. Hammontree remarked on the emotional impact of these tales. “We often focus on the battles and strategies, but it’s the human stories that make history truly resonate,” he said.
The students left Gettysburg with a new understanding of how war shapes not only nations but also individual lives. As Hammontree concluded his lesson, he announced that this was only the beginning of their exploration into the lesser-known, human stories of the Civil War. “In the next article,” he promised, “we’ll continue to uncover more of the strange and heart-wrenching stories that surround the Battle of Gettysburg.”
For many students, the trip was a deeply emotional experience, giving them a chance to connect with history in a way that textbooks often fail to do. The tragedy of Jennie Wade and Jack Skelly, interwoven with the strange fate of Wesley Culp, serves as a reminder of the cost of war—and the personal sacrifices made by those caught in its path.
The Ongoing Legacy
Gettysburg remains one of the most iconic battlefields in American history, but beyond the tactical and political significance, the stories of those who lived and died there are what continue to captivate and teach new generations. Genesis Christian Academy’s field trip brought to light these hidden narratives, offering students a chance to reflect on the personal dimensions of war.
As the group departed Gettysburg, the lessons they learned—about courage, love, and the unpredictable nature of fate—would stay with them long after they returned to the classroom. The strange stories of Gettysburg, like that of Jennie Wade and Jack Skelly, show that even in the darkest times, the human spirit endures.
Genesis Christian Academy Explores Gettysburg’s History on Educational Field Trip
October 18, 2024 – Gettysburg, PA: A group of 38 students, parents, and staff from Genesis Christian Academy embarked on an immersive historical journey to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, for a field trip designed to bring history to life. The group, led by History teacher Kenneth Hammontree and historian Tyler Rice, departed from the school at 6:00 a.m. on Friday to explore the battle that became a turning point in the Civil War.
The trip began in the early hours, with the students shaking off sleep and passing the six-hour bus ride by singing along to songs, including those by pop icon Taylor Swift. Their destination: the historic battleground where, over the course of three days in July 1863, the fate of the nation was forever changed.
Upon arriving in Gettysburg, the group enjoyed a boxed lunch at the Gettysburg Museum before checking into their hotel. Later that evening, they received a quick introduction to the key historical landmarks before gathering for a casual pizza dinner. To end their first day, they strolled through the streets of Gettysburg, soaking in the atmosphere before turning in for the night.
The second day began bright and early. After breakfast, the group set off to explore the sites in depth, beginning with a visit to the Jenny Wade House, where Hammontree recounted the tragic story of Jenny Wade, the only civilian killed during the Battle of Gettysburg. They stood before the very door that bears the bullet hole from the shot that ended her life. A visit to Wade’s grave followed, where Tyler Rice provided context on the nearby Gettysburg Address, delivered by President Abraham Lincoln just months after the battle.
One of the highlights of the day was the group’s experience at the Gettysburg Cyclorama, an enormous 360-degree painting created by French artist Paul Philippoteaux in 1884. The artwork vividly captures the drama of Pickett’s Charge, the climactic final assault of the battle.
At 3:45 p.m., the students retraced the steps of Confederate General George Pickett’s soldiers, walking the same open field where the infamous charge took place, bringing a new level of understanding to the battle’s intensity and the soldiers’ bravery.
On the final day of their trip, after a morning service at the cemetery, the group reflected on the trip’s powerful lessons before beginning the journey back to Ohio.
This field trip to Gettysburg offered Genesis Christian Academy students a unique opportunity to witness history firsthand, deepening their connection to the Civil War and its pivotal impact on American history.
Defendant Allegedly Created Large “Trump” Sign Used as a Battering Ram Against Police
WASHINGTON — An Ohio man has been arrested for allegedly assaulting law enforcement and other charges related to his alleged conduct during the Jan. 6, 2021, breach of the U.S. Capitol. His alleged actions and the actions of others disrupted a joint session of the U.S. Congress convened to ascertain and count the electoral votes related to the 2020 presidential election.
Jeffrey Newcomb, 41, of Polk, Ohio, is charged in a criminal complaint filed in the District of Columbia with felony offenses of assaulting, resisting, or impeding certain officers and obstruction of law enforcement during a civil disorder. In addition to the felonies, Newcomb is charged with misdemeanor offenses of entering or remaining in any restricted building or grounds, disorderly or disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds, and disorderly conduct in a capitol building or grounds.
The FBI arrested Newcomb today in Polk, Ohio, and he will make his initial appearance in the Northern District of Ohio.
According to court documents, it is alleged that Newcomb created a large 13ft by 10ft custom metal sign, which read “Trump” and was supported by large casters about the size of a person’s head. Newcomb brought this sign with him as he traveled from Ohio to Washington. D.C., and participated in the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol.
Court documents say Newcomb was identified in video footage on the morning of January 6th carrying the sign onto the U.S. Capitol grounds. Images from that day depict Newcomb moving the sign around Constitution Avenue, NW, and other areas near the “Stop the Steal” rally near the White House. Later, Newcomb pulled the sign toward the southwest corner of the Capitol grounds with the help of several other rioters along the way. Newcomb and others then carried the sign up the Maryland Walkway, closer to the Capitol building.
It is alleged that Newcomb and others then carried the sign into a mob of rioters facing off against a police line on the West Plaza. Court documents say that Newcomb, with the assistance of others, passed the giant metal framed sign from the southwestern portion of the West Plaza mob toward the center front of the crowd. Rioters cheered the sign’s arrival, and many in the crowd helped pass it closer and closer to the police line as Newcomb carried the sign by one of its large casters.
At approximately 1:40 p.m., Newcomb and the sign reached the police line on the West Plaza. At this point, it is alleged that Newcomb still carried the sign by one of its casters. It is further alleged that Newcomb and other rioters then started pushing the sign on a path in order to ram it into the police line. At one point, Newcomb fell as he began to walk up the plaza’s steps, and the sign’s progression temporarily paused.
Newcomb got back up and grabbed the sign once again as the mob resumed pushing it forward. Just before the mob was about to hit the police line with the sign, Newcomb released the sign, allowing it to move further forward with the mob like a battering ram. As police officers struggled to address the danger caused by the sign, Newcomb dropped back and, at one point, supported rioters continuing to shove the sign toward the police line by pushing on rioters’ backs. The sign eventually struck police.
According to court documents, the sign could have easily knocked over police due to the frame’s sheer size and the sharp edges and corners, which were readily capable of causing slicing or splitting injuries. Police worked quickly to pull the sign away from the mob. It ultimately took over a dozen officers to completely remove the sign.
Newcomb remained on the West Plaza for some time until well after the West Plaza police line fell at approximately 2:30 p.m., and rioters swarmed onto the Inaugural stage.
This case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and the Department of Justice National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio.
This case is being investigated by the FBI’s Cleveland and Washington Field Offices. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Capitol Police and the Metropolitan Police Department.
In the 45 months since Jan. 6, 2021, more than 1,532 individuals have been charged in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol, including more than 571 individuals charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement, a felony. The investigation remains ongoing.
Anyone with tips can call 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) or visit tips.fbi.gov.
A complaint is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
On October 19, 2024, at 1:56 am, officers responded to 200 Cline Ave for a reported domestic violence. Officers made contact with the female victim and Michael S. Oswalt II, who was in possession of a knife.
The male fled back inside the residence, which was occupied by the female victim’s two small children, ages 6 and 8. The female then was able to get back inside the residence from the rear door.
The officers immediately established communication with the Mr. Oswalt, who appeared to be under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol.
Hostage negotiators and the Richland County ASORT team arrived on the scene to begin negotiations.
During the three hours of negotiations, the suspect released the two children. A short time later the female victim was able to flee out the back door where SWAT operators Sgt. Shane Gess, Sgt. Michael Haines, Sgt. Joseph Gladden and Officer Paul Webb were positioned.
The male suspect was observed chasing the victim and was armed with a knife(s). Less lethal munitions were fired at the suspect with little to no effect. Operators were then forced to use lethal force to stop his actions.
SWAT paramedics were on scene and immediately began life saving measures, but were unsuccessful.
The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) and the Richland County Prosecutors arrived on the scene.
BCI will be handling the investigation. Further details will be released as they become available.
Breaking News: US Route 250 in Rowsburg Shut Down for FBI Activity
Rowsburg, OH – In a developing story, US Route 250 in Rowsburg was shut down this morning as the FBI executed a search warrant at 158 Front Street. The operation was supported by Deputies and Detectives from the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office, sparking considerable local attention.
Witnesses reported seeing law enforcement officers with guns drawn as they secured the area.
Traffic was blocked off at County Road 251 and US Route 250 at County Road 175, with detours in place to reroute vehicles around the closed stretch.
When asked for more details, the officer-in-charge at the scene declined to provide any additional information, directing inquiries to the FBI Cleveland Public Affairs Office. He did, however, assure that there was “no public danger” from the ongoing operation.
Later in the morning, FBI Cleveland Public Affairs Officer Susan Licate responded to a FOIR and issued a brief statement: “The FBI was conducting court-authorized law enforcement activity at 158 US Route 250, Polk, Ohio. While I am unable to provide further details, I want to assure the community that there is no reason for concern regarding public safety.”
At this time, the nature of the FBI’s investigation remains undisclosed, and there is no indication of any immediate threat to the public.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
One Dead in Single-Vehicle Crash in Jackson Township
Jackson Township, OH – October 21, 2024
Authorities responded to a fatal single-vehicle crash late Monday evening in Jackson Township. At approximately 9:19 PM, the Mansfield Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol was called to the scene on Rock Road North, near Stein Road, after a report of a car accident.
Preliminary investigations revealed that a 2017 Dodge Charger, driven by Louis D. Rittenberry, 57, of Shelby, Ohio, was traveling north on Rock Road North when it veered off the left side of the roadway. The vehicle then went up an embankment before re-entering the road, only to cross over to the right side and plunge into a nearby creek.
Emergency Medical Services (EMS) transported Mr. Rittenberry to Avita Ontario Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
The Shelby City Fire Department and Westside Towing assisted at the crash site. The Ohio State Highway Patrol is continuing its investigation into the cause of the crash.
Ashland – National School Bus Safety Week begins Monday, October 21 and runs through Friday,
October 25. During this time, the Ohio State Highway Patrol will increase enforcement efforts regarding
school bus violations. These violations include passing a stopped school bus, school zone violations and
other school bus or school zone-related activity.
National School Bus Safety Week is supported by the National Association for Pupil Transportation and
serves as a reminder to motorists, students and school bus drivers of the important role they all have in
ensuring children’s safety. This year’s theme is “Safety First – Safety Always,” a unique reminder to
both motorists and students about the dangers that exist outside the school bus.
“School Bus Safety Week serves as an important reminder that keeping Ohio’s children safe as they
travel to and from school requires a collective effort,” said Governor Mike DeWine. “I encourage all
drivers, parents, and students to stay vigilant, follow traffic laws, and work together to ensure everyone
gets to their destinations safely.”
Prior to stopping, school buses display yellow warning lights that signify the bus is about to stop. Once a
bus comes to a complete stop, red flashing lights and a stop sign are displayed. Motorists approaching a
stopped school bus from either direction are required to stop at least 10 feet from the bus while the bus
driver is receiving or discharging students. When a road is divided into four or more lanes, only traffic
driving in the same direction as the bus must stop. Drivers may not resume their travels until the bus
starts moving.
“The Ohio State Highway Patrol is committed to ensuring the safety of students who rely on school
transportation every day,” said Colonel Charles A. Jones, Patrol superintendent. “While drivers are
legally required to stop for school buses when children are boarding or exiting, it is just as important for
students to look both ways and cross the road with caution.”
Since 2019, there has been a total of 6,415 school bus-related traffic crashes in Ohio, resulting in eight
fatalities and 2,064 injuries. One of the eight killed was an occupant of a school bus. During that time,
troopers have issued more than 16,500 citations for passing a stopped school bus and other school zone
violations.
Additionally, school buses are required to be inspected twice a year to ensure the bus is operating
properly. Every bus used to transport students is inspected before the beginning of the school year and
once randomly during the year. Since 2019, the Ohio State Highway Patrol has performed more than
200,000 inspections.
Veterans and Active-Duty Military Welcome to Enjoy a Free Breakfast
Ashland, Ohio—Mayor Matt Miller will again host the annual Mayor’s Veterans Day Breakfast to
honor our community’s military service members on Monday, November 11th from 7:30 to 9:00
a.m. at the Fraternal Order of Eagles Club, located at 400 Eastlake Drive. Breakfast will be
continuously served throughout the morning.
“We are so thankful to live in the great United States of America, and we are so blessed that in
every generation God has raised up a group of men and women to defend our freedom by
serving in our country’s military,” said Miller. “We are so proud of our veterans and current
service members and this annual breakfast is one way we can say thank you to these local
heroes.”
Veterans and active-duty military members are welcome to stop by the Eagles Club anytime
between 7:30 and 9:00 a.m. for a delicious, free breakfast assortment, including egg casserole,
biscuits and gravy, pancakes and more
WARCOG 911 Dispatcher Arrested on Multiple Felony Charges
Wayne County OH – A 911 dispatcher with the Wayne/Ashland County Regional Communications and Operations Group (WARCOG), Andrew Mohn, 36, of Burbank, OH, who also is a Captain and EMT for Canaan Township Fire Department has been arrested and indicted on multiple serious charges, including rape and gross sexual imposition, according to documents from the Wayne County Court of Common Pleas.
Mohn faces the following charges:
11 counts of Rape (First-degree felony)
12 counts of Gross Sexual Imposition (Third-degree felony)
The indictment reveals a pattern of repeated sexual abuse, involving multiple child victims. According to the prosecution, Mohn admitted to law enforcement officials that he engaged in oral and anal penetration and possessed a large collection of child sexual abuse material, including images and videos that he shared with others.
Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Brianna Dietary has requested that Mohn be held without bond, citing public safety concerns. In a statement from the Bond Hearing, Dietary said, “This is a case of repeated sexual abuse of multiple child victims. The defendant’s admissions and possession of child sexual abuse material raise significant concerns for the safety of the public.”
On September 30, 2024, Judge Corey E. Spitler ruled that Mohn is to be held without bail. The first pretrial conference is scheduled for October 30, 2024, at 11:00 AM.
The Wayne County community remains shocked by the charges, especially given Mohn’s role as a public safety dispatcher along with being a Captain and EMT for Canaan Township Fire Department.
Canaan Township Fire Department, or WARCOG has not yet issued a public statement regarding the arrest.
This case is ongoing, and further details will be provided as they become available.
Joe Lyons •
October 23, 2024
