On the afternoon of Tuesday, July 16, 2024, Ashland Police Division Detectives executed a search warrant at 612 Edgehill Ave. By Wednesday, 18-year-old Jacob Keener of Ashland was in custody. At his video bond hearing this morning, Keener appeared before Ashland County Common Pleas Court Magistrate Emily M. Bates and Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Michael J. Callow to face one count of unlawful sexual conduct with a minor, a fourth-degree felony.
Charges Details
According to the charges, on or about July 15, 2024, in Ashland County, Ohio, Jacob Keener, had sexual conduct with a minor, Jane Doe. Court records states that Keener was aware or reckless in his knowledge that Jane Doe was between 13 and 16 years old, violating Ohio Revised Code Section 2907.04(A) and 2907.04(B)(1).
Bond and Conditions
Jacob Keener
Keener’s bond was set at $75,000, requiring either a surety bond or a cash deposit. The court imposed several conditions for his release on bond, including:
Jacob Keener
Signing a personal recognizance
Not leaving Ohio without court permission
Appearing at all future hearings
Keeping the court informed of his current address and phone number
Obeying all Ohio laws and court orders
Abstaining from drugs and alcohol, with random testing at his expense
Seeking drug/alcohol and mental health assessments and complying with treatment plans
Enrolling in the court’s drug testing/bond program
Undergoing GPS monitoring with associated fees
Adhering to a curfew from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. at his approved residence
Having no contact with Jane Doe or any other minor in any form
Keener is scheduled for his next criminal video appearance on July 23, 2024, at 11:45 AM.
Richland County, Washington Township — The Mansfield Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating a two-vehicle fatal crash. The fatal crash occurred on June 19, 2024, around 5:04 AM, on State Route 13 near mile post 7.
Tarin Hoffman, age 36, of Mansfield, was driving a 2004 Dodge Dakota North on State Route 13. Ms. Hoffman drove left of center striking Kami Coe, age 34, of Ashland, who was driving A 2015 Subaru Outback south on State Route 13.
Ms. Hoffman had two passengers, Nathan Phillips, age 48, of Mansfield and Shannon Spicer, age 40 of Mansfield.
Ms. Hoffman’s vehicle overturned and came to rest on the west edge Of the roadway. Mr. Phillips was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Ms. Hoffman and Mr. Spicer were transported to Ohio Health Mansfield for serious injuries.
Ms. Coe was treated and released at the scene.
Ms. Hoffman and Mr. Spicer were not wearing seat-belts. Ms. Coe and Mr. Phillips were wearing seat-belts.
The Mansfield Post was assisted by Bellville Police Department, Washington and Jefferson Township Fire, Richland County Coroner’s Office, Mikes Marathon Towing and Ohio Department of Transportation.
ASHLAND – Ashland County Community Foundation recently awarded 300 scholarships totaling $491,252 to students across the region.
This was a record year for the foundation’s scholarship program, with the largest number of scholarships awarded to date.
“We congratulate each of this year’s scholarship recipients, and we extend our sincere thanks to the caring donors in our community who have made these awards possible,” said ACCF Educational Programs Director Lanie Hartge. “We were able to give away nearly half a million dollars in a single year, and we love to see these numbers grow, but the impact of these scholarships is truly immeasurable.”
Of the scholarships awarded, 11 of these were new, and include the following: Joe & Deb Allerding Family Scholarship; Don & Dreama Beattie Scholarship; Joy Day AHS Mock Trial Team Scholarship; Samuel W. Jacobs Memorial Scholarship; Bre McKean Memorial Scholarship; Petrone Scholarship; Scott Family Public Safety Scholarship; Bill & Maxine Stafford Scholarship; Paul & JoAnne Weber Scholarship Fund, fbo Loudonville Livestock Club Participants; Paul & JoAnne Weber Scholarship Fund, fbo OSU-ATI “Dairy Cattle Production & Management” Students; and Paul and JoAnne Weber Scholarship Fund, fbo West Holmes High School FFA Alumni.
A complete list of 2024 scholarships and their recipients can be found on our website at www.ashlandforgood.org/latest-scholarships.
Ashland County Community Foundation offers scholarship opportunities for graduating high school seniors, continuing college students and non-traditional students. Since 1995, ACCF has awarded 3,895 scholarships totaling more than $4.5 million.
Applications are accepted on our website at www.ashlandforgood.org between January 1 and March 15 each year.
By creating an endowed scholarship fund through the community foundation, community members can help make higher education possible for students for years to come. Endowed scholarships are often created to honor or remember someone special and can be named for the donor or honoree.
“We can set up your fund and administer your scholarship based on your desired criteria,” said ACCF President and CEO Jim Cutright. “If education is important to you or a loved one, this is a great way to impact your community for good.”
For more information about starting an endowed scholarship or other named fund, contact Cutright at (419) 281-4733 or cutty@ashlandforgood.org.
The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force is offering a reward for information which would lead to the capture of fugitive Shad Turner. Turner is wanted by the U.S. Marshals Service and the Mansfield Police Department on a failure to comply with order or signal of police officer. Turner, 28, is described as a black male with brown hair and brown eyes, standing 6 feet 4 inches tall. Turner has ties to the cities of Mansfield and Columbus.
Shad Turner
The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force is offering a reward for information which would lead to the capture of fugitive Ashlea Roberts. Roberts is wanted by the U.S. Marshals Service and the Richland County Sheriff’s Office for illegal conveyance. Roberts, 32, is described as a white female with red hair and green eyes, standing 5 feet, 1 inch tall. Roberts has ties to the cities of Mansfield and Loudonville.
Ashlea Roberts
The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force is offering a reward for information which would lead to the capture of fugitive Zhaneshia Fance. Fance is wanted by the U.S. Marshals Service and the Richland County Sheriff’s Office for improper handling of a firearm. Fance, 29, is described as a black female with brown hair and brown eyes, standing 5 feet 1 inch tall. Fance has ties to the city of Mansfield.
Zhaneshia Fance
The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force is offering a reward for information which would lead to the capture of fugitive Jose Flores. Flores is wanted by the U.S. Marshals Service and the Richland County Sheriff’s Office for rape. Bowens, 45, is described as a Hispanic male with black hair and brown eyes, standing 5 feet, 11 inches tall. Flores has ties to the cities of Mansfield, Bakersfield CA, and Fernley NV.
Jose Flores
If you have any information in reference Shad Turner, Ashlea Roberts, Zhaneshia Fance, or Jose Flores, please contact the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force at 1-866-4WANTED or Text keyword WANTED and tip to 847411 (tip411). Tipsters can remain anonymous and reward money is available.
In a major announcement on Truth Social, former President Donald Trump revealed his vice presidential pick for the upcoming election: Ohio Senator J.D. Vance.
“After lengthy deliberation and thought, and considering the tremendous talents of many others, I have decided that the person best suited to assume the position of Vice President of the United States is Senator J.D. Vance of the Great State of Ohio,” Trump stated. He highlighted Vance’s distinguished career and credentials, noting his service in the Marine Corps, his academic achievements at Ohio State University and Yale Law School, and his successful business career in technology and finance. Trump also praised Vance’s bestselling book, “Hillbilly Elegy,” which became a major film, as it resonated with hardworking Americans.
The announcement has already drawn positive reactions from prominent Ohio officials.
Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost expressed strong support for Vance, stating, “J.D. Vance is a perfect pick – tough, smart, and high-energy. He knows what it’s like to have to fight, what it’s like to win, and what it’s like to serve.”
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine also issued a statement congratulating Vance. “J.D. is a father, military veteran, best-selling author, and has served Ohio well as our U.S. Senator,” DeWine said. “His unique life story will resonate with Republicans and Independent voters across the country. J.D. will also bring a new generational perspective to the ticket.”
Governor DeWine further emphasized Vance’s ability to relate to Americans facing economic challenges. “A son of Middletown, Ohio, J.D. can relate to the many Americans who are struggling right now to make ends meet in this era of crushing inflation and an unaffordable housing market. J.D. also knows that securing our border is imperative.”
DeWine concluded, “President Trump has made a great choice and Senator Vance will be a great partner as they campaign together this fall.”
The selection of Vance as the vice presidential nominee adds a new dynamic to Trump’s campaign as they prepare for the upcoming election, aiming to appeal to a broad base of voters across the country.
COLUMBUS— On Friday, June 12, State Rep. Melanie Miller (R-City of Ashland) joined the Ohio Association of Meat Processors, the Ohio Department of Agriculture, and other legislators on a tour of Heffelfinger’s Meats, Inc., the largest harvesting facility in Ohio.
The state of Ohio recently announced additional funding for the Ohio Meat Processing Grant Program made possible with support from the 135th Ohio General Assembly in House Bill 33. The $14 million grant will assist meat processing facilities with the acquisition of new and upgraded machinery, other equipment and technology products, and plant construction or expansion for confinement, processing, and refrigeration.
“This is such an important industry in our great state and especially here in Ashland County,” said Miller. “Rick Heffelfinger continues to operate a first-class facility and by investing in Ohio’s meat processors, we are supporting the growth of small business and ensuring our residents have access to safe, locally sourced food.”
Located in Jeromesville, Heffelfinger’s Meats carries both fresh and frozen meats such as Beef, Pork, Bison, Elk, Ohio Goat, Veal, Lamb, Duck, and Free-Range Turkeys. Rick Heffelfinger represents the third generation operating this local landmark, which was established in 1934.
Heffelfinger’s Meats was a recipient of the Ohio Meat Processing Grant in 2022 receiving nearly $227,000. They purchased a generator for the 25,000 square-foot facility in an effort to reduce the impact of power outages.
Ohio Highway Patrol, Ashland County Sheriff’s Office, Savannah Fire Department & EMS, and Firelands EMS responded to a two vehicle accident at 569 U.S. Route 250 in front of Beyond Measure Market on Friday, July 12, at 1:22pm.
A 2009 Gold Dodge Caliber was stopped waiting to turn into Beyond Measure Market when they were struck from behind by a 2007 Buick LaCrosse. Both vehicles ended up off the right side of the highway.
Both drivers were transported to UH Samaritan Medical Center with minor injuries.
Ashland – The Ohio State Highway Patrol, in conjunction with the Ashland Police Department and Ashland County Sheriff’s Office, announced today that an OVI checkpoint will be held from 8 PM until 10 PM tonight on Claremont Avenue, in Ashland County.
The OVI Checkpoint, funded by federal grant funds, is planned to deter and intercept impaired drivers.
The checkpoint will also be held in conjunction with nearby saturation patrols to aggressively combat impaired driver-related injury and fatal crashes.
If you plan to consume alcohol, designate a driver or make other travel arrangements before you drink.
Don’t let another life be lost for the senseless and selfish act of getting behind the wheel impaired.
Ashland – The Ohio State Highway Patrol announced today that an Operating a Motor Vehicle Impaired (OVI) checkpoint will be held in Ashland County tomorrow evening.
The OVI checkpoint, funded by federal grant funds, is planned to deter and intercept impaired drivers.
“Based on provisional data, there were 11,324 OVI-related crashes in which 725 people were killed last year in Ohio”, Lieutenant Brad Bishop, commander of the Ashland Post, said. “State troopers make on average 25,000 OVI arrests each year in an attempt to combat these dangerous drivers. OVI checkpoints are designed to not only deter impaired driving but to proactively remove these dangerous drivers from our roadways.”
The location of the checkpoint will be announced Friday morning
Ashland County, OH, July 4, 2024 – A boating accident at Pleasant Hill Lake on the Fourth of July left a man in serious condition after being run over by the boat he was on with friends.
The incident, which occurred at approximately 3:20 PM, is under investigation by the Wildlife Officers from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Parks & Watercraft. Ashland County Sheriff’s Office, Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District (MWCD) Rangers, also responded.
According to ODNR spokesperson Karina Cheung, ODNR officers responded to a report of a person being injured after being run over by a boat at Pleasant Hill Lake. The accident happened while a group of people was on a pontoon boat on the lake. “An argument took place on the boat, leading one man to jump into the water voluntarily,” Cheung explained. “While he was in the water, the operator of the boat, unaware of the man’s actions, put the boat into gear, driving over him.”
The man sustained multiple cuts to his right side from the boat’s propeller and was quickly taken to the Ohio-Health Trauma Center for treatment. Unknown on his current condition.
The boat’s operator underwent standardized field sobriety tests and was not arrested for boating under the influence. However, charges for failing to complete the Ohio Boating Education Class and failure to control the vessel have been presented to the prosecutor’s office.
Authorities continue to investigate the incident to determine the exact sequence of events.
For more information and updates on boating safety regulations, visit the ODNR website or follow them on social media.
Joe Lyons •
July 19, 2024
Jacob Keener
Richland County, Washington Township — The Mansfield Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating a two-vehicle fatal crash. The fatal crash occurred on June 19, 2024, around 5:04 AM, on State Route 13 near mile post 7.
The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force is offering a reward for information which would lead to the capture of fugitive Shad Turner. Turner is wanted by the U.S. Marshals Service and the Mansfield Police Department on a failure to comply with order or signal of police officer. Turner, 28, is described as a black male with brown hair and brown eyes, standing 6 feet 4 inches tall. Turner has ties to the cities of Mansfield and Columbus.
The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force is offering a reward for information which would lead to the capture of fugitive Ashlea Roberts. Roberts is wanted by the U.S. Marshals Service and the Richland County Sheriff’s Office for illegal conveyance. Roberts, 32, is described as a white female with red hair and green eyes, standing 5 feet, 1 inch tall. Roberts has ties to the cities of Mansfield and Loudonville.
The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force is offering a reward for information which would lead to the capture of fugitive Zhaneshia Fance. Fance is wanted by the U.S. Marshals Service and the Richland County Sheriff’s Office for improper handling of a firearm. Fance, 29, is described as a black female with brown hair and brown eyes, standing 5 feet 1 inch tall. Fance has ties to the city of Mansfield.
The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force is offering a reward for information which would lead to the capture of fugitive Jose Flores. Flores is wanted by the U.S. Marshals Service and the Richland County Sheriff’s Office for rape. Bowens, 45, is described as a Hispanic male with black hair and brown eyes, standing 5 feet, 11 inches tall. Flores has ties to the cities of Mansfield, Bakersfield CA, and Fernley NV.
“This is such an important industry in our great state and especially here in Ashland County,” said Miller. “Rick Heffelfinger continues to operate a first-class facility and by investing in Ohio’s meat processors, we are supporting the growth of small business and ensuring our residents have access to safe, locally sourced food.”
Ashland – The Ohio State Highway Patrol, in conjunction with the Ashland Police Department and Ashland County Sheriff’s Office, announced today that an OVI checkpoint will be held from 8 PM until 10 PM tonight on Claremont Avenue, in Ashland County.
