Recorded Press Release from incident at Mackey’s Pond
Joe Lyons •
February 11, 2023
Recorded Press Release from incident at Mackey’s Pond
Thanks to Ryan Gillmor of the the City of Willard Drone Unit for providing the drone photos.
Local News
Joe Lyons •
February 11, 2023
Tim Tebow “Night to Shine”
Joe Lyons •
February 11, 2023
Ashland County Special-Needs presents Tim Tebow “Night to Shine” Ashland, Ohio held at the Ashland University John C. Myers Convocation Center
New Judge in Town
Joe Lyons •
February 9, 2023
Newly elected Judge David Stimpert took his oath of office today, in the very courtroom he will be presiding over at the Ashland County Common Pleas Court. I have never seen so many people in that courtroom for as long as I have been reporting.
The courtroom was packed with Judges, Attorneys, Former and current Prosecutors, Law Enforcement, including Police, Sheriff, and Ohio Highway Patrol. Besides all the court employees being present, there were also Bailiffs, a Mayor, a Senator, and a State Representative, along with Friends & Family.
David Stimpert, a local Attorney and former Chief Assistant Law Director for the City of Ashland, was sworn in, on February 9, 2023, as Judge of the Ashland County Common Pleas Court. Judge Stimpert is the son of Robert and Pamela Stimpert. He was born and raised in the Ashland area and graduated from Crestview High School in 1999. He went on to earn his Bachelor of Science Degree from Ashland University in 2003. Attorney Stimpert graduated from the University of Akron School of Law in 2006 and practiced with the local law firm of Oxley & Poplar, Co., LPA, before starting his own law firm in June of 2008.
In 2012, Attorney Stimpert began working under Ashland City Law Director Richard P. Wolfe, and soon after assumed the lead criminal prosecution duties, for the City of Ashland. In that capacity, he prosecuted over 11,000 criminal and traffic cases in Ashland County. In addition to regularly practicing in all three courts in Ashland County, Attorney Stimpert is licensed to practice in State courts throughout Ohio and the United States District Court, Northern District of Ohio. Attorney Stimpert is a current member of the Ohio Bar Association, and current member and past president of the Ashland County Bar Association.
David, his wife, Allison, and their four children continue to live in Ashland County and strongly believe in giving back to the community. Over his 16-year career, David has been involved with numerous local charitable boards and organizations. In the past, Judge Stimpert has been chairman of the Salvation Army of Ashland, Ohio Advisory Board; past chairman of the Nuhop Center for Experiential Learning, Board of Trustees (Camp Nuhop), and president of the Ashland County Law Library Association. He is a past member of the Ashland YMCA board, and the Ashland County Board of Developmental Disabilities. He is also a graduate of the Leadership Ashland Program, and currently sits as a board member on the Crestview Educational Foundation Board of Trustees, and the Mount Olivet cemetery association. Memberships include Faith United Methodist Church, Ashland YMCA, Ashland Elks #1360, National Rifle Association (lifetime member), Pheasants Forever, Ashland Young Men’s Business Club, and the Ashland Farm Bureau.
Judge Stimpert said, “I am incredibly honored to serve this community as the Judge of the Ashland County Common Pleas Court. The help and support that I received during the campaign was incredible, and I sincerely thank the voters of Ashland County for placing their trust in me. I will strive every day to be worthy of that trust. For over 16 years, I have been proud to be a local attorney in this community. My clients trusted me with some of their most important matters, and in turn, they provided a wonderful life for my family and me. It has been a blessing beyond anything that I had dreamed.”
Judge Stimpert continued by saying, “In addition, having the opportunity to work for Mr. Wolfe at the City of Ashland Law Director’s office, alongside our brave law enforcement officers, was an incredibly rewarding experience. I have been blessed to grow up in this area, obtain my education here and to practice law in this community. My teachers and mentors, my family and friends, my clients and fellow lawyers, and our local judges have all taught me so many lessons over the years. I am thankful for every one of them. This has been an ideal place to grow and to learn.”
In closing, Judge Stimpert said, “The decision to run for Judge was certainly not one that I took lightly. When Judge Forsthoefel announced that he would not be seeking re-election to his position in the Ashland Common Pleas Court, I had many discussions with friends and family, and after hours of thoughtful reflection and prayer, I decided to run for the position. Judge Forsthoefel served this County well and I thank him for his service. This is not just another job. For me, this is an opportunity to do more for the place that I have always called home, that I always will call home, and to which I feel that I owe so much. I am eager and excited to get to work for the citizens of Ashland County.”
After the Swearing-in Ceremony was over, I had the opportunity to speak with many of the individuals in attendance. Retired Judge Vercillo stated, “I have known Judge Stimpert since he first started to practice law. He has the intelligence, work ethic, integrity, and demeanor that will make him a fine Judge. The values that he lives and works by will serve him and the community well.”
Rick Wolfe-Director of Law, for the City of Ashland said, “I can unequivocally say that, during his tenure in this office (approximately ten years), Assistant Law Director Stimpert did an outstanding job for this office and the citizens of Ashland County. His high degree of knowledge of the law, his work ethic, his demeanor and his common sense were always evident and I have every confidence that Judge Stimpert will continue his legal career exhibiting the these traits and will likewise be outstanding as the Common Pleas Court Judge of Ashland.
Ashland Municipal Court Judge John L. Good said, “ It was a great honor to administer the oath of office to our new Common Pleas Court Judge. For sixteen years, I’ve had the pleasure of working with David Stimpert nearly everyday. I have absolutely no doubt that we have the right man for the job. I’ve come to know Judge Stimpert as a man of tremendous integrity. He has a farmer’s work ethic, and seemingly endless patience. He has the intellect, the courage, and the internal sense of fairness that the job requires. His campaign slogan, “Ashland County Values,” was never just a slogan; It’s who the man is. He grew from the dirt of this wonderful place we all live in, and he’ll do what is necessary to keep it safe. I’m sure of it. This is a great day in Ashland.”
Ashland County Juvenile and Probate Court Judge Karen DeSanto Kellogg said, “It was an honor to celebrate Judge Stimpert’s swearing-in today. Taking the bench today he marks his place in the history of the Ashland County Justice System, bringing with him humility, patience, fairness, and knowledge.”
Ashland Prosecuting Attorney Christopher R. Tunnell commented, “The prosecutor’s office is looking forward to working with Judge Stimpert. The Judge is a community minded family man, who understands how Ashland expects justice to be carried out. We believe he will fairly evaluate each case, impartially balance the necessary factors, and dispense justice accordingly.”
Ashland County Sheriff’s Office Sheriff E. Wayne Risner told me, “It was an honor to assemble with a packed Common Pleas Court room today, to witness the swearing-in of David Stimpert, as the New Common Pleas Court Judge for Ashland County. I feel confident that he will serve all the citizens of our great county fairly, impartially, and will ensure that justice is served.”
Ohio State Senator Mark Romanchuk said, “One of the great pleasures of holding public office is to see justice served, and in this case, it was witnessing the right man for the job taking the oath of office. I’ve known David Stimpert and his family 20 years, and I can assure the people of Ashland County he will make a superb justice in the Court of Common Pleas. David will be a true originalist who will judge according to our State Constitution and the law as written, and not legislate from the bench. I know his dedication to justice and to this community will serve the people of Ashland County well for years to come.”
District 67 Ohio House of Representatives Melanie Miller commented, “Judge Stimpert is a good and humble man. He will work hard every day to be fair, honest, and just. Ashland County is so fortunate to have Judge Stimpert on the bench.”
“The role of Common Pleas Court Judge is arguably one of the most important and impactful positions in our county’s law enforcement and criminal Justice system,” said Mayor Matt Miller. “The person who occupies this position can have a profound influence on the culture of our community and our people’s safety. I truly believe Judge Stimpert has the knowledge, wisdom, and level-headedness to make sure that ALL are treated with compassion and fairness as they make their way through our Justice system.”
Finally, former Ashland County Prosecuting Attorney Robert DeSanto replied, “I have known attorney Stimpert for a number of years, both as a private attorney and an assistant prosecutor for the city. He is an astute lawyer and a very balanced person. His judgement is sound. I have no doubt he will be a thoughtful and insightful judge. He will keep the community safe and the judicial system fair!”
OHP Releases Photos & Audio from Shooting on I-71
Joe Lyons •
February 9, 2023
Sergeant Ryan E. Purpura from the Ohio State Highway Patrol released the following statement on the shooting on I-71 at the 157mm.
Troopers from the Ohio State Highway Patrol are investigating a road rage incident that resulted in a shooting just after 6 p.m. yesterday on southbound Interstate 71 near the Richland/Morrow County line.
The driver of a semi-tractor trailer combination was shot at by the driver of a cargo van, identified as Kavin R. Crosby, 51, Sandusky.
The semi-driver, Jorge Campos, 29, Lincoln Park, Mich., was transported by emergency medical services to a local hospital with minor injuries.
The incident remains under investigation at this time.
AG Yost, Dollar General Reach Agreement to Avert Temporary Restraining Order
Joe Lyons •
February 8, 2023
(COLUMBUS, Ohio) — Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost and Dollar General have reached an agreement that averts a temporary restraining order sought by Yost against the Tennessee-based retailer over allegations of deceptive pricing.
“This is just a step in the process,” Yost said. “Litigation is not over, but this is a step in the right direction.”
Multiple county auditors in Ohio, as part of their regular duties, have inspected Dollar General stores and found that many of the prices displayed on the shelves did not match the prices charged at the checkout. Even after Yost sued the company on Nov. 1, 2022, some of the same stores continued to charge more than the prices advertised.
The stipulated order, reached this week in Butler County Common Pleas Court, outlines the terms and conditions that Dollar General must implement. In general, they require Dollar General to take steps to ensure that shelf prices match the charged prices.
As a matter of policy, employees will be required to charge a product’s shelf price if customers contend that they are being charged more at checkout. And, in cases when a price override is necessary, the store will take steps to correct the discrepancy.
Additionally, the company is required to educate all employees about the policy and to post signs in its Ohio stores informing customers of the policy.
Among other things, the order also:
Requires district managers to perform price checks for at least 25 items in each Ohio store every 45 days. If more than five items show discrepancies, the corporate office must be notified.
Requires Dollar General stores to notify the corporate office in the event that a price verification report conducted by a county auditor indicates a fail rate of more than 2%. Notification must occur within two days and discrepancies must then be corrected.
The stipulated order does not constitute an admission of liability on the part of Dollar General or an admission that a discrepancy exists between shelf prices and charged prices in any particular instance.
Ohioans who suspect unfair business practices should contact the Ohio Attorney General’s Office at www.OhioProtects.org or 800-282-0515.
AU to welcome theologian Jennifer McBride for Rinehart Lecture on Feb. 22
Joe Lyons •
February 7, 2023
Jennifer McBride, an author, educator and theologian, will deliver the 2023 Rinehart Lecture in Practical Theology at Ashland University on Wednesday, Feb. 22, at 7 p.m. Her presentation is free and open to the public and will be held in room 115 of the Dauch College of Business and Economics (400 College Ave.).
McBride will discuss her recently published book, “You Shall Not Condemn: A Story of Faith and Advocacy on Death Row.” It tells the story of Kelly Gissendaner, the only woman on Georgia’s death row until her execution in 2015, and describes her spiritual transformation through a prison education program and the movement that fought for clemency. Among the themes that emerge are the power of corrections education, the devastation of loss, the possibility of hope and a world without condemnation.
McBride has authored a number of other essays that have been published in scholarly journals and anthologies. Her work has appeared in publications such as “The Christian Century” and CNN.com, and been featured in The New York Times.
Until recently, McBride served as associate professor of theology and ethics and associate dean of doctor of ministry programs at McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago. In 2022, she joined the ministry team at All Saints’ Episcopal Church in downtown Atlanta and serves as the associate for formation.
McBride holds a bachelor’s degree in religious studies from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, as well as both a master’s degree and Ph.D. in religious studies from the University of Virginia.
The Rinehart Lecture in Practical Theology is an annual endowed public lecture honoring the memory and continuing work of Don Rinehart, who inspired generations of AU students as a faculty member for 46 years.
For more information, contact Peter Slade, chair of the department of religion and professor of religion at AU, at 419-289-5237 or pslade@ashland.edu.
Steve Workman Announces Candidacy for Ashland Ward 1 City Council
Joe Lyons •
February 7, 2023
I am pleased to officially announce my candidacy for Ashland City Council, Ward 1. It has been an honor and privilege to serve as your current Ward 1 City Councilman as well as City Council President.
The principles in which we govern our great city are timeless and as valid today as they were when first taking office in 2017-
·To be a council that does not shy away from difficult issues.
·To continually pursue an improved quality of life for all citizens of Ashland.
·To provide financial oversight for future growth and economic development.
·To maintain integrity and transparency in local government.
Through a spirit of unity, focus of effort, and generous community support, we have accomplished much over the past few years. I believe the best is yet to come.
Please join me in this shared vision of progress and improvement.
Together, we are making Ashland a “City of Excellence”.
Ashland County Sheriff & Columbus detectives search Sullivan Twp. for missing woman
Joe Lyons •
February 6, 2023
Breaking News
I’m working with Ashland Source on this breaking news
Loudonville Police Cruiser Struck During Welfare Check
Joe Lyons •
February 6, 2023
On the night of 02/01/2023, Loudonville Police Officers were dispatched to the intersection of Market Street and Main Street. A concerned citizen had called 911 to report a person passed out or asleep behind the wheel of a vehicle near this intersection.
Officers arrived and located the vehicle. The vehicle was on South Market Street at the intersection with Main Street. The Officers saw a male in the driver’s seat. The vehicle’s engine was turned on, the vehicle was in drive, and the driver had his foot on the brake. The driver was passed out and unresponsive.
For safety reasons, Officers quickly positioned their police vehicles behind and in front of the vehicle. They had their overhead emergency lights flashing so that the driver would immediately identify them as law enforcement. Officers made repeated attempts to get the driver to respond, eventually they were able to wake the driver up. The driver immediately lurched forward and struck one of the Loudonville Police Cruisers.
No injuries were reported.
Officers were able to get the driver to put the vehicle in park and then turn the vehicle off. A roadside investigation was completed, and the driver was arrested for OVI (Operating vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs). The driver had a BAC of 0.327, four times the legal limit (the legal limit in Ohio is 0.08).
The driver, identified as Steven Luther Dusz, age 36, of Ashland, was charged with OVI, Opened container in a motor vehicle, and Reckless operation. He was taken to the Ashland County Jail.
Loudonville Police Department Sgt. Gorrell said, “Thankfully someone saw this man in his car and called 911. It’s important if you see something that you say something, this could have had a much worse outcome!”
Steven Luther Dusz, age 36, of Ashland
Fugitives of the Week for February 6, 2023
Joe Lyons •
February 6, 2023
Reginald Canfield Age: 45
White / Male / 5’9” / 225 / Brown / Blue
Wanted by the Ohio Department of Corrections / Adult Parole Authority for sexual battery F3
Ties to Mansfield, Cleveland, and West Virginia.
Steven Drummond Age: 27
White /Male / 5’9’’ / 160 / Blond Hair / Blue Eyes
Wanted by the Richland County Sheriff’s Office for failure to register as sex offender / and a failure to register as sex offender out of the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office in Florida.
Ties to the Mansfield and Shelby Ohio and Tampa Florida areas.
Wesley lambert Age: 31
White / Male / 5’11’’ / 150 / Black Hair / Brown Eyes
Wanted by the Richland County Sheriff’s Office for tampering with evidence F3
Ties to Mansfield and Shelby Ohio.
Richard Kiser Age: 56
White / Male / 5’7’’ / 180 / Brown Hair / Brown Eyes
Wanted by the Richland County Sheriff’s Office for a failing to provide change of address as sex offender
Ties to the Mansfield, New Philadelphia, Conneaut, Bergholz, Lawrenceburg, TN
Reward money is available for information directly leading to an arrest. Anyone with information concerning any of these fugitives can contact the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force office at 419-774-3565 or the tip line at 1-866-4WANTED (1-866-492-6833) or you can send a web tip at the following webpage http://www.usmarshals.gov/district/oh-n/index.html.
Tipsters may remain anonymous, and a cash reward may be available. The Task Force’s “Dangerous Dozen” fugitives can be viewed at https://www.usmarshals.gov/sites/default/files/media/document/dangerous-dozen.pdf, which is updated monthly.
The NOVFTF Akron Division consists of the following federal, state and local agencies:
United States Marshals Service, Mansfield Police Department, Ohio Adult Parole Authority, Richland County Probation, Richland County Sheriff’s Office, Ashland County Sheriff’s Office, Bucyrus Police Department, Galion Police Department, Huron County Sheriff’s Office, Lexington Police Department, Loudonville Police Department, Ohio State Highway Patrol, Ontario Police Department, Plymouth Police Department, Willard Police Department and Crestline Police Department.