Local News

Patrol Releases Christmas Holiday Report

COLUMBUS – According to provisional statistics, 13 people killed on Ohio roadways this Christmas holiday.

During the four-day reporting period, from Friday, December 23, at 12 a.m. until Monday, December 26, at 11:59 p.m., 13 people were killed in seven fatal crashes. Of the 13 killed this year, impairment was a factor in one crash.

 
Troopers removed 56 impaired drivers from Ohio’s roads during the holiday, while citing 14 for distracted driving and 21 for drugs.
 
In 2019, there were 12 people killed, which ran from December 24 to 25. In 2021, there were 10 fatal crashes which killed 10 people during the four-day holiday period. Last year’s reporting period ran from Thursday, December 23 through Sunday, December 26.
 

The public is encouraged to continue using #677 to report dangerous or impaired drivers, as well as drug activity. A statistical analysis of the Patrol’s enforcement activity over the holiday is available at https://statepatrol.ohio.gov/static/links/Christmas2022_PIO.pdf.

 

Bucyrus Troopers Investigating a Fatal Crash Involving a Crawford County Plow Truck

 

Vernon Township — The Bucyrus Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating a two vehicle, single fatal crash that occurred at approximately 1:10 P.M. on December 23, 2022.

A 2022 Freightliner, operated by Matthew Ruth, age 36, of Bucyrus, Ohio was traveling westbound on County Road 49 (Remlinger Road) west of Township Road 47 (Baker Road). The Freightliner slowed or came to a stop in the roadway while removing snow.

A 2000 Ford Explorer, operated by Anthony Mahon, age 34, of Shelby, Ohio was traveling westbound on County Road 49 and struck the rear of the Freightliner.

Mr. Mahon was transported to Ohio Health Mansfield and was pronounced deceased.

The Bucyrus Post was assisted on scene by Jefferson Township Fire and EMS, and Lohr’s Towing.

The crash remains under investigation.

Two Vehicle Accident on Ashland County Road 801


Ashland Sheriff’s Office Deputies along with the Savannah Fire Department & EMS responded to the 800 block of Ashland County Road 801 for a two-vehicle accident around 10am this morning.

One was transported to Ohio Health in Mansfield with what is believed to be serious but non-life-threatening injuries.

The driver of the Ashland County Council On Aging vehicle was treated and released for minor injuries and was cited with Fail to yield the right away.

The Davey McClure Outdoor Education Shelter

Yesterday, I sat down with Ashland County Park District Commissioner, Bob DeSanto and Park Manager, Andy McClure, to discuss the Davey McClure Outdoor Education Shelter coming soon, to the Tom Kruse Wildlife Conservation Park, on State Route 60.

“We have reached 70% of our goal.” Bob DeSanto said, “This is a final push to get enough donations to get the last 30% and make Davey’s dream a reality.”

Ashland County Park Commissioner David, “Davey” McClure, passed away in September of 2020. He was an energetic and enthusiastic volunteer and park commissioner. Davey’s passion for introducing children to outdoor education and wildlife knew no limits.

His dream was to establish this facility, and to make it, and all elements of the park accessible to Ashland residents of all ability levels. This vision, to teach children and adults about the importance of natural resources in our community, had a lasting impact on the park district. The park district celebrates his positive impact through this proposed facility.

Park Manager Andy McClure said, “The shelter will be located at Tom Kruse Wildlife Conservation Park, at the intersection of State Route 60 and County Road 1754.”

Andy McClure & Bob DeSanto talked about the Friends of Ashland County Parks, how they have helped to raise 70% of the $500,000, to make the Davey McClure Outdoor Education Shelter a reality.

“The park district needs financial assistance for this project to become a reality.” Bob DeSanto remarked, “Please consider making a gift today. Contact the park office at 419-289-3524 for more information.”

Bob DeSanto went on to say, “The primary goal of the Davey McClure Outdoor Education Shelter is to instill in children a love and understanding of their natural world, and the plants and animals that inhabit it. We hope to expose them to the diversity of environments, and how they each interact in the “web of life.” Our outdoor education shelter will do its part, in creating the next generation of conservationists, environmentalists, and nature lovers.”

“Today’s children are more indoor focused than ever.” Bob DeSanto continued, “There is a deficit of free-range nature play in the woods, creeks, and fields. Numerous studies have shown that outdoor education for children reduces childhood stress and increases academic performance, confidence, and problem-solving ability. In our day, our parents would admonish us to ‘Go out and play.’ Today, our education shelter welcomes children to get out and play, and to understand and enjoy nature.”

“Our shelter is not just for children.” Bob DeSanto concluded, “However, it will serve as a public venue for the Park District naturalist to present nature programs. Other groups and organizations can present outdoor education programs, or other public interest events. The shelter will also be available for use by families and the general public.”

https://www.ashlandcountyparks.com/index.php

https://www.facebook.com/ashlandctyparks

Christmas Tunes With Dawson Stepp

Local artist, Dawson Stepp plays a few Christmas tunes for the Ashland County Pictures followers.

The incredible talent that comes from this young man amazes me, from an electric guitar to an acoustic guitar this kid can play!

 

 

https://linktr.ee/dawson.stepp

https://www.facebook.com/dawson.stepp.3

Vehicle Versus Pedestrian at the Intersection of Main & US Route 42

 

Ashland Police Division Officers along with the Ashland Fire Department & EMS responded to a Vehicle versus pedestrian accident at the intersection of Main & US Route 42 this evening.

 

 

The older male was treated at the scene and released after reporting minor injuries.

 

 

The vehicle received a dent in the hood

 

The Salvation Army Kroc Center of Ashland offers Warming Center

 

The Salvation Army Kroc Center of Ashland offers Warming Centers as relief during the upcoming Winter Storm.

Ashland, OH (December 21st, 2022) – The Salvation Army Ashland Kroc Center will be opening its doors to serve as warming centers and a place to provide shelter from the bitter cold. With sub-zero temperatures and blistering winds expected over the next 3 days, The Salvation Army wants to offer a safe place for community members looking to get out of the cold.

Days and Times for Warming Centers:

Thursday, December 22nd, 2022: 8am-6pm*

Friday, December 23rd, 2022: 8am-6pm*

Saturday, December 24th, 2022: 8am-12:30pm*

The Salvation Army Ashland Kroc Center is located at 527 East Liberty Street; Ashland, OH 44805. Phone inquiries can be made to 419-281-8001.

To make a donation to assist The Salvation Army, or for more information, call (216) 861-8185 or visit www.SalvationArmyOhio.org.

Fatal Crash on State Route 13 at Orchard Park Road

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 December 21, 2022, approximately 10:20 AM on State Route 13 at Orchard Park Road.

Wayde Looker, age 64, of Fredericktown, was driving a 2016 Dodge Ram pick-up, pulling a 2020 MAXXD gooseneck trailer south on SR 13. Mr. Looker had a passenger, Perry Hurshberger, age 34, of Fredericktown.

Bryan Flynn, age 30, of Bellville, was driving a 2015 Chevrolet Sonic traveling behind the 2016 Dodge Ram and MAXXD trailer when Mr. Looker slowed and attempted to turn west onto Orchard Park Road. Mr. Flynn failed to stop and struck the rear of the MAXXD trailer.

Mr. Flynn was pronounced deceased at the scene. Mr. Looker nor Mr. Hurshberger were injured in the crash.

The Mansfield Post was assisted by Washington Township Fire, Richland County Coroner’s Office, Richland County Sheriff Department and Shelly Smith Towing.

The crash remains under further investigation.

WINTER STORM WATCH ISSUED

A Winter Storm Watch has been issued for northern Ohio and northwest Pennsylvania from Thursday Night through Saturday Night/Sunday Morning.

Rain to Snow

Rain will abruptly change to snow and a flash freeze is likely. Lake effect snow will continue into the weekend.

Cold Temps

Prolonged cold with air temperatures below 15 degrees could lead to burst pipes or other infrastructure problems. Wind chills -25 to -30F.

Damaging Winds

Southwest winds may gust between 45 – 60 mph causing downed trees and power outages.

https://www.weather.gov/media/cle/wxbrief.pdf

ASHLAND WEATHER