Franklin Township – The Ohio State Highway Patrol, Mansfield Post, is investigating a fatal crash involving a 2019 Nissan Rogue and a Richland County Highway Department worker.
The Richland County Highway Department was completing intermittent moving road maintenance along Bowman Street Road, between Myers Road and Amoy West Road.
Delana Kunz, age 43 of Shelby, Ohio, was operating a white Nissan Rogue SUV southeast on Bowman Street Road, south of Myers Road. Trenton Gallaway, age 20 of Lucas, Ohio, was outside of a Highway Department vehicle when he was struck, while the Nissan Rogue was attempting to pass on the left.
As a result of the collision, Mr. Gallaway succumbed to his injuries at the scene. The crash occurred on October 2, 2024, at approximately 2:24 P.M.
The Mansfield Post was assisted by the Richland County Sheriff’s Office, Franklin Township Fire & EMS, Weller Township Fire & EMS, Richland County Coroner and Ronk’s Towing.
Program to Focus on Talent Retention and Workplace Culture
Ashland, OH—The North Central Workforce Alliance of Ohio (NCWA) 2024 Workforce Summit is scheduled for Wednesday, October 30th at Mount Vernon Estate. This year’s program will feature keynote speaker Lisa Ryan and guest panelists Ben Maibach, President of The Wooster Brush Company, and Karen Alsop, Human Resources Director for Centerra Co-Op.
Erv Howard, NCWA’s Executive Director, says this year’s summit isn’t one you’ll want to miss, “We’ve created an agenda with powerful, relevant content for North Central Ohio’s industry leaders. Every attendee will leave with invaluable insights on today’s workforce.”
The keynote address, titled “Unlocking the Power of Workforce Culture for Talent Retention,” will be presented by inspirational speaker and employee engagement expert Lisa Ryan, who will share proven strategies to engage, inspire, and retain your current workforce and client base. Early registrants will receive a personalized copy of Ryan’s newest book Thank You Very Much: Gratitude Strategies to Create a Workplace Culture that ROCKS!
“Engagement and retention are universal challenges for employers,” said Karen Alsop, incoming NCWA President. “We’re excited to welcome an award-winning speaker with real-world insight on the topic, this will be a great opportunity for everyone to learn more about the importance of sincere gratitude and building relationships.”
Registration is open through October 21st and tickets for this event will be on a first come, first serve basis as the event is expected to sell out. Tickets are $25 for NCWA members and $35 for other guests. Attendees can register on the Ashland Area Chamber of Commerce’s website.
About the North Central Workforce Alliance of Ohio
NCWA is a business-driven partnership consisting of employers from North Central Ohio whose focus is to share resources and ideas to solve common problems in attracting, training, and retaining the qualified and dedicated employees needed to grow area businesses. The organization focuses on the following business sectors: agriculture and animal science, construction, heavy equipment, information technology, manufacturing, medical and bio-technology, service and retail, and welding. More information can be found at ncwaofohio.org.
Ashland County, OH – A morning collision between a car and an Amish buggy on State Route 89 has left two individuals injured and a horse deceased. The incident occurred around 7:47 AM this morning, just north of County Road 700.
According to the Ohio Highway Patrol, both the car and the buggy were traveling southbound when the car, a 2023 Bronco Sport, struck the rear of the buggy. The force of the impact ejected a 17-year-old Amish male and a 58-year-old Amish male from the buggy. Both were transported to Ohio-Health Mansfield Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
The driver of the Bronco was cited for Assured Clear Distance Ahead (ACDA).
The Ohio Highway Patrol requested assistance from Tri County Animal Clinic Inc. out of West Salem, Ohio, to care for the horse. Due to the serious injuries the horse was euthanized at the scene.
The Ohio Highway Patrol remind drivers to remain vigilant and maintain safe distances, especially in areas where horse-drawn vehicles may be present. The investigation into the incident is ongoing.
The Ashland Police Division is pleased to announce the promotions of two officers to leadership positions. In September, Mayor Matt Miller promoted Sergeant Curt Dorsey to Lieutenant and Officer Mason Birkbeck to Sergeant. These promotions are a testament to their commitment to public service and dedication to the Ashland community.
Dorsey, 42, brings a wealth of experience to his new position as Detective Lieutenant. With eighteen years of service in the Division, including five years as a Sergeant in the Detective Bureau, he is well-prepared to lead our investigators and coordinate case follow-up in both the patrol and investigative bureaus.
Birkbeck, 29, is a six-year veteran of the Division, spending all those years in the Patrol Bureau and most recently serving as a Field Training Officer. As Sergeant, Mason will help lead the officers of C Squad in their daily duties.
“Lieutenant Dorsey has shown exceptional leadership ability and is committed to furthering our community engagement efforts,” said David Lay, Chief of Police. “Sergeant Birkbeck’s experience as a Field Training Officer has helped prepare him for greater responsibility as he transitions into a formal supervisory role,” Lay added.
Both officers have officially assumed their new roles, and the Division is excited about the positive impact their leadership will have on the community.
Presently, the Ashland Police Division staffs thirty full-time and one part-time police officer. The Division is authorized to employ thirty-two full-time sworn personnel.
Ashland, OH – September 14, 2024 – The Ashland County Fair is gearing up for an exhilarating week of festivities, food, and family fun, commencing September 15 and running through September 21. This year’s event promises an array of exciting activities, shows, and events designed to entertain visitors of all ages.
Event Details and Admission
Taking place at the Ashland County Fairgrounds, located at 2042 Claremont Avenue, Ashland, Ohio, the fair offers a variety of admission options. Attendees can purchase a membership and season pass for $25, which covers seven entries. Single-day admission is $5, and children aged 10 and under can enjoy the fair for free. Special discounts will be available on Monday, September 16, for veterans with ID and seniors aged 65 and older.
Grandstand Events
The fair’s grandstand is set to host a thrilling lineup of events, including:
OSTPA Tractor Pull: Sunday, September 15, at 6:30 p.m.
Harness Racing: Monday, September 16, with races at Noon and 6:00 p.m.
Concert: Tuesday, September 17, at 7:00 p.m.
Rodeo: Wednesday, September 18, at 7:00 p.m.
Motocross: Thursday, September 19, at 6:00 p.m.
Stock Tractor Pull: Friday, September 20, at 4:30 p.m.
Demolition Derby: Saturday, September 21, at 6:00 p.m.
Family-Friendly Activities
The fair will feature numerous family-oriented events, including:
Human Antique Tractor Pull: Monday, September 16, at 6:00 p.m. Categories include Age 7-10, Age 11-15, Age 16 and Up, Women, and Corporations. Prizes are sponsored by Charlie Fliger.
Kiddie Tractor Pull: Sunday, September 15, following the adult event.
Cornhole Tournament: Wednesday, September 18, at 5:00 p.m. Teams can enter for $5 or 2 canned food items, with prizes for the top three teams. Donations will support local food banks and the Junior Fair Board.
Diaper Derby: Thursday, September 19, at 1:30 p.m.
Toddler Foot Race: Friday, September 20, at 1:30 p.m.
Small Fry Car Race: Friday, September 20, at 2:30 p.m.
Livestock Auctions
The Junior Fair Livestock Auctions are scheduled as follows:
Thursday, September 19: Market Rabbits, Market Turkeys, Market Chickens, Dairy Benefit, Baby Beef, Market Steer, starting at 3:30 p.m.
Friday, September 20: Market Hog at 8:30 a.m., Market Lamb at 11:00 a.m., and Dairy & Meat Market Goats.
For auction details, contact ashctyfairsale@gmail.com.
Special Attractions
Gospel Performance: The Warriors will perform on Tuesday, September 17, at Noon in the Pavilion.
Food Specials: The Fairgrounds Cafeteria will offer daily specials, including Open Face Roast Beef on Sunday and Swiss Steak on Friday. Homemade soups and salads will also be available.
New improvements for this year’s fair include a refreshed garden, updated track, and newly installed benches in the Open Poultry Barn. Vendors are busy setting up, and tents are going up to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience for attendees.
Get Involved
The Ashland County Junior Fair Board extends its gratitude to volunteers and supporters. Donations for the “Stock the Trailer” food drive can be made at the trailer near the Dairy Bar and Junior Fair Office. Monetary donations are also welcomed to support the project.
Don’t miss out on the fun and excitement of the Ashland County Fair! For more information and updates, visit the fair’s website or call 419-289-0466.
Ohio Highway Patrol, Ashland County Sheriff’s Office, Ashland Fire Department & EMS responded to the intersection of Ashland County Road 1153 and Ashland County Road 1356 around 10:46am this morning for a two vehicle crash.
Irvin Shenberger, 87, of Ashland was driving a 2013 Kia Forte Southbound on Ashland County Road 1153 when he failed to yield to Ashland Police Division’s Officer Zeisler who was Eastbound on Ashland County Road 1356 in her marked cruiser, a 2023 Dodge Drango.
Springfield Township, OH — A devastating explosion ripped through a house on Hook Road in Springfield Township early today, resulting in one fatality and two injuries. The blast, which occurred in the 4000 block of Hook Road, sent debris flying across the surrounding area and ignited a fire that complicated rescue efforts.
Springfield Township Fire Chief Adam Spellman reported that emergency services were alerted to the scene by dispatch, which initially provided limited details. Upon arrival, firefighters encountered a house that had been largely destroyed by the explosion, with a significant debris field encircling the site. The fire, which was concentrated in the basement, was described as intense, with heavy flames visible.
Chief Spellman detailed the challenging rescue operations: “We arrived to find a house with extensive damage and an active fire in the basement. Our primary focus was to control the blaze and locate any potential victims. We discovered one victim outside the house who was quickly transported to OhioHealth Mansfield Hospital by our EMS unit. At this time, her condition remains unknown.”
Firefighters were also informed of two individuals trapped inside the basement. The rescue teams, working against the odds, managed to bring the fire under control before deploying ladders to access the basement. “We found one victim under a pile of rubble. Fortunately, he was awake and talking despite significant burns,” said Spellman. This victim was airlifted to Ohio State Wexner Medical Center in Columbus via LifeFlight helicopter.
The search continued for the second victim, who was found on the opposite side of the basement. Unfortunately, this individual, a woman, was discovered covered in debris with injuries deemed “incompatible with life,” and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Richland County coroner’s investigator Bob Ball said, “Krista Cramer, 47, of Lexington was pronounced deceased on scene at 3:11pm.”
The explosion and subsequent fire prompted a large-scale response from various local fire departments. Agencies from Plymouth, Troy, Washington, Jefferson, Madison, Crestline, Galion, Mansfield, and Shelby provided mutual aid. “The scale of the explosion necessitated additional resources and manpower,” Chief Spellman explained. “We had to move substantial debris, including cinder blocks and furniture, to reach the trapped victims.”
In terms of property damage, Chief Spellman noted that a small pole barn on the property sustained damage, but it remains unclear if other nearby structures were affected. No injuries were reported among fire service personnel.
The Ohio State Fire Marshal’s Office is conducting a investigation into the cause of the explosion. Chief Spellman emphasized that, as of now, the cause remains undetermined. “Our focus is on the investigation and providing support to those affected by this tragic event.”
Authorities are expected to release more information as the investigation progresses.
Ashland, OH — September 13, 2024 — The Ashland Post of the Ohio Highway Patrol, along with the Mifflin Fire Department & EMS, responded to a semi truck crash on U.S. Route 30 just east of Ashland County Road 1255 at approximately 8:15 a.m. this morning.
According to reports, the driver of the semi truck experienced minor injuries but declined transportation to the hospital. The driver stated that he fell asleep while traveling westbound on U.S. Route 30. As a result, the semi veered into the median, traveled a considerable distance, and ultimately crossed over the raised median. The vehicle came to a halt nearly in the left lane of the eastbound traffic.
Authorities are investigating the incident further. No additional details are available at this time.
***UPDATE***: The Mapleton Local School District and the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office have concluded the investigation of a potential threat this morning. It was determined that there wasn’t a credible threat toward a specific location or person on the Mapleton campus. The Mapleton Board of Education, administration, faculty and staff are committed to ensuring the safety and security of all of our stakeholders each and every day. We would like to thank our community partners within the Ashland County Sheriff’s office for their professionalism, service, protection and thorough investigation of today’s potential threat.
Ashland County Sheriff’s Office Deputies along with Detectives converged on the School property to investigate a Potential Threat.
A text that was sent out from Mapleton Local School this morning read as follows:
Potential Threat 9.13.24
The Mapleton Local School District is investigating a potential threat that was reported to school authorities around bus arrival time this morning.
The administrative team is working closely with the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office to interview students and to determine the source of the potential threat.
At this time based on the information found during the initial investigation, administrators believe that the potential threat is not credible and cannot be substantiated as a direct threat to a specific location or person on the Mapleton campus.
The school is committed to ensuring the safety and security of all students and staff while keeping the community informed about any developments.
If you have any direct information regarding any potential threats directed toward Mapleton, please contact the district at 419-945-2188 or the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office.
Ohio Highway Patrol, Perrysville Fire Department & EMS responded to a Car Versus Amish Buggy on State Route 95 this evening at the intersection of State Route 95 at Township Road 2402.
Minor damage to both the car and the Amish Buggy, the buggy did have the Yellow Flashing light.
Minor Injuries reported
No injuries to the horse
An Amish Female was cited with Failing to Yield from a stop sign
Joe Lyons •
October 3, 2024
