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.
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.”
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 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.
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.
Maeve Kelly, a psychology major at Ashland University, was named the winner of the Outstanding Undergraduate Student Leader award within the six-state Mid America region of the National Association for Campus Activities (NACA) recently.
Kelly has served as the co-leader of AU’s Campus Activities Board (CAB) for two years and is responsible for organizing social events that will engage the resident student population. She oversees the day-to-day operations of the student organization, while constantly seeking out ways to develop and enhance campus programming.
“NACA has a long tradition of recognizing excellence in college activities on a national level. This is quite an honor,” noted Robert Pool, vice president for student activities at AU.
This marks the first time an AU student has ever earned an individual honor from NACA and it is CAB’s first award from the organization since 2013.
Kelly, from Medina, Ohio, became a member of CAB’s executive team at one of its most pressing times – the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. With the uneasiness of socialization for some students returning to campus in the fall of 2020, Kelly and the CAB team went to work to provide entertaining, safe events for all. “When we got back from COVID, I could see how it was more important than ever to have these fun events,” she said.
Kelly took over as co-leader in the fall of 2021 and has continued to build back CAB and then some. This past semester, the organization put together the always-popular Grocery Bingo, a number of activities during Homecoming week, holiday-themed events like Fall Fest and Trick-or-Treat, blood drives, bowling nights and Stress Less Fest, a relaxing night before final exams that had a “huge turnout,” according to Kelly.
“All of the events we’re trying to make are pretty original or unique to AU. They wouldn’t be possible without all of our members having that passion. It’s really cool to see different members plan them,” said Kelly.
With her award-winning passion for student life, Kelly has set a new standard for student experience at AU. “College is so much more than going to classes. CAB provides that experience, which is such an important and vital part to our campus. It is such an honor to lead the group and work with students,” she said.
In addition to leading CAB and majoring in psychology, Kelly is working towards a minor in communications, as well as serving as manager of the café in the College of Business and Economics and treasurer of the College Democrats. She is grateful for the many leadership opportunities AU has afforded her.
“Ashland has totally lived up to my expectations,” she said. “I’m involved in so many different organizations. It’s been awesome building my leadership background, which will be very helpful in the future.”
Cynthia Linehan, with Ashland County EMA, released Ashland County Warming Center Locations for the upcoming weather, calling for snow with temperatures dipping down below zero, with winds of 25 to 35 miles per hour, with higher gusts.
Trinity Lutheran Church (times vary) 508 Center St.
Ashland County Sheriff’s Office 1205 E. Main Street
Hayesville Fire Station 8 High Street
Savannah Fire Station 6 Haney St.
Kroc Center 527 E. Liberty, Thursday 5:15a.m. to 8p.m.; Friday 7:30a.m. to 12:30p.m.
Ashland Transit will provide rides 6a.m. to 9p.m. Thursday and Friday.
ISSUED: 12/20/2022 6:02 AM www.weather.gov/CLE OVERVIEW:
▪ High confidence continues for a multi-hazard storm system to reach the area Thursday night through Saturday.
▪ Significant winds and extreme cold, including dangerous wind chills, still appear to be the greatest threats from the storm.
There is very high confidence in strong winds across the region, including wind gusts above 40 mph on Thursday night in far NE OH and NW PA and 45-55 mph across the entire area Friday and Saturday. Winds could down trees and blow around unsecured items. Winds will pose a hazard to traveling high profile vehicles.
Winds would likely cause considerable blowing and drifting of any new snowfall.
Late Thursday Night into the Weekend
▪ There is very high confidence in very cold temperatures Friday through Sunday, including single digit or colder temperatures. Wind chills well below zero, including as low as -20 to -25°F, are possible Friday and Saturday night.
▪ There is still great uncertainty in how much snowfall to expect across the region at this time. However, accumulating snow is early Friday morning through early Saturday morning. Due to the immense size of the expected storm, snow could possibly extend into Saturday and Saturday night in the snow belt areas of Northeast Ohio and Northwest Pennsylvania.
Heffelfinger’s Meat Market is celebrating their one-year anniversary, at the new Ashland location. I was able to catch up with owner, Rick Heffelfinger, in a recent interview.
“Heffelfinger’s Meats is rooted in Jeromesville, started in Ashland, in 1934,” owner Rick Heffelfinger said.
Heffelfinger’s Meats is a $1.7 million premier Meat shop, located right off U.S. Route 250, at 1110 Commerce Parkway in Ashland, this 5,500 square-foot facility is located right beside the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicle building.
The facility in Jeromesville, which also has a small retail market, located at 469 County Road 30-A Jeromesville, Ohio, is the largest harvesting facility in Ohio, according to the state’s meat inspection division.
Heffelfinger said, “Heffelfinger’s Meats carries fresh and frozen meats; besides the usual Beef & Pork, they also carry Bison, Elk, Ohio Goat, Veal, Lamb, Duck, and Free-Range Turkeys.”
“We have had a great year,” Manager Jeff Brewer said. “The only problem is, some people do not even know we are here. I have had people come in saying, ‘when did you guys open up here at this location?’”
Joe Lyons •
December 22, 2022
