The Richland County Sheriff’s Office recently participated in mediation in the lawsuit filed by the estate of Maggie Copeland and has been asked to comment publicly. As the process is not complete, it would be inappropriate to comment upon the terms of any proposed settlement.
It is an unfortunate reality that heroin and other illegal drug abuse is a public health emergency in our community. Not only does drug abuse destroy lives and families, but it also places great strain on the delivery of public services and on our dedicated public servants.
At the Richland County Jail, we conduct extensive training of our corrections staff to provide these services in the challenging setting of a drug abuse inflicted community. Any settlement of the Copeland case would be with the participation of other Defendants and would reaffirm that the Richland County Sheriff’s Office denies any liability or fault in the allegations brought by the Estate of Maggie Copeland.
We look forward to the completion of this case so that Captain Blunk and our other dedicated public servants can keep their focus on providing the best services possible to Richland County.
Mansfield, OH – June 22, 2024 — A serious collision involving two semi-trucks resulted in a road closure on Interstate 71 Southbound at the 168-mile marker on Saturday morning. The accident, which occurred at 10:34 AM, multiple emergency services, including the Mansfield Post of the Highway Patrol Troopers, Richland County Sheriff’s Office Deputies, Washington Township Fire Department & EMS, Mansfield Fire Department, Aber’s Towing & Crane Center, Ronk’s Auto & Truck Towing Inc.
According to the Mansfield Post of the Highway Patrol, Said Gelle, 39, of Grove City, Ohio, was driving a 2007 Freightliner southbound on I-71 when he failed to maintain an assured clear distance and struck the rear of a 2015 Freightliner driven by Shafqat Ali, 38, of Columbus, Ohio.
Emergency services arrived, with the initial call reported at 10:34 AM. The report indicates that Said Gelle was trapped in his vehicle and had to be extricated by mechanical means, a process that concluded at 11:48 AM. Gelle sustained serious injuries and was subsequently life-flighted to The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center in Columbus, Ohio.
All southbound lanes of I-71 were closed to traffic following the accident, causing significant delays. The closure remained in effect until 4:58 PM as authorities worked to clear the scene.
The accident is currently under investigation by the Mansfield Post of the Highway Patrol to determine the exact cause and any potential contributing factors.
Motorists are reminded to maintain safe distances and remain vigilant while driving, especially on busy highways. Updates on the condition of Said Gelle and the progress of the investigation will be provided as more information becomes available.
Ham radio operators from the Ashland Area Amateur Radio Club in Ashland, Ohio will be participating in a national amateur radio exercise from 1PM on Saturday until 3 PM on Sunday, June 22 – 23 at Brookside West Park (back pavilion) The event is ARRL Field Day (www.arrl.org/FieldDay), an annual amateur radio activity organized since 1933 by ARRL, The National Association for Amateur Radio in the United States.
Hams from across North America ordinarily participate in Field Day by establishing temporary ham radio stations in public locations to demonstrate their skill and service. Their use of radio signals, which reach beyond borders, bring people together while providing essential communication in the service of communities. Field Day highlights ham radio’s ability to work reliably under any conditions from almost any location and create an independent, wireless communications network.
Some hams from all across Ohio will also use the radio stations set up in their homes or taken to their backyards and other locations to operate individually or with their families. Many hams have portable radio communication capability that includes alternative energy sources such as generators, solar panels, and batteries to power their equipment.
This year’s event is also noteworthy given that a particularly active hurricane season is predicted. “Hams have a long history of serving our communities when storms or other disasters damage critical communication infrastructure, including cell towers,” said Robert Palm, (call sign KD8FTR). “Ham radio functions completely independently of the internet and phone systems and a station can be set up almost anywhere in minutes. Hams can quickly raise a wire antenna in a tree or on a mast, connect it to a radio and power source, and communicate effectively with others,” Palm added.
During Field Day 2023, more than 26,000 hams participated from thousands of locations across North America. According to ARRL, there are more than 750,000 amateur radio licensees in the US, and an estimated 3 million worldwide.
Among the tenets of the Amateur Radio Service is developing and practicing skills in radio technology and radio communications, and even contributing to international goodwill. Hams range in age from as young as 9 to older than 100.
The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force is offering a reward for information which would lead to the capture of fugitive David Greene. Greene is wanted by the U.S. Marshals Service and the Richland County Sheriff’s Office on a fail to verify address as a sex offender. Greene, 38, is described as a white male with brown hair and hazel eyes, standing 6 feet 0 inches tall. Greene has ties to the city of Mansfield and Galion.
Jose Flores
The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force is offering a reward for information which would lead to the capture of fugitive Jhousha Stewart. Stewart is wanted by the U.S. Marshals Service and the Richland County Sheriff’s Office for possession of fentanyl related compound. Stewart, 33, is described as a white male with brown hair and blue eyes, standing 5 feet, 11 inches tall. Stewart has ties to the cities of Mansfield and Columbus.
Jhousha Stewart
The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force is offering a reward for information which would lead to the capture of fugitive Aaron Monk. Monk is wanted by the U.S. Marshals Service and the Adult Parole Authority for a probation violation on the original charge of retaliation of a witness. Monk, 31, is described as a white male with brown hair and brown eyes, standing 6 feet 0 inches tall. Monk has ties to the cities of Cleveland, Clyde, and Sandusky.
Aaron Monk
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. Flores, 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 David Greene, Jhousha Stewart, Aaron Monk, 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.
COLUMBUS –The Ohio House of Representatives passed House Bill 158, joint sponsored by State Reps. Bill Roemer (R-Richfield) and Melanie Miller (R- City of Ashland). The legislation, which received unanimous support, updates Cosmetology and Barber Board statutes.
The House accepted the following changes from the Senate:
Amends Senate Bill 89, the Cosmetology Licensure Compact, into the bill.
Specifies that the minimum passing score for the barber examination specified in rules adopted by the Board under the bill cannot exceed 75%
Permits the Secretary of State to appoint and commission police officers for hospitals operated by public hospital agencies or nonprofit hospital agencies, to for-profit hospitals that, before converting to for-profit status, were operated by nonprofit hospital agencies already employing police officers appointed and commissioned by the Secretary of State.
“The updates included in House Bill 158 will reduce barriers for students getting their barbering and cosmetology licenses,” said Roemer. “These changes will lead to better opportunities for barbers, cosmetologists, customers and businesses.”
The Cosmetology and Barber Board was consolidated from two separate boards in 2017, but the law was not adequately adjusted to account for this merger.
“Since the State Boards of Cosmetology and Barbering were combined into one board in 2017, we have seen the need to harmonize the sections of the Ohio Revised Code on Cosmetology and Barbering to match,” said Miller. “I am confident that these and other changes that update our code will serve to encourage the Barber and Cosmetology industry to grow and thrive in Ohio.”
Key provisions of the bill include:
Creating a unified barbering/cosmetology school license, to eliminate duplicative applications for facilities that teach both cosmetology and barbering.
Enhancing license reciprocity from other states.
Reducing fines for disciplinary actions.
Establishing temporary pre-examination work permits for barbers.
Lowering the age to apply for a barber license or to start barbering school to 16 years of age
Eliminating a requirement that a barber student complete 200 additional hours of training before re-taking the licensing exam.
Preventing the board from charging interest or penalty fees for unpaid fines.
Creating an independent contractor license, eliminating “shop within a shop” licenses
Creating a process to designate a license as “inactive.”
Allowing the board to independently set the passing score for the barber exam, rather than keeping it in statute.
The legislation does not change the current training hour requirements for initial licensure.
House Bill 158 awaits Governor DeWine’s signature.
They’re nearly all gone now, the generation we call “THE GREATEST.” I always admired and was thankful for the men and women who served to protect our country. Both my parents were in the military during WW11: Dad in the Navy and Mom in the Marines. I wish there would have been an Honor Bus during their lifetime to take my parents to Washington D.C., so they could have had time with other veterans, comparing stories and rejoicing in our country.
Speaking of the Honor Bus, I always attend the “sendoff” since my husband is a volunteer entertainer for the participants. As the driver was loading up the veterans, one chilly morning in November, I noticed an older gentleman standing off to the side while letting everyone for his story.
Sam grew up on a farm during the depression with seven brothers and sisters and his widowed mom. He said he didn’t do much for the war, not like his three brothers did who were all tail gunners. He told me that when they arrived in D.C. the group would visit all the memorials and watch the changing of the guard. They would see the WW11 memorial and talk about the service men who had fought and died together. Sam finally boarded the bus, and they departed at 6:30 a.m. on Friday, and arrived back home Sunday at 9:30 p.m.
Back in Ashland, a large group of friends waved flags and welcomed home the veterans. Sam was the last off the bus, so I asked my new friend, “How are you doing after all that walking?”
He replied, “I’m a little tired. Nothing a couple extra naps can’t cure.”
Then I asked, “please consider telling your stories to all ages of school kids, especially on Veteran’s Day. Talk about your service. It’s important for folks to remember that our freedom was and is not free!”
Thank you for your service.
Thank you for the Honor Bus.
Thank you to the Greatest Generation.
Thank you Service Dog United.
Thank you for Veteran’s Day at the Ashland County Airport on August 10, 2024 beginning at 11:00 a.m.
Blessings,
Dianne Hammontree, secretary of Homeward Bound, Inc.
COLUMBUS- The Ohio House of Representatives today unanimously passed House Bill 236, the Never Alone Act, announced bill sponsors, State Reps. Melanie Miller (R-City of Ashland) and Beth Lear (R-Galena). The bill ensures every patient has access to an advocate to be with them in a hospital, nursing home, or other congregate care setting – especially during a health emergency.
“Over the last three years, we have gained heightened awareness of the need to protect the rights of a patient to have access to a loved one or advocate to act on behalf of their best interest while in a hospital or care facility,” said Miller. “The Never Alone Act ensures that everyone has someone who can speak for them, when they do not have a voice.”
Specifically, the Never Alone Act:
Requires a congregate care setting to inform a patient or resident that the patient or resident may designate an individual to serve as an advocate and to provide the patient or resident the opportunity to make a designation.
Prohibits a congregate care setting from 1: denying a patient or resident access to an advocate and 2: prohibiting an advocate from being physically present with a patient or resident.
Prohibits a political subdivision, public official, or state agency from issuing an order or rule, or enforcing on behalf of the federal government a federal order or rule, that would require a care setting to violate the bill’s provisions.
Requires the Department of Health to create a Never Alone information sheet and each congregate care setting to provide each patient or resident with a copy at the time of admission.
“The Never Alone Act is a patient and resident-centered bill. Our goal was to protect Ohioans when they are most vulnerable and ensure they have access to a loved one to hold their hand or provide comfort,” said Lear. “The isolation that caused our citizens to suffer and die alone during COVID should never be allowed to happen again.”
The Never Alone Act now moves to the Ohio Senate for further consideration.
Joe Lyons •
June 25, 2024
The Richland County Sheriff’s Office recently participated in mediation in the lawsuit filed by the estate of Maggie Copeland and has been asked to comment publicly. As the process is not complete, it would be inappropriate to comment upon the terms of any proposed settlement.
The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force is offering a reward for information which would lead to the capture of fugitive David Greene. Greene is wanted by the U.S. Marshals Service and the Richland County Sheriff’s Office on a fail to verify address as a sex offender. Greene, 38, is described as a white male with brown hair and hazel eyes, standing 6 feet 0 inches tall. Greene has ties to the city of Mansfield and Galion.
The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force is offering a reward for information which would lead to the capture of fugitive Jhousha Stewart. Stewart is wanted by the U.S. Marshals Service and the Richland County Sheriff’s Office for possession of fentanyl related compound. Stewart, 33, is described as a white male with brown hair and blue eyes, standing 5 feet, 11 inches tall. Stewart 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 Aaron Monk. Monk is wanted by the U.S. Marshals Service and the Adult Parole Authority for a probation violation on the original charge of retaliation of a witness. Monk, 31, is described as a white male with brown hair and brown eyes, standing 6 feet 0 inches tall. Monk has ties to the cities of Cleveland, Clyde, and Sandusky.
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. Flores, 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.
DIANNE’S DOGHOUSE