Tim Oliver, a Columbus native now residing in Nashville, is making waves with his latest track “Wish it Would Rain” Oliver is rocking it on the third episode of the Buckeye Music Spotlight with “Reckon I Wrecked It”. Known for his dynamic presence both on and off the stage, Oliver’s new release highlights his versatility and enduring passion for music.
A fixture in the Ohio music scene, Oliver’s journey began in southeastern Ohio along the Muskingum River. He first gained prominence as the lead singer and rhythm guitarist for Exit City, an original rock band based in Columbus, from 2007 to 2010. His talent was further recognized in 2017 when he finished in the top 10 of Usher’s “Mega Star” competition.
Oliver’s debut single “Too Young,” released in the summer of 2020, marked the beginning of a promising solo career. Since then, he has released eight additional singles, earning airplay in both the UK and the US. His rise in the country music scene is further highlighted by his performances alongside notable artists such as Craig Campbell, Ernest, and Hardy.
Currently based in Nashville, Oliver frequently returns to Ohio to perform at his beloved local venues. With his ongoing success and a string of new releases on the horizon, Tim Oliver is a rising star in the country music world to watch.
For more updates on Tim Oliver’s music and upcoming releases, stay tuned to the Buckeye Music Spotlight.
Ashland University will host a Dedicatory Piano Recital on Sunday, Sept. 15, to recognize the recent restoration of its 1918 Steinway piano. The event, featuring four accomplished pianists, will take place at Elizabeth Pastor Recital Hall (room 115) inside the Center for the Arts, starting at 4 p.m. It is free and open to the public.
The restoration was done by William Schoeffler, DMA, an expert piano technician and rebuilder in northeast Ohio, thanks to the support of Thomas Gregory, Ph.D., and Deirde Gregory ’81, ’89 M.Ed. Tom Gregory was recognized with an Honorary Alumnus Award, given to a friend of the university who has demonstrated dedication to the beliefs and values of AU through service and philanthropy, while Dede Gregory was once a winner of the Distinguished Service Award, recognizing an alumna who has donated both time and talent in service to AU.
“This vintage Steinway belonged to Elizabeth Pastor, professor of piano at Ashland for decades and an accomplished artist,” remarked Rowland Blackley, DMA, chair of the music department and director of choral activities at AU. “She played frequently with the Ashland Symphony and in collaboration with other first-rate musicians over the years.
“She would have been pleased at the four guest pianists performing at the recital: the university’s current piano instructor, the conductor of the Ashland Symphony Orchestra, one of her finest students and the donor of the funds that made this possible,” he continued. “Liz was a big believer in the artistic community as part of the greater Ashland community.”
Tom Gregory will be one of the performers. An esteemed classical pianist who has played at numerous AU events, Gregory studied piano at the Oberlin Conservatory of Music before going on to a career as a mathematics research and educator at The Ohio State University at Mansfield. He holds a doctorate in mathematics from Yale University where he was a National Science Foundation fellow and sang in the Yale Russian Chorus. Gregory served as head of the systems design branch of the Management Information Center of the Naval Communications Command in Washington, D.C., before embarking on his academic career.
Kevin Jones ’85, a former student of Elizabeth Pastor, is the director of music at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Cleveland Hts., Ohio. After earning a bachelor’s degree in organ performance at then Ashland College, he has gone on to a career as a professional organist and choral conductor, performing internationally throughout Europe and the Far East and conducting at famed Carnegie Hall in New York City. From 1996-2004, Jones served as musical director/conductor of the NYC-based Gilbert & Sullivan ensemble, the Blue Hill Troupe, Ltd., and appeared with regularity at Carnegie Hall with Mid-America Productions.
Michael Repper, a Grammy® award-winning artistic director, currently serves as music director of the Ashland Symphony Orchestra, the Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra and the Northern Neck Orchestra of Virginia. In 2023, he became the youngest North American conductor to win a Grammy® Award in Best Orchestral Performance, and he recently concluded tenures as music director of the New York Youth Symphony at Carnegie Hall and as principal conductor of Sinfonía por el Perú, the elite youth orchestras and choruses of South American’s most versatile social impact music programs.
Shitong Sigler is an instructor of piano classes at both AU and The College of Wooster. A versatile pianist whose styles range from Baroque to contemporary, she is a dedicated international performer playing as a solo pianist and chamber musician across the U.S., Europe and her home country China. Sigler has performed in various chamber music settings as the principal keyboardist for The Ohio State University Symphony Orchestra, opera production and musical theatre.
For more information, contact Rowland Blackley at rblackle@ashland.edu or 419-289-5114.
Ashland, OH — The Ashland Police Division along with Ashland Fire Department responded to a hit-and-run accident that occurred this morning, approximately 10:45 AM at the Circle K located on Cottage Street.
According to eyewitness reports, the suspect vehicle is described as a four-door, silver Ford, reportedly occupied by two black males and one white female. The car is believed to have sustained noticeable damage to the back trunk area during the accident.
Anyone with information about the vehicle or the individuals involved can contact Officer Brock of the Ashland Police Division at (419) 289-3639.
Ohio Highway Patrol, Ashland County Sheriff’s Office, Hayesville Fire Department & EMS responded to a motorcycle accident at 2210 State Route 60 around 5:10pm this evening.
Bryan Chelski, 35, of Shelby, Ohio was riding a 2016 Harley Davidson XG750 Southbound on State Route 60 when he lost control, going off the right side of the highway, crashing in the ditch.
Initially, Life Flight was requested due to the nature of the accident. However, the helicopter was called off once Chelski was transported to UH Samaritan Medical Center. Reports indicate that Chelski sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
ASHLAND, OH – Brooks Whitmore of Whitmore Motors shared exciting details about the upcoming fundraising event for the Ashland County Cancer Association. The much-anticipated car and truck show is set to rev up this Saturday, September 7, 2024, at the Ashland County Fairgrounds.
In an exclusive interview at his showroom on 106 West Main Street, Whitmore expressed his enthusiasm for the event, which marks its fourth year. “We’re very excited about this year’s show,” Whitmore said. “It will be held at the Ashland County Fairgrounds, and it’s sponsored by Whitmore Motors and the Ashland Runners Car Club. All proceeds from the event will benefit the Ashland County Cancer Association, specifically supporting local children who are struggling with cancer.”
The car show, which will take place from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, is a donation-only event, ensuring that every dollar raised directly supports local families. “It’s a great time for a great cause,” Whitmore noted, adding that all funds raised will remain within the community.
The event will feature a variety of activities including awards, door prizes, and a special giveaway of $500 worth of free gas cards. Local DJ John C. will provide entertainment.
Whitmore is optimistic about the weather, noting that his wife, a pastor, has assured him of favorable conditions for the day.
For those interested in attending, the Ashland County Fairgrounds is located at 2042 Claremont Avenue, Ashland. Attendees are encouraged to come out, enjoy the show, and support a worthy cause.
For more information or questions about the event, contact 419-566-5857.
Event Details:
Date: Saturday, September 7, 2024
Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Location: Ashland County Fairgrounds, 2042 Claremont Avenue, Ashland
Admission: Donation only
Entertainment: Music by John C., door prizes, dash plaques, and gas card giveaways
Sponsors: Whitmore Motors & Road Runners Car Club
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to support local cancer patients while enjoying a day filled with classic cars and community spirit!
ASHLAND, Ohio – Dick Ruhl, who made contributions to the success of Ashland University as a longtime member of the AU Board of Trustees (1992-2009), is still making an impact and improving the quality of education and the quality of life for AU students after his passing.
A highly successful businessman in Columbus, Ohio, Ruhl passed away this past December at the age of 86. While still mourning his loss, Jody Ruhl ‘92, the youngest of his three daughters, felt privileged to personally deliver the remainder of the estate gift to AU President Jon Peede in August.
The total bequest was $600,000, which will help to complete a number of recent and ongoing projects at the university:
· Renovations to the upper level of the John C. Myers Convocation Center
Jody Ruhl remarked that her father would be overjoyed his gift is able to impact so many different areas of campus.
“He would love it, he would. He would have been really happy that the money is going to several areas, not just one area of campus,” she said. “And, that’s what I like. He had a term … spreading the wealth and that was kind of his motto. I think it’s great it’s going to Convo, to band uniforms, etc.”
Peede agreed and told Jody Ruhl, “What I really love about your father’s gift is that comprehensiveness. I think in life we want to be full people. We want to live in full communities. We want our mind, body and soul engaged.”
“So, it’s this idea … you can be a scholar-athlete, you can be in the fine arts, you can be in the sciences, then when you finish you can come to a great convening right here (Convocation Center),” he continued. “What a legacy, and we’ve used several times his gift, but it’s a family decision that says from the resources and capacities of this family, we’re giving this. And, that’s special.”
In addition to serving on the AU Board of Trustees for nearly two full decades, Dick Ruhl was recognized with the Honorary Alumnus Award (2010), given to a friend of the university who demonstrated dedication to the beliefs and values of the university through service and philanthropy.
Jody Ruhl majored in fashion merchandising, studied abroad in Mexico and was a member of the Alpha Phi sorority during her undergraduate days, and her greatest memory came at graduation when her father handed her diploma on stage. AU had been the ideal match for her.
“I loved Ashland. Small classes and individualized attention were exactly what I needed. And, it was only an hour and a half from home, so it was a perfect fit,” said Ruhl, who has served on the AU Alumni Board.
The family’s legacy at AU continues to this day. Molly Hopson Kindel, a niece of Jody Ruhl, just graduated from the Masters of Education program this spring. She earned the M.Ed. degree, specializing in literacy, curriculum and instruction with a reading endorsement, to advance her career as a teacher in the Jonathan Alder Local School District.
As Jody Ruhl reflected on her family’s passion for AU, she said it all started when her father was a teenager and didn’t think he had the finances or the grades to go to college, but was inspired by the advice from a professor to pursue higher education. That may have fueled him to help others in similar situations.
“He didn’t know his calling in life right off the bat,” Ruhl noted. “I think he (thought) back about the people who gave him chances as well.”
Dick Ruhl’s repeated gifts—his lifetime giving to AU totals more than $1.6 million—have provided a number of significant enhancements to the AU student experience. Prior to the estate gift, his philanthropy has impacted the annual fund, the Ashbrook Center, the Dwight Schar College of Nursing and Health Sciences, the Rinehart Center for Religious Studies, the women’s basketball program and other areas.
“We always need a reminder what are we doing this for … what’s the mission,” said Peede. “We’re trying to help these young people with their calling in life.”
Clarksfield Township – The Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Norwalk Post is currently investigating a serious single-vehicle crash that occurred on August 30, 2024, at approximately 9:05 P.M. The crash occurred on State Route 60 south of Auster Road in Wakeman Township, Huron County.
Dylan Steen, a 26-year-old from Ashland, Ohio, was driving a 2024 Indian Challenger Dark Horse southbound on State Route 60. Mr. Steen failed to negotiate the curve, causing the motorcycle to leave the roadway on the left side. The vehicle then struck a ditch and overturned.
At the time of the crash, Mr. Steen was not wearing a helmet and was ejected from the motorcycle. He sustained serious injuries and was airlifted to Cleveland Metro Hospital by Life Flight.
Preliminary investigations suggest that speed and alcohol use may have contributed to the crash, though the incident remains under investigation.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted on scene by Wakeman Police Department, Wakeman Township Fire Department, Citizen’s Ambulance, Metro Lifeflight, and Interstate Towing.
Clarksfield Township – The Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Norwalk Post is currently investigating a serious single-vehicle crash that occurred on August 30, 2024, at approximately 9:05 P.M. The crash occurred on State Route 60 south of Auster Road in Wakeman Township, Huron County.
Dylan Steen, a 26-year-old from Ashland, Ohio, was driving a 2024 Indian Challenger Dark Horse southbound on State Route 60. Mr. Steen failed to negotiate the curve, causing the motorcycle to leave the roadway on the left side. The vehicle then struck a ditch and overturned.
At the time of the crash, Mr. Steen was not wearing a helmet and was ejected from the motorcycle. He sustained serious injuries and was airlifted to Cleveland Metro Hospital by Life Flight.
Preliminary investigations suggest that speed and alcohol use may have contributed to the crash, though the incident remains under investigation.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted on scene by Wakeman Police Department, Wakeman Township Fire Department, Citizen’s Ambulance, Metro Lifeflight, and Interstate Towing.
Ashland, OH – In a daring yet ultimately unsuccessful break-in attempt, the Bill Harris Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Dealership, located at 2100 S Baney Rd, Ashland, OH, once again became the target of would-be car thieves early Sunday morning. Known for its high-performance vehicles, the dealership has long been a draw for customers and, unfortunately, criminals alike.
Around 3 a.m. on Sunday, a group of burglars attempted to breach the dealership, with their sights set on a 2024 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat, a vehicle that boasts over 700 horsepower and can reach speeds of up to 190 miles per hour. However, this was not their lucky day.
George Hitchcock, the General Sales Manager of Bill Harris, shared details of the incident, highlighting the dealership’s preparedness against such attempts. “We sell a lot of high performance vehicles, and with that comes a certain amount of risk. But we’re fully prepared to defend these vehicles and keep them safe,” said Hitchcock. “These guys took quite some time to break through the security glass, but they didn’t realize that our security systems were already in place, both inside and outside the building.”
Hitchcock explained that despite the effort the burglars put into breaking in, they were foiled by multiple layers of security. The dealership’s advanced security measures, including off-site key storage and disabling vehicle components, meant the thieves never stood a chance. “Even if they got inside, the vehicles here are disabled. They don’t have the necessary components to run,” Hitchcock added. “They’re basically bricks.”
The General Sales Manager’s frustration was evident as he described the damage caused by the break-in. “We like to keep local businesses in business, but not like this. The glass company probably appreciates the call, but the thieves won’t find what they’re looking for inside this building,” he said. “We hope they consider a more legal route to obtaining these vehicles, perhaps by purchasing one instead of attempting to steal it.”
The repeated break-in attempts highlight the dealership’s appeal due to its inventory of high-performance vehicles. Hitchcock noted that the dealership has seen a significant increase in such incidents over the past five years. “We’ve been in business for over 40 years, and we’ve seen more break-ins in the last five years than in the previous 35 combined,” he said.
Despite the ongoing threats, Hitchcock remains confident in the dealership’s ability to thwart any future attempts. “The bad guys want what the consumers want too, and we seem to have the most of it. But they quickly realize that we’re prepared for them.”
Ashland Police Division Officers were on the scene quickly, though no arrests were made. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with high-demand vehicles, but also as a testament to the robust security measures in place at Bill Harris Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Dealership.
Ashland, OH — Ed Snook of Ashland was honored today with the prestigious “Saved By The Belt” award, recognizing his decision to wear a seat-belt during a recent traffic accident. The award presented to Snook highlighted the critical importance of safety belts in preventing serious injuries and fatalities on Ohio’s roads.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Ashland Post, which hosted the event, emphasizes the life-saving benefits of seat-belt use. “Safety belts are a proven lifesaver, and we urge every motorist to buckle up,” said Lt. Brad Bishop, commander of the Ashland Post. “Every click of a safety belt represents a decision to prioritize life and reduce the risk of severe injury.”
Between 2019 and 2023, Ohio recorded 2,554 fatalities and 62,661 injuries in traffic crashes where safety belts were available but not used. In 2023 alone, the unbelted fatality rate in Ohio reached 61%, continuing a troubling trend of high rates over the past four years.
Troopers from the Ohio State Highway Patrol have issued nearly 350,000 citations for safety belt and child safety seat violations since 2019. The enforcement efforts aim to improve road safety through a combination of citations and educational outreach. “Our goal is to positively influence and change driving behavior to enhance safety for everyone on the road,” Lt. Bishop added.
Ed Snook’s award comes in recognition of his use of a seat-belt during a crash on February 9th on US 30 at SR 511. The safety belt played a crucial role in protecting him from serious injury during the incident. Elizabeth Jackenheimer and Darrin Bookman, also involved in the crash, were presented with their awards on August 2, 2024, during a ceremony at the Ohio State Fair.
For more information on safety belt statistics and crash data, visit the Ohio State Patrol’s safety belt dashboard at Ohio State Patrol Safety Belt Dashboard.
Joe Lyons •
September 7, 2024
