Local News

Community Foundation Awards 300 Scholarships

ASHLAND – Ashland County Community Foundation recently awarded 300 scholarships totaling $491,252 to students across the region.

This was a record year for the foundation’s scholarship program, with the largest number of scholarships awarded to date.

“We congratulate each of this year’s scholarship recipients, and we extend our sincere thanks to the caring donors in our community who have made these awards possible,” said ACCF Educational Programs Director Lanie Hartge. “We were able to give away nearly half a million dollars in a single year, and we love to see these numbers grow, but the impact of these scholarships is truly immeasurable.”

Of the scholarships awarded, 11 of these were new, and include the following: Joe & Deb Allerding Family Scholarship; Don & Dreama Beattie Scholarship; Joy Day AHS Mock Trial Team Scholarship; Samuel W. Jacobs Memorial Scholarship; Bre McKean Memorial Scholarship; Petrone Scholarship; Scott Family Public Safety Scholarship; Bill & Maxine Stafford Scholarship; Paul & JoAnne Weber Scholarship Fund, fbo Loudonville Livestock Club Participants; Paul & JoAnne Weber Scholarship Fund, fbo OSU-ATI “Dairy Cattle Production & Management” Students; and Paul and JoAnne Weber Scholarship Fund, fbo West Holmes High School FFA Alumni.

A complete list of 2024 scholarships and their recipients can be found on our website at www.ashlandforgood.org/latest-scholarships.

Ashland County Community Foundation offers scholarship opportunities for graduating high school seniors, continuing college students and non-traditional students. Since 1995, ACCF has awarded 3,895 scholarships totaling more than $4.5 million.

Applications are accepted on our website at www.ashlandforgood.org between January 1 and March 15 each year.

By creating an endowed scholarship fund through the community foundation, community members can help make higher education possible for students for years to come. Endowed scholarships are often created to honor or remember someone special and can be named for the donor or honoree.

“We can set up your fund and administer your scholarship based on your desired criteria,” said ACCF President and CEO Jim Cutright. “If education is important to you or a loved one, this is a great way to impact your community for good.”

For more information about starting an endowed scholarship or other named fund, contact Cutright at (419) 281-4733 or cutty@ashlandforgood.org.

Fugitives of the Week July 15, 2024

The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force is offering a reward for information which would lead to the capture of fugitive Shad Turner. Turner is wanted by the U.S. Marshals Service and the Mansfield Police Department on a failure to comply with order or signal of police officer. Turner, 28, is described as a black male with brown hair and brown eyes, standing 6 feet 4 inches tall. Turner has ties to the cities of Mansfield and Columbus.

 

Shad Turner

 

The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force is offering a reward for information which would lead to the capture of fugitive Ashlea Roberts. Roberts is wanted by the U.S. Marshals Service and the Richland County Sheriff’s Office for illegal conveyance. Roberts, 32, is described as a white female with red hair and green eyes, standing 5 feet, 1 inch tall. Roberts has ties to the cities of Mansfield and Loudonville.

 

Ashlea Roberts

The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force is offering a reward for information which would lead to the capture of fugitive Zhaneshia Fance. Fance is wanted by the U.S. Marshals Service and the Richland County Sheriff’s Office for improper handling of a firearm. Fance, 29, is described as a black female with brown hair and brown eyes, standing 5 feet 1 inch tall. Fance has ties to the city of Mansfield.

 

Zhaneshia Fance

 

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. Bowens, 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 Shad Turner, Ashlea Roberts, Zhaneshia Fance, 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.

Ohio Senator J.D. Vance Named Republican Vice Presidential Nominee

In a major announcement on Truth Social, former President Donald Trump revealed his vice presidential pick for the upcoming election: Ohio Senator J.D. Vance.

“After lengthy deliberation and thought, and considering the tremendous talents of many others, I have decided that the person best suited to assume the position of Vice President of the United States is Senator J.D. Vance of the Great State of Ohio,” Trump stated. He highlighted Vance’s distinguished career and credentials, noting his service in the Marine Corps, his academic achievements at Ohio State University and Yale Law School, and his successful business career in technology and finance. Trump also praised Vance’s bestselling book, “Hillbilly Elegy,” which became a major film, as it resonated with hardworking Americans.

The announcement has already drawn positive reactions from prominent Ohio officials.

Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost expressed strong support for Vance, stating, “J.D. Vance is a perfect pick – tough, smart, and high-energy. He knows what it’s like to have to fight, what it’s like to win, and what it’s like to serve.”

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine also issued a statement congratulating Vance. “J.D. is a father, military veteran, best-selling author, and has served Ohio well as our U.S. Senator,” DeWine said. “His unique life story will resonate with Republicans and Independent voters across the country. J.D. will also bring a new generational perspective to the ticket.”

Governor DeWine further emphasized Vance’s ability to relate to Americans facing economic challenges. “A son of Middletown, Ohio, J.D. can relate to the many Americans who are struggling right now to make ends meet in this era of crushing inflation and an unaffordable housing market. J.D. also knows that securing our border is imperative.”

DeWine concluded, “President Trump has made a great choice and Senator Vance will be a great partner as they campaign together this fall.”

The selection of Vance as the vice presidential nominee adds a new dynamic to Trump’s campaign as they prepare for the upcoming election, aiming to appeal to a broad base of voters across the country.

Miller Tours Largest Meat Processing Facility in Ohio, Heffelfinger’s Meats

COLUMBUS— On Friday, June 12, State Rep. Melanie Miller (R-City of Ashland) joined the Ohio Association of Meat Processors, the Ohio Department of Agriculture, and other legislators on a tour of Heffelfinger’s Meats, Inc., the largest harvesting facility in Ohio.

The state of Ohio recently announced additional funding for the Ohio Meat Processing Grant Program made possible with support from the 135th Ohio General Assembly in House Bill 33. The $14 million grant will assist meat processing facilities with the acquisition of new and upgraded machinery, other equipment and technology products, and plant construction or expansion for confinement, processing, and refrigeration.

“This is such an important industry in our great state and especially here in Ashland County,” said Miller. “Rick Heffelfinger continues to operate a first-class facility and by investing in Ohio’s meat processors, we are supporting the growth of small business and ensuring our residents have access to safe, locally sourced food.”

Located in Jeromesville, Heffelfinger’s Meats carries both fresh and frozen meats such as Beef, Pork, Bison, Elk, Ohio Goat, Veal, Lamb, Duck, and Free-Range Turkeys. Rick Heffelfinger represents the third generation operating this local landmark, which was established in 1934.

Heffelfinger’s Meats was a recipient of the Ohio Meat Processing Grant in 2022 receiving nearly $227,000. They purchased a generator for the 25,000 square-foot facility in an effort to reduce the impact of power outages.

Two Transported After Crash

Ohio Highway Patrol, Ashland County Sheriff’s Office, Savannah Fire Department & EMS, and Firelands EMS responded to a two vehicle accident at 569 U.S. Route 250 in front of Beyond Measure Market on Friday, July 12, at 1:22pm.

A 2009 Gold Dodge Caliber was stopped waiting to turn into Beyond Measure Market when they were struck from behind by a 2007 Buick LaCrosse. Both vehicles ended up off the right side of the highway.

Both drivers were transported to UH Samaritan Medical Center with minor injuries.

Patrol OVI Checkpoint on Claremont Avenue Tonight

Ashland – The Ohio State Highway Patrol, in conjunction with the Ashland Police Department and Ashland County Sheriff’s Office, announced today that an OVI checkpoint will be held from 8 PM until 10 PM tonight on Claremont Avenue, in Ashland County.

The OVI Checkpoint, funded by federal grant funds, is planned to deter and intercept impaired drivers.

The checkpoint will also be held in conjunction with nearby saturation patrols to aggressively combat impaired driver-related injury and fatal crashes.

If you plan to consume alcohol, designate a driver or make other travel arrangements before you drink.

Don’t let another life be lost for the senseless and selfish act of getting behind the wheel impaired.

OVI Checkpoint in Ashland County Tomorrow

Ashland – The Ohio State Highway Patrol announced today that an Operating a Motor Vehicle Impaired (OVI) checkpoint will be held in Ashland County tomorrow evening.

The OVI checkpoint, funded by federal grant funds, is planned to deter and intercept impaired drivers.

“Based on provisional data, there were 11,324 OVI-related crashes in which 725 people were killed last year in Ohio”, Lieutenant Brad Bishop, commander of the Ashland Post, said. “State troopers make on average 25,000 OVI arrests each year in an attempt to combat these dangerous drivers. OVI checkpoints are designed to not only deter impaired driving but to proactively remove these dangerous drivers from our roadways.”

The location of the checkpoint will be announced Friday morning

Boating Accident at Pleasant Hill Lake Leaves Man With Serious Injuries

Ashland County, OH, July 4, 2024 – A boating accident at Pleasant Hill Lake on the Fourth of July left a man in serious condition after being run over by the boat he was on with friends.

The incident, which occurred at approximately 3:20 PM, is under investigation by the Wildlife Officers from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Parks & Watercraft. Ashland County Sheriff’s Office, Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District (MWCD) Rangers, also responded.

According to ODNR spokesperson Karina Cheung, ODNR officers responded to a report of a person being injured after being run over by a boat at Pleasant Hill Lake. The accident happened while a group of people was on a pontoon boat on the lake. “An argument took place on the boat, leading one man to jump into the water voluntarily,” Cheung explained. “While he was in the water, the operator of the boat, unaware of the man’s actions, put the boat into gear, driving over him.”

The man sustained multiple cuts to his right side from the boat’s propeller and was quickly taken to the Ohio-Health Trauma Center for treatment. Unknown on his current condition.

The boat’s operator underwent standardized field sobriety tests and was not arrested for boating under the influence. However, charges for failing to complete the Ohio Boating Education Class and failure to control the vessel have been presented to the prosecutor’s office.

Authorities continue to investigate the incident to determine the exact sequence of events.

For more information and updates on boating safety regulations, visit the ODNR website or follow them on social media.

Collision Between Car and Amish Buggy on County Road 801

ASHLAND, OHIO — A collision between a car and an Amish buggy occurred this morning at approximately 8:00 a.m. on County Road 801 in front of SS Performance Horses. The Ashland Post of the Ohio Highway Patrol received a 911 call at 8:09 a.m. reporting the incident.

According to the caller, a black 2024 Honda HR-V struck the rear left side of an Amish buggy.

Fortunately, there were no reported injuries from the collision.

The driver of the Honda, an 80-year-old woman, was cited by the Ohio Highway Patrol for Assured Clear Distance Ahead (ACDA), marking her first traffic ticket in her life.

The Amish male operating the buggy reported no injuries. However, he was cited for failing to have a yellow flashing light on his buggy, as required by Ohio law. According to the law, “One yellow flashing lamp displaying yellow light that is visible from a distance of not less than one thousand feet” must be mounted on the topmost portion of the rear of the animal-drawn vehicle or on the top of the vehicle.

The Ohio Highway Patrol reminds all drivers to maintain proper distance.

***The horse was not injured in the crash.***

3rd annual ‘Father’s Eve Breakfast with Dad’ set for June 15th

 

Ashland, OH—The 3rd annual Father’s Eve Breakfast with Dad event will take place on the morning of Saturday, June 15, 2024 at Foundation Plaza, located just west of Ohio Fire at 88 E. Main Street, Ashland, OH.

Dads, stepdads, and granddads are invited to bring their kids and grandkids to come enjoy a free breakfast pizza, donuts and more anytime between 8:00-10:00 a.m. as we celebrate fatherhood together.

“Healthy families are so important to the overall wellbeing of our community,” said Mayor Matt Miller. “This is a unique way for us to celebrate the critical role that dads can play in our lives.”

This is a free event brought to you by the City of Ashland, Ohio Fire, and The Norma Foundation.

ASHLAND WEATHER