Joe Lyons •
July 1, 2024
Stolen Trailer in Savannah
Ashland County Sheriff’s Office received a call of a stolen trailer (Black 5×10 open bumper pull-trailer) from Chambers Street in Savannah, OH last night.
Anyone who may have information or recognizes the vehicle use is encouraged to call the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office at 419-289-3911
Joe Lyons •
June 28, 2024
ASHLAND, Ohio – Jon Parrish Peede has hit the ground running in his new role as president of Ashland University and Ashland Theological Seminary. In less than a month leading AU, he has made a strong first impression via a flurry of meetings with faculty and staff members, as well as alumni and community leaders, such as Mayor Matt Miller.
Even prior to officially starting in June, Peede was eager to get involved. He attended a ceremony in April marking a new partnership with Shimadzu, a manufacturer of precision scientific equipment, that will greatly enhance research and scholarship within AU’s College of Arts and Sciences. He also attended a May event where Randy Spade, the director of admissions, was recognized with the prestigious Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve’s Patriot Award.
As president, he has addressed the Alumni Association Board, attended Ashbrook Academy lectures for high school students and visited with families at new student orientation. His wife, Rev. Nancy Hollomon-Peede, has been particularly drawn to the Ashland Theological Seminary.
“Nancy and I have been overjoyed by the outpouring of support from the Ashland community in our first few weeks here,” Peede said. “I have spent my time getting to know the faculty, staff, alumni and supporters. I’m excited to meet our students in August. They are the heart of our campus community and promise of our country.”
Named the 31st president of AU on March 27, Peede is the former chairman of the National Endowment for the Humanities in Washington, D.C. In the presidentially nominated and Senate confirmed role, he annually awarded 1,000 humanities grants and managed a $237 million budget. His 25-plus years of leadership in higher education and federal agencies includes positions at the University of Virginia and the National Endowment for the Arts.
From a faculty standpoint at AU, Greg McBrayer, Ph.D., associate professor of political science and president of the faculty senate, is encouraged by Peede’s response to various initiatives.
“Optimism, hope and excitement. This is what I’m hearing from many of my faculty colleagues,” said McBrayer. “We have appreciated President Peede’s repeated emphasis on academic excellence across the four colleges, and are hopeful that President Peede can work to set Ashland University apart from other colleges and universities in our state and even the Midwest. President Peede’s connections to luminaries in the arts and humanities, his experience working with the NEH and the U.S. Department of Education, his access to key policymakers, we think all of this has the potential to resound to the benefit of our university.”
Joe Lyons •
June 28, 2024
Angel Studios is releasing a new movie all about foster care. Inspired by the powerful true story, Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot follows Donna and Reverend Martin as they ignite a fire in the hearts of their rural church to embrace children in the foster care system who needed adoptive families, proving that steady, determined love can transform the lives of vulnerable children.
Fostering Family Ministries held multiple special access pre-screening events of this movie. At one of these events, a local donor was so moved that they donated over 1,000 tickets to FFM to allow the people to view the movie for free.
Working with Fostering Family Ministries, the Ashland Theatre added the Sound of Hope to their showing schedule for this summer. Everyone is invited to attend to see the movie weather at the Ashland Theatre or surrounding theaters. Tickets are valid nationwide with Angel Studios Partners for the theater, time and date you choose. Releasing nationally on July 4th.for two weeks in most theaters.
To get your FREE tickets, visit FFM’s website: While supplies last. Sound of Hope or call 419.496.2507.
We hope to see you there! Supplies are limited so redeem your tickets soon!
Sherry M. Bouquet
Executive Director
Fostering Family Ministries
sherry@fosteringfamilyministries.org
419-496-2507
Joe Lyons •
June 27, 2024
COLUMBUS—The Ohio House of Representatives yesterday passed Substitute House Bill 2, the state’s two-year construction budget for capital projects throughout the state, announced State Representative Melanie Miller (R-City of Ashland). The bill will allocate more than $4.2 billion for capital projects, including $717 million in one-time project funding from the Strategic Community Investment Fund.
“I am so pleased that we were able to secure these state funds for these important local projects. These projects will be transformative for many of our local communities and institutions,” said Miller. “Many of these projects would not happen without these funds from the State of Ohio.”
Miller secured millions in one-time funding from the Strategic Community Investment Fund that will directly serve the 67th House District which includes Ashland and Medina Counties. Area projects that these state dollars include:
Ashland County:
$1,100,000 for the Ashland County Fair
$1,000,000 for the Cinnamon Lake Sewer District Lift Station
$910,000 for the Charles Mill Marina Houseboat and Path Renovation
$248,554 for the Hugo Young Theatre
$200,000 for the Davy McClure Outdoor Education Shelter
$200,000 for the Ashland Fire Training Facility
$76,000 for the Hickory Street Sanitary Sewer Lift Station
$30,000 for the Rowsburg Community Center
$25,000 for the Hayesville Pedestrian Walkway
Medina County:
$2,500,000 for the City of Wadsworth Brickyard Athletic Complex and Fixler Reservation
$1,500,000 for Lake Medina
$1,400,000 for Akron Childrens Medina Health Center
$1,000,000 for Medina County Career Center Modular Fire Training Tower
$500,000 for Oenslager Nature Center
$396,000 for the City of Medina Multi-Use Uptown Loop Phase 1
$350,000 for the Medina County Radio System Seville Tower
$300,000 for safety enhancements to the Medina County Sheriff Office Jail
$200,000 for the Equine Assisted Mental Health Community Campus
$200,000 for the Majestic Equine Connections
$150,000 for the improvement of the Main Street Medina Façade
$100,000 for the Medina County Achievement Center Renovation and Innovative Vocational Building
$65,000 for Serenite Restaurant and Culinary Institute Roof/Gutter Repair
$62,000 for the Main Street Medina South Town Gateway
$60,898 for the VFW Medina Post 5137 Roof Repairs
$36,834 for the Homer Township Tornado Siren Project
$35,000 for the Chippewa Lake Area Emergency Siren
Miller also secured the following capital investments that will positively impact Ashland and Medina Counties. Area projects that these state dollars include:
Ashland County:
$500,000 for Davy McClure Outdoor Education Center Site Improvements
$101,129 for the Foundations Community Childcare Inc.
Medina County:
$350,000 for the Integrated Community Solutions Community Center
$300,000 for upgrades to the Wadsworth Inclusive Playground at Valley View Elementary
$250,000 for the McDowell-Phillips House Museum Interpretive Center
$250,000 for the Black River School Playground Surface and Walking Track
$250,000 for the Village of Seville Inclusive Playground, Fitness Equipment and Walking Trail
$170,000 for the Wadsworth Emergency Radio System Infrastructure
$45,000 for the York Township Historical Society Museum and Educational Center
$25,000 to replace the outdated HVAC system in the historic school building, built in 1925, to protect archived artifacts, documents, photographs and textiles at the Weymouth Preservation Society
Substitute House Bill 2 now heads to the Ohio Governor for a signature.
Joe Lyons •
June 27, 2024
Today at 4 PM, the Ashland County Combined Law Enforcement Team and the community will gather for the annual Law Enforcement Torch Run, a cherished event dedicated to raising funds for the local Special Olympic team, the Dale-Roy Dragons.
The run will commence at the Ashland Police Department, with participants from the Ashland Police Division, Ashland County Sheriff’s Office, and the Ashland Post of the Ohio Highway Patrol. The runners will make their way to Dairy Queen, where they will be joined by the athletes of the Dale-Roy Dragons. Together, they will continue to Corner Park, where a celebration awaits.
All proceeds from the event will go directly to the Dale-Roy Dragons, providing them with the resources they need to compete and excel in the Special Olympics. The event is sure to be a heartwarming display of community spirit and support for these dedicated athletes.
Everyone is invited to join in the festivities at Corner Park, cheer on the runners, and celebrate the achievements of the Dale-Roy Dragons.
It’s also not too late to donate. Link below. https://give.sooh.org/team/584661
Joe Lyons •
June 27, 2024
ASHLAND, Ohio – While the Sedwick Charitable Foundation’s has been generous to The Salvation Army Ray & Joan Kroc Corps Community Center in Ashland, this year they turned up the heat to meet the increased need of the food ministries. In addition to matching last year’s gift of $40,000 to support the Hunger Assistance Program, the Sedwick Foundation generously gave an additional $18,700 to help with the purchase of a new cook stove and two convection ovens in the kitchen.
“The new equipment will serve a variety of our food ministries, including our daily community lunch, and the Summer Food Service Program, says Dan Lawson, PhD, Director of Community Relations and Development for the Ashland Kroc Center. “We are so grateful for the local, ongoing support of Armstrong Utilities and their parent company through the Sedwick Charitable Foundation.”
“With rising food costs and the growing demand for our Hunger Assistance Program, the timing couldn’t be better,” Dr. Lawson adds.
The Salvation Army Ray & Joan Kroc Corps Community Center helps Ashland County residents who are faced with food insecurity through the following services:
Food pantry groceries
Community lunch served daily, from 11 to 11:30 a.m., Monday through Friday
In conjunction with The Cleveland Food Bank, the Ashland Kroc Center’s Summer Food Service Program helps children who receive free or reduced-price lunch during the school year by providing free, healthy meals each weekday from June 10 to August 9 for children ages 0 to18 years. The lunches are served from 12 to 12:45 p.m., Monday through Friday, on the back patio.
“In 2023, The Ashland Kroc Center served a total of 28,080 Ashland County residents to help prevent food insecurity, including 10,409 hot meals served to the community and the distribution of groceries to 5,584 individuals from the Food Pantry,” explains Dr. Lawson. “This gift from the Sedwick Charitable Foundation will help us continue these vital services and keep up with the increased demand.”
The Food Pantry is located in the Annex building of The Salvation Army Ray & Joan Kroc Corps Community Center, 527 East Liberty Street, Ashland. It is open on Mondays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. If you or someone you know needs food assistance, please call the Food Pantry at (419) 282-4223.
For more information, please follow Ashland Kroc Center on Facebook or @AshlandKroc on Instagram.
Joe Lyons •
June 25, 2024
Madison Township – The Ohio State Highway Patrol, Mansfield Post, is investigating a fatal crash involving a 2024 Toyota RAV4 on Ashland Road (US-42), near the eastbound entrance ramp to US-30.
Ronald Scheurer, age 84, of Mansfield, was driving northeast on Ashland Road (US-42), when the vehicle traveled off the right side of the road, through a gore and into a ditch prior to striking a culvert and a tree. The crash occurred on June 25, 2024 at approximately 2:47 P.M. Mr. Scheurer was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The Mansfield Post was assisted by the Richland County Sheriff’s Office, Madison Township Fire & EMS, Richland County Coroner and Ronk’s Towing.
The crash remains under investigation.
Joe Lyons •
June 25, 2024
COLUMBUS- State Representatives Riordan McClain (R-Upper Sandusky) and Melanie Miller (R-City of Ashland) introduced legislation last week which would allow midwives to help meet the needs of Ohio’s pregnant women by creating a midwifery licensure, protect traditional midwifery, and create an advisory council for midwives in the state of Ohio. House Bill 545 had its second hearing today in the Health Provider Services Committee.
“The miracle of birth is an awe-inspiring event and isn’t simply a procedure to be rushed as long as mom and baby are doing well,” said McClain. “Midwives provide a time-tested approach to prenatal care and childbirth that guides the mother through the natural processes to bringing a healthy baby from their womb into their arms.”
The bill creates a pathway for midwifery licensure for those who wish to do so. Certified midwives and licensed midwives are required to be licensed by the Ohio Board of Nursing (certified nurse-midwife or certified midwife) or the Department of Commerce (licensed midwife). House Bill 545 also creates eligibility requirements that certified and licensed midwives must meet to receive their license, including training and instruction. It also makes sure that traditional (lay) midwives can continue to operate without a licensure as they always have, as long as they received informed consent from their clients and carry out their limited scope of work, most notably, prohibiting the administration of drugs.
“I believe this legislation will benefit existing midwives, encourage others to become midwives, and reduce the number of maternity health deserts in Ohio,” said Miller. “If a woman wants a midwife for pregnancy, there are many types she can choose from that will give her different levels of care.”
The legislation will also create a Licensed Midwifery Advisory Council within the Ohio Department of Commerce and requires it to advise and make recommendations to the Department regarding the practice and regulation of licensed midwives. The Council will consist of nine (9) members including:
• One (1) certified nurse-midwife and one (1) certified midwife or certified nurse-midwife appointed to the Board of Nursing
• Four (4) licensed midwives, including one practicing in an urban setting and one serving a plain Amish or Mennonite community
• One (1) physician who is board-certified in obstetrics and gynecology and with experience consulting with midwives
• One (1) physician who is board-certified in neonatal medicine and with experience consulting with midwives
• One (1) member of the public who has experience utilizing or receiving midwifery services in locations other than hospitals.
“Allowing midwives to flourish in meeting the needs of pregnant women will lead to better outcome for Ohio families,” said Miller.
House Bill 545 will continue to have hearings in the Health Provider Services Committee.
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.
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.
Joe Lyons •
June 24, 2024
Ashland Annual Dream Cruise Car Show
Saturday, July 13, 2024
Registration 8:00 to Noon • Awards presented throughout the show
Dream Cruise at 3:00 • 400 Dash Plaques • Door Prizes • 50/50 Raffle • DJ
Food Court • Register by Donation – must be registered to quality for awards
For more information call Sandra at 419-651-9881 or Carl at 419:651-0435
