The Richland County Sheriff’s Office has issued a statement regarding the tragic death of 54-year-old inmate Rebecca Westfield, who passed away following a medical emergency in a booking cell.
According to the statement released on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, at approximately 5:00 am, corrections staff and medical personnel responded to a call concerning Westfield, who was in custody at the Richland County Jail. Despite prompt life-saving efforts by the staff, Westfield succumbed shortly after being transported to Ohio-Health Mansfield Hospital.
Westfield had been detained since May 2, 2024, following the issuance of a bench warrant for a Bond Revocation out of Richland County Common Pleas Court. The circumstances surrounding her medical emergency and subsequent death remain under investigation by authorities.
Ashland, OH – On May 10th, 2024, Ashland Detectives, in collaboration with the METRICH Enforcement Unit, conducted a search warrant at 512 Ray Ave as part of an ongoing drug investigation. The operation, supported by the Ashland Special Response Team, resulted in the arrest of Ryan Flickinger and the seizure of suspected illegal drugs and firearms.
The investigation, prompted by intelligence gathering, reflects law enforcement’s commitment to addressing drug-related concerns within the community. Following Flickinger’s arrest, he was placed in custody at the Ashland County Jail, pending further legal proceedings. The case is currently under review by the Ashland County Prosecutor.
Authorities expressed appreciation for community cooperation, encouraging residents to continue reporting suspected drug activities through the METRICH Crime Tip Hotline at 419-52-CRIME (419-522-7463) or via the METRICH Enforcement Unit mobile app.
For further inquiries, Detective Kody Hying can be reached at 419-289-3639 ext. 1039 or via email at hying.kody@ashland-ohio.com.
The successful execution of the search warrant highlights law enforcement’s ongoing efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of Ashland residents.
Matthew 25 Outreach Center of Ashland County Luray Lanes
647 E. Main St
Ashland, OH
Drive through distribution starts at 10:00 am and ends at 1:00pm
Volunteers needed from 7:00am through 1:00pm
If you are willing to help lead this weekend, please come at 7 am and help. We have 6 regulars who will gone.
We provide food to anyone in need, while sharing God’s love and peace with all we encounter. This work requires the help of many volunteers ….. so bring your family, friends, neighbors, and your co-workers to join us as we distribute groceries to families in need of assistance.
Our FREE drive-through grocery distribution takes place from 10:00am – 1:00pm, in the parking lot of the Luray Lanes, located at 647 E. Main St, in Ashland. The entire distribution is outdoors so please dress for the weather. The bowling alley will be open, so we’ll have access to restrooms and to take a break from the weather, as needed.
If you would like to help with this FREE grocery distribution, please meet us Saturday, May 18th at
7:00am to help with the initial staging process, as our truckload of food arrives
7:00am to help direct traffic
8:00am to help package bulk foods into family size packages, to make ready for distribution
8:00am to help register every family that receives food (a quick training session is available)
8:00am to help with home deliveries (this requires the use of your personal vehicle)
Not available to help us the 4th Saturday of each month? That’s OK ……
Please contact us if you are interested in delivering shelf stable food boxes to seniors located in Ashland County …. deliveries take place anytime throughout the month.
We have volunteer opportunities for people of all ages and all abilities! Please join us (and bring your friends) as we distribute FREE groceries and share God’s love with the people of Ashland County. We look forward to seeing you Saturday and pray that you’ll serve alongside us!
The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force is offering a reward for information which would lead to the capture of fugitive Mark Scaggs. Scaggs is wanted by the U.S. Marshals Service and the Richland County Sheriff’s Office for possession of fentanyl. Scaggs, 49, is described as a white male with bald/blond hair and green eyes, standing 6 feet 0 inches tall. Scaggs has ties to the city of Mansfield.
Mark Scaggs
The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force is offering a reward for information which would lead to the capture of fugitive Tracy Baker. Baker is wanted by the U.S. Marshals Service and the Richland County Sheriff’s Office for possession of drugs. Baker, 43, is described as a white female with blond hair and blue eyes, standing 5 feet 4 inches tall. Baker has ties to the cities of Mansfield and Ashland, OH
Tracy Baker
The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force is offering a reward for information which would lead to the capture of fugitive Drake Maynard. Maynard is wanted by the U.S. Marshals Service and the Richland County Sheriff’s Office for strangulation. Maynard, 24, is described as a white male with brown hair and brown eyes, standing 5 feet 10 inches tall. Maynard has ties to the city of Mansfield.
Drake Maynard
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 brown 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 to Mark Scaggs, Tracy Baker, Drake Maynard, 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.
Ashland Regional Ballet (ARB) and Opus II Dance Studio will once again collaborate to bring the 42nd Annual Spring Dance Concert to the stage at Archer Auditorium on Saturday May 18th at 7:00 pm and Sunday May 19th at 2:00p.m. Dancers ranging in ages from 5 years through adult and hailing primarily from the Ashland/Mansfield/Wooster area will perform in this traditional event. The performance showcases the entire student body of Opus II Dance Studio in a variety of dances designed to be great family entertainment at family friendly prices.
Each year Ashland Regional Ballet presents a special ballet production as part of this end of the school year celebration. This year’s featured ballet is “Stars”, choreography re-setting by ARB Artistic Director Sarah Cyders. The students of Opus II Dance Studio will present the ballet “Country Mouse & City Mouse”.
ARB Senior dancers featured in “Stars” are Adley Grabowski who will portray leader of the “no-stars,” Lily Lehman who will portray the lead “McBean” and Skylynn Heichel who will portray a “McBean.” Also featured in a prominent role is Tara Tavalaee as leader of the “Stars.” The “Stars” will be portrayed by Megan Harrigan, Adra Herod, Valerie Raubenolt, Mikayla Jarvis and Lucy Ronk. The “No Stars” will be portrayed by Teagan Kime, Samantha Metz, Lyla Metzger, and Audrey Smith. The “McBeans” will be played by Asher Robbins, Sami Crist, Addi Bonfiglio, Jordyn Thomas, Mary Hamilton, and Maddelyn Shenberger.
The first portion of the program presents a wide array of contemporary dance styles including Tap, Jazz & Modern Dance. Benshoff-Todd mentions “One of the most exciting parts of this show is seeing how much our dancers have grown this year. It shows the promise of a bright long lasting future for the studio.” Choreography is by Schussler, Cyders and Benshoff-Todd. Schussler notes, “This has been a wonderful school year, full of good dancing and lessons well-learned. The Opus and ARB dancers are eager to show-off their accomplishments. It seems impossible that our school has been dancing now for 42 years! We are very proud of everything our dancers have accomplished.”
Ashland, OH – On May 10th, 2024, Ashland Detectives, in collaboration with the METRICH Enforcement Unit, conducted a search warrant at 512 Ray Ave as part of an ongoing drug investigation. The operation, supported by the Ashland Special Response Team, resulted in the arrest of Ryan Flickinger and the seizure of suspected illegal drugs and firearms.
The investigation, prompted by intelligence gathering, reflects law enforcement’s commitment to addressing drug-related concerns within the community. Following Flickinger’s arrest, he was placed in custody at the Ashland County Jail, pending further legal proceedings. The case is currently under review by the Ashland County Prosecutor.
Authorities expressed appreciation for community cooperation, encouraging residents to continue reporting suspected drug activities through the METRICH Crime Tip Hotline at 419-52-CRIME (419-522-7463) or via the METRICH Enforcement Unit mobile app.
For further inquiries, Detective Kody Hying can be reached at 419-289-3639 ext. 1039 or via email at hying.kody@ashland-ohio.com.
The successful execution of the search warrant highlights law enforcement’s ongoing efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of Ashland residents.
ASHLAND COUNTY – The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) has released the anticipated construction projects affecting highways in Ashland County for the upcoming week. All outlined work is contingent upon weather conditions and is subject to change.
New Construction Impacts:
State Route 89 Culvert Replacement: Commencing Monday, May 20, State Route 89, spanning between Glenn Street and Perry Township Road 395, will undergo closure for the replacement of two culverts. The designated detour route will redirect traffic northbound on State Route 89 to U.S. Route 30 west, leading to State Route 60 north, then onto U.S. Route 42 north to U.S. Route 250 east, eventually reconnecting with State Route 89. Estimated completion of this project is slated for Friday, June 7, 2024.
Continuing Construction Impacts:
U.S. Route 42 & State Route 302 Intersection Improvement: The ongoing transformation of the U.S. Route 42 and State Route 302 intersection into a single-lane roundabout continues to affect traffic flow. State Route 302 eastbound, stretching from U.S. Route 42 to Township Rd 251/1080 intersection, remains closed to facilitate construction. However, the intersection at U.S. Route 42 and State Route 302 remains accessible for motorists. During this phase, access along State Route 302 is reserved exclusively for residents and emergency personnel, with entry permitted solely from State Route 302 westbound. The designated detour for other motorists redirects traffic westward on State Route 302, leading to State Route 301 north, then U.S. Route 224 west, followed by State Route 58 south, eventually reconvening with State Route 302. Phase one of this project is expected to persist from April 2024 until June 2024, with the entire project estimated for completion in October 2024.
State Route 89 & State Route 302 Intersection Improvement: Similar to the U.S. Route 42 and State Route 302 intersection project, the conversion of the State Route 89 and State Route 302 intersection into a single-lane roundabout is underway. State Route 302 eastbound, from State Route 89 to U.S. Route 42 intersection, is closed to facilitate construction. Nevertheless, access along State Route 89 is maintained for motorists, while access on State Route 302 is restricted to residents and emergency personnel, who must enter from State Route 302 westbound. The designated detour for non-resident motorists follows the same route as the U.S. Route 42 and State Route 302 intersection project. Phase one of this project is anticipated to last from April 2024 until June 2024, with the entire project scheduled for completion in October 2024.
As motorists navigate through these construction zones, patience and adherence to designated detour routes are encouraged to ensure the safety of all travelers and construction crews. ODOT advises drivers to remain vigilant and follow all posted signage and instructions.
For further updates and additional information regarding these construction projects, individuals are advised to consult the Ohio Department of Transportation’s official website.
Jeromesville, Ohio – The Village of Jeromesville woke up to unsettling news as two local businesses, Fickes Furniture on North High Street and the American Legion on Huron Street, were reported to have been burglarized overnight.
According to Chief Deputy David Blake of the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office, Fickes Furniture suffered damage to their safe but reported minimal loss. The American Legion, however, had an undisclosed amount of cash stolen from their ATM and other machines.
Chief Deputy Blake asked to residents for any information that could aid the investigation, including surveillance footage from Ring Cameras or other sources capturing activity in the area. Those with relevant information were urged to contact the Sheriff’s Office at 419-289-3911.
Jeromesville Mayor Randy Spade expressed concern for the affected businesses, emphasizing the impact on the local community. “These are small business owners,” Mayor Spade stated, “and it’s disheartening to see them targeted.” He also expressed disappointment at the lack of respect shown towards the American Legion, an institution serving veterans.
As authorities continue their investigation, residents are urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity. The incidents serve as a reminder of the importance of community cooperation in maintaining the safety and security of Jeromesville.
Residents and commuters in Ruggles Township, Ashland County, should prepare for a temporary disruption in travel as the CSX Railway crossing undergoes rehabilitation work. Kelly Hickey, Administrative Assistant/Safety at the Ashland County Engineer’s Office, announced today that the crossing located on Township Road 126, County Road 1181, and Township Road 1101 will be closed for a period of five days, beginning Monday, May 13th, and ending on Friday, May 17th.
The rehabilitation work is essential for maintaining the safety and integrity of the railway crossing, ensuring smooth and reliable transportation for both road and rail users. During the closure period, alternative routes should be planned, and drivers are advised to follow detour signs and instructions to navigate around the closed crossing.
It is anticipated that the railway crossing will reopen to traffic by the end of the day on Friday, May 17th, allowing normal travel to resume along the affected roads. However, residents and commuters are encouraged to stay updated on any changes or delays by contacting CSX Railroad directly at (800) 232-0144.
Perrysville, OH – On Sunday, June 16, Pleasant Hill Lake Park will again host hundreds of athletes from around the area and the State of Ohio for the Pleasant Valley Triathlon, Duathlon & Aquabike.
Athletes will swim up to 1500 meters in Pleasant Hill Lake, bike up to 25 miles through Ashland and Richland counties around the park, and end with a run inside the park. There are multiple distances athletes will participate in from the beginner-friendly super sprint (mini) distance to an Olympic distance. Each exciting distance will start and end at Pleasant Hill Lake Park.
The Pleasant Valley Triathlon is organized by Columbus-based event organizer, HFP Racing and is owned and operated by 1984 Lucas High School graduate, Craig Thompson.
The event is open to the public for participation.
Please be advised there will be bicyclists on the roads surrounding the park and in the Mohican area on Sunday morning, June 16th, 2024.
More information, volunteer opportunities and event registration are located at: https://hfpracing.com/race/pleasant-valley-triathlon-duathlon-aquabike/
Fugitive Task Force is offering a reward for information which would lead to the capture of fugitive Mark Scaggs. Scaggs is wanted by the U.S. Marshals Service and the Richland County Sheriff’s Office for possession of fentanyl. Scaggs, 49, is described as a white male with bald/blond hair and green eyes, standing 6 feet 0 inches tall. Scaggs has ties to the city of Mansfield.
The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force is offering a reward for information which would lead to the capture of fugitive Tracy Baker. Baker is wanted by the U.S. Marshals Service and the Richland County Sheriff’s Office for possession of drugs. Baker, 43, is described as a white female with blond hair and blue eyes, standing 5 feet 4 inches tall. Baker has ties to the cities of Mansfield and Ashland, OH
The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force is offering a reward for information which would lead to the capture of fugitive Drake Maynard. Maynard is wanted by the U.S. Marshals Service and the Richland County Sheriff’s Office for strangulation. Maynard, 24, is described as a white male with brown hair and brown eyes, standing 5 feet 10 inches tall. Maynard has ties to the city of Mansfield.
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 brown hair and brown eyes, standing 5 feet, 11 inches tall. Flores has ties to the cities of Mansfield, Bakersfield CA, and Fernley, NV.
Joe Lyons •
May 13, 2024
Jeromesville, Ohio – The Village of Jeromesville woke up to unsettling news as two local businesses, Fickes Furniture on North High Street and the American Legion on Huron Street, were reported to have been burglarized overnight.
