Ashland County, OH — The scenic Avian Acres Farm Park on State Route 89 witnessed a historic event as 55 Northern Bobwhite Quail were released into their new habitat. The initiative, led by Ashland County Park District Commissioner Bob DeSanto and Avian Acres Manager Andy McClure, with a special thanks to Ron and Eddie Flanek for donating the birds which aims to restore the population of these native birds in the area.
Commissioner DeSanto expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, “We’re trying to restore the Bobwhite quail to this area. By releasing these 55 today, it gives them a good start.” DeSanto also encouraged the community to visit the park, emphasizing that the quail are not to be hunted but enjoyed. “So, folks, if you haven’t been out to Avian Acres, it’s off of State Route 89. It’s one of our newest parks. You’ll love it.” DeSanto commented.
The Northern Bobwhite, also known as the Virginia quail, is a ground-dwelling bird native to North America. Known for their distinctive “bob-white” call, these birds have experienced a sharp decline over the past fifty years due to habitat loss and changes in agriculture. Their release at Avian Acres represents a significant step in conservation efforts to revive their population.
Avian Acres Farm Park, a 300-acre expanse of woodlands, farmland, wetlands, and a historical barn, was officially opened to the public in fall 2022. The park, which also features a fishing pond and the Jerome Fork, was donated by the Taylor family on behalf of Louaine Leisching. The historical barn on the property, dating back to the early 1820s, is the oldest documented barn in Ashland County.
The park district plans to preserve the barn and continue farming the land, aligning with their mission to preserve the region’s agricultural heritage. Future developments include additional trails and facilities to enhance visitor experiences.
As the Northern Bobwhite quail make their new home in Avian Acres, the community is invited to witness and enjoy the beauty of these birds and the rich history of the park.
The Ashland County Clerk of Courts is pleased to announce that it now accepts passport applications in the Title Office on behalf of the U.S. Department of State. U.S. citizens planning international travel may apply for their passports at the Title Office.
Effective immediately, Clerk Deb Myers and her staff are excited to offer this service again to the citizens of Ashland and surrounding communities. Appointments are now available.
Appointments are required and may be made by calling (419) 282-4293 on Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. The physical address is at Common Pleas Courthouse, 142 W. 2nd Street, Basement Level, Ashland.
For applications forms, information on documentation required, fees, and a wealth of other passport and international travel information, visit the only official website for passport information – travel.state.gov.
LifeWise Academy recently addressed a controversial letter sent out by clergy in Huron, Ohio and a subsequent Facebook post that has sparked debate within the community. In an exclusive interview, Pastor John Bouquet of Bethel Chapel and LifeWise Advancement Team Member Buddy Workman shared their perspectives and clarified the organization’s stance.
Addressing the Concerns
Buddy Workman identified three main points of contention raised in the letter: curriculum, fundraising, and the use of church buildings.
Curriculum Transparency
“The curriculum is the easiest one to address,” Workman stated. “People think that we’re hiding something, but we have a license agreement with The Gospel Project for the use of our curriculum. Any local director—Mary, Ginny, Morgan , Leann, Connie , Pam, Michelle, Lori, Nina and myself.—if anyone wants to sit down and review the curriculum, we are more than happy to show them. This includes the curriculum, the guides on how to teach it, and the whole nine yards.”
Fundraising Efforts
Pastor John Bouquet emphasized the commitment to making the program accessible to all children without financial burden. “It doesn’t cost the kids anything. We raise all the money. I raise hundreds of thousands of dollars every year for LifeWise because we believe in this program. It’s the mission of this church and many other churches in Ashland County.”
Use of Church Buildings
Addressing the use of church buildings, Bouquet added, “We understand that there are churches with pastors and congregations that do not endorse this program. We appreciate them speaking their minds, but we don’t agree. There are churches, parents, and students that want to participate, and we want to make it available. It will change the life of your children.”
The Impact of LifeWise Academy
Bouquet, who has been in ministry for 42 years, passionately supports LifeWise Academy. “I’ve been involved with LifeWise from the very beginning and fully endorse it because it teaches the word of God, a life-changing book. Thousands of children in Ashland County have participated in this program over the last few years.”
He continued, “Most children that go through this program come out with a smiling face, an improved life perspective, a better understanding of God, and they become better students, better daughters and sons, and eventually better citizens.”
A Call for Continued Support
Despite the controversy, LifeWise Academy remains steadfast in its mission. “To the moms and dads with their kids enrolled, keep them there. They’ll be blessed tremendously,” Bouquet urged. “For those concerned about the controversy, know that this program positively impacts children’s lives.”
Looking Ahead
LifeWise Academy plans to continue its outreach and address concerns openly. “We thank everyone for their feedback,” Workman concluded. “Our doors are always open for discussions, and we remain committed to our mission of providing a faith-based education to those who seek it.”
The debate surrounding LifeWise Academy emphasizes the importance of dialogue and understanding within the community, as both supporters and critics voice their opinions on the role of faith-based education in public life.
Aber’s Towing & Crane Service Hosts 2nd Annual Touch a Truck & Car Show
Ashland, OH – Aber’s Towing & Crane Service hosted its 2nd annual Touch a Truck & Car Show today, offering a fun-filled day from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 1180 Commerce Parkway. The event, which benefited the Ashland Associated Charities, by raising a total of $6,550, featured free admission for spectators and delivered a variety of activities and attractions for all ages.
The event brought together the community with an impressive lineup of participants and activities. Highlights included displays from the First Responders, Ashland County Sheriff’s Office Bomb Squad, Ashland Fire Department, and a University Hospitals AirMed landing. Kids enjoyed face painting by Whoopsie Daisy Bowtique, an inflatable obstacle course, and the chance to explore Aber’s Towing & Crane equipment and classic and custom hot rods from Hot Rods Take Back the Streets.
The Ashland County Sheriff’s Office Bomb Squad not only showcased their equipment but also handed out stickers to the children. The Ashland Fire Department set up a fun physical obstacle course and allowed kids to spray water from the fire hose. The face painting by Whoopsie Daisy Bowtique was a hit, with children lining up to get creative designs painted on their faces. The landing of the University Hospitals AirMed helicopter was a highlight, leaving kids in awe as they watched the impressive arrival.
The inflatable obstacle course proved to be a favorite among the kids, offering endless fun and excitement. Local food vendors provided a variety of delicious options, including refreshing lemonade, ensuring that everyone was well-fed throughout the event.
Aber’s Towing & Crane Service’s 2nd annual Touch a Truck & Car Show was a resounding success, drawing a large crowd and providing a memorable day for the community while supporting a great cause.
Aber’s Logistics Coordinator, Cameron Fowler said, “Aber’s towing and it’s staff would like to thank this year’s sponsors. Smetz’s Tire & Service Center with a $2k donation. Cowen Truck Line with a $350 donation. as well as Aber’s Towing with a donation of $2500. We want to sincerely thank the community for coming out to help show support and help us with a successful and fun filled day! We are very proud to do our part and help give back to our community and show our gratefulness for your business and support! We look forward to another fun filled year next year with plenty of more fun and activities. And don’t forget if you need a tow! You know where to go! After all Aber’s does stand for Ashland’s Best Emergency Road Service!”
Franklin Township – The Ohio State Highway Patrol, Mansfield Post, is investigating a fatal crash involving a 2014 Dodge Grand Caravan and a 2018 Harley Davidson Street Glide Motorcycle on State Route 96 at the intersection of Ganges Five Points Road.
Paul Huffman, age 45, of Shiloh, was operating the Harley Davison Motorcycle westbound on State Route 96. Dustin Smith, age 38, of Mansfield, was operating the Dodge Grand Caravan northbound on Ganges Five Points Road. Mr. Smith failed to yield at a stop sign and was struck within the intersection by Mr. Huffman. After being struck, the motorcycle traveled off the right side of State Route 96.
The crash occurred on July 20, 2024, at approximately 4:05 P.M. Mr. Huffman was transported by Franklin Township EMS to Ohio Health Mansfield Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.
The Mansfield Post was assisted by the Bucyrus Post, Richland County Sheriff’s Office, Franklin Township Fire & EMS, Weller Township Fire & EMS, Richland County Coroner and Westside Towing.
On the afternoon of Tuesday, July 16, 2024, Ashland Police Division Detectives executed a search warrant at 612 Edgehill Ave. By Wednesday, 18-year-old Jacob Keener of Ashland was in custody. At his video bond hearing this morning, Keener appeared before Ashland County Common Pleas Court Magistrate Emily M. Bates and Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Michael J. Callow to face one count of unlawful sexual conduct with a minor, a fourth-degree felony.
Charges Details
According to the charges, on or about July 15, 2024, in Ashland County, Ohio, Jacob Keener, had sexual conduct with a minor, Jane Doe. Court records states that Keener was aware or reckless in his knowledge that Jane Doe was between 13 and 16 years old, violating Ohio Revised Code Section 2907.04(A) and 2907.04(B)(1).
Bond and Conditions
Jacob Keener
Keener’s bond was set at $75,000, requiring either a surety bond or a cash deposit. The court imposed several conditions for his release on bond, including:
Jacob Keener
Signing a personal recognizance
Not leaving Ohio without court permission
Appearing at all future hearings
Keeping the court informed of his current address and phone number
Obeying all Ohio laws and court orders
Abstaining from drugs and alcohol, with random testing at his expense
Seeking drug/alcohol and mental health assessments and complying with treatment plans
Enrolling in the court’s drug testing/bond program
Undergoing GPS monitoring with associated fees
Adhering to a curfew from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. at his approved residence
Having no contact with Jane Doe or any other minor in any form
Keener is scheduled for his next criminal video appearance on July 23, 2024, at 11:45 AM.
Richland County, Washington Township — The Mansfield Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating a two-vehicle fatal crash. The fatal crash occurred on June 19, 2024, around 5:04 AM, on State Route 13 near mile post 7.
Tarin Hoffman, age 36, of Mansfield, was driving a 2004 Dodge Dakota North on State Route 13. Ms. Hoffman drove left of center striking Kami Coe, age 34, of Ashland, who was driving A 2015 Subaru Outback south on State Route 13.
Ms. Hoffman had two passengers, Nathan Phillips, age 48, of Mansfield and Shannon Spicer, age 40 of Mansfield.
Ms. Hoffman’s vehicle overturned and came to rest on the west edge Of the roadway. Mr. Phillips was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Ms. Hoffman and Mr. Spicer were transported to Ohio Health Mansfield for serious injuries.
Ms. Coe was treated and released at the scene.
Ms. Hoffman and Mr. Spicer were not wearing seat-belts. Ms. Coe and Mr. Phillips were wearing seat-belts.
The Mansfield Post was assisted by Bellville Police Department, Washington and Jefferson Township Fire, Richland County Coroner’s Office, Mikes Marathon Towing and Ohio Department of Transportation.
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.
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.
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.
Joe Lyons •
July 23, 2024
Jacob Keener
Richland County, Washington Township — The Mansfield Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating a two-vehicle fatal crash. The fatal crash occurred on June 19, 2024, around 5:04 AM, on State Route 13 near mile post 7.
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.
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.
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.
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.