Local News

Wildlife Investigation Near Nankin, Unveils Illegal Sales Operation

Nankin, OH – Residents of the village of Nankin, located in the southern part of Orange Township, were taken aback early Tuesday morning when multiple Ohio Wildlife Officers’ vehicles converged on the Nankin Ball Park. The sudden presence of law enforcement was linked to a significant investigation by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR).

Officers and investigators from District Two in Northwest Ohio and District Three in Northeast Ohio executed a search warrant on County Road 601 in Ashland County, targeting the commercial sales of fish and wildlife. The investigation, which had been ongoing for approximately a year, culminated in Tuesday’s operation.

ODNR Division of Wildlife Investigations Administrator Jeff Collingwood provided insights into the case during a phone interview. “In this particular case, it was both fish and wildlife that were being either caught or harvested and then sold for profit. In Ohio, anything that’s sport caught, such as walleye or perch, or harvested game species, such as deer or turkey, can be consumed personally but cannot be sold for profit,” explained Collingwood.

When asked about any charges resulting from the search warrant, Collingwood stated, “No charges have been filed as of yet. The investigation is ongoing, and we hope to present charges to the Ashland County Prosecutor’s Office.” He noted that the investigation began following a tip about potential commercial sales of wildlife, which led to the determination that an individual was indeed engaged in illegal activities.

Several items were seized from the residence as evidence, according to Collingwood. He also referenced Section 1531.02 of the Ohio Revised Code, which outlines prohibited activities related to the ownership and sale of wild animals in the state. The code states that wild animals, unless legally confined or privately owned, belong to the state and cannot be sold or transported unlawfully.

To protect Ohio’s wildlife, Collingwood encourages anyone who witnesses or has knowledge of wildlife violations to report them. Reports can be made by calling or texting 1-800-POACHER

Patrol Promotes School Bus Safety

August is school bus safety month
ASHLAND– In the coming weeks, school districts throughout Ohio will begin welcoming students back into their classrooms. For many of these students, their days start and end by riding a school bus. The safety of the students riding to and from school, as well as to school-sanctioned events, is a top priority.

Since 2019, there have been 6,145 traffic crashes involving school buses in Ohio. During this time, eight crashes involved fatalities, including one student killed on a school bus

“It’s crucial that everyone commits to helping school bus riders get to and from their destinations safely each day,” said Governor DeWine. “Bus safety isn’t just the responsibility of the bus driver – other drivers, parents, and students all have a role to play.”

As the buses return to the roadways, the Patrol has a few reminders: Motorists are required to stop at least 10 feet in front of or behind a school bus when flashing lights and an extended arm are displayed; motorists cannot resume driving until the school bus begins moving. The Patrol also reminds motorists to plan ahead and allow extra time for delays caused by stopped buses.

School buses are also required to be inspected twice a year to ensure the bus is operating properly. Every bus used to transport students is inspected before the beginning of the school year and once randomly during the year. Since 2019, the Patrol has performed more than 200,000 inspections.

“I am incredibly proud of the dedication our personnel puts into inspecting school buses across Ohio,” said Colonel Charles A. Jones, Patrol superintendent. “Their commitment and attention to detail in every inspection helps prevent potential hazards and plays a crucial role in protecting the lives of students every day.”

For example, the Patrol, the Ohio Department of Transportation and the Ohio Department of Education teamed up to create new highly-reflective “STOP” decals for the rear of every school bus in the state. Beginning in October 2022, each of the state’s nearly 20,000 school buses were outfitted with the new decals, which made buses more visible in both daylight and at nighttime. The first round of decals were printed by ODOT’s Sign Shop and provided to the schools at no cost.

Click here for a complete statistical breakdown of school bus inspections, crashes and passing stopped school bus violations

Ashland Post of the Highway Patrol Welcomes New Trooper

Ashland County, OH — The Ashland Post of the Highway Patrol proudly announces the addition of a new trooper to its ranks. Trooper Justin Bowen, a 21-year-old from LaGrange, Ohio, has joined the team directly after graduating from the Patrol Academy.

Trooper Bowen completed his training on June 14, 2024, as part of the Patrol’s 173rd Academy Class, which involved 26 weeks of rigorous training. His graduation marks the beginning of a promising career dedicated to serving and protecting the community.

Following his graduation, Trooper Bowen will undergo a field training period lasting no less than 70 working days. During this period, he will be guided and mentored by two different Field Training Officers, ensuring he gains comprehensive, hands-on experience in various aspects of his duties.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Trooper Bowen to Ashland County,” said Lieutenant Brad Bishop, Ashland Post Commander. “His dedication and hard work during his time at the academy have prepared him well for the challenges ahead. We’re confident he will be a valuable asset to our team and the community.”

Trooper Bowen’s arrival is met with enthusiasm from both his colleagues and the residents of Ashland County. His commitment to public safety and community service aligns with the core values of the Highway Patrol, and his presence is expected to strengthen the post’s capabilities.

The Ashland Post encourages community members to join in welcoming Trooper Bowen to the area. His addition to the team underlines the Highway Patrol’s ongoing commitment to maintaining safety and order on Ohio’s roads.

Ashland County Veteran Appreciation Day

 

So what is there to do this year at the Ashland County Veterans Appreciation Day? You and your family are invited to join us on August 10th, starting at 11am at the Ashland County Airport for a fun filled day honoring our Veterans! Activities include:

– 11AM – Opening Ceremonies

– 12PM – All Veterans Photo

– 12PM – Free Lunch Begins

– 1PM – Lincoln Highway Band

– 3PM – Ken Hammontree

– 3:30PM – Phil Dirt and the Dozers

– 6PM – Disco Inferno

– 9:30PM – Fireworks OR Drone Show (TBA)

– Huey Helicopter Rides ALL DAY! (Cost is $125 per person)

– Static Displays, Food Trucks, and Vendors ALL DAY

– Jeep Rides ALL DAY!

– Kids Activities ALL DAY!

Everyone is invited to this wonderful event to honor our Veterans! More activities are still being planned so keep checking back for updates. This event is completely FREE to attend!

Ample parking will be available and golf cart transportation from parking to the main gate will be provided for those that wish to use it!

Ashland County Veteran Appreciation Day Facebook Page

Breaking News: Arrest Made in Fatal Hit-and-Run in Ashland County

July 29, 2024 – Ashland County authorities have confirmed the arrest of Deltino J. Crain in connection with the fatal hit-and-run incident that resulted in the death of 63-year-old Mark Ramsey of Mansfield. The tragic event occurred on April 19, 2022, along U.S. Route 42 in Milton Township.

 
Details of the Incident
 
According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, the fatal crash occurred late on the night of April 19, 2022. At 11:06 p.m., the Patrol’s Wooster Dispatch Center received a report of what was initially believed to be a single-vehicle serious injury crash in the northbound lanes of U.S. 42 near Township Road 1688.
 
Troopers arriving on the scene discovered that Mark Ramsey had been standing next to his disabled pick-up truck when he was struck by a passing northbound vehicle. The vehicle did not stop and continued traveling northbound. Ramsey was transported to Mansfield Ohio Health, where he was pronounced dead.
 
In the days following the incident, authorities issued a press release seeking the public’s assistance in locating the suspect vehicle, described as a silver Dodge pick-up truck with likely damage to the front, right headlight assembly, and passenger side-view mirror.
 The Indictment and Arrest
 
On 02/09/2024, a Subrosa Indictment was issued, charging Deltino J. Crain with two felony counts:
 
Count One: Aggravated Vehicular Homicide
 
In violation of Ohio Revised Code Section (specific section to be determined), Crain is accused of causing the death of Mark Ramsey recklessly while operating a 1992 Chevy 1500 pick-up truck. This charge is classified as a third-degree felony.
 
Count Two: Failure to Stop After an Accident
 
Crain is also charged with failing to stop and remain at the scene of the accident, as required by law. This charge, also a third-degree felony, is in violation of Ohio Revised Code Section (specific section to be determined). The indictment states that Crain had knowledge of the accident but did not stop to provide his name, address, or vehicle information to the injured party.
Court Proceedings
 
Crain was brought before the Ashland Court of Common Pleas, where bond was set at $100,000. The bond can be secured through a surety bond, real estate, securities, or a cash deposit, at the defendant’s option.
 
More information to be released tomorrow!
 

Photo’s Released after crash:

 

“ENOUGH”

DIANNE’S DOGHOUSE “ENOUGH”

Several years ago I watched my dog, Simon Peter eat his breakfast. If he was really hungry he would finish off the bowl of food instantly.

Sometimes when his tummy was happy and not empty, he would check out what was left in the bowl and push it with his nose until it was hidden in a corner.

Pete knew just what he needed to be a healthy, growing dog. He didn’t grumble or plead for more. He was satisfied with enough.

God knows just what we need to keep us spiritually healthy and growing in Him. Do you ever grumble and plead for more instead of being satisfied with enough?

The children of Israel had to be satisfied with enough when God gave them their daily manna in the desert. Moses warned them not to hoard their manna for the next day. Those who did found their day-old manna smelly and filled with worms.

God wanted His people to trust Him for their daily bread on a daily basis—just like Pete trusted me. Do you ever ask God for enough or do you want more power or more money or more fame?

Like Pete, I’m blessed to have a Master who provides for my needs. If my eyes stray from God, my focus goes to wants. I don’t just want what is in my bowl, I want the whole twenty pound bag of dog food! Perhaps God knows that we don’t need more, we just need more of Him.

My wish for you is to have a wonderful life and to know when enough is enough.

Blessings, Dianne Hammontree

Request for Assistance in Locating a Mansfield Runaway Juvenile

The Mansfield Division of Police would like to ask the community for assistance in locating a runaway juvenile.

Savanna Pappendick ran away from a residence in Mansfield Ohio on February 26, 2024. Savanna is thought to possibly be in the area of Hollywood Maryland with friends, however, that information has not been confirmed.

Savanna does have contacts in the Brunswick and Parma Ohio areas as well. Savanna is listed as a runaway with The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (case number M827824090).

Savanna is now 17 years old, listed as 5’4’’ 110 bro/blue. Savanna does wear glasses on occasion. All efforts to locate Savanna by family, NCMIC, Children Services, and law enforcement have been unsuccessful.

If you or someone you know has information on the whereabouts of Savana Pappendick, please call Mansfield Division of Police Detective Ronee Swisher at (419) 755 – 9432 or National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at 1 – 800 – THE – LOST or Ashland County Children Service at (419)-282-5000

 

Mansfield Division of Police Asking for Assistance In Identifying Felony Theft Suspect

The Mansfield Division of Police is seeking information from the community to identify a suspect in an ongoing felony theft investigation.

On February 21st, 2024, the suspect entered several Park National Bank locations in Mansfield and the surrounding area. The suspect presented checks to the tellers requesting to cash them. The suspect received cash from each of the locations, however, it was later discovered that each of the checks presented were counterfeit.

Detectives are requesting the communities assistance in identifying this suspect in an effort to bring him to justice.

Anyone with information about this investigation or the suspect is asked to call Mansfield Police Major Crimes Detective Larry Schacherer at (419) 755-9766.

ASHLAND WEATHER