Local News

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.

Aber’s Towing & Crane Service Hosts 2nd Annual Touch a Truck & Car Show

 

Ashland, OH – Aber’s Towing & Crane Service is excited to announce its 2nd annual Touch a Truck & Car Show, set to take place on July 20th, 2024, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 1180 Commerce Parkway, Ashland, OH 44805.

This family-friendly event will benefit the Ashland Associated Charities, with free admission for spectators who are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items or make monetary donations.

Participants in the car show are asked to contribute a monetary or non-perishable donation as an entry fee. The event promises a fun-filled day with activities and attractions for all ages, including:

First Responders and Life Flight Landing: Meet local heroes and witness a live life flight landing.

Food Trucks: Enjoy a variety of delicious options from local food vendors.

Inflatable Obstacle Course: A fun challenge for kids and adults alike.

Face Painting: Creative and colorful designs for children.

Aber’s Towing & Crane Equipment: Get up close and personal with the impressive machinery.

Hot Rods Take Back the Streets: Admire classic and custom hot rods on display.

This event is a fantastic opportunity for the community to come together, enjoy a day of fun, and support a worthy cause. Don’t miss out on this exciting day of trucks, cars, and community spirit!

For more information, please contact Aber’s Towing & Crane Service at (419) 289-1741

Fatal Crash on Bowman Street Road

Franklin Township – A tragic accident on Bowman Street Road at Amoy West Road is under investigation by the Ohio State Highway Patrol, Mansfield Post. The fatal crash involved a 2021 Jeep Wrangler and a 1986 Pontiac Fiero.

The incident occurred on July 9, 2024, at approximately 3:40 P.M. Joseph Crose, 73, of Mansfield, was driving the Pontiac Fiero eastbound on Amoy West Road when he failed to yield the right-of-way at a stop sign. His vehicle was struck by a Jeep Wrangler driven by 18-year-old Mary Studer, also of Mansfield, who was traveling southeast on Bowman Street Road.

Following the collision, the Pontiac veered off the right side of the road.

Mr. Crose was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Mansfield Post received support from the Richland County Sheriff’s Office, Franklin Township Fire & EMS, Weller Township Fire & EMS, the Richland County Coroner, and Terry’s Towing.

The crash remains under investigation.

Serious Injury Semi Crash Shuts Down US 30

Vermillion Township – In the early hours of Monday, July 8, 2024, a serious crash involving a 2024 Mack semi-truck and trailer occurred on US 30 near State Route 60. At approximately 2:58 AM, the eastbound semi veered off the roadway to the left and overturned in the median.

The semi-truck was transporting a load of milk at the time of the accident. Details regarding the driver’s condition and additional information will be provided as they become available.

Due to the accident, US 30 remains closed while the scene is being cleared. OHP anticipated reopening US 30 eastbound at State Route 60 before 7:00 AM.

Ashland Post of the Ohio Highway Patrol have confirmed that drugs and alcohol do not appear to be factors in the crash.

Responding to the incident were the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office, Hayesville Fire Department & EMS, Jeromesville Fire Department & EMS, and Aber’s Towing and Crane

ASHLAND WEATHER