Local News

Patrol Charges Garfield Heights Man with 6th OVI Offense

Wooster Township – Troopers with the Ohio State Highway Patrol Wooster Post have charged a Garfield Heights man with operating a vehicle while impaired, his sixth OVI offense.

Jaquar C. Richardson was arrested on Friday, April 19, 2024, after a traffic violation on State Route 226 in Wooster Township, Wayne County.

Mr. Richardson has previously been convicted of five OVI offenses in the last twenty years.

Mr. Richardson was charged with OVI and left-of-center. After his arrest, he was incarcerated at the Wayne County Jail and is scheduled to appear in Wooster Municipal Court on April 24, 2024, at 8:30 am.

The Patrol encourages motorists to safely call #677 to report dangerous or impaired driving.

Joshua Boucher Faces Additional Charges in Court Hearing; Entering a Plea of Not Guilty

Joshua Boucher found himself grappling with additional charges during today’s 9:00 AM Zoom video hearing before the Court of Common Pleas, led by Hon. Judge David R. Stimpert. During the legal proceedings, Boucher’s confusion was evident as soon as it started.

The indictment detailed multiple charges, including grand theft of a motor vehicle, failure to comply with police orders, failure to stop after an accident, possession of criminal tools, and obstructing official business.

Judge Stimpert, offered Boucher the opportunity to discuss matters with his attorney, Donald Wick, before the hearing began. Throughout the hearing, Boucher’s demeanor reflected a sense of disorientation as he attempted to come to terms with the gravity of the situation.

However, confusion occurred when Judge Stimpert inquired whether Boucher consented to the virtual hearing. Boucher’s response, a hesitant denial, “I’m… I’m just trying to work with everybody here your Honor and just trying to understand these charges,” Boucher expressed, revealing his struggle to grasp the unfolding events.

As the hearing progressed, Boucher’s bewilderment persisted, prompting his attorney, Donald Wick, to request a private discussion in a breakout room. Despite efforts to regroup, Boucher remained visibly perplexed.

Attorney Wick ultimately entered a plea of not guilty on behalf of Boucher, contesting all charges outlined in the Subrosa Indictment and the Court scheduled a preliminary hearing on Wednesday, April 10, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. in Courtroom No. 1.

Preliminary Hearing Audio from Hearing on Criminal Complaint 04/10/2024 ***No Video Only Audio***

Road Closing – County Road 175

A portion of County Road 175 in Lake Township will be closed Monday, April 22nd and Tuesday, April 23rd for a culvert replacement. The road will be closed between Township Road 2602 and County Road 2575. More specifically between House # 2586 and County Road 2575. It is anticipated that the road will reopen by 9:00 am, Tuesday, April 23rd.

Road Closing – County Road 175

Road Closing

A portion of County Road 175 in Lake Township will be closed Monday, April 22nd and Tuesday, April 23rd for a culvert replacement. The road will be closed between Township Road 2602 and County Road 2575. More specifically between House # 2586 and County Road 2575. It is anticipated that the road will reopen by 9:00 am, Tuesday, April 23rd.

Mansfield Division of Police are Investigating Fatal Crash

Mansfield Division of Police

The Mansfield Division of Police are investigating a fatal crash that occurred earlier today at 5:37 PM, at the intersection of S. Main Street and W. 1st St. 

The crash involved a 2016 Freightliner Tractor with attached trailer which was traveling southbound on S. Main St and a single male operating a bicycle which was traveling eastbound on W 1st St. Preliminary investigation indicates the bicycle traveled through a red light and into the path of the tractor trailer which then struck the bicycle and its operator. 

The operator of the bicycle, a 29 year-old male, was transported to a local hospital by the Mansfield Fire Department where he succumbed to his injuries. The driver of the tractor trailer, a 48 year-old male, suffered no injuries but was transported to a local hospital for evaluation. 

A Crash Reconstructionist from the Mansfield Police Traffic Section responded on scene, assisted by the Mansfield Police Department’s Un-manned Aerial System (UAS/DRONE) and the Commercial Motor Vehicle Unit of the Ohio State Highway Patrol. 

Additional information may be released at a later date. We ask that anyone with information related to the crash contact Sgt. Lumadue of the Mansfield Police Department Traffic Section at 419-755-9738.

Mansfield Division of Police are Investigating Fatal Crash

The Mansfield Division of Police are investigating a fatal crash that occurred earlier today at 5:37 PM, at the intersection of S. Main Street and W. 1st St.

The crash involved a 2016 Freightliner Tractor with attached trailer which was traveling southbound on S. Main St and a single male operating a bicycle which was traveling eastbound on W 1st St. Preliminary investigation indicates the bicycle traveled through a red light and into the path of the tractor trailer which then struck the bicycle and its operator.

The operator of the bicycle, a 29 year-old male, was transported to a local hospital by the Mansfield Fire Department where he succumbed to his injuries. The driver of the tractor trailer, a 48 year-old male, suffered no injuries but was transported to a local hospital for evaluation.

A Crash Reconstructionist from the Mansfield Police Traffic Section responded on scene, assisted by the Mansfield Police Department’s Un-manned Aerial System (UAS/DRONE) and the Commercial Motor Vehicle Unit of the Ohio State Highway Patrol.

Additional information may be released at a later date. We ask that anyone with information related to the crash contact Sgt. Lumadue of the Mansfield Police Department Traffic Section at 419-755-9738.

Local News

Body Identified: Family’s Agonizing Search for Missing Brother Comes to an End with the Heartbreaking Discovery on 3rd Street

Billy F. Bays III

Mansfield Community Mourns as Missing Man Billy F. Bays III’s Fate Is Confirmed 

In a devastating turn of events, the prolonged search for missing Mansfield resident Billy F. Bays III has come to a tragic conclusion, as authorities confirm his remains were discovered in a residential property on 3rd Street. The announcement, made by Richland County Coroner’s Office Chief Investigator Bob Ball, brings closure to a nearly two-year ordeal for the Bays family, who have been tirelessly searching for their beloved brother since his disappearance in July 2022. 

Billy’s sister, Heatherlee, has been at the forefront of the search efforts, dedicating countless hours to raising awareness and soliciting information about her brother’s whereabouts. Despite her relentless pursuit and family’s support, Billy’s fate remained shrouded in mystery until the recent discovery. 

The grim revelation came to light on April 8, 2024, when electricians working on a residence at 270 W 3rd St. stumbled upon human remains in the attic. Mansfield Police Department Detectives along with the Richland County Coroner’s Office responded to the scene, initiating a investigation with the help of Mercyhurst University’s Forensic and Biological Anthropology Team that ultimately confirmed the remains belonged to Billy F. Bays III. 

The news marks the end of a harrowing journey for the Bays family, who have endured unimaginable anguish and uncertainty since Billy’s disappearance. The ordeal began following a domestic dispute in July 2022, after which Billy vanished without a trace, leaving his family distraught and desperate for answers. 

Despite their relentless efforts, which included creating a Facebook page, distributing flyers, and offering a reward for information, the family’s search yielded no concrete leads. Each passing milestone, from Billy’s children’s birthdays to anniversaries of his disappearance, served as a painful reminder of his absence and the unanswered questions surrounding his fate. 

The toll of Billy’s disappearance extended beyond his immediate family, impacting the friends and classmates, which rallied behind the Bays family in their quest for answers, community gatherings and awareness campaigns served as a testament to the family and friends support during their time of need. 

The confirmation of Billy’s death brings a somber conclusion to a chapter marked by uncertainty and grief. As the family mourns the loss of their beloved father, son, brother and uncle they remain steadfast in their determination to seek justice and closure. Their resilience in the face of adversity serves as a touching reminder of the enduring bonds of family and community in times of tragedy.

TORNADO WARNING for Ashland County

tornado warning

UPDATE:

Changed to TORNADO WARNING

Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Cleveland OH
TORNADO WATCH 122 IS IN EFFECT UNTIL 700 PM EDT FOR THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS

ALLEN
ASHLAND
AUGLAIZE
BUTLER
CHAMPAIGN
CLARK
CLINTON
CRAWFORD
CUYAHOGA
DARKE
DEFIANCE
DELAWARE
ERIE
FAIRFIELD
FAYETTE
FRANKLIN
FULTON
GREENE
HANCOCK
HARDIN
HENRY
HOLMES
HURON
KNOX
LICKING
LOGAN
LORAIN
LUCAS
MADISON
MARION
MEDINA
MERCER
MIAMI
MONTGOMERY
MORROW
OTTAWA
PAULDING
PICKAWAY
PREBLE
PUTNAM
RICHLAND
SANDUSKY
SENECA
SHELBY
UNION
VAN WERT
WARREN
WAYNE
WILLIAMS
WOOD
WYANDOT

AU selects Dan Fox as dean of College of Business and Economics

Ashland University is pleased to announce that following a national search Daniel Fox has been appointed as the new dean of the Dauch College of Business and Economics, effectively immediately. Fox had been serving as the interim dean.

AU’s College of Business and Economics (COBE) offers 14 bachelor degree programs, including industrial and systems engineering, which was just approved for fall of 2023, as well as a Master of Business Administration. It also houses the Burton D. Morgan Center for Entrepreneurial Studies, which is devoted to encouraging entrepreneurial spirit and bringing new business ideas to the community and world. COBE is fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs.

“We are grateful to the search committee for their excellent work in identifying Dan Fox as the new dean of (COBE). Dan has been an outstanding member of our campus community for many years, and his work as interim dean revealed his collaborative, innovative approach to this important work,” stated Carlos Campo, president of AU.

As interim dean since May 2022, Fox created an environment for operational excellence and developed a visual representation of how faculty, staff and students will be successful in COBE. He finalized 13 MBA certifications, successfully moved industrial and systems engineering degree through the accreditation process and diligently worked to enhance faculty presence and engagement in area high schools. He was also instrumental in maintaining the college’s ACBSP accreditation and continuing the work toward Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business accreditation.

Fox joined AU in 2004 and has taught undergraduate and graduate courses in management, entrepreneurship, finance, business law and accounting as a tenured associate professor. He received the university’s Taylor Teaching Award in 2019, the Academic Mentor Award in 2021 and the Ellis Teaching Award in 2011.

In addition to teaching, Fox is active in both scholarship and service. He has been published in many prestigious journals, including the “Journal of Academy of Business and Economics,” the “Journal of International Finance and Economics,” the “American Journal of Business Education” and the “International Business & Economics Journal.” He has presented at more than 50 professional conferences, and has served the university as a department chairperson of economics, finance, marketing and accounting, as a member of the Dean’s Council, as the chair of the Morgan Center Advisory Board and as director of the Entrepreneurial Education Consortium.

Fox earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting and political science from Ohio Northern University and a juris doctor from ONU College of Law. He is both a licensed Ohio attorney and a Certified Public Accountant. Prior to joining AU, he consulted for the world’s largest oil company, Saudi Aramco, in Saudi Arabia. He also worked for the “Big Eight” accounting firm of Coopers & Lybrand and the law firm of Emens, Hurd, Kegler & Ritter, practicing business and tax law. Fox continues to consult with startup and entrepreneurial companies, providing legal, accounting and operational advice.

“Dan has been a strong collaborator from which his colleagues on Academic Council have benefitted. This has been a continuation of the kind of forward and creative thinking with actions, which are helping COBE and Academic Affairs advance in meeting the mission of the university,” said Amiel Jarstfer, provost at AU.

Fugitives of the Week April 15, 2024

The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force is offering a reward for information which would lead to the capture of fugitive David Greene. Greene is wanted by the U.S. Marshals Service and the Richland County Sheriff’s Office on a fail to verify address as a sex offender. Greene, 39, is described as a white male with brown hair and hazel eyes, standing 6 feet 0 inches tall. Greene has ties to the city of Mansfield and Galion.

 

 

 

The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force is offering a reward for information which would lead to the capture of fugitive Raphael Martinez. Martinez is wanted by the U.S. Marshals Service and the Richland County Sheriff’s Office for a bond violation on the original charges of trafficking in fentanyl. He is also wanted by the Ohio Adult Parole Authority on a parole violation on the original charge of rape. Martinez, 39, is described as a Hispanic male with bald hair and brown eyes, standing 5 feet 8 inches tall. Martinez has ties to the cities of Mansfield and Cleveland.

 

 

The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force is offering a reward for information which would lead to the capture of fugitive James Saurers. Saurers is wanted by the U.S. Marshals Service and the Adult Parole Authority on a parole violation on the original charge of robbery. Saurers, 53, is described as a white male with brown hair and brown eyes, standing 5 feet 7 inches tall. Saurers has ties to the cities of Crestline and Mansfield.

 

 

The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force is offering a reward for information which would lead to the capture of fugitive Dustin Pickworth. Pickworth is wanted by the U.S. Marshals Service and the Adult Parole Authority on a parole violation on the original charge of Burglary. Pickworth, 31, is described as a white male with brown hair and blue eyes, standing 6 feet, 0 inches tall. Pickworth has ties to the cities of Norwalk, New London, and Cleveland.

 

If you have any information in reference to David Greene, Rafeal Martinez, James Saurers, or Dustin Pickworth, 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 WEATHER