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.
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.
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.
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.
Joe Lyons •
July 20, 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.
“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.”
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.