Local News

Explore, Learn, and Play: Ashland Public Library’s Touch-a-Truck Event Ignites Summer Reading Fun

The Ashland Public Library is thrilled to launch Summer Reading at Touch-A-Truck, an event that guarantees enjoyment, education, and lasting memories for all attendees!

Get ready for an exhilarating expedition on Ashland Main Street as the Ashland Public Library hosts its much-anticipated Touch-A-Truck event! This year, they’re rolling out an array of impressive vehicles on June 8, 2024, from 10am to 1pm. Start your adventure with a special quiet hour from 10am to 11am, designed for those who prefer a quieter exploration.

This year, the library will be parking its fleet of volunteers along Main St., transforming the area from Claremont Ave. to Union St. into a bustling hub of exploration and discovery. It’s a perfect playground for families and kids of all ages to climb aboard, take the driver’s seat, and uncover the secrets of various fascinating vehicles. These machines come from local businesses and community organizations, each with a story to tell and features to explore.

Dive into a world of wonder with vehicles like police cars, rugged construction machinery, a cheerful school bus, and the heroic fire truck. Learn from the friendly faces behind the wheels who bring these vehicles to life every day.

The Friends of the Ashland Public Library are also joining the adventure, setting up shop with a treasure trove of books, audiobooks, DVDs, and CDs for sale from 9am to 4pm inside the library.

They’re also planning a special giveaway for the little explorers.

Be sure to include a visit to the library’s Bookmobile and Outreach vehicles on your journey! These traveling ambassadors of literacy are not only ready to show you the library’s rich offerings and let you check out materials, but you can also register for the Summer Reading program right there.

Set your compass for fun and make your way to Ashland Main Street for an adventure-filled day that promises to be truly memorable!

For more information about the event, contact the Ashland Public Library by calling 419-289-8188, visiting www.ashland.lib.oh.us or stopping by the Public Services desk at the library.

Community Foundation announces 2024 IMPACT Youth Grants

ASHLAND – Ashland County Community Foundation’s IMPACT Youth Council, with ratification by the Board of Trustees, approved IMPACT Youth Grants for 2024.

Twenty-one organizations serving Ashland County youth were awarded grants totaling $28,259.

The following organizations received grants:

Advocates for Families received a grant for glass fusing classes for AFF families and youth.

Appleseed Community Mental Health Center received a grant to support Healthy Skills groups for youth.

Ashland Bookcase Project received a grant for bookcase materials and new children’s books.

Ashland Brethren In Christ Church received a grant to help with supplies for Vacation Bible School 2024.

Ashland Co 4-H Committee received a grant for Ashland County 4-H dog project(s) training equipment.

Ashland County Wildlife Conservation League received a grant for the ACWCL Kids Day educational program in the Historic Log Homestead house.

Ashland Special Needs Ministry received a grant to support the annual Night to Shine event.

Ashland Training Center Daycare and Preschool received a grant to support summer program activities and outings.

Associated Charities received a grant for new clothing for Kid’s Clothing Closet.

Hillsdale High School Fine Arts Department received a grant for supplies to support Scars, Shiners, Aging, & Beards: A Stage Makeup Exploration project.

Hospice of North Central Ohio received a grant to support Stuffed Animal Craft at Camp Hope Children’s Bereavement Camp.

Loudonville Church Women received a grant to purchase school supplies and other essentials to support students through the Back to School program.

Loudonville Theatre & Arts Committee received a grant for art equipment for The Ohio Theatre Arts Alive Art and Drama Camp(s) programs.

Nuhop Center for Experiential Learning received a grant for a new trail wheelchair to create access for all campers.

Park Street Brethren Preschool received a grant to support gross motor equipment.

Rape Crisis Domestic Violence Safe Haven/Appleseed received a grant to help with sensory items for youth accessing Safe Haven services.

Taft Intermediate received a grant to help with the 4th Grade Immersive History Exposure field trip.

The Salvation Army received funds to support its Safety Town program.

The following organizations were awarded proactive grants: ACCESS, Olive Tree Care and Green-Perrysville Fire Department.

IMPACT Youth Grants are competitive grants awarded by ACCF to 501(c)(3) and other qualifying charitable organizations in support of projects and initiatives specifically designed to benefit the youth of Ashland County.

Grant recipients are chosen by ACCF’s IMPACT Youth Council, a committee of student volunteers from Ashland County high schools. The council is led by director Sarah LeVeck.

The following students participated in IMPACT Youth Council during the 2023-2024 school year: Rilynn Ajian, Gabriel Barlow, Addi Bonfiglio, Joshua Bonfiglio, Keaton Christian, Aubrie Cooke, James Daubenspeck, Jocelyn Grassman, Alyssa Henley, Brendon Hess, Jocelyn Honaker, Taren Kramer, Haley McNaull, Katrin Parker, Mackenzie Parsons, Phoenix Rex, Emma Roar, Andrew Swartz, Jessica Wally and Marcus Wolboldt.

ACCF is currently accepting applications for next year’s IMPACT Youth Council. Ashland County students who will be sophomores, juniors or seniors during the 2024-2025 school year may apply online at www.ashlandforgood.org/impact-youth-council/.

The application deadline for IMPACT Youth grants is February 1 of each year. Inquiries can be made by calling the Foundation office at 419-281-4733 or visiting the ACCF website at www.ashlandforgood.org.

Body Found in Little Applecreek, Wooster

At approximately 5:00 PM on May 12th, 2024, the Wooster Police Department received a call from individuals fishing near 609 Freedlander Rd., reporting the discovery of an adult female body in the creek.

Upon arrival, officers confirmed the presence of the deceased and secured the area. The body was subsequently transported to the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner’s Office for further investigation.

The identity of the deceased has not been released, pending notification of next of kin. The Wooster Police Department extends condolences to the family and loved ones affected by the incident.

Captain Tony Lemmon of the Wooster Police Department stated that no further details will be disclosed at this time as the case remains under investigation.

Residents with any information relevant to the case are encouraged to contact the Wooster Police Department.

Body Found in Little Applecreek, Wooster

At approximately 5:00 PM on May 12th, 2024, the Wooster Police Department received a call from individuals fishing near 609 Freedlander Rd., reporting the discovery of an adult female body in the creek.

Upon arrival, officers confirmed the presence of the deceased and secured the area. The body was subsequently transported to the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner’s Office for further investigation.

The identity of the deceased has not been released, pending notification of next of kin. The Wooster Police Department extends condolences to the family and loved ones affected by the incident.

Captain Tony Lemmon of the Wooster Police Department stated that no further details will be disclosed at this time as the case remains under investigation.

Residents with any information relevant to the case are encouraged to contact the Wooster Police Department.

Inmate Death Sparks Investigation: Richland County Sheriff’s Office Releases Statement

The Richland County Sheriff’s Office has issued a statement regarding the tragic death of 54-year-old inmate Rebecca Westfield, who passed away following a medical emergency in a booking cell.

According to the statement released on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, at approximately 5:00 am, corrections staff and medical personnel responded to a call concerning Westfield, who was in custody at the Richland County Jail. Despite prompt life-saving efforts by the staff, Westfield succumbed shortly after being transported to Ohio-Health Mansfield Hospital.

Westfield had been detained since May 2, 2024, following the issuance of a bench warrant for a Bond Revocation out of Richland County Common Pleas Court. The circumstances surrounding her medical emergency and subsequent death remain under investigation by authorities.

State Route 89 Closure

ASHLAND COUNTY (Monday, May 13, 2024) State Route 89, between Glenn Street and Perry Township Road 395, will close Monday, May 20 for two consecutive culvert replacements.

The detour route will be SR 89 north to U.S. 30 west to SR 60 north to U.S. 42 north to U.S. 250 east to SR 89, and reverse.

Estimated completion: Friday, June 7, 2024

Please join us Saturday, May 18th for free grocery distribution

Matthew 25 Outreach Center of Ashland County Luray Lanes
647 E. Main St
Ashland, OH 

Drive through distribution starts at 10:00 am and ends at 1:00pm

Volunteers needed from 7:00am through 1:00pm

If you are willing to help lead this weekend, please come at 7 am and help. We have 6 regulars who will gone.   

We provide food to anyone in need, while sharing God’s love and peace with all we encounter. This work requires the help of many volunteers ….. so bring your family, friends, neighbors, and your co-workers to join us as we distribute groceries to families in need of assistance.

Our FREE drive-through grocery distribution takes place from 10:00am – 1:00pm, in the parking lot of the Luray Lanes, located at 647 E. Main St, in Ashland. The entire distribution is outdoors so please dress for the weather.  The bowling alley will be open, so we’ll have access to restrooms and to take a break from the weather, as needed.       

If you would like to help with this FREE grocery distribution, please meet us Saturday, May 18th at

  • 7:00am to help with the initial staging process, as our truckload of food arrives
  • 7:00am to help direct traffic
  • 8:00am to help package bulk foods into family size packages, to make ready for distribution
  • 8:00am to help register every family that receives food (a quick training session is available)
  • 8:00am to help with home deliveries (this requires the use of your personal vehicle) Not available to help us the 4th Saturday of each month?  That’s OK ……
  • Please contact us if you are interested in delivering shelf stable food boxes to seniors located in Ashland County …. deliveries take place anytime throughout the month.

We have volunteer opportunities for people of all ages and all abilities! Please join us (and bring your friends) as we distribute FREE groceries and share God’s love with the people of Ashland County.  We look forward to seeing you Saturday and pray that you’ll serve alongside us!

Blessings,

Matthew 25 Outreach Center Ashland Team
www.m25oc.org
419-961-0110

 

Inmate Death Sparks Investigation: Richland County Sheriff’s Office Releases Statement

The Richland County Sheriff’s Office has issued a statement regarding the tragic death of 54-year-old inmate Rebecca Westfield, who passed away following a medical emergency in a booking cell.

According to the statement released on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, at approximately 5:00 am, corrections staff and medical personnel responded to a call concerning Westfield, who was in custody at the Richland County Jail. Despite prompt life-saving efforts by the staff, Westfield succumbed shortly after being transported to Ohio-Health Mansfield Hospital.

Westfield had been detained since May 2, 2024, following the issuance of a bench warrant for a Bond Revocation out of Richland County Common Pleas Court. The circumstances surrounding her medical emergency and subsequent death remain under investigation by authorities.

Ashland Detectives Execute Search Warrant, Make Arrest in Drug Investigation

Ashland Detectives Execute Search Warrant, Make Arrest in Drug Investigation

Bond Hearing Ryan Flickinger

Ashland, OH – On May 10th, 2024, Ashland Detectives, in collaboration with the METRICH Enforcement Unit, conducted a search warrant at 512 Ray Ave as part of an ongoing drug investigation. The operation, supported by the Ashland Special Response Team, resulted in the arrest of Ryan Flickinger and the seizure of suspected illegal drugs and firearms.

The investigation, prompted by intelligence gathering, reflects law enforcement’s commitment to addressing drug-related concerns within the community. Following Flickinger’s arrest, he was placed in custody at the Ashland County Jail, pending further legal proceedings. The case is currently under review by the Ashland County Prosecutor.

Authorities expressed appreciation for community cooperation, encouraging residents to continue reporting suspected drug activities through the METRICH Crime Tip Hotline at 419-52-CRIME (419-522-7463) or via the METRICH Enforcement Unit mobile app.

For further inquiries, Detective Kody Hying can be reached at 419-289-3639 ext. 1039 or via email at hying.kody@ashland-ohio.com.

The successful execution of the search warrant highlights law enforcement’s ongoing efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of Ashland residents.

ASHLAND WEATHER