Local News

Kurt Schneider Wins Election

Joe Lyons • March 19, 2024

New Sheriff in town, Kurt Schneider says thanks to the Ashland County voters

Fugitives of the Week March 18, 2024

Joe Lyons • March 18, 2024

The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force is offering a reward for information which would lead to the capture of fugitive Mark Urbine. Urbine is wanted by the U.S. Marshals Service and the Adult Parole Authority on a parole violation on the original charge of robbery and domestic violence. Urbine 32, is described as a white male with brown hair and blue eyes, standing 5 feet 5 inches tall. Urbine has ties to the cities of Mansfield, Toledo, Willard, and Monroeville OH.

Mark Urbine

The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force is offering a reward for information which would lead to the capture of fugitive Dion Walker. Walker is wanted by the U.S. Marshals Service on a supervised release violation on the original charge of distribution of cocaine. Walker, 57, is described as a black male with black hair and brown eyes, standing 5 feet 7 inches tall. Walker has ties to the city of Mansfield.

Dion Walker

The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force is offering a reward for information which would lead to the capture of Zachary Simmons. Simmons is wanted by the U.S. Marshals Service and the Richland County Sheriff’s Office on a probation violation for felonious assault. Simmons, 31, is described as a white male with brown hair and brown eyes, standing 6 feet 5 inches tall. Simmons has ties to the city of Mansfield.

Zachary Simmons

The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force is offering a reward for information which would lead to the capture of fugitive Antoine Bentley. Bentley is wanted U.S. Marshals Service on a supervised release violation on the original charge for conspiracy to distribute and possess a controlled substance. Bentley, 40, is described as a black male with black hair and brown eyes, standing 5 feet, 9 inches tall. Bentley has ties to the city of Mansfield.

Antoine Bentley

If you have any information in reference to Mark Urbine, Dion Walker, Zachary Simmons, or Antoine Bentley, 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.

My First Meeting with Sheriff Candidates Kurt Schneider and Chad Enderby

Joe Lyons • March 18, 2024

My first meeting with Sheriff candidates Kurt Schneider and Chad Enderby was at the Ashland County Fair in September of 2023 where both had booths in their bid to be our next sheriff.

In talking to both candidates in those early days, it was clear Kurt Schneider had the vision of why he wanted to become our next Sheriff and what his priorities would be.

I subsequently heard candidate Enderby speak at the Black River school one evening and listened to him describe what he portrayed to be experience in the Sheriff’s office which I understood not to be an accurate portrayal of his real experience (or lack there of).

Rather than listen to second hand information, I picked up the phone and personally spoke to Sheriff Wayne Risner to verify what was being said by the candidate.

Sheriff Risner confirmed what we all now clearly know, Chad Enderby never worked a minute serving in the Ashland Sheriff’s department.

Enderby’s portrayal that he “had experience in the Sheriff’s department” disturbed me—it still does.

There is enough deception and half-truths we have to live with in Washington. I personally don’t want to worry about that locally with our top local law enforcement official.

I don’t want to have to dissect every word and listen for the “half-truth” part of what is being said. That is just a deal breaker for me in a job this important.

Contrast that with Kurt Schneider who has not only years of experience serving on Ashland County patrol but also working in the jail and with the canine unit and other special teams. Kurt has years of actual, real work experience in the Ashland Sheriff’s department.

Kurt has the full endorsement of the current Ashland County Sheriff Wayne Risner, Retired Ashland Sheriff Larry Overholt, and multiple Sheriffs outside of Ashland County he has worked with—they have seen his dedication, good judgment and hard work partnering with their departments and endorse him to be Ashland County’s next Sheriff.

I don’t know how it can be any clearer when multiple people who DO THE JOB tell us Kurt is the most qualified.

They do this job day in and day out. They know what it takes. They know Kurt. It’s just that clear.

Vote Tuesday March 19th to make Kurt Schneider our next Ashland Sheriff!

Cass Birchbauer

Fatal Crash on Vanderbilt Road near Middle Bellville in Richland County

Joe Lyons • March 17, 2024

Washington Township – The Ohio State Highway Patrol, Mansfield Post, is investigating a fatal crash involving a 2018 Dodge Durango on Vanderbilt Road, at the intersection of Middle Bellville Road.

Shawn McNamara, age 48, of Bellville, was driving eastbound on Vanderbilt Road, near Middle Bellville Road, when the vehicle traveled off the right side of the road a struck a tree.

The crash occurred on March 16, 2024 at approximately 11:18 P.M. Mr. McNamara was transported from the scene to Ohio Health Mansfield, by Washington Township EMS, where he succumbed to his injuries.

Additional agencies and entities who assisted in the investigation include the Richland County Sheriff’s Office, Washington Township Fire & EMS and Mike’s Towing.

The crash remains under investigation.

Letter to the Editor “Integrity Matters”

Joe Lyons • March 17, 2024

Integrity matters. If you were to Google “integrity” you would find it defined as “the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles; moral uprightness.” Whether people know, realize, accept or fail to acknowledge it, Law Enforcement officers hold a great deal of responsibility in the sense that many things they do happens behind closed doors and out of the view of the taxpayers. Preparing reports, gathering statistics, applying for grants, internal discipline to name a few can all happen behind closed doors for years. You may never see it, you may only see it when a law enforcement officer of many years is suddenly charged with a crime, such as dereliction of duty or even theft. But you have to ask yourself, how do we get to this point? How can someone hired by a law enforcement agency fall so far from grace? Was it over time? Or did they have a moral imbalance from the start. As a retired law enforcement officer I can tell you where it starts, and that is at the top.

You as the voter, the voice of Ashland County, need to take all of this into account this Tuesday when you vote. You hold the power to decide what kind of person you want at the head of the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office. The person you will entrust with the ability to effectively lead with integrity the main enforcement body of this county who administers the jail, our 9-11 dispatch center for many residents or the deputies who respond to your house when you need it most.

That person is NOT Kurt Schneider. We all know elections can bring out the worst in people, you do not have to go far to see that. It is a sad reality, but under the extreme pressure of putting yourself in the spotlight like Schneider and Chad Enderby have done, someone’s real moral aptitude can be revealed. Kurt Schneiders lack of moral integrity has been shown to alarming levels during this campaign.

In a comment in response to Chad Enderby’s endorsement from J&H Lawn Care, a concerned voter made the following statement “Kurt was in our neighborhood today soliciting votes. When I pointed out our neighborhood’s “no soliciting” sign, his retort was “it is his constitutional right” to knock on our doors. To me, this is just disrespectful for our neighborhood. When I was talking a couple of weeks ago, one of Chad’s people stopped me and asked if the sign meant them. I said yes because it was soliciting votes. Right or wrong, Chad is respecting us. Kurt is not. Made up my mind who we are voting for. Two more votes for Chad! Also, I am on the side of needing new people with new ideas and no favoritism for the old school”.

As a voter, you must ask yourself is this how you want your deputies to be led? That it is ok to push the extreme boundaries of the citizens constitutional rights? It does not stop there.

On 3/17/2024, the Kurt Schneider campaign advertised and held a free BBQ at the corner park directly across from the Ashland County Board of elections, where citizens were casting their early votes. One could argue this is in violation of Ohio Revised Code 3501.35 (A)(5), No loitering or congregating near polling places specifically during an election and the counting of ballots, no person shall do any of the following: solicit or in any manner attempt to influence any elector in casting the elector’s vote. Additionally, once the event ended several campaign signs were left behind on the county park property in violation of established rules prohibiting this.

As a voter of Ashland County, if this is what a prospective Sheriff is willing to do, one could only wonder what he would allow to happen behind the closed doors of the Sheriff’s office. You would probably never know until it hit the headlines. A vote for Chad Enderby this Tuesday will end a revolving door of the “good old boys” we have known for so long. Integrity matters.

Darcy Baker

Ashland, Ohio

Ashland Times Gazette and Enderby Misled County Residents

Joe Lyons • March 16, 2024

In the March 9, 2024 addition of The Ashland Times Gazette a contrast piece about the Sheriff Candidates ran. In usual TG style it is full of errors and misinformation. The article “attempts to clarify” the issue of Chad Enderby’s “service” with the Sheriff’s Office. The article states that “Enderby was not an employee of the Sheriff’s Office” but then goes on to say Enderby held a part-time position and was named a

Special Deputy. So which is it? What is the truth?

Let me clarify this for all residents of Ashland County. Chad Enderby signed up to be a Special Deputy, and some might have even seen the photo posted of him being sworn in on his Facebook page. Well, folks that was the beginning and end of his service at the Sheriff’s Office. I did a public records request and Kurt Schneider had 55 pages of work history at the Office, while Chad Enderby had “no data found”. After he signed up for service, Enderby was supposed to have a 12 week training program, which he did not participate in. He was also supposed to work 8 hours a months after he successfully completed his training. Which he could not do because he could not perform the duties of Special Deputy without the training.

Chad Enderby has also stated on the record that besides being a Special Deputy, he consulted on HR matters with the Sheriff’s Office, which he did not. I have had this verified with Sheriff Risner as well as by payroll records.

All this has been brought to the attention of the Times Gazette and they have failed to print a retraction for errors in their November article, and now they have printed more misinformation.

Beware Residents of Ashland County do not be fooled. As stated by our current Sheriff with 24 years holding the office, Sheriff Risner, “Kurt Schneider is the only choice to be our next sheriff”. I do not think we want to vote for a candidate that repeatedly has tried to pad his record in regards to service at the Sheriff’s Office, to the point of being dishonest. Who do you want leading you law enforcement in the County? Someone that misleads and does not tell the truth, or someone with the experience and transparency and the honesty this County needs. My vote is for Kurt Schneider, and I hope you will all make the right choice, or should I say the ONLY CHOICE. Vote Schneider for Sheriff on Tuesday.

Maggie McKinley

Loudonville

Ashland County First Responders Conduct Large-Scale Active Shooter Training

Joe Lyons • March 16, 2024

In a proactive effort to enhance emergency preparedness and coordination, Ashland County first responders joined forces for an intensive active shooter training exercise on Friday, March 15, 2024, at Grace Church in the City of Ashland. The collaborative effort involved personnel from various agencies, underscoring the community’s commitment to safety and resilience.

Personnel from a multitude of agencies, including University Hospital, the Ashland Fire Division, the Ashland Police Division, the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office, the Ohio State Highway Patrol, the Loudonville Police Department, the Ashland County Emergency Management Agency, all the Ashland County Fire Departments, the Ashland County Coroner’s Office, and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, participated in the simulation. Their collective presence underscored the importance of interagency cooperation in mitigating the impact of active threat events.

Active shooter incidents are complex and demand a swift and coordinated response. By engaging in joint training exercises, first responders enhance their ability to communicate effectively and work together seamlessly during high-pressure situations. Such exercises not only bolster individual agency preparedness but also strengthen the overall safety of the community.

Acknowledging the significance of the training, leaders of the Ashland community expressed gratitude to all participants, including volunteers who played crucial roles as victims, evaluators, and bystanders. Their involvement was instrumental in ensuring the success of the training event, reflecting the community’s spirit of collaboration and dedication to safety.

Following the exercise, all participants engaged in a comprehensive debriefing session, reflecting on lessons learned and identifying areas for improvement. Such critical self-assessment is essential for refining response protocols and enhancing preparedness for future incidents involving multiple emergency response agencies in and around Ashland County.

The commitment demonstrated by Ashland County first responders to joint active threat training is a testament to their unwavering dedication to safeguarding the community. Through ongoing collaboration and continuous improvement efforts, they remain steadfast in their mission to protect lives and ensure the safety and well-being of all residents.

As threats evolve and challenges persist, Ashland County stands ready, equipped with a resilient network of first responders united in their resolve to confront adversity and uphold the highest standards of public safety.

📢 PUBLIC NOTICE 📢

Joe Lyons • March 15, 2024

📢 PUBLIC NOTICE 📢

🚨 IMPORTANT TRAINING EVENT ALERT 🚨

🗓️ Date: Friday, March 15th, 2024 🕙 Time: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM 📍 Location: Grace Church, 1144 W. Main St., Ashland County

📢 Attention Ashland County Residents:

The Ashland County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) is pleased to announce a large-scale training event involving multiple public service agencies. This collaborative effort aims to enhance our community’s preparedness and response capabilities in various emergency scenarios.

📌 Event Details:

Date & Time: Friday, March 15th, 2024, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
Location: Grace Church, 1144 W. Main St., Ashland County.
Purpose: Training and simulation exercises involving multiple agencies to improve emergency response coordination and efficiency.

🚧 Road Closures: Please be advised that some roads surrounding Grace Church may be temporarily closed during the event for safety and logistical reasons. Residents are urged to avoid the area if possible.

🚨 Emergency Alert: It is essential to note that this is a controlled training event. In the event of an actual emergency, please refrain from calling 911 or local police agencies to inquire about the situation at Grace Church.

🚧 Public Cooperation Requested: Your cooperation and understanding are highly appreciated as we conduct this important training event. Signs will be posted in the vicinity of the church to inform residents about the ongoing training.

🔍 For More Information: For further details or inquiries regarding the training event, please contact the Ashland County Emergency Management Agency.

👏 Thank You: We extend our gratitude to the residents of Ashland County for their support and cooperation in promoting community resilience and safety.

Governor DeWine Signs Executive Order Ahead of Total Solar Eclipse

Joe Lyons • March 13, 2024

(COLUMBUS, Ohio)— Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signed Executive Order 2024-04D to assure Ohioans the state is well-prepared for the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024, that will cross a 124-mile-wide band in the state of Ohio.

“The safety and well-being of Ohioans is always at the forefront of everything we do,” said Governor DeWine. “We have been preparing for the April 8th solar eclipse for several years to ensure this once-in-a-lifetime event can be safe and memorable for all.”

The Executive Order directs all State departments and agencies to be ready and prepared to ensure the health and safety of all Ohioans and visitors before, during, and after the eclipse. Ohio Emergency Management Agency (Ohio EMA) is coordinating the state’s preparation and response to the event, and all law enforcement agencies are prepared to respond with necessary personnel and resources to assist local law enforcement in contributing to the safety and security of Ohio residents and tourists.

Only 21 total solar eclipses have crossed the lower 48 states during the existence of the United States of America. The last total solar eclipse visible in Ohio was in 1806, and the next total solar eclipse will not pass through Ohio until the year 2099.

The event is expected to draw hundreds of thousands of visitors to the state. The influx of visitors prompted state agencies to work together to ensure everyone is prepared and safe before, during, and after the event.

Travelers are urged to arrive early and stay late to avoid the heaviest traffic. Additional preparedness resources are available at eclipse.ohio.gov and events surrounding the eclipse can be found at ohio.org/eclipse.

OHIO EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY

The Ohio EMA urges those traveling to see the eclipse to make a preparedness kit for their vehicle and include items like snacks, drinks, cash, cell phone chargers, and blankets.

Motorists should top off their fuel tank or fully charge their electric vehicle before heading out.

It’s also a good idea to have a family communication plan to ensure you know how to reconnect in case you get separated from friends or family at a large gathering. Make sure children have contact information for parents or guardians with them.

Finally, be aware of weather conditions and where you might seek shelter in the event of severe weather. Be sure to activate emergency alerting features on your mobile devices.

The Ohio Emergency Management Agency’s Solar Eclipse site includes important safety information and other frequently asked questions about viewing the eclipse in Ohio.

OHIO DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

The Ohio Department of Transportation will be fully staffed before, during, and after the eclipse to assist with traffic control. The agency is treating the solar eclipse like a major travel holiday by restricting roadwork and reducing the size of active work zones as much as possible to accommodate the extra traffic. There are locations where this isn’t possible. They include:

I-75 through Cincinnati and Dayton

I-70/71 in downtown Columbus

I-70 in Zanesville

I-475 on the southwest side of Toledo

Several projects in the Akron metro area on I-76, I-77, and SR 8.

Roads are expected to be congested before the eclipse as travelers begin to arrive at their viewing locations. However, the worst traffic congestion is expected to happen after the event is over as everyone tries to head home at the same time.

Travelers can find traffic alerts, construction zone locations, and more than 1,100 live traffic cameras on OHGO.com and the OHGO app.

Due to the potential for cell phone service interruptions, travelers are urged to have a paper map with them to assist with navigation.

OHIO TURNPIKE AND INFRASTRUCTURE COMMISSION

The Ohio Turnpike is a 241-mile toll road designated as I-90, I-80 and I-76 that runs east and west along the state’s northern corridor.

Lane closures, typically set for construction work zones and other maintenance projects, will not be permitted prior, during, or after the eclipse. Currently, a work zone is set for the Tinkers Creek bridge project both eastbound and westbound on the Ohio Turnpike at milepost 185.6 in Summit County. Two of the three lanes will be open in both directions.

Like planning for peak travel days throughout the year, the Ohio Turnpike will be staffed by personnel providing roadside assistance to stranded motorists 24-hours a day. The Ohio Turnpike’s toll booths, 14 service plazas, and eight maintenance buildings will be staffed in anticipation of a high-volume traffic event.

Portable message signs will be placed at various locations along the toll road to keep travelers informed about traffic incidents, driving conditions, or to provide other roadway safety messages.

Participating restaurants at the Ohio Turnpike’s service plazas will extend their hours of operation and increase staffing and supplies. Gasoline and diesel fuel deliveries will also be increased.

For more information, visit www.ohioturnpike.org.

OHIO STATE HIGHWAY PATROL

Troopers will be highly visible and ready to assist motorists in the days leading up to, during, and following the eclipse.

Stopping on the side of roads or exit ramps for non-emergencies is strictly prohibited. Do not attempt to view or capture the eclipse while driving.

Consider factors like traffic and travel time. Establishing a well-thought-out plan that includes departure times and routes can significantly reduce stress and enhance your overall experience.

Motorists can dial #677 in Ohio to report unsafe drivers or stranded motorists.

OHIO DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES

Ohio state parks and wildlife areas will provide a great backdrop for the astronomical event. A list of Ohio state parks and wildlife areas in or near the path of totality can be found on the Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ website, along with information about camping sites, travel tips, and eclipse-related activities happening around Ohio.

OHIO DEPARTMENT OF DEVELOPMENT

Ohio is ready to welcome visitors to experience all Ohio has to offer before, during, and after the eclipse. Visitors are encouraged to extend their stays and take advantage of the many events and activities happening across the state. With 55 Ohio counties in the path of totality, residents and visitors are encouraged to plan ahead and explore. Viewing locations, eclipse celebrations, and other events are all featured on the Ohio, The Heart of it All’s eclipse landing page, complete with an interactive map for users to explore eclipse-related attractions.

Ashland County Coonhunters Bluetick Hunt

Joe Lyons • March 13, 2024

After heading out to Ashland County Coonhunters at 1289 Township Road 353, Polk OH, to chat with Jeff Jones, Scott Markley, and Cody Wolf about the upcoming weekend’s hunt. This is what I have.

The excitement is building for the Ashland County Coonhunters Bluetick hunt, scheduled for March 14th, 15th, and 16th. The action-packed weekend kicks off with a Bench Show on Thursday evening at 7 p.m., followed by a Nite Hunt at 8:30 p.m.

The festivities continue on Friday, March 15th, with another Bench Show at 7 p.m. and Nite Hunt at 8:30 p.m. Saturday, March 16th, features a Bench Show at 4:30 p.m. and a Nite Hunt at 8:30 p.m. $200 added purse to overall high scoring Bluetick. $300 added purse for overall high scoring dog. All breeds eligible, Double cast win required.

The 6 show winners from Friday show and 6 winners from Saturday show will come back to compete for the added purse after show on Saturday. $200 purse for Top Male, $200 added purse for Top Female. You must be a paid member of the BBOA to qualify for King and Queen awards.

The excitement doesn’t end there! An auction will take place on Saturday after the show, featuring the renowned Ohio Tree Carvings by Matt Missey. It’s an event not to be missed!

While this is a Bluetick hunt, all breeds are welcome to participate. For those in need of directions, simply head 4 miles east of Ashland on US 250 to St. Rte. 89, then go north 1 mile to Co. Rd. 1302. At the church, turn east and go 1 mile to Twp. Rd. 353. The clubhouse is just a short distance away, with signs posted for easy navigation.

For more information, feel free to contact Kevin Bowles at 419-496-6117 or Scott Markley at 330-421-9255. Get ready for an exhilarating weekend of hunting and camaraderie at the Ashland County Coonhunters!