Local News

A Letter in Support of Kurt Schneider for Ashland County Sheriff

Kurt Schneider is a more than qualified candidate (and my choice) to be the next Sheriff of Ashland County. Kurt not only has ample knowledge of and experience in the Ashland County Sheriff’s Department, he has the knowledge and experience he brings from being a volunteer firefighter and paramedic, fire Investigator, and small business owner in Ashland, Ohio.

Kurt Schneider’s career as a law enforcement officer began in 1994 and ran until his retirement in 2016. Thirteen of those twenty-two years was spent in our very own Ashland County Sheriff’s Department, building knowledge of the local area, procedure, and relationships with fellow Deputy’s, along with other local law enforcement agencies and their officers. He is still up to date on his training, maintains his certificate, and stays current on all aspects of law enforcement, the good and the bad. There will be no learning curve for Kurt when he takes the oath of office of Ashland County Sheriff. He will be able to step in on day one and do the job, utilizing the knowledge and relationships that he built during his thirteen years at the ACSO.

As a business owner, Kurt Schneider understands management. Daily, he deals with budgets, planning, employee morale, supply chain, and more. All of this provides him a unique insight that he can utilize in the office of Sheriff. Small business owners have a unique perspective on management, because the buck stops with them. There is no organizational chart that can buffer mistakes. There is no “upper management” that can take the blame. Their actions directly affect their personal lives, and the lives of their employees and their families. That level of responsibility creates a unique appreciation for employees and commitment to excellence that most don’t understand.

At the end of the day, credentials and experience without a plan are both worthless. Kurt Schneider actually has a plan to help move the Ashland County Sheriff’s Department forward, focusing strictly on the safety and wellbeing of the citizens of Ashland County. Improvements to our 911 system, tackling the drug crisis, fighting child trafficking, and criminal reform are among his top priorities, and he has talked about them and his plan for implementation at length with voters all across the County.

Don’t take my word for it. Just look at the number of relevant endorsements that Kurt Schneider has earned throughout the course of this campaign. Not only has he earned the respect and support of area Ohio Sheriffs, he has earned the same from our own current Sheriff, E. Wayne Risner, who said “Kurt has the intelligence, knowledge, demonstrated ability, and desire to perform all the functions of this office.” Risner went on to say that “to my knowledge, he is the only candidate to actively request any information relating to this agency.” In closing, Risner said “I believe Kurt will strive to excel in the office of Ashland County Sheriff. His desire is not to change the world as it relates to this agency, but to assume this office and continue to build on, support, and even improve on the great performance, performed by the great employees every day.”

Kurt is also being supported by retired Ashland County Chief Sheriff’s Deputy Carl Richert and retired Ashland County Commissioner Marilyn Byers, two people who were extremely influential in the development of the Ashland County Sheriff’s Department.

However, one of the most important endorsements Kurt Schneider could receive comes from how respected he is by his employees. This endorsement has no political bias. It is a true testament to Kurt’s character, something that is extremely important in the office of Sheriff. Honesty, integrity, loyalty, a high moral character, a commitment to ethical practices, and a drive to always be better and help other people is essential for the office of Sheriff, especially in this time of political corruption.

Still don’t believe me? Still don’t understand Kurt’s plan for success in Ashland County? Still can’t weed through the mess of misinformation circulating on the internet? Kurt Schneider has, since day one, published his own personal cell phone number on his website and literature and encouraged people to call and talk with him. In today’s world, there are very few candidates who do that because they feel it opens them up to calls from supporters of opposing candidates. But Kurt doesn’t shy away from those calls. He wants your views, your thoughts, and your opinions. I encourage you to reach out and get your questions answered.

Personally, Kurt Schneider is one of the most honorable men I have ever met. He embodies the “service above self” mentality, and to me, this is an extremely important quality in a candidate for Sheriff. Kurt is not seeking a “job.” He isn’t doing this on a whim. Kurt truly cares about the citizens of Ashland County and his desire is to serve them and keep them safe. We cannot afford complacency in this office. That is why I am asking you to join me on or before March 19th in casting your vote for Kurt Schneider for Ashland County Sheriff.

Matt Young

Ashland, OH

AU earns prestigious business accreditation from AACSB International

ASHLAND, Ohio – Ashland University is pleased to announce that its Dauch College of Business and Economics has earned business accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). It was announced Tuesday by AACSB International, the longest-serving global accrediting body for business schools, and the largest business education network connecting learners, educators and businesses worldwide.

“AACSB accreditation recognizes institutions that have demonstrated a focus on excellence in all areas, including teaching, research, curriculum development and student learning,” stated Stephanie M. Bryant, executive vice president and chief accreditation officer of AACSB. “We congratulate Ashland University and Dean Dan Fox on earning accreditation and applaud the entire team, including the administration, faculty, staff and students, for their roles in earning this respected honor.”

AU President Carlos Campo, Ph.D., added, “We congratulate the faculty and staff in the College of Business and Economics for their commitment to excellence, which led to achieving this milestone. We also thank the AACSB for partnering with us on this achievement, as they were professional partners during the academic journey which resulted in this outstanding news.”

AACSB accreditation is synonymous with the highest standards of quality. Less than six percent of the world’s schools offering business degree programs hold AACSB accreditation. Through Tuesday’s ratification, which included six other schools, a total of 1,019 institutions across 65 countries and territories have earned AACSB accreditation in business.

“The academic community of Ashland University is so appreciative of the validation that AACSB has provided for the quality journey which the faculty of the College of Business and Economics has been actively traveling to reach this milestone,” said Amiel Jarstfer, Ph.D., provost of AU. “We’re confident that the business students will continue to perceive the deep engagement of the teaching scholars in this college of Ashland University.”

Achieving AACSB accreditation is a mission-driven, rigorous process that includes an in-depth assessment of internal activities, mentorship with an AACSB advisor and a peer-reviewed evaluation focused on continuous improvement. During this multiyear path, schools focus on developing and implementing a plan to achieve their mission and align with AACSB’s accreditation standards. These principles-based standards require excellence in areas relating to strategic management and innovation, research and teaching and learning.

“We are honored by this recognition as it affirms our commitment to providing students with the highest quality business education. This achievement would not have been possible without the dedication of our students, faculty, administration and staff,” said Dan Fox, dean of AU’s College of Business and Economics. “With AACSB accreditation, we are now positioned as a college to achieve even greater things as we carry out the mission of providing students with a transformative learning experience and shaping graduates who work, serve and lead with integrity in their local, national and global communities.”

AU’s College of Business and Economics, or COBE as it is affectionately known on campus, offers a wide variety of undergraduate academic programs, ranging from traditional disciplines like accounting, finance, management and marketing to more specialized areas like entrepreneurship, fashion merchandising, sport management and its newest offering, industrial and systems engineering. There is also a top-rated MBA program that features a variety of formats and specializations to advance one’s career.

COBE also houses the Burton D. Morgan Center for Free Enterprise & Entrepreneurship, devoted to encouraging the entrepreneurial spirit and innovation of all AU students, no matter their major. The center provides expertise, support, education and connections to help turn one’s passion into a profitable business idea.

“Ashland University’s commitment to earning accreditation is a true reflection of (its) dedication, not only to (its) students, alumni network and greater business community, but to the higher education industry as a whole,” added Bryant. “Today’s students are tomorrow’s business leaders, and the addition of Ashland University to the network of AACSB-accredited schools will have a lasting positive impact for (its) institution, both locally and globally.”

Fugitives of the Week March 4, 2024

The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force is offering a reward for information which would lead to the capture of fugitive Terrence Ison. Ison is wanted U.S. Marshals Service and the Adult Parole Authority on a parole violation on the original charge of aggravated burglary and weapons under disability. Ison 40, is described as a black male with black hair and blue eyes, standing 5 feet 11 inches tall. Ison has ties to the city of Mansfield.

 

Terrence Ison

The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force is offering a reward for information which would lead to the capture of fugitive Calvin Brooks. Brooks is wanted by the U.S. Marshals Service and the Richland County Sheriff’s Office on a probation violation on the original charge of aggravated burglary (F1). Brooks, 52, is described as a black male with black hair and brown eyes, standing 5 feet 9 inches tall. Brooks has ties to the city of Mansfield.

 

Calvin Brooks

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 U.S. Marshals Service and the Richland County Sheriff’s Office on a probation violation on the original charge of 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 Quinness Howell. Howell is wanted U.S. Marshals Service and the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office for trafficking in drugs. Howell, 19, is described as a black male with black hair and brown eyes, standing 5 feet, 8 inches tall. Howell has ties to the city of Mansfield.

 

Quinness Howell

If you have any information in reference to Terrence Ison, Calvin Brooks, Zachary Simmons, or Quiness Howell, 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.

More Reasons to Vote for Chad Enderby for Sheriff

The election for Ashland County Sheriff includes two political newcomers who have approached this campaign in very different ways. Chad Enderby built a team of local people to help guide his campaign. Chad’s expectations for his supporters were that they be honest, hard-working, and respectful to the voters.

His opponent took a different direction by hiring two outside political consulting firms that are based in the Washington D.C. area. Per the Ashland County Board of Elections public filings, that campaign has spent $21,300 (as of the end of December) to help craft an image. That helps to explain the phone surveys, the unsolicited text messages, and the often-annoying robocalls.

But don’t be fooled by a campaign that has been advised by self-described “tough as nails political veterans.” Look past the rhetoric and look deeper into the facts and you’ll see why Chad Enderby is the best Sheriff candidate for the people of Ashland County.

Chad Enderby spent 30 years in the Ohio State Highway Patrol. During his OSHP career, Enderby received multiple promotions as he moved up through the ranks of supervision and administration. He ultimately was selected to be the Assistant District Commander, Cleveland District OSHP. There Chad managed 240 employees, administered an annual budget in excess of $10,000,000, and oversaw 7 individual highway patrol posts. He has had real, high-level responsibilities and actual management experience.

Take a careful look at the endorsements of both candidates. Chad Enderby’s endorsements include local people with names that you already recognize: the Ashland Fire Local 1386, elected city and county officials, business people, and retired law enforcement officers.

Enderby is developing carefully thought out plans for the future of Ashland County. He has not made rash, simple, politically-expedient claims on 911 dispatch. He understands that the hardware, software, communications, and legal complexities will require the collaborative efforts of many individuals and entities to improve 911 dispatch. There is no quick-fix, easy solution.

Electing Chad Enderby brings us a Sheriff with extensive experience, relevant local endorsements, and the understanding that is needed to develop a cooperative, comprehensive, common sense plan for 911 dispatch.

Please vote for Chad Enderby for Sheriff on Tuesday, March 19th.

Tom M. McNaull

Ashland, OH

Fatal Crash on State Route 314 near Millsboro Road

Springfield Township – The Ohio State Highway Patrol, Mansfield Post, is investigating a two-vehicle crash involving a 2018 Honda CBR1000RR motorcycle and a 2016 Dodge Journey on State Route 314, north of Millsboro Road.

 

The crash occurred on March 3, 2024, at approximately 3:38 PM, when Evan Gale, 32 years old, of Mansfield, was attempting to turn left out of a private driveway onto SR 314. Joshua Miller, 24 years old, of Ontario, was northbound approaching the driveway.

As Mr. Gale started to enter the roadway, Mr. Miller, in an attempt to avoid a collision, laid down the motorcycle. Mr. Miller collided with the front of the Dodge. Mr. Miller was transported to Ohio Health Mansfield, by Springfield EMS, where he succumbed to his injuries.

SR 314 was temporarily closed during the crash investigation with the assistance of the Ontario Police Department.

Additional agencies and entities who assisted in the investigation include the Richland County Sheriff’s Office, the Ontario Police Department, Springfield Township Fire and EMS, and Terry’s Towing.

The crash remains under further investigation at this time.

Enderby for Sheriff

I’ve had friends, acquaintances and even some strangers approach or message me and ask, why is it that I so strongly support Chad Enderby for Sheriff? It’s simple really, it says it right on his campaign slogan, EXPERIENCE, LEADERSHIP, INTEGRITY. These are all three qualities that we must have in our next Sheriff. These are three qualities that have been developed in Chad Enderby through training and experience with the Ohio Highway Patrol and as the City of Ashland Human Resources Director.

If we take a close look at Chad Enderbys experience versus his opponent you’ll see a clear distinction between them.

Nearly thirty years of experience and high level training with the Ohio Highway Patrol, with twenty of those years spent climbing the ranks of supervision.

The benefits of time and training spent in a law enforcement supervisory position. Writing policy, enforcing policy, budgeting, working within a budget, analyzing community problems and developing solutions to them, as well as managing others that are required to perform these tasks.

Human relations, the ability to form and maintain collaborative relationships. This is crucial as we look to the future, to bring partner agencies back together to work toward common goals, i.e, bringing city dispatch back to Ashland County.

Chad Enderby has these relationships in place now in his current position as HR Director and he has them in place from his past law enforcement leadership positions.

These are four very brief points that cannot be overlooked. Four very brief points where Chad Enderbys opponent simply does not have the experience.

I’m not writing this based on what I’ve read or what I’ve been told. I’m writing this based on what I know from my experience as a police officer and then as a police supervisor in our community for nearly twenty-eight years. I worked with and along-side both of the candidates running for Sheriff. Chad Enderby is what our county and our sheriff’s office needs! Please join me on or before March 19th and vote for Chad Enderby for Sheriff.

Respectfully,

Darcy Baker

Ashland, Ohio

Community Urged to Donate and Participate in Fundraiser for Cancer Patients

Community Urged to Donate and Participate in Fundraiser for Cancer Patients

The Ashland County Cancer Association (ACCA) is gearing up for its annual rummage sale, a beloved community event aimed at raising funds to support cancer patients in need. With a focus on providing financial assistance and emotional support to those battling cancer, ACCA is calling on the generosity of residents to donate items and participate in the sale, scheduled to take place from May 30th to June 1st, 2024.

Donations for the rummage sale are currently being accepted at the ACCA office from Monday to Thursday, now thru May 14th, from 9 am to 3:30 pm. Accepted items include purses, books, office supplies, crafts, electronics, household décor, kitchenware, clothing, shoes, and much more. However, organizers emphasize that only items in good condition will be accepted, with no broken, stained, torn, or outdated items permitted.

For those unable to drop off donations during the specified office hours, the Ashland County Cancer Association will be collecting at the Ashland Fairgrounds in the Gold Building from May 15th to 18th and May 20th to 24th, between 10 am and 4 pm. Large items require prior approval and can be submitted by texting a picture, description, and name to the provided number.

The highly anticipated rummage sale will be held at the Ashland County Fairgrounds, located on Claremont Avenue, in the Green and Gold Buildings. The event promises something for everyone, from household essentials to clothing, toys, and furniture. Attendees are encouraged to mark their calendars for the following dates and times:

Thursday, May 30th: 3 PM – 8 PM

Friday, May 31st: 9 AM – 6 PM

Saturday, June 1st: 9 AM – 2 PM

Additionally, on Saturday, June 1st, from 2:30 PM to 4 PM, all remaining items will be available for free, providing an opportunity for community members to find treasures while supporting a worthy cause.

Volunteers are crucial to the success of the rummage sale, and ACCA is actively seeking individuals to help sort and pack donations at the agency’s offices. Those interested in lending a hand can call the ACCA office at 419-281-1863, or visit during office hours, Monday through Thursday, between 10 am and 4 pm.

With the collective efforts of donors, volunteers, and attendees, the Ashland County Cancer Association aims to make a meaningful difference in the lives of local cancer patients, ensuring they receive the support and assistance they need during challenging times. For more information or inquiries, text 419-606-0549, or call 419-281-1863.

Join ACCA in making a difference, one donation and one sale at a time, in the fight against cancer.

Olivesburg General Store Grand Reopening

Olivesburg General Store had their grand reopening today with Local Consignors and Vendors giving samples throughout the day.

Local Consignors and Vendors were:

Fyre BBQ

Shoup’s Sweet Honey

Generations Baking

Miller’s Baked Goods

Tri-State Cheese

Hershey’s Ice Cream

Flour & Sugar (Baked Goods)

Dandylion Farms

Jones Potato Chips

Down by the Crick Candy

5:00 Wishmaker House starts wine tasting(must be 21 tasting tickets for purchase) & Tri-State Cheese will bring out a new selection of cheeses

6:00-8:00 The Phoenix Brewing Company will be here for tastings,including 2 new drops

6:00-8:00 Live Music: David Berry

Norma Foundation Unveils “The Resiliency Room” at the Ashland Police Division

In a heartfelt gesture of support, the Norma Foundation has once again extended its helping hand to law enforcement, this time with the creation of “The Resiliency Room” at the Ashland Police Division. This innovative space serves as a sanctuary for officers and deputies, and Dispatchers offering a much-needed rest from the rigors of their demanding profession.

Designed as a haven for relaxation and rejuvenation, “The Resiliency Room” addresses the daily stressors faced by law enforcement personnel. In recognition of the long hours and intense pressures inherent in their roles, the foundation has transformed what once were holding cells into a tranquil retreat, complete with massage chair, cozy couches, and soothing fragrances.

Yesterday’s unveiling of this sanctuary proved to be an instance hit among the Officers and Deputies alike, producing a resounding response of gratitude and enthusiasm. Chief of Police David A. Lay emphasized the vital importance of wellness programs for first responders, noting the unique challenges they confront on a daily basis. He expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Norma Foundation for their unwavering commitment to supporting public safety initiatives, which directly benefit the welfare and security of Ashland residents.

Mayor Matt Miller echoed Chief Lay’s sentiments, underscoring the significance of “The Resiliency Room” in providing officers with the means to decompress and refocus after high-stress situations. He praised the foundation for their continued generosity and support, citing their previous contributions toward providing essential equipment like body cameras for law enforcement personnel.

Ashland County Sheriff E. Wayne Risner commended the foundation’s efforts in creating this invaluable resource, describing the room as “absolutely beautiful” and expressing confidence in its positive impact on local law enforcement. He extended heartfelt thanks to Chief Lay and his team for their collaboration in bringing this vision to fruition.

As “The Resiliency Room” opens its doors, it stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of community and compassion that defines Ashland. In offering a space for self-care and rejuvenation, the Norma Foundation has once again demonstrated its unwavering commitment to empowering those who serve and protect our community.

Before Photo’s

AMBER ALERT FOR SUTTON EGGEMAN

***CANCELLED***

AMBER ALERT FOR SUTTON EGGEMAN

 

Date: March 01, 2024

Missing From: Marshallville Ohio

Age: 2 year old

Sex: Male

Race: White

Hair Color: Blond

Eye Color: Blue

Height: 2 feet

Weight: 35 LBS

Clothing Description: Fuzzy green pants, jacket with a grey frog. No shoes, black socks.

 

Vehicle Description: Black 2017 Dodge Ram Model 1500 Truck

Vehicle Plate Number: JTC9063

Suspect Name: Unknown

Suspect Description: White male, medium height, slim build, last seen wearing checkered flannel shirt, unknown color pants. Black beanie hat.

ASHLAND WEATHER