Local News

Overnight Barn Fire Destroys Structure in Jeromesville, Damages Nearby Buildings

Overnight Barn Fire Destroys Structure in Jeromesville, Damages Nearby Buildings

 

Jeromesville, OH – Firefighters responded to a overnight blaze that engulfed a two-story barn in the village of Jeromesville early Wednesday morning.

According to Jeromesville Fire Department Chief Todd Elliott, crews were dispatched to 61 East Main Street at approximately 2:07 a.m. Upon arrival, firefighters found the barn fully involved. While mutual aid was initially requested, it was later canceled, though the Hayesville Fire Department assisted on scene.

Chief Elliott also confirmed that the State Fire Marshal’s Office arrived at the site later in the morning, a standard procedure following a structure fire.

While no injuries were reported, the fire caused additional damage to two nearby structures, melting their siding due to the intense heat. The barn itself was deemed a total loss.

Authorities have not yet determined the cause of the fire, and an investigation is ongoing.

Single-Vehicle Rollover on 30A Leads to OVI Arrest in Jeromesville

Single-Vehicle Rollover on 30A Leads to OVI Arrest in Jeromesville

 

JEROMESVILLE, OH – A single-vehicle rollover accident on County Road 30A just east of Jeromesville had first responders from the Ashland Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol, along with the Jeromesville Fire Department and EMS, around 9:06 p.m. last night.

According to authorities, 46-year-old Benjamen Shunk of Jeromesville was driving a 1999 Honda Accord eastbound when his vehicle veered off the right side of the road, struck a tree, and rolled over.

Emergency responders evaluated Shunk at the scene, and after being medically cleared by Jeromesville EMS, he was arrested for Operating a Vehicle Impaired (OVI), Failure to Control, and Refusal OVI.

The crash remains under investigation.

Two-Vehicle Crash in Ashland Sends One to Hospital

Two-Vehicle Crash in Ashland Sends One to Hospital

Ashland, OH – March 12, 2025 – Emergency responders were called to the scene of a two-vehicle crash at the intersection of Cleveland Avenue and Lee Avenue this morning.

According to the Ashland Police Division, officers and the Ashland Fire Department arrived at approximately 9:50 a.m. One individual was transported from the scene and treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

Authorities have not released further details on the cause of the crash, which remains under investigation by the Ashland Police Division.

Interagency Training Brings Law Enforcement, Firefighters, and Civilians Together in Unprecedented School Safety Drill

 

Interagency Training Brings Law Enforcement, Firefighters, and Civilians Together in Unprecedented School Safety Drill

 

In a groundbreaking training exercise, law enforcement, firefighters, emergency management professionals, and civilian leadership gathered under one roof for the first time in the region. The goal? To prepare for the unthinkable—an active shooter scenario, particularly one in a school. The importance of such training cannot be overstated, as communities across the nation continue to reel from the tragic events at Parkland High School in 2018 and Robb Elementary in Uvalde, Texas, in 2022.

This unprecedented event, held in Ashland County, Ohio, was more than just a drill; it was a strategic collaboration aimed at fostering unity among first responders, school officials, and emergency personnel. Representatives from various agencies, including the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office, Loudonville Fire Department, Ashland City Police Division, and numerous other regional emergency response teams, came together for a crucial tabletop exercise focused on interagency cooperation.

The Importance of Training for the Worst

“This is year four of this program, and every year we do several trainings,” said Ashland County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Curtis Hall. “This particular training was a leadership course and a tabletop exercise where we talked about the crucial role of leadership during an active shooter event and then conducted a practical exercise to hone the skills necessary to respond effectively.”

Training and preparation have become the cornerstones of active shooter response, as each passing year provides new lessons from past tragedies. The ability to act swiftly and cohesively in the face of chaos can mean the difference between life and death.

A Community Effort to Strengthen Safety

EMA Director for Ashland County, Anne Strouth, emphasized the significance of pre-planning and interagency collaboration:

“When I first heard about this initiative and spoke with Deputy Hall and Captain Smith, I knew we needed to be involved. Our agency plays a vital role in supporting law enforcement and fire departments through training facilitation and resource coordination. By working together in these training exercises, we can ensure that everyone is prepared and knows their role when seconds count.”

The event included a diverse group of participants, such as University Hospital Samaritan, Loudonville-Perrysville School District Administration, North Central State College Police Academy, multiple fire departments, and Ohio Health Mansfield. Their collective presence emphasized the importance of a multi-agency response during critical incidents.

Loudonville Fire Department Chief Dan Robinson reinforced this sentiment:

“It’s incredible to see law enforcement, fire, and EMS working together like this. The goal is complete cooperation among agencies so that we can be effective when called upon. In the event of an emergency, our ability to communicate and function as a unified force can save lives.”

Loudonville Police Department Captain Sean Gorrell added:

“The Loudonville Police Department is excited to have great relationships with our partner agencies. We are very pleased with today’s attendance at the tabletop exercise. Not only did law enforcement and fire/EMS attend, but we had a great showing of school officials, EMA officials, and Village officials. Training such as today’s tabletop exercise shows our commitment to the Loudonville-Perrysville Exempted Village School District. Chief McCauley and I would like to thank all that attended and also Mohican Lodge & Conference Center for hosting.”

Bringing Civilian Leadership into the Fold

For the first time, the training expanded beyond first responders to include civilian leadership from local hospitals, school districts, and emergency management agencies. This shift recognizes that school officials, healthcare administrators, and emergency response coordinators all have vital roles to play in crisis situations.

Sheriff’s Deputy Curtis Hall elaborated on the importance of this inclusion:

“We’ve implemented a strategy where our trainings integrate law enforcement, fire, and civilian leadership. We recognize that in an emergency, we won’t be working in independently—we’ll be relying on each other. By training together now, we ensure that when the time comes, we already know how to work as a team.”

EMA Director Anne Strouth echoed this:

“We’re expanding knowledge to as many people as possible. Information is power, and by broadening our training, we ensure that more individuals are equipped to act when faced with an emergency. The cornerstone of what we do is interagency interoperability. Bringing everyone together strengthens our response.”

Ohio State Highway Patrol Ashland Post Commander Lieutenant Brad Bishop also emphasized the value of interagency cooperation:

“Today’s exercise was a great opportunity to help prepare local first responders for critical incident response. Having everyone together in the same room, working to solve problems and having a common goal, was invaluable. Everyone involved was able to learn and take something away from this training. The collaboration and interagency cooperation is what helps keep our first responders up to date on best practices in emergency response. This training was very beneficial and will undoubtedly help keep our local community safer in an emergency situation.”

Beyond Schools: The Reality of Active Shooter Incidents

While much of the focus remains on school safety, Deputy Hall pointed out a sobering reality:

“Statistically, there are more active shooter incidents in retail and outdoor venues than in schools. That’s just the reality of mass shootings. However, as a community, we deeply value our schools and our children’s safety, which is why we focus on these exercises. But make no mistake, the skills we practice here apply to any active shooter scenario.”

Richland County EMA Director/LEPC Coordinator Rebecca A. Owens highlighted the importance of ongoing collaboration:

“This exercise addresses a crucial subject very pertinent in any community. Richland County EMA appreciates the opportunity to participate and work with so many community partners for this training. Relationships are crucial during any response. Working together during exercises helps us get to know our partners and establish those relationships. It’s important to understand everyone’s role and how you fit into the mix. This enables all to work better to serve and protect our communities.”

Preparing for the Largest Full-Scale Drill Yet

The tabletop exercise is only the beginning. Plans are already in place for an extensive full-scale drill, the details of which remain classified to ensure realism. According to Deputy Hall, the upcoming exercise will be one of the largest ever conducted in the area.

“We’re talking about hundreds of people participating, massive resource allocation, and real-time emergency response scenarios. It’s going to be a huge undertaking, but that’s what we need to do. Our goal is simple: to be prepared when the worst day imaginable happens. If we can perform under these conditions, we can save lives.”

Hope for the Best, Train for the Worst

Training for such dire circumstances is never easy, but the sentiment echoed throughout the event was clear—hope for the best but prepare for the worst. Law enforcement, firefighters, EMS, and civilian leaders are committed to ensuring that if a crisis unfolds, their response is immediate, coordinated, and effective.

The Ashland County community, through its dedication to preparedness and interagency cooperation, is setting a standard for emergency response training. In the face of an unpredictable world, this training ensures that no one will face an emergency alone. Instead, they will stand together—ready, trained, and determined to protect their community.

 

On a personal note, I would like to say how impressed I was to see everyone on the same thought, and that’s to protect our children at all cost.

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Shelby Police Department Sunset Drive Incident Press Release

Shelby Police Department Sunset Drive Incident Press Release

On Tuesday morning, March 11th, the Shelby Police Department had routine contact with a citizen who resides on Sunset Dr. After initial contact, the same individual called the department and requested an officer contact him at his home.

The requested officer was not on duty at the time of the call and the individual asked for the officer to come to his home when he was on duty.

The Shelby Police Department received a subsequent follow-up call from a mental health provider, who indicated that the individual was in crisis, needed to go to the hospital; but that the person had armed themselves and was refusing to put the firearm away.

Shelby Police and Shelby Fire Departments responded to the residence, established a hasty perimeter including placing the Shelby City Schools Resource Officer in a position between the rear of the residential property and the schools.

Shelby City Schools were locked down. Officers used a patrol loudspeaker to order the resident to come outside unarmed. Ultimately, he complied with those commands and was immediately transported to Ohio Health for treatment.

Firearms were located at the scene and were seized and placed in evidence for safekeeping. No direct threats of violence were made toward officers or others during the incident.

Video of Illegal Being Arrested After Violent Altercation with Ashland County Deputies

YouTube Video

 

Video of Illegal Being Arrested After Violent Altercation with Ashland County Deputies

 

ASHLAND COUNTY, OH – According to authorities, an illegal, Edwin Lozzano, 32, from Columbus was involved in a crash near Pleasant Hill Lake after allegedly driving a red vehicle through a gate at Camp Nuhop, an outdoor education facility. Deputies responded to an iPhone crash detection alert at approximately 8:52 p.m. and arrived to find that multiple individuals had fled the scene in another car, which unfolded on the night of March 4, 2025

At 9:07 p.m., deputies conducted a traffic stop on a black Toyota suspected to be the getaway vehicle. During the stop, Lozzano repeatedly provided false information to officers and had an interpreter on the phone translating for him. When deputies attempted to detain him, Lozzano resisted, escalating the situation into a physical confrontation.

Bodycam footage released by the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office following a Freedom of Information Request (FOIR) captures the chaotic moments of the arrest. In the video, a deputy can be heard instructing the interpreter to inform Lozzano that he was being detained. However, Lozzano refused to comply, instead arguing with the officer and attempting to involve others in the vehicle. As the deputy moved to place him in handcuffs, Lozzano lashed out, initiating a violent struggle.

The situation intensified, requiring backup from additional officers, including from the Richland County Sheriff’s Office, MWCD Rangers, Loudonville Police Department Officers. Even after being restrained in handcuffs, Lozzano continued to resist and fight with law enforcement.

Following his arrest, Lozzano was charged with resisting arrest and obstructing official business. He appeared before Ashland Municipal Court Judge John L. Good on March 5, 2025 (Case #25CRB00160), where his bond was set at $7,500 for each charge, with no 10% option permitted.

However, Lozzano’s legal troubles deepened the next day when U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) took custody of him. Sheriff Kurt Schneider confirmed the transfer but stated that Lozzano’s final destination remains uncertain.

    “My message to criminals is simple: If you didn’t get the memo, here it is—don’t come to Ashland County and commit crimes. Said, Ashland County Sheriff Kurt Schneider, Our deputies did an outstanding job taking the necessary steps to identify these individuals and hold them accountable to the law. Both individuals are in the United States illegally, and they committed Ohio Revised Code offenses. Whether you’re here legally or not, or you’re a citizen of this great nation—if you commit a crime in Ashland County, you’re going to jail.”

2nd Illegal Arrested in Ashland County Following Car Crash and Law Enforcement Altercation

2nd Illegal Arrested in Ashland County Following Car Crash and Law Enforcement Altercation
 
ASHLAND COUNTY, OH – Two individuals were arrested in Ashland County over the past week following a crash and a subsequent altercation with law enforcement officers. Authorities later confirmed that both individuals were in the United States illegally, leading to involvement from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
 
On March 5, 2025, at approximately 8:52 p.m., the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office responded to an iPhone crash detection alert near Pleasant Hill Lake. According to the Sheriff’s Office report, a red vehicle had crashed into a tree after breaking through a gate at Camp Nuhop, a local outdoor education facility.
 
A witness, Paul Kinney, the Director of Outdoor Education at Camp Nuhop, informed deputies that multiple individuals exited the crashed vehicle and immediately entered another car before fleeing the scene.
 
At 9:07 p.m., just minutes after the crash, a sheriff’s deputy initiated a traffic stop on a black Toyota, suspected of being the getaway vehicle. What initially seemed like a routine stop quickly escalated.
 
By 9:27 p.m., reports indicated that the deputy was actively engaged in a physical struggle with one of the male suspects, later identified as Edwin Lozzano, 32, of Columbus, Ohio. Additional law enforcement units, including deputies from the Richland County Sheriff’s Office, were dispatched to assist.
 
Lozzano was taken into custody and charged with: Resisting Arrest and Obstructing Official Business
 
His bond hearing was held on March 5, 2025, before Ashland Municipal Court Judge John L. Good (Case #25CRB00160).
Charge: Obstructing Official Business (2921.31A)
Bond: $7,500; No 10% permitted
Charge: Resisting Arrest
Bond: $7,500; No 10% permitted
 
Despite his arrest, Lozzano’s legal troubles escalated on March 6, 2025, when Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials took custody of him. Ashland County Sheriff Kurt Schneider stated that he was unsure of Lozzano’s final destination following the ICE transfer.
 
Second Arrest Linked to the Case
 
On March 7, 2025, a woman arrived to claim the vehicle that had been towed after Lozzano’s arrest. However, during the process, authorities discovered that she presented fraudulent identification.
 
Upon further investigation, the woman was identified as Karla Paola Osorto Hernandez. She was immediately taken into custody and charged with:
Falsification (2921.13A3)
 
Possession of a False Identification Card
Hernandez appeared in Ashland Municipal Court for her bond hearing before Judge John L. Good under Case #25CRB00161.
Bond: $10,000; No 10% permitted; Bail bond allowed
 
Following the arrests, Ashland County Sheriff Kurt Schneider issued a strong statement warning criminals against coming to Ashland County:
 
“My message to criminals is simple: If you didn’t get the memo, here it is—don’t come to Ashland County and commit crimes. Our deputies did an outstanding job taking the necessary steps to identify these individuals and hold them accountable to the law. Both individuals are in the United States illegally and they committed Ohio Revised Code offenses.
 
Whether you’re here legally or not, or you’re a citizen of this great nation—if you commit a crime in Ashland County, you’re going to jail.”
 
Sheriff Schneider also confirmed that U.S. Customs and Immigration (ICE) officials were notified and are handling the immigration status of Lozzano and Hernandez according to federal statutes.
“We’re not done investigating and we’re working with other local law enforcement agencies to gather additional information. We still have a few unanswered questions, and additional charges may be issued.”

Car Strikes Amish Buggy in Ashland County; Horse Euthanized

Car Strikes Amish Buggy in Ashland County; Horse Euthanized

 

ASHLAND COUNTY, OH – Emergency crews responded to a collision between a car and an Amish buggy early this morning on County Road 1302 near County Road 251.

According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, 24-year-old Manass Hershberger of Jeromesville was traveling westbound in a buggy when he was struck from behind by a 2020 Subaru WRX driven by 25-year-old Alexander Lukezic of Ashland.

Hershberger sustained minor injuries, while the horse pulling the buggy suffered severe injuries and was euthanized by a veterinarian on the scene. Lukezic was cited for Assured Clear Distance Ahead (ACDA). Hershberger was not cited.

The Ashland County Sheriff’s Office, Polk Fire Department, and EMS assisted at the scene.

Troopers Investigating Fatal Crash on N. Market Street, Loudonville, Ohio

Troopers Investigating Fatal Crash on N. Market Street, Loudonville, Ohio

Village of Loudonville – Troopers from the Ashland Highway Patrol Post are investigating a fatal crash which occurred on N. Market Street near E. Butler Street in Ashland County, Ohio.

On Wednesday, March 5, 2025 at approximately 6:21 PM, a dark green 2000 Saturn Ion was being pursued by an Ashland County Sheriff’s Office Deputy for multiple traffic violations. The Saturn was northbound on State Route 3, failed to stop at a red light at the intersection of E. Main Street and continued northbound onto N. Market Street.

A gray 2017 Dodge Ram pick-up truck was southbound on N. Market Street, followed by a white Lexus sedan. The Saturn failed to maintain control, drove left of center and struck the Dodge Ram pick-up. The Saturn continued north and struck the Lexus.

The driver of the Saturn, Jerad Lane Shaw, 43 years old of Mount Vernon, Ohio sustained fatal injuries as a result of the crash. The driver of the Dodge, Peter Van Kohl, 71 years old of Danville, Ohio was not injured. The driver of the Lexus, Timothy E. Deighan, 66 years old of Loudonville, Ohio was transported to Wooster Community Hospital with minor injuries.

Shaw was not wearing a seat-belt at the time of the crash. The use of drugs and/or alcohol is unknown at the time of reporting. The crash remains under investigation.

Assisting at the scene were: the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office, Loudonville Police Department, Loudonville Fire and EMS, Bate’s Garage & Towing and Aber’s Towing and Crane Service.

Update with Mayor Matt Miller 3-06-2025

Update with Mayor Matt Miller 3-06-2025

YouTube Video

Interview Topics

St. Patrick’s Day Parade

The St. Patrick’s Day parade in Ashland will be held on March 15th, with the creek being dyed green. Participants are encouraged to gather at Foundation Plaza at 11 a.m.

Vietnam Era Veterans Dinner

The Vietnam Era Veterans Recognition Dinner will take place on March 29th at the Eagles Club. Tickets cost $15, and the event will feature the ‘Napalm Girl’ sharing her story.

Lincoln School Property

The city purchased the former Lincoln School property to develop a park with playground equipment. The park’s design is still in early stages.

Circle K Development

A new Circle K is being developed on the site of the former Osborne School. The existing Circle K nearby may close once the new one opens.

Sinkhole Construction

Construction is underway to replace a culvert under East Main Street to address sinkhole issues. The area will be reseeded and landscaped.

Spring Cleanup

Spring cleanup in the city will begin on March 31st. Residents are advised to check the city website for their neighborhood’s schedule.

Street Paving Program

The city plans to pave 72 streets this year, with a budget of over $2 million. The program aims to improve street conditions despite weather challenges.

Pump House District

Work on the Pump House District will begin around St. Patrick’s Day, funded by a million-dollar grant. The project includes removing old tracks and upgrading utilities.

Montgomery School Site

There are no current developments at the Montgomery School site, though a chain restaurant is considering a nearby location.

 

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