Local News

Ashland Police Division holds 2nd Annual Awards Banquet

Ashland, Ohio—The Ashland City Police Division recognized nearly 20 officers and staff members this past Saturday evening, February 17, at their 2nd Annual Awards Banquet held at Mount Vernon Estate.

Captain Craig Kiley gave a synopsis of the projects the Division is working on for 2024.

 

 

Captain Craig Kiley

Chief David Lay recognized those who received Letters of Commendation during 2023.

 

 

Chief David Lay

Letter recipients included:

• Officer Mason Birkbeck for his exemplary officer-initiated criminal patrol work in a drug paraphernalia and trafficking case.

• Officer Adam Brock for his professionalism in which a community member complimented Adam’s willingness to work with others and his positive impact on children.

Chief David Lay, Officer Mason Birkbeck, State Representative Melanie Miller

• Sergeant Lee Eggeman for conducting a traffic stop that resulted in the recovery of heroin, drug abuse instruments, and drug paraphernalia. His continued investigative efforts on this case also led to the recovery of additional methamphetamine and heroin in connection to the initial stop.

• Officer Abrahm Neumann received two letters, the first for his off-duty efforts in apprehending a shoplifter, and the second for providing help to an injured driver trapped after a severe crash. Officer Neumann broke a window, climbed inside the vehicle and rendered aid until EMS crews arrived.

• Division Detective Brad Scarl and Ashland County Sheriff’s Office Detective Rick Kinter for their coordinated search warrant with other METRICH detectives to help remove more dangerous drugs from our community after the tragic drug overdose of a community high school-aged student.

Detective Sergeant Curt Dorsey earned the Meritorious Service Award for going above and beyond his primary duties while investigating the rape of a juvenile. Sergeant Dorsey was actually nominated for this award by the Captain of the Stow Police Department, who praised Dorsey and the entire APD for their professionalism, service and spirit of collaboration.

Several officers and staff were recognized for their years of service with the Division as well:

• 5 Years: Officer Mason Birkbeck and Records Specialist Laura Messersmith

• 15 Years: Officer Jeremy Jarvis and Sergeant Jonathan Kohler

This year marks 30 years of service for Chief David Lay, who received a commendation from the Ohio House of Representatives, presented by State Representative Melanie Miller. Chief Lay also earned an educational achievement award for obtaining his Master of Public Safety degree from the University of Virginia this past May.

 

 

Mayor Matt Miller, Chief David Lay, State Representative Melanie Miller

A special Life-Saving Award was given to Officer Connor Black who was dispatched to reported house fire back in February 2023. Upon arrival he found an attached garage fully engulfed in flames and proceeded to wake the residents and start their evacuation before the fire crews arrived.

 

 

 

Chief David Lay, Officer Connor Black, State Representative Melanie Miller

“Connor showed great humility about his actions, and when his supervisors looked into this for me, he told them that he was only doing his job,” Chief Lay said, “Without his quick thinking, however, that incident could have had a more tragic ending.”

The peer vote awards rounded out the evening with Civilian, Officer and Supervisor of the Year, capped by the Chief’s Achievement Award. Qualities taken into consideration for these awards include professional conduct, congeniality between employees, dedication and commitment to the Division’s mission and goals, moral character, and outstanding performance in furthering the professional image of the Ashland Police Division.

 

 

Chief David Lay and Officer Adam Srnis in focus

 

Civilian of the Year went to Justice Center Facility maintenance worker Brad Baker. Brad was instrumental in several large projects this past year and has been the driving force behind upcoming building renovations.

Officer of the Year was awarded to Officer Adam Wolbert, a six-year employee of APD who works on a night squad and is a Team Leader on the Special Response Team.

 

Chief David Lay, Brad Baker, State Representative Melanie Miller

Supervisor of the Year went to Sergeant Lee Eggeman, a 12-year employee who was promoted to Sergeant in 2022 and currently helps to lead C Squad on nights.

Officer Adam Srnis received the Chief’s Achievement Award this year. “When selecting the winners of this award, I focus on motivation, humility, dependability and selflessness,” Chief Lay explained, “but I also see leadership potential in the winners of this award, whether they Chief David Lay, Sergeant Lee Eggeman, State Representative Melanie Millerrecognize it or not. The recipients of this award are some of Ashland’s finest.”

Chief David Lay, Sergeant Lee Eggeman, State Representative Melanie Miller

Srnis is currently assigned to A Sqaud and is a Field Training officer, where he has consistently been in the top three regarding activity for total arrests, drugs arrests, OVI’s, and citations within the Patrol Bureau this past year. Adam was previously voted Officer of the Year in 2022.

 

 

 

Chief David Lay, Officer Adam Srnis, State Representative Melanie Miller

Outside of public safety, Adam is a Deacon at the Faith Baptist Church in Amherst and organized a bible study group among his squadmates last year, leading faith and scripture discussions.

 

Mayor Matt Miller wrapped up the evening by thanking the Division for all the work they do to keep the Ashland community safe. “All of the wonderful improvements we’ve made to our downtown and all of the efforts we have put in to cleaning up our city and renovating old buildings do not matter if we are not a safe community where individuals and families can enjoy a peaceful quality of life.”

 

Captain Craig Kiley, Lieutenant Jerry Bloodhart, Chief David Lay, Lieutenant Aaron Kline

***Photo’s Submitted by: Ashland City Police Division***

Ashland High School Presents “Guys and Dolls”: A Musical Fable of Broadway


     Video: Special Reporter, Dan Chandler speaks with the cast and crew.

Get ready for an unforgettable experience as Ashland High School presents “Guys and Dolls”! Based on short stories by Damon Runyon, this musical fable of Broadway is sure to captivate audiences with its timeless themes and catchy tunes. With music and lyrics by Frank Loesser, this production promises to be a another winner for producer Rich Wasowski and director Ben Spieldenner.

AHS Musical 2024 Details:

Dates: February 23th, 24th, and the 25th

Venue: Archer Auditorium

Tickets: call 419.289.7968 ext. 3128 or can be purchased at the box office in the AHS lobby .

Q: What makes “Guys and Dolls” at Ashland High School stand out from other productions?

A: The dedication and talent of the students involved in the production truly sets this performance apart. The cast and crew have poured their hearts and souls into bringing this classic musical to life on stage, and their hard work shines through in every scene.

Q: What can audiences expect from this year’s rendition of “Guys and Dolls”?

A: From show-stopping musical numbers to heartfelt moments of drama, this production has it all. The infectious energy of the cast and the impeccable direction of the staff guarantee a night of entertainment that will leave you singing and dancing long after the final curtain call.

Q: Why should theater enthusiasts not miss out on attending “Guys and Dolls” at Ashland High School?

A: Watching young talent blossom on stage is a truly magical experience. “Guys and Dolls” offers a glimpse into the future of theater with performances that are both impressive and inspiring. Don’t miss your chance to support the arts.

Don’t miss your chance to be a part of the magic as Ashland High School presents “Guys and Dolls”! With a talented cast, catchy songs, and a heartwarming story, this musical fable of Broadway is a must-see event for theater lovers of all ages. Get your tickets now and prepare to be amazed by the incredible talent on display at AHS Musical 2024.

How Divine Providence saved the American Revolution

How Divine Providence saved the American Revolution

Witnessing History at Genesis Christian Academy

Imagine stepping back in time and witnessing a pivotal moment in history firsthand. That’s exactly what students at Genesis Christian Academy in Ashland, Ohio had the opportunity to do when Kenneth Hammontree, a history teacher at the academy, portrayed General George Washington and Mrs. Washington portrayed by Raylene Hlavaty share how Divine Providence saved the American Revolution, in “Crossing the Delaware River.”

How Divine Providence saved the American Revolution

Six months after the Declaration of Independence was brought before the world, the American Revolution was all but lost. A powerful British force had destroyed 90 percent of Washington’s army. What was left was driven across the New Jersey lands and the Delaware River. Panic and despair began to spread through the thirteen colonies. Washington realized that his options were all but gone and the American Revolution would be over by the new year of 1777.

The British and their mercenary allies the Germans had spread their troops across New Jersey in a series of garrisons for the winter which angered the area farmers and the local towns people. Together they rose up against the garrisons and began to harass them. Washington saw his opportunity to do something in saving his small army and the revolution. Having learned of General Howe’s chain of military garrisons after December 13, Washington was encouraged to strike one of them, finally settling on Trenton.

Washington came up with an insane plan that even his officers considered a suicidal mission. His small army of under 5,000 men, and boys (some as young as 14) would cross the wide Delaware river on Christmas day evening and march eight miles in a surprise attack the next morning on December 26, destroying the German/British troops stationed in Trenton. It was indeed a desperate gamble involving a momentous risk, and it failed all would be over for the American Revolution. Washington’s first concern was to protect the secrecy of the operation and gave it the code name “Victory or Death”. Not even his troops were aware when they lined up along the Delaware River where they were heading.

Cold, wet and miserable, the army landed on a frozen patch of New Jersey pasture land and regrouped. Nobody would have any trouble tracking the path of the Americans because of the blood from many of their feet left a clear trail in the fresh fallen snow. The attack on Trenton began at 0800 hours on December 26, 1776, and in less than two hours Washington’s small rag-tag army won a major victory and saved the American Revolution. The victory ranks as one of the great military feats of all time. Frederick the Great of Prussia call the crossing and the attack “the most brilliant in the world’s military history.” It was truly a Divine miracle and a Christmas to remember.

Raylene Hlavaty who also portrayed other women in history like Margaret J. Preston, Fanny Crosby, Abigail Adams, Jennie Wade, and Beatrix Potter. Raylene’s dedication to bringing history to life for the students at Genesis Christian Academy is truly remarkable. https://www.timelessvoicesohio.com/

In conclusion, witnessing history at Genesis Christian Academy is an experience like no other. Through immersive reenactments and passionate portrayals by a dedicated teacher like Kenneth Hammontree and historian like Raylene Hlavaty, students have the opportunity to step back in time and gain a deeper understanding of the events that shaped our nation. By bringing history to life in such a unique and engaging way, Genesis Christian Academy is truly making a difference in the education of its students.

1

Image 1 of 14

Wooster Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol Investigates Fatal Tractor Accident on Tannerville Road

Baughman Township – On Tuesday, February 20, 2024 at 5:40p.m., the Wooster Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol was called to the scene of a one-vehicle fatal crash that occurred on Tannerville Rd. South of Burkhart Rd Ext.

The initial investigation revealed that a red 1952 Farmall Super M narrow front tractor was northbound on Tannerville Rd. The tractor traveled off the right side of the roadway striking an embankment and a wooden utility pole. The tractor overturned onto its left side coming to final rest on its top.

The driver, Bradley D. Zook, age 14, of Orrville, Ohio was pronounced deceased at the scene.

At this time, the crash remains under investigation. It does not appear drugs or alcohol contributed to this crash.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted on scene by Orrville Fire and EMS and the Wayne County Coroner’s Office.

National Slam the Scam Day

 

                                                                 National Slam the Scam Day

                                                                                                                    March 7, 2024

On National Slam the Scam Day and throughout the year, here are the tools to recognize Social Security-related scams and stop scammers from stealing your money and personal information. 
 

Help protect your loved ones and people in your community this Slam the Scam Day by: 

  • Educating them about government imposter scams. Let them know they shouldn’t be embarrassed to report if they shared personal information or suffered a financial loss. It is important to report the scam as quickly as possible. 

  • Sharing our Scam Alertfact sheet and helping educate others about how to protect themselves. 

Watch out! Scammers target everyone.

How to avoid a scam:

• Remain calm. Talk to someone you trust.

• Hang up or ignore the message. DO NOT click on links or attachments.
 
• Protect your money. Criminals will insist that you pay in a hard-to-trace manner, such as with a gift card, prepaid debit card, cryptocurrency, wire transfer, money transfer, or by mailing cash.
 
• Protect your personal information. Be skeptical of a contact you didn’t initiate.
 
• Spread the word. Share your knowledge of Social Security-related scams. Post on social media using the hashtag #SlamtheScam to share your experience and warn others. Visit ssa.gov/scam for more information. Please also share with your friends and family.
 

Report Social Security-related scams to the Social Security Office of the Inspector General (OIG).

 
Visit www.ssa.gov/scam for more information and follow SSA OIG on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn to stay up to date on the latest scam tactics.
 
Repost #SlamtheScam information on social media to keep your friends and family safe.

Fugitives of the Week February 20, 2024

The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force is offering a reward for information which would lead to the capture of fugitive Earl Whipple. Whipple is wanted by the U.S. Marshals Service and the Richland County Sheriff’s Office for rape. Whipple, 49, is described as a white male with brown hair and hazel eyes, standing 5 feet 8 inches tall. Whipple has ties to the cities of Mansfield, Shelby Ohio, and High Springs Florida.

 

 

   Earl Whipple

The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force is offering a reward for information which would lead to the capture of fugitive Raphael Martinez. Martinez is wanted U.S. Marshals Service and the Richland County Sheriff’s Office for a bond violation on the original charges of trafficking in fentanyl. He is also wanted by the Ohio Adult Parole Authority on a parole violation on the original charge of rape. Martinez, 39, is described as a Hispanic male with bald hair and brown eyes, standing 5 feet 8 inches tall. Martinez has ties to the cities of Mansfield and Cleveland.

 

 

 Raphael Martinez

 

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 U.S. Marshals Service and the Richland County Sheriff’s Office for rape. Flores , 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

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

If you have any information in reference to Earl Whipple, Rafeal Martinez, Joses Flores, or Calvin Brooks, 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.

Kick, Klopfenstein Introduce Legislation to Help New Drivers

COLUMBUS— State Representatives Darrell Kick (R-Loudonville) and Roy Klopfenstein (R-Haviland) have introduced legislation that will modernize car instruction.

New technology is being developed that will assist parents and their teens during two of the most important parts of driver training: 50 hours of parent coaching and 8 hours of in-car driving evaluation. The new driving tool will check if the right number of practice hours is done, give advice to improve driving skills, and assess how well those skills are mastered.

“Current law prohibits parents from providing 8 hours of in-car instruction,” said Kick. “This legislation will change this prevision to allow it if the parents are using an electronic education device or application approved by the Department of Public Safety.”

The new software will be able to be used on devices like a smartphone or the car’s computer system. The advancements will make driver education more accessible and reduce the cost for families by offering a more affordable option.

“This change to driving instruction is completely permissive, and if any safety concerns arise, DPS maintains the ability to conduct evaluations of the application and would have the authority to approve or deny any application,” said Klopfenstein.

The legislation awaits committee assignment.

AU awarded $200,000 for Ohio Teacher Bootcamp Program, as announced by Lt. Governor Husted

During a February roundtable discussion at Ashland University’s Dauch College of Business and Economics, Ohio Lt. Governor Jon Husted announced AU has been awarded approximately $200,000 in grants to expand its Ohio Teacher Bootcamp Program later this year. The program serves as a way to build bridges and make connections between educators and local businesses so that educators can learn about the in-demand skills needed to be successful in today’s workforce and help better prepare students for career readiness upon graduation.

 

“If we’re going to continue to be a thriving economic state, we’ve got to innovate. (Innovation) requires talent, and talent can come from a variety of places. Whether college is for everybody or not, learning is for everybody, skill development is for everybody, wisdom is for everybody,” remarked Lt. Governor Husted at the roundtable.

During bootcamps, educators complete related coursework and participate in business tours to learn about in-demand skills firsthand. Through these experiences, educators are exposed to new industries, jobs and skills so they can use real-world knowledge when teaching their students, helping to better prepare them for a career in their community upon graduation.

Of the eight institutions of higher education across Ohio to receive funding this round, AU was awarded the largest grant.

Led by Jim Powell, executive director of professional development services, AU held 19 teacher manufacturing bootcamps during 2023. Those bootcamps engaged 118 business or advanced manufacturing companies, 300 educators across 75 school districts who earned a total of 900 graduate credit hours, 19 business advisory councils, 19 economic development boards, seven educational service centers, four career tech schools, three community colleges and several chambers of commerce.

“I see the power that whenever we do these, I hear teachers say things like ‘I didn’t know that existed in my community.’ I hear economic development people say things like … ‘our largest export is our human capital.’ There’s all this opportunity in the community for them. So, it’s a powerful thing for communities to go through and it takes all those people to pull together,” said Powell.

The roundtable featured leaders from nearby school districts, educational service centers and businesses spanning construction, manufacturing and robotics. They were unanimous in their support of the Ohio Teacher Bootcamp Program and praised its value in breaking down barriers and developing workforce talent.

Lt. Governor Husted may have summed it up best. “The world’s going to change. It has been changing fast. The pace of change will continue to accelerate, which will create … opportunity, or missed opportunity, for the young people coming forward. We’re all going to have to constantly re-educate ourselves. That’s what this is,” he concluded.

Amado Herrera Reyes sentenced to twenty-one and a half years of incarceration

On February 12, 2024, Hon. David R. Stimpert, Judge of the Common Pleas Court of Ashland County, Ohio, presided over the sentencing of Amado Herrera Reyes, who had previously pleaded guilty to several sexual offenses on Monday, November 20, 2023. Reyes faced charges including gross sexual imposition, pandering obscenity involving a minor or impaired person, illegal use of a minor or impaired person in nudity-oriented material or performance, endangering children, and tampering with evidence.

The sentencing hearing, conducted remotely via video, the Defendant represented by Attorney Liz Jones, with Assistant Prosecutor Michael Callow representing the State of Ohio.

After considering statements from both the defense and prosecution, along with any relevant investigation reports and victim impact statements, Judge Stimpert made several determinations regarding Reyes’ sentencing:

Residential Sanctions:

Gross Sexual Imposition (18 months): Reyes was sentenced to eighteen months incarceration under the authority of the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction.

Pandering Obscenity Involving a Minor or Impaired Person (8-12 years): Reyes received a sentence ranging from a minimum of eight years to a maximum of twelve years incarceration.

Illegal Use of a Minor or Impaired Person in Nudity-Oriented Material or Performance (6-9 years): Reyes was sentenced to a term ranging from a minimum of six years to a maximum of nine years incarceration.

Endangering Children (6-9 years): Reyes received a sentence ranging from a minimum of six years to a maximum of nine years incarceration.

Tampering with Evidence (30 months): For this offense, Reyes was sentenced to thirty months incarceration.

Sentencing Considerations:

The court deemed consecutive sentences necessary for Counts One, Three, Nine, and Thirteen, citing the seriousness of the conduct and the danger posed by the defendant.

Reyes’ aggregate sentence totaled twenty-one and a half years to a maximum of twenty-four and a half years.

Reyes’ will be classified as a Tier II Sex Offender and is required to register his residence, place of employment and higher education every 180 days for Twenty-Five (25) years.

Post-release control terms were outlined, along with sex offender registration requirements and financial sanctions.

Reyes was granted credit for time served and was remanded to the custody of the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office for transportation to a state penal receiving institution.

Previous Published Story: Felony Indictment issued by the Ashland County Grand Jury on Ashland Man

 

Ashland County Resident Faces Fifty-Count Indictment for Pandering Sexually-Oriented Matter Involving a Minor

Leo Timothy Hoffman Jr., 43, a Ashland County resident, finds himself in the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office Jail after a grand jury handed down a fifty-count indictment for Pandering Sexually-Oriented Matter Involving a Minor or Impaired Person.

Hoffman is no stranger to Law Enforcement, having been charged and convicted in November 2021 for Pandering Obscenity Involving a Minor or Impaired Person, a felony of the 4th degree, which resulted in him being designated as a Tier II Sex Offender. Represented by Attorney R. Rolf Whitney during his previous case, Hoffman was sentenced to seven months of incarceration.

According to court records, Ashland County Sheriff’s Office Detective Crites initiated an investigation following reports of Hoffman possessing child pornography. Hoffman’s parole officer, Chad Campbell, provided Detective Crites with Hoffman’s tablet and phone, which were subsequently analyzed. Detective Crites documented the presence of child pornography on these devices, leading to the filing of fifty counts against Hoffman.

The charges, allege that Hoffman knowingly solicited, received, purchased, exchanged, possessed, or controlled material depicting minors engaging in sexual activity, masturbation, or bestiality. These actions, as outlined in Section 2907.322(A)(5), 2907.322(C) of the Ohio Revised Code, constitute a felony of the fourth degree. The indictment specifies that the offenses occurred on or about January 16, 2023, within Ashland County, Ohio.

With a bond set at $25,000.00, Hoffman faces the prospect of a lengthy prison sentence. A trial date has been scheduled for May 7, 2024, at 08:30 AM, Law enforcement agencies and prosecutors continue to prioritize investigations and prosecutions aimed at safeguarding vulnerable individuals from harm.

ASHLAND WEATHER