The use of drones poses a significant and evolving threat to the safety and security of correctional institutions in the United States. Criminal networks have increasingly turned to drones as a means of smuggling contraband, including drugs, cell phones, and even weapons, into correctional facilities, presenting unprecedented challenges to traditional security measures.
A recent report from www.rand.org highlights the growing concern surrounding the infiltration of correctional facilities by drones. Unlike conventional smuggling methods, drones offer a relatively low-risk and highly efficient means of delivering contraband directly to incarcerated individuals. Their ability to swiftly penetrate correctional airspace, coupled with the difficulty in swiftly detecting and intercepting them, has compounded the problem.
The lack of a standardized definition for “drone incidents” hampers efforts to quantify the scope of the issue, hindering comparisons across facilities and systems. This ambiguity underscores the need for cohesive strategies to address the multifaceted challenges posed by drone activity in correctional settings.
The report emphasizes the urgency of adopting a multifaceted approach to counter the drone threat, combining technological innovations, core correctional practices, and strategic partnerships with law enforcement agencies at the state and federal levels. Key findings from a workshop convened to address this issue include:
The absence of standardized terminology and reporting practices for drone incidents.
The rapid evolution of drone technologies, necessitating ongoing assessment and adaptation of detection solutions.
The cost-prohibitive nature of existing drone detection technologies for many correctional agencies.
The need for collaborative efforts to combat highly coordinated drone activities orchestrated by criminal organizations.
The crucial role of basic correctional strategies and human resources in complementing technological solutions.
To effectively mitigate the risks associated with drone activity in correctional facilities, the report offers a series of recommendations:
Development of standardized reporting protocols and terminology for drone incidents.
Creation of vulnerability assessment tools tailored to correctional settings.
Establishment of a centralized database cataloging available detection solutions.
Provision of guidance and resources to assist agencies in grant writing and funding acquisition.
Implementation of operational evaluations to determine the efficacy of layered security approaches.
Enhancement of intelligence-sharing mechanisms to facilitate interdiction and investigation of drone incidents.
By adopting these recommendations and fostering collaboration among stakeholders, correctional institutions can bolster their defenses against the growing threat posed by drones, safeguarding the integrity of their facilities and the well-being of incarcerated individuals.
The Rotary Club of Ashland invites the public to hear Bob DiBiasio, senior vice president of public affairs for the Cleveland Guardians, at the Ashland Theater Tuesday April 2.
DiBiasio, who has been with the team for 45 years, has become the team’s chief goodwill ambassador and is a frequently requested speaker across Northeast Ohio along with making TV and radio appearances. This mark’s DiBiasio’s fifth spring visit to the local Rotary Club and always has plenty of great baseball stories to share, said Rotarian Mitch PIskur.
Boxed lunches from the Greens Bistro & Pub are available beginning at 11:45 a.m. The $16 lunch can be ordered by calling Amy Noel, 419-496-0429, and then paying at the door. Or you can order and pay online at www.ashlandrotary.net under upcoming events. Lunch orders must be made by noon Friday March 29.
For those not interested in lunch, you are welcome to hear DiBiasio speak, beginning about 12:15 p.m. The event is free, but donations for local Rotary projects will be accepted.
Richland County- TRAFFIC ADVISORY: (Monday, March 25, 2024) State Route 603, at its intersection with Crider Road, will close Monday, April 1 for three days.
This is in coordination with the Crider Road bridge replacement project.
The detour route will be SR 603 north to U.S. 30 west to U.S. 42 east, and reverse.
ASHLAND – Ashland City Schools Foundation and Ashland County Community Foundation are pleased to announce the recipients of their spring semester teacher mini-grants.
These mini-grants will allow 16 Ashland County educators to implement innovative programs and projects to advance student learning, both in and outside their classrooms.
Thanks to the grant funding, students throughout the county will have opportunities to participate in an intermural pickleball club, visit the Buckeye Imagination Museum and more.
Grants totaled $4,996 from ACSF and $18,305 from ACCF. The following teachers received grants:
Ashland City Schools Foundation
Emily Hynek, Reagan Elementary School, received a grant for “Exploring Wonders: A 2nd Grade Science Adventure.”
Debbie McNaull, Edison Elementary School, received a grant for “Building Leaders of Good Character to Create Their Happily Ever After.”
Ashland City Schools Foundation and Ashland County Community Foundation
Julie McDonnell, Taft Intermediate School, received a grant for “Interactive Science and Urban Exposure.”
Alexandria Paulino, Edison Elementary School, received a grant for “Playground Inclusion and Communication.”
Ashland County Community Foundation
Lori Ayers, Hillsdale Elementary School, received a grant for “Decodable Text Is The Key To Success.”
Andrea Barker, Ashland County-West Holmes Career Center, received a grant for “Nutrition Science Lab.”
Jordyn Burnison, Loudonville High School, received a grant for “Hands-On Science Labs/Projects.”
Jennifer Ediger, Reagan Elementary School, received a grant for “Kindergarten Discovery.”
Rachel Kelly, Hillsdale High School, received a grant for “Making Music Accessible.”
Angela Layton, Loudonville-Perrysville Schools, received a grant for “Reading Writing Redbirds/ The Million Words Club.”
Andrew Lewellen, Hillsdale Middle School, received a grant for “After School Art Club.”
Marla Nardo, Ashland Middle School, received a grant for “Intramural Pickleball Club.”
Wendy Packard, Ashland Middle School, received a grant for “PBIS – Positive Behavioral Intervention Supports.”
Tiffany Smith, Hillsdale Elementary School, received a grant for “Bookworm Vending Machine and Books for the Machine.”
Amber Swisher, Hillsdale High School, received a grant for “Hands-On Music for All.”
Andrew Tabler, Ashland High School, received a grant for “Stretch Bands for Development and Injury Prevention.”
Ashland City Schools Foundation and Ashland County Community Foundation accept applications for teacher mini-grants twice annually, with application deadlines in January and September. Grant requests should be for programs and projects that are not covered by school budgets.
Any K-12 teacher from any school in Ashland County may apply online at www.ashlandforgood.org/grants. Applicants from the Ashland City School district will be considered for ACSF grants, and all applicants will be considered for ACCF grants. Questions should be directed to Kristin Aspin, Chief Program Officer, Ashland County Community Foundation, at (419) 281-4733 or kristin@ashlandforgood.org.
About Ashland City Schools Foundation: Ashland City Schools Foundation promotes excellence in academics, the arts and athletics while providing educational opportunities for all students and educators in the Ashland City School District.
About Ashland County Community Foundation: Ashland County Community Foundation advances philanthropy and improves the quality of life in Ashland County by connecting people who care with causes that matter. ACCF has awarded over $27 million in scholarships, grants and distributions.
On March 21, 2024, the Mansfield Division of Police was contacted by Mansfield City school administrators who reported that they received two email messages from a student account threatening to “shoot up” the Mansfield City Middle School.
Upon notification, officers and detectives immediately initiated an investigation to identify a suspect. Collaboration between school staff, administration and law enforcement resulted in the timely identification and apprehension of the suspect.
On the evening of March 21, 2024, a student was taken into custody and incarcerated.
As always, anyone who hears or sees threats or potentially violent activity, is asked to call their local Law enforcement agency immediately.
Ashland County Sheriff’s Office, Hayesville Fire Department & EMS, and Ashland EMS responded to a two vehicle crash at the intersection of State Route 511 and County Road 1754 this morning around 8:12am.
Although it was reported that it was a head-on crash, Law Enforcement discovered that it was in fact a side collision.
Toby Ehrmantraut, 59, of Ashland driving a 2012 White Ford Pick-up truck traveling Eastbound on County Road 1754 and failed to stop at the stop sign intersection with State Route 511, and was struck in the drivers side by a 2008 Grey Hyundai traveling Southbound on State Route 511 driven by Lynn Glass, 41, of Ashland.
Lynn Glass was transported by Ashland EMS to Ohio-Health Mansfield Hospital and Emergency Department with unknown injuries.
The driver of the Pick-up truck, Toby Ehrmantraut, was not transported receiving minor injuries.
The crash remains under investigation by the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office
Ok, here is a tough one ladies and gentlemen. Let’s see how long it takes for someone out there to recognize this guy, maybe by his walk or the way he moves.
Video from the brazen burglaries in Hayesville, Ohio, in the early morning hours on Monday have just been released by the Detective Bureau, at the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office.
So, please take a good look at this video, and get this guy behind bars as soon as possible.
Ashland County Sheriff’s Office Detectives are hoping someone will see something in this video that will help get his identity. Anyone with information regarding the burglaries, please contact the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office, at (419) 289-3911. All tips are confidential.
In a heartwarming display of compassion and community spirit, students and staff at Crestview Elementary School have brought joy to our fur babies at the Ashland County Dog Shelter. Their efforts, part of the school’s “Kindness Month” initiative dubbed “Show Us Your Heart,” culminated in a generous donation drive throughout February.
Led by Molly Henderson and School Counselor Beth Cole, Crestview Elementary embarked on a mission to support their local shelters. Students eagerly participated, with each donation earning them a spot as the “I” in the word “KIND” displayed proudly in the school hallway.
The call for donations was met with overwhelming enthusiasm, as the community rallied behind the cause. The list of requested items, including essentials like Purina Dog Chow, soft treats, peanut butter, and cleaning supplies, struck a chord with many. Some students even went the extra mile by crafting homemade dog treats, showcasing their dedication to the cause.
The generosity didn’t stop there. Dana Emmons of Val’s Beauty Parlor in Medina caught wind of the initiative and wholeheartedly joined in, significantly boosting the donation pool through Facebook and her workplace.
The culmination of the donation drive was marked by a special visit to the Ashland County Dog Shelter, where the children were greeted by Dog Warden Joe Eggerton. The tour of the shelter proved to be a highlight for the students, who were visibly thrilled by the opportunity to interact with the shelter’s furry residents.
As the visit came to a close, expressions of gratitude echoed throughout the shelter. The Crestview Elementary School community’s kindness and generosity had made a tangible difference in the lives of the shelter animals and the staff caring for them.
In the spirit of giving and compassion, Crestview Elementary School has not only demonstrated the power of community but also instilled invaluable lessons of empathy and kindness in its students. Their efforts serve as a shining example of how small acts of kindness can make a big difference in the world, one paw at a time.
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.
Joe Lyons •
March 26, 2024
The use of drones poses a significant and evolving threat to the safety and security of correctional institutions in the United States. Criminal networks have increasingly turned to drones as a means of smuggling contraband, including drugs, cell phones, and even weapons, into correctional facilities, presenting unprecedented challenges to traditional security measures.
By adopting these recommendations and fostering collaboration among stakeholders, correctional institutions can bolster their defenses against the growing threat posed by drones, safeguarding the integrity of their facilities and the well-being of incarcerated individuals.
The Rotary Club of Ashland invites the public to hear Bob DiBiasio, senior vice president of public affairs for the Cleveland Guardians, at the Ashland Theater Tuesday April 2.
Richland County- TRAFFIC ADVISORY: (Monday, March 25, 2024) State Route 603, at its intersection with Crider Road, will close Monday, April 1 for three days.
ASHLAND – Ashland City Schools Foundation and Ashland County Community Foundation are pleased to announce the recipients of their spring semester teacher mini-grants.
On March 21, 2024, the Mansfield Division of Police was contacted by Mansfield City school administrators who reported that they received two email messages from a student account threatening to “shoot up” the Mansfield City Middle School.
In a heartwarming display of compassion and community spirit, students and staff at Crestview Elementary School have brought joy to our fur babies at the Ashland County Dog Shelter. Their efforts, part of the school’s “Kindness Month” initiative dubbed “Show Us Your Heart,” culminated in a generous donation drive throughout February.
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.
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.
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.
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.