In a heartwarming testament to dedication and compassion, Ashland Police Division’s very own Records Specialist Bonnie Duncan has received a Letter of Commendation from Lieutenant Jerry Bloodhart for her extraordinary efforts in locating a wandering 9-year-old child on January 31, 2024.
Lt. Bloodhart expressed his gratitude, stating, “Bonnie’s shift had just ended when officers were desperately searching for a missing child from the Reagan Elementary area. Instead of heading home, Bonnie decided to take a different route and actively participate in the search. Her quick thinking paid off when she spotted a young male who matched the description of the runaway. Without hesitation, she promptly notified dispatchers of his location. This invaluable information allowed our officers to swiftly contact the child, confirm his identity, and bring him home safely.”
Lt. Bloodhart commended Bonnie’s selflessness and unwavering commitment to the community, remarking, “Our duty to the Ashland community goes beyond the confines of our office hours, and Bonnie exemplified this truth. Her genuine concern, keen attention to detail, and unwavering dedication played a pivotal role in successfully resolving this incident. We are incredibly proud of Bonnie’s exceptional work. Well done, Bonnie!”
This story serves as a powerful reminder that the Ashland Police Division’s invaluable service extends far beyond the documented records, showing how the compassion and dedication of individuals like Bonnie Duncan truly make a difference in our community.
On Groundhog Day, February 2nd, people eagerly await the predictions of furry weather forecasters such as Punxsutawney Phil. However, this year, another groundhog made his debut appearance in Jeromesville, Ohio—”Plum Creek Chuck”. Owned by Ed Spreng,
Plum Creek Chuck has a distinct coloration, making him quite unique. But can we trust his prediction for an early spring? Let’s take a closer look at the world of groundhog weather forecasting and see if Plum Creek Chuck is the real deal.
Plum Creek Chuck’s coming-out party took place at 103 Performance, a small motorcycle repair shop and gas station located at 103 W Main St in Jeromesville. Approximately 15 people gathered to witness this rare occasion. Plum Creek Chuck, having been shot in the Loudonville area last year, was sent to a taxidermist due to his distinct coloration. As he emerged from his cozy corner, he didn’t see his shadow, igniting hopes for an early spring.
While Plum Creek Chuck’s prediction is exciting, it’s essential to look at the track record of the most renowned groundhog prognosticator, Punxsutawney Phil. Thousands of people flock to Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, every year to see Phil in action. As the chants of “Phil! Phil! Phil!” fill the air, Phil emerges from a stump on Gobbler’s Knob to make his prediction.
This year, Punxsutawney Phil delighted the crowd by forecasting an early spring. However, it’s important to note that Phil’s accuracy hasn’t always been spot-on. According to records kept by the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club, Phil has predicted 108 continued winters and only 21 early springs as of 2024. This equates to a modest 39% accuracy rate.
With Punxsutawney Phil’s less-than-stellar accuracy rate, it’s natural to question the credibility of groundhog predictions. The National Centers for Environmental Information, an agency within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, even conducted a study comparing Phil’s forecast with U.S. national temperatures over the past decade. They concluded that Phil was right only 40% of the time.
Considering these statistics, can we trust Plum Creek Chuck’s prediction? Ed Spreng, the proud owner of Plum Creek Chuck, acknowledges that his groundhog is new to the forecasting world and may not be entirely accurate. However, he is hopeful that Plum Creek Chuck is on the right track.
Despite his rookie status, Plum Creek Chuck has made his mark in the groundhog forecasting realm. Ed Spreng assures us that Chuck will be back next year, ready to make another prediction. While only time will tell if Plum Creek Chuck’s forecasting abilities are truly reliable, it is exciting to have a local groundhog to watch and anticipate.
Groundhog Day is a beloved tradition that captures the curiosity and excitement of people worldwide. Whether it’s Punxsutawney Phil or Plum Creek Chuck, these furry weather forecasters add a touch of whimsy to our lives. While Punxsutawney Phil’s accuracy rate may not be the best, there’s still hope for Plum Creek Chuck to accurately predict the changing seasons. Only time will reveal if he truly has the expertise to rival the iconic Phil. So, let’s embrace the anticipation and keep an eye out for signs of an early spring.
The annual Child Safety Identification Program, “Safe Surfin”, will be held at
the Buckeye Imagination Museum on February 10th 2024, from 10:00 AM –
2:00 PM.
This event will be held in conjunction with the Lexington Moose Lodge #2511
and will include representatives from many of our local law enforcement
agencies. “Safe Surfin” is a free event where officers will record each
participating child’s information, fingerprints and pictures to put on a disc to
give to the parents for safe keeping. No information on the child is kept by the
officers or other agencies. Children of all ages are welcome.
Buckeye Imagination Museum will be giving out free passes for a future visit
to children that participate in the event. Come out and meet the officers who
protect your community on a daily basis. If anyone has questions, please feel
free to contact Sgt. Jon Ahles of the Mansfield Division of Police at 419-755-
9740.
Ashland Police Division Officer Abe Neumann’s heroic rescue of a dog from a frozen pond
In a heartwarming tale of bravery and compassion, Ashland Police Division Officer Abe Neumann risked his own safety and braved freezing temperatures to rescue a dog from a treacherous icy pond. The incident unfolded when Officer Neumann responded to a 911 call from a frantic owner whose dog had fallen through the frozen surface of Brookside Park’s pond. Despite the dangerous conditions and the dog’s coat making it difficult to stay afloat, Neumann showed incredible courage in his rescue efforts.
Upon arriving at the scene, Officer Neumann realized the dire situation unfolding before him. While initially assuming the dog was simply on the ice, he soon discovered that the poor animal was struggling to stay afloat in the freezing water. Neumann recalls, “When I got on scene, I didn’t know he was in the water till I got here and saw him. I heard some yelling. I ran over there, I was able to see the dog struggling to stay afloat, I saw him go under the water a couple of times. He was definitely struggling. There were times where all I could see were his eyeballs. At that point, I knew I had to get to the dog, so I walked out onto the ice.”
Crouching down on all fours to disperse his weight, he cautiously made his way towards the edge of the pond where the dog was desperately fighting for its life. Unfortunately, disaster struck as the ice gave way, plunging both Neumann into the frigid waters with the dog.
Despite the shock of the icy cold, Officer Neumann managed to secure a hold on the dog and lifted it onto the ice, ultimately saving its life. However, he soon realized that he was unable to pull himself out of the freezing water. It was at this critical moment that his fellow officer, Joe Artrip, arrived on the scene.
Without any hesitation, Officer Artrip immediately rushed on the ice, inching his way forward on all fours, Artrip extended his hand to Neumann, providing the much-needed lifeline to safety. With the assistance of two off-duty Ashland firefighters, Abe was pulled to safety, averting what could have been a tragic outcome.
The Ashland community is known for their deep love and care for their furry companions. This incident serves as a prime example of the community’s dedication to preserving both human and animal lives. The 911 caller expressed her profound gratitude for the Ashland City Police Department and the Ashland Fire Department, praising their swift response and life-saving actions.
Ashland Mayor, Matt Miller, commended the officers for exemplifying the true essence of a public servant. He emphasized that the police department seeks individuals who understand their role as community leaders and true public servants. Neumann and Artrip’s fearless actions embody the compassion and dedication that Ashland values in their police force.
Officer Abe Neumann’s selfless act of bravery in rescuing a dog from a frozen pond is a testament to the expertise, and trust present within the Ashland Police Division. Despite the bone-chilling temperatures and the inherent risks involved, Neumann demonstrated unwavering courage in his determination to save a life. His fellow officer, Joe Artrip, further exemplified the values of Ashland’s police department by rushing in to rescue his colleague.
The Ashland community’s appreciation for both human and animal lives shines through in this heartwarming story. The actions of these officers serve as a reminder of the extraordinary lengths individuals will go to protect and preserve the well-being of their community members, whether they walk on two legs or four.
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 Mario Jester. Jester is wanted by the U.S. Marshals Service and the Adult Parole Authority for a parole violation on the original charge of aggravated robbery. Jester, 54, is described as a black male with black hair and brown eyes, standing 5 feet 6 inches tall. Jester has ties to the city of Mansfield.
Mario Jester
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 by the 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 Howel
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. Broks, 52, is described as a black male with black hair and brown eyes, standing 5 feet 8 inches tall. Brooks has ties to the city of Mansfield.
Calvin Brooks
If you have any information in reference to Earl Whipple, Mario Jester, Quinness Howell, 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.
The Mid-Ohio Delta Waterfowl chapter is proud to hold its annual banquet March 2, 2024 at Mount Vernon Estates in Ashland.
Located at 1041 US-250 in Ashland, the chapter is expecting more than 200 patrons to enjoy an evening supporting waterfowl conservation & hunting.
There are several ticketing options available. All event admission tickets include your annual Delta Waterfowl membership and dinner. Dinner will consist of pulled pork, pulled chicken, baked beans, macaroni & cheese, salad, and dinner rolls.
The banquet will have several raffles including a silent, live and card games. Prizes include waterfowl hunting gear, more than 12 firearms and various local company donations. All firearm background checks will be processed on-site.
The Mid-Ohio Delta Waterfowl chapter has been holding event banquets since 2016 and has continually grown each year.
Ashland Police Division to hold “Coffee with a Cop” event February 9th
Opportunity for community members to meet local police officers
Ashland, Ohio— The first Coffee with a Cop of 2024 is set for Friday, February 9, in Goldberry Roasting Company’s new home, located at 1262 Franklin Avenue, Ashland, Ohio. All are welcome to attend any time between 7:30-8:30 a.m. to discuss community issues, build relationships, and enjoy a free cup of coffee with your local APD officers.
“This program encourages positive interactions between officers and residents,” says Chief David Lay. “Please join us for some coffee and conversation.”
The mission of these events is to allow the opportunity for community members and local officers to get to know each other one-on-one without any set agenda or discussion topic.
“We have hired some outstanding young men and women to serve as police officers here in our great city, and these events are a great way for our residents to get to know these important safety officials.” said Mayor Matt Miller.
If your organization is interested in hosting Coffee with a Cop, please contact Amanda Furman at (419) 289-4181.
In a small town like Ashland, Ohio, the disappearance of a teenager sends a chill through the community. Nevaeh “Lilly” Kitchen, a 15-year-old girl, vanished into thin air sometime after 6pm this evening. As the night grew darker, the search for Nevaeh intensified, but the answers seemed elusive.
Nevaeh Kitchen was last seen in the 200 block of E 8th Street, headed south. Her physical description painted a picture of a petite girl with dark red hair and brown eyes. She was dressed in a black sweatshirt with red writing, black yoga pants, and shockingly, no shoes.
The Ashland Police Division immediately launched a search operation, allocating every available resource to find Nevaeh. Lieutenant Aaron Kline spearheaded the efforts, coordinating with other agencies. However, the initial search yielded no tangible leads.
Amid the growing urgency, the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office Drone Team was brought in to cover larger areas and Ashland’s wooden terrain. Aerial surveillance, combined with the tireless efforts of the Officers and Deputies, proved fruitless. Without any breakthroughs.
With no concrete leads to follow, law enforcement turned to the public for assistance. The authorities appealed to the community, urging them to come forward with any information that could help unravel the mystery.
Although Police believe it is a case of a runaway child. So, the question remains, what happened to Nevaeh?
On Groundhog Day, February 2nd, people eagerly await the predictions of furry weather forecasters such as Punxsutawney Phil. However, this year, another groundhog made his debut appearance in Jeromesville, Ohio—”Plum Creek Chuck”. Owned by Ed Spreng,
Despite his rookie status, Plum Creek Chuck has made his mark in the groundhog forecasting realm. Ed Spreng assures us that Chuck will be back next year, ready to make another prediction. While only time will tell if Plum Creek Chuck’s forecasting abilities are truly reliable, it is exciting to have a local groundhog to watch and anticipate.
The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force is offering a reward for information which would lead to the capture of fugitive Mario Jester. Jester is wanted by the U.S. Marshals Service and the Adult Parole Authority for a parole violation on the original charge of aggravated robbery. Jester, 54, is described as a black male with black hair and brown eyes, standing 5 feet 6 inches tall. Jester has ties to the city of Mansfield.
Joe Lyons •
February 2, 2024
The Mid-Ohio Delta Waterfowl chapter is proud to hold its annual banquet March 2, 2024 at Mount Vernon Estates in Ashland.
There are several ticketing options available. All event admission tickets include your annual Delta Waterfowl membership and dinner. Dinner will consist of pulled pork, pulled chicken, baked beans, macaroni & cheese, salad, and dinner rolls.
To purchase tickets, visit: 
Nevaeh “Lilly” Kitchen