Ashland University Homeschool Classical Learning Center Homeschool Conference
March 15, 2024 4-8 p.m. Convocation Center
$15 per person or $25 per couple buffet dinner will be served.
Keynote Speaker: Israel Wayne
Join us if you’re a parent actively homeschooling your children or would like to in the future. You’ll gain insights from Israel Wayne, a prominent figure in the homeschooling community, connect with fellow homeschool parents and receive practical advice for implementing effective strategies with your children.
Wayne, a homeschool graduate and father of 11, is a fervent advocate for defending the Christian faith and cultivating a Biblical worldview. He plays a pivotal role in promoting values integral to homeschooling and family life.
In a joint effort to address the critical issue of school safety, the U.S. Secret Service National Threat Assessment Center (NTAC) is partnering with the Ashland County-West Holmes Career Center to present a comprehensive event titled “Enhancing School Safety Using a Threat Assessment Model.” This free event, aimed at law enforcement, school personnel, and public safety professionals, will provide insights and strategies for preventing targeted school violence.
Scheduled for April 16, 2024, from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Ashland Theatre in Ashland, Ohio, the event will feature presentations from NTAC experts, focusing on key findings from research on targeted school violence and interrupted school plots in the United States. Attendees will gain valuable knowledge on establishing multidisciplinary threat assessment teams and identifying, assessing, and intervening with students exhibiting concerning or threatening behaviors.
“We are proud to collaborate with the U.S. Secret Service National Threat Assessment Center to address the pressing issue of school safety,” said TJ Houston, Cyber Security Instructor. “This event underscores our commitment to fostering a safe and secure learning environment for students and educators alike.”
The agenda includes informative sessions such as:
Overview of NTAC’s history and mission.
NTAC’s research findings and key implications from studies on targeted school violence.
A behavior-based approach to preventing targeted violence, including steps for developing a behavioral threat assessment program and research-based behavioral themes.
NTAC case study on an averted plot.
Opportunity for questions and answers.
Registration for the event is required by April 8, 2024. Interested participants can register online at https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/acwhcc/acwhcc-threat-assessment2024.
For inquiries or more information, please contact TJ Houston at houstont@acwhcc.org.
The event promises to be an invaluable opportunity for education administrators, teachers, school resource officers, mental health specialists, law enforcement, and other professionals involved in risk detection and management to enhance their understanding of threat assessment and bolster school safety measures.
This year, the citizens of Ashland County will have the opportunity to elect a new Sheriff. Kurt Schneider is running for this office and has my support.
I served at this office for 30 years and the last eight years as Sheriff. I know the duties and responsibilities of the Sheriff. He or she is a peace officer and is charged with protection of the citizens in the jurisdiction, an officer of the court, does criminal investigation, assists other law enforcement agencies if requested and runs the jail.
Kurt Schneider has experience as a firefighter and investigation of fires. This also led him to give expert testimony of his investigation. He has assisted police departments and other Sheriff’s offices.
Kurt also worked for the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office for 13 years. He supports the constitution and has the integrity for this office. If you examine his background and training, Kurt is the best person for the next Sheriff of Ashland County. Vote for Kurt Schneider.
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 by the 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 Steven Drummond. Drummond is wanted by the U.S. Marshals Service and the Richland County Sheriff’s Office for failure to register as a sex offender. Drummond, 27, is described as a white male with blond hair and blue eyes, standing 5 feet 9 inches tall. Drummond has ties to the cities of Shelby Ohio and Gibsonton Florida.
Steven Drummond
The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force is offering a reward for information which would lead to the capture of fugitive James Saurers. Saurers is wanted by the U.S. Marshals Service and the Adult Parole Authority on a parole violation on the original charge of robbery. Saurers, 53, is described as a white male with brown hair and brown eyes, standing 5 feet 7 inches tall. Saurers has ties to the cities of Crestline and Mansfield.
James Saurers
The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force is offering a reward for information which would lead to the capture of fugitive Telly Gray. Gray is wanted U.S. Marshals Service and the Adult Parole Authority on a parole violation on the original charge of escape. Gray, 49, is described as a black male with bald head and brown eyes, standing 5 feet, 8 inches tall. Gray has ties to the city of Mansfield.
Telly Gray
If you have any information in reference to Jose Flores, Steven Drummond, James Saurers, or Telly Gray, 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.
This past weekend, the Humane Society of Ashland County orchestrated another heartwarming Adopt-a-Pet Event at the Centerra CO-OP Country Store, at 1290 Middle Rowsburg Road. Enthusiastic animal lovers flocked to the event, eager to meet and greet a delightful array of furry companions, ranging from playful pups to affectionate felines.
Visitors were treated to the joyous spectacle of wagging tails and purring kitties, each one seeking a loving forever home. The event not only provided an opportunity for potential adopters to connect with these lovable animals but also served as a beacon of hope for pets in need of a second chance.
Families were captivated by the charming personalities and irresistible charms of the animals, forging connections that would undoubtedly lead to lasting bonds. As families interacted with their potential new furry family members, laughter filled the air, echoing the profound joy that comes from the promise of companionship and unconditional love.
For those unable to attend the event but eager to open their hearts and homes to a deserving pet, the Humane Society of Ashland County remains just a phone call away. By reaching out to them at 419-281-4722 or dropping a line at info@ashlandhumane.org, individuals can embark on a journey towards enriching their lives while providing a loving sanctuary for a beloved animal in need.
The Adopt-a-Pet Event at Centerra CO-OP Country Store was not just an occasion; it was a celebration of compassion, community, and the enduring bond between humans and animals. With each adoption, a new chapter begins—a chapter filled with love, laughter, and endless tail wags.
Last year was a landmark year for the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District (MWCD) as we honored our past by celebrating 90 years of providing unparalleled flood prevention, recreation, and conservation benefits to Ohio.
As 2024 begins, we will build upon the accomplishments from 2023 and work towards our 5-year strategic plan titled, “Honoring our Past, Planning our Future.” I am excited to provide a sample of the achievements of 2023 and initiatives we have planned for the year.
One very significant achievement from 2023 was the reduction of the assessment for property owners within the watershed by 66%, or $4 million. We made this change because we built a stable financial future through careful resource management. Even with this reduction, we invested over $2.3 million in improvements to our network of dams and lakes in 2023. Additionally, these investments are part of the $221 million park improvements and upgrades made since 2014 which have supported 2,606 jobs paying nearly $300 million in wages and benefits. Through these improvements and upgrades, MWCD has contributed an estimated $1 billion to our region’s economy, according to 2023 Cleveland State University study.
Careful thought goes into how MWCD invests in improvements and upgrades to our facilities that support our mission of flood prevention and control, recreation, and conservation. Our system of dams and other flood mitigation assets is well established and carefully managed in close partnership with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. We are proud of the continued high marks we receive from the Corps for our work, ranging from our fiscal support of fixing the Zoar levee and other dam improvements, to our own work restoring and protecting shorelines, strategic dredging operations, and invasive species control. Last year alone we spent more than $4.4 million to maintain and improve this system of reservoirs, dams, and levees to ensure that it is in top shape to preserve life and property. This is our first and primary mission and we will continue to give this our full attention and priority.
Additional investments in our lakes and parks help ensure they are desirable places for families to gather and enjoy Ohio’s natural resources. Projects such as Pleasant Hill Lake Park’s new pickleball and basketball courts, cornhole boards, and shaded seating area are perfect examples of such additions. Similarly, at Tappan Lake Park, we have improved the beach experience with a new restroom and changing area and upgraded the concession building and shelter. Atwood and Piedmont Lakes received new basketball courts, as well. We also completed the 1.3-mile Tappan Beall Farm Connector Trail, which enhances off-lake opportunities and showcases our collaborative partnership with regional conservation groups.
We have ambitious plans for 2024. Proposals are being evaluated for new developments at Atwood Lake. Important infrastructure upgrades are coming to Clendening Lake, including a new wastewater treatment plant, pump stations, and rehabilitation efforts. Tappan Lake Park will see a new welcome center to better serve guests. Additional amenities, including ADA kayak launches, concrete cornhole boards, and playgrounds at various parks demonstrates our dedication to recreation for all. Plans for Seneca Lake Park include a splashpad, playground, sport courts, and additional facilities for a more enjoyable beach experience. The investment back into MWCD facilities at Tappan and Seneca alone exceeds $6 million.
In 2024, MWCD is striving for more sustainable energy solutions and making a groundbreaking leap with a $2.3 million investment in renewable energy and is currently evaluating proposals for 15 solar projects that will produce approximately 1.1 million kilowatt hours.
This year will also see an expanded focus on our conservation mission. This work is essential for us to offer healthy and beautiful lakes, parks, and waterways for both wildlife and visitors. A groundbreaking new partnership with the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio has been formed with our $5 million endowment, which aims to support $200,000 worth of conservation projects, scholarships, and fellowships annually. This aligns with an expansion of our water quality monitoring efforts and collaboration with agency partners to develop a regional plan to support healthy wildlife populations. Water quality starts with land use and to maintain our high standards of water quality and reduce impairments in our region, we are increasing our support for best agricultural management practices, sustainable forestry, and wetland conservation. From clean water flows opportunity for recreation, economy, and public health.
As we move forward, MWCD remains dedicated to the core mission of flood prevention and control. Other parts of our program naturally dovetail today to strengthen our recreation and conservation efforts. By working together, our core programs provide protection from flooding and enrich our lives. Eastern Ohio is one of the most beautiful natural areas in the Ohio River Watershed. Preserving this legacy of natural beauty is our shared responsibility and our shared joy. To ensure that MWCD is here for at least another 90 years, we are developing a plan to secure long-term financial stability through the creation of a legacy fund that will live in perpetuity. This fund will benefit future MWCD projects, operations, and potentially lend financial support to other like-minded organizations within the Muskingum Watershed.
MWCD is honored to be part of the communities across the watershed. As was the vision from our founders, we seek to build a conservancy that not only protects millions from devastating floods, but ensures the waters are clean, and we provide unparalleled recreation, educational, and economic development opportunities. This is a responsibility that we fully embrace.
Together, with our communities and partners, we will forge a path toward a sustainable and thriving future for the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District and the communities we serve. We look forward to a year filled with exciting developments and more shared successes in stewardship of this beautiful place we are lucky enough to call home.
In a heartfelt speech delivered this morning, Sheriff E. Wayne Risner announced his endorsement of Kurt Schneider for the position of Ashland County Sheriff. After nearly 24 years of dedicated service, Sheriff Risner expressed confidence in Schneider’s qualifications and commitment to uphold the legacy of excellence within the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office.
Sheriff Risner, who has served as Ashland County Sheriff for over two decades, reflected on his illustrious career spanning both military and law enforcement roles. With a combined 56 years of service to his name, including 22 years in the United States Army and 34 years with the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office, Sheriff Risner emphasized the agency’s unwavering dedication to maintaining high standards of professionalism and service to the community.
In his address, Sheriff Risner highlighted the multifaceted responsibilities of the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office, encompassing divisions such as corrections, civil process administration, enforcement, and specialized teams including the Drone Team, Dive Team, K9 Team, and Bomb Squad. He underscored the critical role of each division in ensuring public safety, upholding the law, and preserving the peace throughout Ashland County.
Drawing attention to the extensive duties performed by the Sheriff’s Office, Sheriff Risner emphasized the importance of honesty and integrity as foundational principles of law enforcement. He commended the tireless efforts of the agency’s deputies and staff in fulfilling their duties with professionalism and dedication, day in and day out.
In endorsing Kurt Schneider for Ashland County Sheriff, Sheriff Risner cited Schneider’s proven track record and comprehensive understanding of the office’s operations. Having worked his way up from a special deputy to a full-time deputy with experience in both corrections and enforcement, Schneider demonstrated a deep commitment to public service and a thorough knowledge of the inner workings of the Sheriff’s Office.
Sheriff Risner expressed confidence in Schneider’s ability to lead the agency effectively, build upon its existing strengths, and address challenges such as maintaining the integrity of the 911 dispatch system.
In concluding his endorsement speech, Sheriff Risner called upon the community to join him in supporting Kurt Schneider as the next Sheriff of Ashland County, pledging to continue the tradition of excellence and service that has defined the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office under his leadership.
As Ashland County prepares for the upcoming election, Sheriff E. Wayne Risner’s endorsement serves as a testament to Kurt Schneider’s qualifications and commitment to upholding the highest standards of law enforcement and public safety in the community.
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.
ASHLAND, Ohio – Ashland University is pleased to announce that its Dauch College of Business and Economics has earned business accreditation from the Association to AdvanceCollegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). It was announcedTuesday 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.”
This year, the citizens of Ashland County will have the opportunity to elect a new Sheriff. Kurt Schneider is running for this office and has my support.
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 by the 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.
The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force is offering a reward for information which would lead to the capture of fugitive Steven Drummond. Drummond is wanted by the U.S. Marshals Service and the Richland County Sheriff’s Office for failure to register as a sex offender. Drummond, 27, is described as a white male with blond hair and blue eyes, standing 5 feet 9 inches tall. Drummond has ties to the cities of Shelby Ohio and Gibsonton Florida.
Freer House Model Train Show
Joe Lyons •
March 12, 2024
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.
ASHLAND, Ohio – Ashland University is pleased to announce that its Dauch College of Business and Economics has earned business accreditation from the