Ashland Fire Department Hosts 51st Annual Pancake Day Fundraiser
The aroma of freshly cooked pancakes filled the air as the Ashland Fire Department welcomed the community to its 51st annual Pancake Day fundraiser. With a tradition spanning over half a century, the event drew crowds from far and wide, eager to indulge in delicious breakfast fare while supporting a worthy cause.
The lines snaking out of the firehouse and onto the road spoke volumes about the popularity of the event, with attendees eagerly awaiting their turn to savor the renowned pancakes prepared by the dedicated firefighters. Among the honored guests were Ashland Mayor Matt Miller and his wife, State Representative Melanie Miller, who have faithfully attended the fundraiser for the past 15 years, showcasing their unwavering support for the fire department and the community.
However, this year’s Pancake Day held special significance as it marked the farewell of veteran firefighter Steve Cellar. With 25 years of dedicated service to the Ashland Fire Division, Cellar is set to retire next month, making this Pancake Day his final one. A touching sign above the cooking area acknowledged Cellar’s impending retirement, serving as a reminder of his invaluable contribution to the department over the years.
Corey Sprang, a firefighter/EMT, expressed heartfelt gratitude for the overwhelming support received from the community and generous vendors. This year’s Pancake Day saw a staggering turnout of 1,061 visitors, helping the fire department raise an impressive $12,375.32 for local charities. This year, the firefighters spared no effort in ensuring a memorable experience for attendees, procuring 400 pounds of pancake mix, 450 pounds of sausage, 5,000 packets of butter, 42 gallons of syrup, as well as other essentials like coffee and milk.
The success of the fundraiser wouldn’t have been possible without the support of various businesses that generously donated to the cause. Tractor Supply Company, Farm and Home Hardware, Home Depot, Buckeye Express Car Wash, Miller-Hawkins Market, Aerohio Skydiving, and Ashley’s Candy & Nut Shoppe were among the businesses recognized for their contributions, further highlighting the spirit of community solidarity and collaboration that defines the Pancake Day tradition in Ashland.
Joshua Boucher found himself grappling with additional charges during today’s 9:00 AM Zoom video hearing before the Court of Common Pleas, led by Hon. Judge David R. Stimpert. During the legal proceedings, Boucher’s confusion was evident as soon as it started.
The indictment detailed multiple charges, including grand theft of a motor vehicle, failure to comply with police orders, failure to stop after an accident, possession of criminal tools, and obstructing official business.
Judge Stimpert, offered Boucher the opportunity to discuss matters with his attorney, Donald Wick, before the hearing began. Throughout the hearing, Boucher’s demeanor reflected a sense of disorientation as he attempted to come to terms with the gravity of the situation.
However, confusion occurred when Judge Stimpert inquired whether Boucher consented to the virtual hearing. Boucher’s response, a hesitant denial, “I’m… I’m just trying to work with everybody here your Honor and just trying to understand these charges,” Boucher expressed, revealing his struggle to grasp the unfolding events.
As the hearing progressed, Boucher’s bewilderment persisted, prompting his attorney, Donald Wick, to request a private discussion in a breakout room. Despite efforts to regroup, Boucher remained visibly perplexed.
Attorney Wick ultimately entered a plea of not guilty on behalf of Boucher, contesting all charges outlined in the Subrosa Indictment and the Court scheduled a preliminary hearing on Wednesday, April 10, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. in Courtroom No. 1.
Preliminary Hearing Audio from Hearing on Criminal Complaint 04/10/2024 ***No Video Only Audio***
Wooster Township – Troopers with the Ohio State Highway Patrol Wooster Post have charged a Garfield Heights man with operating a vehicle while impaired, his sixth OVI offense.
Jaquar C. Richardson was arrested on Friday, April 19, 2024, after a traffic violation on State Route 226 in Wooster Township, Wayne County.
Mr. Richardson has previously been convicted of five OVI offenses in the last twenty years.
Mr. Richardson was charged with OVI and left-of-center. After his arrest, he was incarcerated at the Wayne County Jail and is scheduled to appear in Wooster Municipal Court on April 24, 2024, at 8:30 am.
The Patrol encourages motorists to safely call #677 to report dangerous or impaired driving.
Wooster Township – Troopers with the Ohio State Highway Patrol Wooster Post have charged a Garfield Heights man with operating a vehicle while impaired, his sixth OVI offense.
Jaquar C. Richardson was arrested on Friday, April 19, 2024, after a traffic violation on State Route 226 in Wooster Township, Wayne County.
Mr. Richardson has previously been convicted of five OVI offenses in the last twenty years.
Mr. Richardson was charged with OVI and left-of-center. After his arrest, he was incarcerated at the Wayne County Jail and is scheduled to appear in Wooster Municipal Court on April 24, 2024, at 8:30 am.
The Patrol encourages motorists to safely call #677 to report dangerous or impaired driving.
Joshua Boucher found himself grappling with additional charges during today’s 9:00 AM Zoom video hearing before the Court of Common Pleas, led by Hon. Judge David R. Stimpert. During the legal proceedings, Boucher’s confusion was evident as soon as it started.
The indictment detailed multiple charges, including grand theft of a motor vehicle, failure to comply with police orders, failure to stop after an accident, possession of criminal tools, and obstructing official business.
Judge Stimpert, offered Boucher the opportunity to discuss matters with his attorney, Donald Wick, before the hearing began. Throughout the hearing, Boucher’s demeanor reflected a sense of disorientation as he attempted to come to terms with the gravity of the situation.
However, confusion occurred when Judge Stimpert inquired whether Boucher consented to the virtual hearing. Boucher’s response, a hesitant denial, “I’m… I’m just trying to work with everybody here your Honor and just trying to understand these charges,” Boucher expressed, revealing his struggle to grasp the unfolding events.
As the hearing progressed, Boucher’s bewilderment persisted, prompting his attorney, Donald Wick, to request a private discussion in a breakout room. Despite efforts to regroup, Boucher remained visibly perplexed.
Attorney Wick ultimately entered a plea of not guilty on behalf of Boucher, contesting all charges outlined in the Subrosa Indictment and the Court scheduled a preliminary hearing on Wednesday, April 10, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. in Courtroom No. 1.
Preliminary Hearing Audio from Hearing on Criminal Complaint 04/10/2024 ***No Video Only Audio***
A portion of County Road 175 in Lake Township will be closed Monday, April 22nd and Tuesday, April 23rd for a culvert replacement. The road will be closed between Township Road 2602 and County Road 2575. More specifically between House # 2586 and County Road 2575. It is anticipated that the road will reopen by 9:00 am, Tuesday, April 23rd.
A portion of County Road 175 in Lake Township will be closed Monday, April 22nd and Tuesday, April 23rd for a culvert replacement. The road will be closed between Township Road 2602 and County Road 2575. More specifically between House # 2586 and County Road 2575. It is anticipated that the road will reopen by 9:00 am, Tuesday, April 23rd.
The Mansfield Division of Police are investigating a fatal crash that occurred earlier today at 5:37 PM, at the intersection of S. Main Street and W. 1st St.
The crash involved a 2016 Freightliner Tractor with attached trailer which was traveling southbound on S. Main St and a single male operating a bicycle which was traveling eastbound on W 1st St. Preliminary investigation indicates the bicycle traveled through a red light and into the path of the tractor trailer which then struck the bicycle and its operator.
The operator of the bicycle, a 29 year-old male, was transported to a local hospital by the Mansfield Fire Department where he succumbed to his injuries. The driver of the tractor trailer, a 48 year-old male, suffered no injuries but was transported to a local hospital for evaluation.
A Crash Reconstructionist from the Mansfield Police Traffic Section responded on scene, assisted by the Mansfield Police Department’s Un-manned Aerial System (UAS/DRONE) and the Commercial Motor Vehicle Unit of the Ohio State Highway Patrol.
Additional information may be released at a later date. We ask that anyone with information related to the crash contact Sgt. Lumadue of the Mansfield Police Department Traffic Section at 419-755-9738.
The Mansfield Division of Police are investigating a fatal crash that occurred earlier today at 5:37 PM, at the intersection of S. Main Street and W. 1st St.
The crash involved a 2016 Freightliner Tractor with attached trailer which was traveling southbound on S. Main St and a single male operating a bicycle which was traveling eastbound on W 1st St. Preliminary investigation indicates the bicycle traveled through a red light and into the path of the tractor trailer which then struck the bicycle and its operator.
The operator of the bicycle, a 29 year-old male, was transported to a local hospital by the Mansfield Fire Department where he succumbed to his injuries. The driver of the tractor trailer, a 48 year-old male, suffered no injuries but was transported to a local hospital for evaluation.
A Crash Reconstructionist from the Mansfield Police Traffic Section responded on scene, assisted by the Mansfield Police Department’s Un-manned Aerial System (UAS/DRONE) and the Commercial Motor Vehicle Unit of the Ohio State Highway Patrol.
Additional information may be released at a later date. We ask that anyone with information related to the crash contact Sgt. Lumadue of the Mansfield Police Department Traffic Section at 419-755-9738.
Mansfield Community Mourns as Missing Man Billy F. Bays III’s Fate Is Confirmed
In a devastating turn of events, the prolonged search for missing Mansfield resident Billy F. Bays III has come to a tragic conclusion, as authorities confirm his remains were discovered in a residential property on 3rd Street. The announcement, made by Richland County Coroner’s Office Chief Investigator Bob Ball, brings closure to a nearly two-year ordeal for the Bays family, who have been tirelessly searching for their beloved brother since his disappearance in July 2022.
Billy’s sister, Heatherlee, has been at the forefront of the search efforts, dedicating countless hours to raising awareness and soliciting information about her brother’s whereabouts. Despite her relentless pursuit and family’s support, Billy’s fate remained shrouded in mystery until the recent discovery.
The grim revelation came to light on April 8, 2024, when electricians working on a residence at 270 W 3rd St. stumbled upon human remains in the attic. Mansfield Police Department Detectives along with the Richland County Coroner’s Office responded to the scene, initiating a investigation with the help of Mercyhurst University’s Forensic and Biological Anthropology Team that ultimately confirmed the remains belonged to Billy F. Bays III.
The news marks the end of a harrowing journey for the Bays family, who have endured unimaginable anguish and uncertainty since Billy’s disappearance. The ordeal began following a domestic dispute in July 2022, after which Billy vanished without a trace, leaving his family distraught and desperate for answers.
Despite their relentless efforts, which included creating a Facebook page, distributing flyers, and offering a reward for information, the family’s search yielded no concrete leads. Each passing milestone, from Billy’s children’s birthdays to anniversaries of his disappearance, served as a painful reminder of his absence and the unanswered questions surrounding his fate.
The toll of Billy’s disappearance extended beyond his immediate family, impacting the friends and classmates, which rallied behind the Bays family in their quest for answers, community gatherings and awareness campaigns served as a testament to the family and friends support during their time of need.
The confirmation of Billy’s death brings a somber conclusion to a chapter marked by uncertainty and grief. As the family mourns the loss of their beloved father, son, brother and uncle they remain steadfast in their determination to seek justice and closure. Their resilience in the face of adversity serves as a touching reminder of the enduring bonds of family and community in times of tragedy.
Joe Lyons •
April 20, 2024
Wooster Township – Troopers with the Ohio State Highway Patrol Wooster Post have charged a Garfield Heights man with operating a vehicle while impaired, his sixth OVI offense.
The Mansfield Division of Police are investigating a fatal crash that occurred earlier today at 5:37 PM, at the intersection of S. Main Street and W. 1st St.