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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Are you ready to step back in time and honor the brave men and women who served during the Vietnam War? If so, mark your calendars for the Vietnam Era Veterans Reunion and Dinner, taking place on Saturday, March 30, 2024, from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM at the Ashland Eagles located at 400 Eastlake Drive in Ashland. This special event is set to welcome guest speaker Patrick McLaughlin, a Vietnam Veteran from the 1st Infantry Division who served in 1966-1967.
Guest Speaker: Patrick McLaughlin
Patrick McLaughlin, the author of “Cheerful Obedience,” will be sharing his experiences and insights during the Vietnam Era Veterans Reunion and Dinner. As a Vietnam Veteran who bravely served his country, McLaughlin’s perspective is not only informative but also deeply moving. His book, “Cheerful Obedience,” chronicles his time in Vietnam and offers a glimpse into the challenges and triumphs faced by those who served during this tumultuous era.
Cheerful Obedience by Patrick McLaughlin
“Cheerful Obedience” by Patrick McLaughlin is a gripping account of his time serving in Vietnam. Navigating the stormy seas of the 1960s was no easy feat, especially with the looming presence of the Vietnam War. Against all odds, Conor Patrick McKall volunteered for the draft, ultimately finding himself immersed in the chaos and uncertainty of war.
Experience the Unforgettable
McKall’s journey takes readers on a emotional and unforgettable ride through jungles, rice paddies, and rubber plantations. As he assumes the role of an infantry squad leader, responsibility weighs heavy on his shoulders. The camaraderie forged in the face of danger, particularly with fellow soldier Jack “Red” Sheridan, highlights the bonds that were formed and the sacrifices made during this turbulent time.
A Glimpse into History
From encounters with black panthers to the challenges of navigating the complexities of war, McKall’s experiences offer a raw and unfiltered look at life during the Vietnam War. The heart-wrenching moments and the resilience displayed by those who served paint a vivid picture of a time marked by both tragedy and triumph.
Tickets and Reservations
Don’t miss your chance to be a part of this unforgettable evening. Tickets for the Vietnam Era Veterans Reunion and Dinner are available for $10. With limited seating available, it’s essential to call early to secure your spot. For reservations and more information, please contact 419-289-1454.
The Vietnam Era Veterans Reunion and Dinner is a unique opportunity to pay tribute to the brave men and women who served during the Vietnam War. With guest speaker Patrick McLaughlin and his book “Cheerful Obedience” taking center stage, attendees are in for a night filled with stories of courage, sacrifice, and camaraderie. Don’t miss this chance to honor our veterans and gain a deeper appreciation for the sacrifices they made. Join us on March 30, 2024, for an unforgettable evening of remembrance and celebration.
Ashland County Sheriff’s Office Sheriff E. Wayne Risner has just Issues a Level 1 Snow Emergency for Ashland County
LEVEL 1: Roadways are hazardous with blowing and drifting snow. Roads may also be icy. Motorists are urged to drive very cautiously.
LEVEL 2: Roadways are hazardous with blowing and drifting snow. Only those who feel it is necessary to drive should be out on the roadways
Level 3: Snow Emergency, all roadways are closed to non-emergency personnel. ODOT says no one should drive during these condition unless absolutely necessary or in the case of a personal emergency. Individuals should call their employers to see if they should report to work
The Board of Directors of Samaritan Hospital Foundation is pleased to again offer scholastic awards to persons residing in Ashland County or UH Samaritan Medical Center employees or immediate family members. To be eligible, applicants must be currently enrolled or accepted in an accredited program in the areas of nursing, medicine or allied medical studies.
Completed applications must be returned with appropriate grade transcripts by April 19, 2024, to the Samaritan Hospital Foundation, Attn: Mona Campbell, at 663 East Main Street in Ashland, Ohio.
Scholastic Award applications for the 2024-25 academic year are available at www.samaritanhospitalfoundation.org and at University Hospitals Samaritan Medical Center, 1025 Center Street, Ashland, Ohio, at the main lobby reception desk.
Applications are also available at Samaritan Hospital Foundation at 663 E. Main Street, Ashland, Ohio, or by contacting the Foundation office at 419-207-7900. Recipients will be notified in late May.
This evening, Ashland Police Division Officers were called to the 800 block of West Main for a civil standby that started to escalate when a man became upset.
As the situation seemed to be winding down and an officer was leaving, the man opened the door with a knife, though it remained in its sheath, escalating the situation.
The officer called for backup as a precaution, wanting to ensure safety for everyone involved.
The Police were able to defuse the situation without incident.
Some residents of the apartment were asked to wait until it was safe to return, focusing on public safety.
Lieutenant Kline emphasized the importance of using tactics to keep both officers and the public safe in such situations.”
In a Sub-rosa Indictment, 33-year-old Jordan Bicker of Ashland was charged with 11 counts of illegal use of a minor in nudity-oriented material or performance, classified as 5th-degree felonies, and 5 counts of pandering sexually oriented matter involving a minor, categorized as 4th-degree felonies.
During his bond hearing on February 13, 2024, presided over by Magistrate Paul Lange and attended by Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Michael Callow from the Ashland County Prosecutor’s Office, a bond of $15,000.00 was set. Options for bond included a surety bond, real estate or securities as collateral, or a cash deposit. The arraignment was scheduled for Thursday, February 15, 2024, at 9:00 a.m., to be conducted via Zoom Meeting video.
Jordan Bicker
Jordan Bicker is being represented by Attorney Daniel Sabol.
According to court documents, Lieutenant Detective Jason Martin of the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office questioned Jordan Bicker about his phone usage, during which Bicker admitted to viewing pornography but denied knowingly accessing child pornography. However, a text message found on his phone indicated otherwise. Upon further investigation, several hundred images of child pornography were discovered on Bicker’s phone, depicting young juvenile females engaged in sexual activities.
In the case of STATE OF OHIO vs. JORDAN BICKER (Case number 24-CRI-069), the charges are detailed as follows:
Eleven counts, 5th Degree Felony of ILLEGAL USE OF MINOR OR IMPAIRED PERSON IN NUDITY-ORIENTED MATERIAL OR PERFORMANCE (Section 2907.323(A)(3), 2907.323(B) of the Ohio Revised Code), a felony of the fifth degree.
In that on or about July 26, 2023, in Ashland County, Ohio, Jordan Bicker, did possess or view material or performance that shows a minor who was not Jordan Bicker’s child or ward in a state of nudity, in violation of Ohio Revised Code
Five counts, 4th Degree Felony PANDERING SEXUALLY-ORIENTED MATTER INVOLVING A MINOR OR IMPAIRED PERSON (Section 2907.322(A)(5), 2907.322(C) of the Ohio Revised Code), a felony of the fourth degree.
In that on or about July 26, 2023, in Ashland County, Ohio, Jordan Bicker, did, with knowledge of the character of the material or performance involved, knowingly solicit, receive, purchase, exchange, possess, or control material that shows a minor participating or engaging in sexual activity, masturbation, or bestiality, in violation of Ohio Revised Code
Joe Lyons •
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Are you ready to step back in time and honor the brave men and women who served during the Vietnam War? If so, mark your calendars for the Vietnam Era Veterans Reunion and Dinner, taking place on Saturday, March 30, 2024, from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM at the Ashland Eagles located at 400 Eastlake Drive in Ashland. This special event is set to welcome guest speaker Patrick McLaughlin, a Vietnam Veteran from the 1st Infantry Division who served in 1966-1967.
The Board of Directors of Samaritan Hospital Foundation is pleased to again offer scholastic awards to persons residing in Ashland County or UH Samaritan Medical Center employees or immediate family members. To be eligible, applicants must be currently enrolled or accepted in an accredited program in the areas of nursing, medicine or allied medical studies.
In a Sub-rosa Indictment, 33-year-old Jordan Bicker of Ashland was charged with 11 counts of illegal use of a minor in nudity-oriented material or performance, classified as 5th-degree felonies, and 5 counts of pandering sexually oriented matter involving a minor, categorized as 4th-degree felonies.