Hey there, dedicated followers of Ashland County Pictures! We hope this message finds you in good spirits and with a craving for some turkeylicious deliciousness.
Thanksgiving is now upon us, we wanted to take a moment to express our gratitude to each and every one of you.
Seriously though, you guys rock! Your unwavering support and continued patronage not only warm our hearts but also fuel our creativity. Without your loyalty, your feedback, and your ever-enthusiastic encouragement, we wouldn’t be where we are today.
So, from the bottom of our camera lenses, we wish you and yours a Thanksgiving filled to the brim with laughter, love, and, of course, scrumptious food. May your plates be overflowing with all the traditional goodies and your company be as delightful as a perfectly framed shot.
We’re thankful for you, Ashland County Pictures Appreciators! Wishing you all the best and a very happy Thanksgiving. Cheers!
ASHLAND, OH – On November 20th, 25 members of the Calvary Worship Choir from the Calvary Baptist Church in Ashland participated in the 13th Annual Christmas Spectacular at Carnegie Hall in New York City.
The event featured choirs and music ministers from across America, with the choir and orchestra from First Baptist Woodstock in Georgia anchoring the musical production. Over 220 vocalists came together to present the world premiere of “Then Christ Came,” an original Christmas musical by Cliff Duren and Daniel Semsen.
Among the Ashland choir members was director Joshua Cehulik, who was given the honor of directing the ensemble along with the children’s St. Gregory Choir from New Jersey in a performance of “His Name is Wonderful,” an original composition by Cliff Duren. The song also featured renowned vocalist April Duren as soloist.
According to Cehulik, “It was an incredible experience for our choir to perform on stage at the prestigious Carnegie Hall. Our musicians worked tirelessly for months to prepare for this event alongside choirs from across the country. We’re thrilled that we could represent our community and church at this Christmas spectacular.”
The full 75-voice Calvary Worship Choir is expected to present selections from “Then Christ Came” at the Calvary Baptist Church on December 17th at 10:15 AM, alongside a 70-voice children’s choir directed by Rebecca Cehulik. The performance will be free and open to the public.
Ashland City Schools is currently conducting a thorough investigation into the alleged misconduct of an employee at Ashland Middle School. The school district is utilizing all of its legal abilities to uncover the truth and address any wrongdoing that may have occurred. It is important to note that the investigation does not currently have a tangible deadline, as the priority is to conduct a comprehensive and fair examination.
The employee in question has been placed on administrative paid leave since Thursday, October 19th, 2023, at 12:45 PM. This decision was made in direct response to the allegations brought forward that same morning. It is crucial to clarify that the employee has not been on Ashland City Schools property, except for two mandatory meetings at the administrative offices. Superintendent Steve Paramore emphasized that the employee’s safety was ensured during the process, and no involvement of law enforcement was necessary.
To maintain the integrity of the investigation, Ashland City Schools released a statement after consulting their legal counsel. Superintendent Paramore acknowledges that some families may have desired a faster response, and he takes sole responsibility for any inconvenience or disappointment caused. The school district understands the importance of their role within the community and strives to operate, communicate, and serve at the highest standards.
The situation has generated various feedback on social media and through electronic communication. Superintendent Paramore, as the leader of Ashland City Schools, takes full responsibility for the outcome of this situation. He reassures the staff, students, families, and community that no stone will be left unturned in the investigation. The school district remains committed to following board-adopted policies and ensuring the safety and provision of the best public education possible.
Ashland City Schools deeply appreciates the positive and constructive feedback it has received from numerous sources. The school district extends its gratitude for the grace and understanding demonstrated by the community. In case of any questions or concerns, Superintendent Paramore encourages individuals to reach out via email or phone. He also expresses his gratitude towards Linda McKibben, the Ashland Middle School administration, and the entire AMS staff for their work and understanding during this sensitive situation.
As the investigation into alleged misconduct at Ashland Middle School continues, Superintendent Steve Paramore and the entire Ashland City Schools community are committed to uncovering the truth and taking appropriate action. The safety and well-being of their staff, students, and community remain their top priorities. By conducting a thorough investigation and following established policies, Ashland City Schools will ensure a safe and supportive environment for all, delivering the best public education possible.
Traditionally, the Thanksgiving holiday weekend is one of the busiest travel periods each year. As Ohioans and our visitors travel throughout the state, Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers will be enforcing safe driving.
Troopers will be highly visible and cracking down on impaired drivers and those failing to wear a safety belt from Wednesday, November 22 at midnight through 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, November 26.
“Driving sober, belted, and focused on the road can help prevent senseless tragedies,” said Governor Mike DeWine. “I urge everyone to drive responsibly and to buckle up.”
Many Thanksgiving celebrations involve alcohol, which increases the possibility of impaired driving.
During last year’s Thanksgiving reporting period, which ran from November 23 – 27, there were 18 fatal crashes in which 19 people were killed, including four instances of pedestrians being struck. Of the 14 crashes where pedestrians were not involved, safety belts were available but not used in 11 of the incidents. Within the same reporting period, alcohol and/or drugs were linked to 12 of the fatal crashes.
“We hope everyone has a safe Thanksgiving,” said Colonel Charles A. Jones, Patrol superintendent. “When you designate a sober driver, put your phone down and properly use safety belts, you are helping save lives.”
The Patrol also made 278 arrests for impaired driving and assisted 1,534 motorists.
Motorists are encouraged to call #677 to report impaired drivers, drug activity or stranded motorists.
Derrick Hawkins Age: 49
Black / Male / 5’10’’ / 200lbs / Brown Hair / Brown Eyes
Wanted by the U.S Marshals Service and Adult Parole Authority for a parole violation on the original charge of aggravated robbery.
Ties to Mansfield area.
Jose Florez Age: 45
White / Male / 6’0” / Black Hair / Brown Eyes
Wanted by the U.S. Marshals Service and the Richland County Sheriff’s Office for rape.
Ties to Mansfield area.
Katrina Coyne Age: 33
White / female / 5’6” / Black Hair / Brown Eyes
Wanted by the U.S. Marshals Service and the Richland County Sheriff’s Office for possession of drugs F3.
Ties to Mansfield and Galion area.
David Greene Age: 38
White / Male / 6’0’ / 140lbs / Brown Hair / Hazel Eyes
Wanted by the U.S Marshals Service and Richland County Sheriff’s Office on the charge of failure to verify address on a sex offense (F1).
Ties to Mansfield and Galion area.
Reward money is available for information directly leading to an arrest. Anyone with information concerning any of these fugitives can contact the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force office at 419-774-3565 or the tip line at 1-866-4WANTED (1-866-492-6833) or you can send a web tip at the following webpage http://www.usmarshals.gov/district/oh-n/index.html.
Tipsters may remain anonymous, and a cash reward may be available. The Task Force’s “Dangerous Dozen” fugitives can be viewed at https://www.usmarshals.gov/sites/default/files/media/document/dangerous-dozen.pdf, which is updated monthly.
The NOVFTF Akron Division consists of the following federal, state and local agencies:
United States Marshals Service, Mansfield Police Department, Ohio Adult Parole Authority, Richland County Probation, Richland County Sheriff’s Office, Ashland County Sheriff’s Office, Bucyrus Police Department, Galion Police Department, Huron County Sheriff’s Office, Lexington Police Department, Loudonville Police Department, Ohio State Highway Patrol, Ontario Police Department, Plymouth Police Department, Willard Police Department and Crestline Police Department.
Ripley Township – On Saturday, November 18, 2023 at 2:30a.m., the Wooster Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol was called to the scene of a one-vehicle injury crash on State Route 514. The crash occurred at the intersection with State Route 754 in Ripley Township.
The on-scene investigation revealed that a dark blue Dodge Ram 1500 was northbound on State Route 514 and drove off the right side of the road before striking a ditch and culvert. The pickup truck then became engulfed in flames as it came to final rest within the intersection of State Route 514 and State Route 754.
The driver of the Dodge Ram 1500, Aaron James Casey, age 18, of Shreve, Ohio was pronounced deceased at the scene. The passenger of the Dodge Ram 1500, Kody Adams, age 18, of Wooster, Ohio was also pronounced deceased at the scene. Neither occupant appeared to have a seatbelt on at the time of crash.
At this time, the crash remains under investigation. It does appear, however, that alcohol and or drugs did contribute to this crash.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted on scene by West Holmes Fire and EMS, Clinton Township Fire and EMS, Bully Dawgs Towing, and the Holmes County Coroner.
During a NGRI Dispositional Hearing on 11/13/2023, before Judge Stimpert, a surprising turn of events, the Attorney for Stanley Gardner, Donald Wick, has dropped the plea of “not guilty by reason of insanity” (NGRI) for the criminal charges against Stanley Gardner in the shooting death of his own son Jason Gardner.
Ashland County Prosecutor Christopher R. Tunnell questioned Stanley Gardner’s defense attorney, Donald Wick, stating, “So if I understand it correctly, is the defense conceding the competency issue at this point?” Attorney Wick replied with a simple, “Yes.” This decision has led to a trial date finally being set in the Aggravated Murder case before the Ashland County Common Pleas Court.
On 09/09/2022, a complaint was filed against Stanley Gardner in the Ashland County Common Pleas Court. Afterwards, a Sabrosa indictment was filed on November 18, 2022.
The Sabrosa indictment, which followed the initial complaint, charged Stanley Gardner with Aggravated Murder, an unclassified felony. The indictment alleged that between September 1, 2022, and September 2, 2022, in Ashland County, Ohio, Gardner intentionally and with prior calculation and design caused the death of Jason Gardner. This act violated Ohio Revised Code Section 2903.01 (A) and 2929.02 (A), making it an unclassified felony.
The indictment also contained two specifications related to the primary count of Aggravated Murder.
The first specification stated that Stanley Gardner had a firearm in his possession or under his control while committing the offense. He allegedly displayed, brandished, indicated possession, or used the firearm to facilitate the crime. The specific firearm in question was identified as a Taurus Spectrum .380 cal. handgun with serial no. IF 166990.
The second specification asserted that Gardner, as the owner and/or possessor of the Taurus Spectrum handgun, utilized this contraband or property derived from the offense or facilitated the crime. The prosecution alleged that the firearm served as an instrumentality in the commission of the offense.
With the plea change to “not guilty” and the jury trial date has been set for 02/27/2024 at 8:30 AM. This trial will take place before Judge Stimpert in Courtroom #1 and is expected to conclude on 03/12/2024. The trial’s outcome will determine Stanley Gardner’s fate and serve justice.
The recent decision by Stanley Gardner’s attorney to drop the plea of “not guilty by reason of insanity” has paved the way for a trial in the Aggravated Murder case. The forthcoming jury trial will provide an opportunity for the evidence to be presented, allowing justice to be served. As the trial fast approaches, it remains to be seen how the proceedings will unfold and what the ultimate outcome will be in this tragic case.
Ashland – Ohio State Highway Patrol Trooper Paul R. Green has been selected as the 2023 Trooper of the Year at the Ashland Post.
The selection of Trooper Green, age 39, is in recognition of outstanding service during the 2023 calendar year at the Ashland Post. Fellow officers stationed at the Ashland Post elected Trooper Green based on his leadership abilities, professional ethics, courteous treatment of others, enthusiastic work attitude, and cooperation with supervisors, peers, and the public.
Trooper Green joined the patrol in 2012 as a member of the 152n d Academy Class and earned his commission in 2013. Trooper Green has served at the Ashland Post since earning his commission.
Trooper Green is originally from Sanderson Texas, and was a graduate of Sanderson High School in 2003. Trooper Green earned a Bachelor’s Degree in history from Pensacola Christian College in 2008. Trooper Green has earned awards for safe driving, physical fitness, and criminal patrol. He continues to maintain high standards on a daily basis.
Trooper Green resides in Richland County with his wife and children. The Ashland Post is proud to present Trooper Paul Green as their post trooper of the year. Trooper Green is now in contention for the District and State Trooper of the Year Award.
ASHLAND, Ohio – From Red Kettles and ringing bells to Angel Trees and an iceless ice rink, The Salvation Army Ray & Joan Kroc Corps Community Center in Ashland is kicking-off all things Christmas on Saturday, November 18.
“It’s an exciting time of year for us, but one that’s incredibly important for us in terms of donations,” says Dan Lawson, PhD, Director of Community Relations and Development. “Last year, The Salvation Army Ray & Joan Kroc Corps Community Center served more than 2,600 social service clients per month, provided 28,080 participants with groceries, and had 356 youth participants in our after-school care and summer day camp programs.”
With inflation and today’s economic climate, the need is especially great during the holidays for so many Ashland County families who are already struggling to make ends meet.
Ashland County residents will see the iconic Red Kettles rollout this weekend at Buehler’s, Miller’s-Hawkins, Walmart and Fin, Feather & Fur Outfitters. But there will also be something new happening at the Kroc Center itself, which will help The Salvation Army Corps continue to serve all in need with love, compassion, and without discrimination, this Christmas and beyond.
Weather permitting, The Center’s Iceless Ice-Skating Festival will officially open to the public on Saturday, November 18 at 1 p.m. in the west parking lot of the Ashland Kroc Center, 527 East Liberty Street, in between the main building and the annex building that houses the food pantry. On Saturday the ice rink will be open until 5 p.m. Thereafter the iceless ice rink will be open Monday through Friday, from 5 to 7 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays from 1 to 5 p.m. through Saturday, December 30, 2023.
Tickets can be purchased onsite and are $12 for individuals who are not members of the Kroc Center. The price includes ice skate rental. As part of their membership benefits, Kroc Center members will receive a discounted rate of $10. Unlike other outdoor ice rinks, the 20’ by 40’ synthetic ice rink does not rely on cold temperatures and snow; however, it will not be able to operate in the rain.
“We are thrilled to bring ice-skating to our community so that families can possibly try something new, have a fun way to be active together, and get into the holiday spirit,” says Major Billy Francis.
The idea for the iceless ice rink came about when Majors Annalise and Billy Francis were looking for a way to incorporate a focus on body, mind and spirit into the holidays, while encouraging family togetherness.
“So many of my favorite holiday memories involved ice skating with family and friends,” says Major Annalise. “With the closest ice rink to Ashland being over 30 minutes away, and others being even further, I was intrigued by the possibility of bringing an iceless ice rink here. Then, when I spoke with Awesome Entertainment & Party Rentals in Columbus and found out that they were willing to collaborate with us as a non-profit organization, I was ecstatic. What a blessing this will be for our community!”
In addition to the support from Awesome Entertainment & Party Rentals, Ashland-based Chandler Systems, Inc. is also supporting the social services at the Kroc Center by serving as a Gold Sponsor of the Ice-Skating Festival.
“We’re so incredibly thankful for the support of Chandler Systems, Awesome Entertainment, and all of the businesses who bigheartedly support us throughout the year,” adds Dr. Lawson. “It’s because of the generous volunteers and donations that we are able to continue to serve all in need with love, compassion, and without discrimination, this Christmas and beyond.”
Volunteer Opportunities
If ice skating is not for you, there are plenty of ways to give your time this holiday season. Red Kettle volunteers are still needed through Dec. 23, as well as volunteers for the “It’s a Wonderful Kroc Christmas” event on Saturday, Dec. 9.
To sign-up as a Bell-Ringer, please select the location of your choice and the corresponding link below:
To sign-up to help with the “It’s a Wonderful Kroc Christmas” event, please go to: https://sugeni.us/49ZF.
Holiday Help is Available
If you need services or know someone in need, the Ashlan Kroc Center is offering the following:
Thanksgiving Dinner: FREE and open to the Ashland County community on Monday, November 20 from 6 to 6:45 p.m., at the Ashland Kroc Center. RSVPs are requested and can be made at: https://forms.office.com/r/rqz7G32TJq. Space is limited to the first 300.
Angel Tree Christmas Assistance Program applications are being accepted through 11:59 p.m. on Monday, November 20. To apply, please go to: https://saangeltree.org/
For more information, please follow Ashland Kroc Center on Facebook or @AshlandKroc on Instagram. If you have any questions, feel free to call the Ashland Kroc Center at (419) 281-8001.
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About The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army annually helps more than 23 million Americans overcome poverty, addiction, and economic hardships through a range of social services. By providing food for the hungry, emergency relief for disaster survivors, rehabilitation for those suffering from drug and alcohol abuse, and clothing and shelter for people in need, The Salvation Army is doing the most good at 7,600 centers of operation around the country. In the first-ever listing of “America’s Favorite Charities” by The Chronicle of Philanthropy, The Salvation Army ranked as the country’s largest privately funded, direct-service nonprofit. For more information, visit SalvationArmyUSA.org and AshlandKroc.org.
This evening, the Ohio Highway Patrol, Mifflin Fire Department, and EMS responded to a single vehicle accident that occurred at the 179mm Northbound Lane of I-71.
The incident involved a Jeep Grand Wagoneer, which was traveling northbound on I-71 at the 179 mile marker when it unexpectedly lost control, veering off the right side of the highway.
The vehicle crashed through a guardrail, resulting in a disorienting spin and ultimately colliding with a fence, in a remarkable reverse motion. The severity of the situation was further emphasized by the vehicle’s proximity to a potential 30-foot drop-off into the creek.
Fortunately, no major injuries were reported.
Aber’s Towing & Crane Center provided assistance at the scene.
Joe Lyons •
November 23, 2023
Ashland City Schools is currently conducting a thorough investigation into the alleged misconduct of an employee at Ashland Middle School. The school district is utilizing all of its legal abilities to uncover the truth and address any wrongdoing that may have occurred. It is important to note that the investigation does not currently have a tangible deadline, as the priority is to conduct a comprehensive and fair examination.
Derrick Hawkins Age: 49
Jose Florez Age: 45
Katrina Coyne Age: 33
David Greene Age: 38
Ripley Township – On Saturday, November 18, 2023 at 2:30a.m., the Wooster Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol was called to the scene of a one-vehicle injury crash on State Route 514. The crash occurred at the intersection with State Route 754 in Ripley Township.
Ashland – Ohio State Highway Patrol Trooper Paul R. Green has been selected as the 2023 Trooper of the Year at the Ashland Post.
