Local News

“Defusing Danger: Ashland County Sheriff Office Bomb Squad Rises to the Occasion”

Once again, the Ashland County Sheriff Office Bomb Squad answered the call for assistance today, proving yet again their unwavering commitment to public safety.

This particular mission led them to Sherman Pl in Mansfield, Ohio, following over a dozen other calls this year alone. Their primary concern on this occasion was the possibility of old war ordnances lurking in the area, potentially posing a significant threat.

With their expertise and cutting-edge technology, the Bomb Team x-rayed the suspected ordnances, revealing possible traces of explosive material.

According the records of the Ashland County Sheriff Office, the x-ray results indicated that these ordnances may still contain unknown substances.

Although the investigation is ongoing, preliminary tests suggest that at least one of these potentially lethal weapons is, indeed, genuine.

Through their relentless dedication and unwavering vigilance, the Ashland County Sheriff Office continues to safeguard the well-being of their community with unparalleled commitment.

Mansfield Police Department Investigate “Shoot Up” Threats at Mansfield Sr. High School Today

On November 2, 2023, the Mansfield Police Department was notified of two possible threats made to “shoot up” Mansfield Sr. High School today and Arlin Field tonight.

The first threat was received around 1:15 p.m. Immediately, officers began working leads and by 1:25 p.m. the student had been both identified and taken into custody.

The student admitted to making the threats, however, he stated it was in retaliation for a comment made about him by another student. He further stated he had no intentions of committing the act. Charges are currently being sought.

While conducting the first investigation, officers began receiving a second set of potential threats regarding a shooting at the football game tonight at Arlin Field.

After investigating all aspects of the statements made and the sources, the threats could not be validated.

Because of these recent threats, school administrators decided to cancel today’s classes and also move tonight’s football game to Rocky River High School. Mansfield Police will be on hand at tonight’s game in Rocky River merely to assure everyone’s safety.

It should also be mentioned that it was the student’s diligence and willingness to assist in bringing these threats to light. Because of that officers were able to respond as quickly as they did. Again, anyone who hears or sees threats or potentially violent activity, please call your local Law enforcement agency immediately.

“Speaking Out: Ashland County Leaders Unite to Address Concerns over Issue 2”

A group of prominent Ashland County leaders, including Ashland County Prosecutor Christopher R. Tunnell, Ashland County Sheriff’s Office Sheriff E. Wayne Risner, Former Ashland County Prosecutor Robert DeSanto, Ashland County Commissioner Vice President Denny Bittle, Candidate for Ashland County Sheriff Kurt Schneider, and Candidate for Ashland County Sheriff Chad Enderby, have come together to express their concern regarding Issue 2.

In a display of unity, these respected individuals highlight the potential negative repercussions this issue may have on the county. Their professional tone of voice carries a sense of sincerity as they explain their deep reservations.

Their collective expertise brings a weight to their concerns, emphasizing the importance of the issue at hand.

As Ashland County continues to navigate the complexities of governance and community development, these leaders’ concerns shed light on the potential consequences, urging the public to take a closer look at the issue and understand its impact on the State and County’s future.


Ashland County Prosecutor Christopher R. Tunnell on Issue 2


Ashland County Sheriff’s Office Sheriff E. Wayne Risner Talks on Issue 2


Former Ashland County Prosecutor Robert DeSanto on Issue 2


Ashland County Commissioner Vice President Denny Bittle on Issue 2


Kurt Schneider candidate for Ashland County Sheriff on Issue 2

Chad Enderby candidate for Ashland County Sheriff on Issue 2

2 Vehicle Crash on US Route 30 Just West of Elyria Road

Wooster Post Ohio Highway Patrol, New Pittsburg Twp Fire Department & EMS, and Jeromesville EMS responded to a two vehicle crash on US Route 30 just west of Elyria Road tonight.

One vehicle traveling Eastbound on US Route 30 was struck in the rear, sending it over the median into the Westbound lane of US Route 30, crashing into the guard rail, facing Eastbound in the Westbound lane.

At least one was transported to Wooster Hospital with unknown injuries.

Note: Sorry, I was unable to get the information, due to the trooper shift being over when I called. The other vehicle was on the Eastbound side and cleaned up by the time I arrived.

Video of Trooper struck on Interstate 71

JACKSON TOWNSHIP – A trooper from the Ashland Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol was struck while outside his vehicle while investigating a previous crash at approximately 5:50 a.m. The injury crash occurred on Interstate 71 northbound near County Road 175 in Jackson Township, Ashland County.

On November 1 at 5:26 a.m., troopers were dispatched to a report of a single-vehicle crash on an ice-covered bridge on Interstate 71 northbound near milepost 193. Troopers arrived on scene and located a Jeep just north of the County Road 175 bridge in the median. ODOT was notified of icy roadways in the area.

Trooper Tanner R. Guinther was standing outside of his cruiser investigating the original crash in the median when a northbound 2021 Toyota Tacoma, driven by Michelle N. Paxton, 37, Carroll, lost control on the ice-covered bridge and struck Trooper Guinther’s patrol car before continuing into the median where it struck Trooper Guinther and the original crashed Jeep.

Trooper Guinther was transported to Ohio Health in Ashland with minor injuries, where he was treated and released. Paxton and the driver of the Jeep were not injured during the crash. The crash remains under investigation.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted on scene by the Town & Country Fire Department, ODOT and Abers Towing.

Motorists are reminded to proceed with caution anytime they see flashing lights ahead and to reduce their speed on icy or snow-covered roadways.

Buckle Up Every Trip, Every Time

Ashland – The Ohio State Highway Patrol is reminding everyone to buckle up this upcoming holiday season and always. Since 2018, there have been 2,847 people killed in Ohio crashes who were not wearing an available safety belt.

“There is no question that seat belts save lives, and I encourage everyone to make it a habit to always buckle up,” said Governor Mike DeWine.

Statistics show 72 percent of vehicle occupants aged 21 to 40 killed in motor vehicle crashes were not wearing an available safety belt. More men (65 percent) than women (52 percent) who were unbelted were fatally injured in crashes.

“Properly buckling up, every time you get into a motor vehicle reduces the risk of sustaining serious injuries or death in a crash,” said Colonel Charles A. Jones, Patrol superintendent. “Wearing a safety belt remains the simplest thing you and your loved ones can do to stay safe when getting into a vehicle.”

Ohio’s safety belt law remains a secondary violation; however, troopers will continue to have zero tolerance when motorists are stopped for other violations and are found to not be wearing their safety belt. Since 2018, troopers have issued more than 475,000 safety belt and child safety seat citations.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol encourages everyone to Buckle Up Every Trip, Every Time.

A statistical map containing safety belt usage, violations and crash information can be found here.

The public is encouraged to call #677 to report impaired drivers, drug activity, or stranded motorists.

Fatal Car Crash on State Route 39 in Jackson Township

Jackson Township -The Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating a fatal car crash involving two vehicles at the intersection of State Route 39 and Myers Road in Jackson Township. The crash occurred south of Shelby, on November 2nd 2023 around 2:23 pm.

Alan Vasquez, age 41, of Shelby, was driving a 2014 Dodge Grand Caravan westbound on Myers Road. John Dray, age 71, of Mansfield, was driving a 2018 Nissan Versa southbound on State Route 39.

Mr. Vasquez proceeded westbound on Myers Road, crossing State Route 39, failing to yield to Mr. Dray. Mr. Dray struck Mr. Vasquez in the passenger side as the vehicles met in the southbound lanes of State Route 39. Mr. Dray came to rest in the southbound lane but Mr. Vasquez overturned and continued off the west side of State Route 39.

Mr. Dray and his wife, Terri, age 64, were transported to Ohio Health Mansfield by Shelby Fire and EMS. Mrs. Dray succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced deceased by the attending physician. Mr. Vasquez sustained minor injuries but was not transported.

Shelby Police, Shelby Fire and EMS, the Richland County Coroner, Shelly Smith and Sons Towing, and Westside Towing assisted during the crash investigation.

The crash remains under investigation, impairment was not suspected.

Power of a Vote: A NO Vote on November 7 is Preserving Childhood Innocence and Local Accountability

The recent flyer that arrived in my mailbox shed light on an important issue surrounding the Ashland Public Library 1 mill for 5 years Renewal tax levy that is set to be voted on November 7th.

According to an ashlandsource.com article, there was a significant response from concerned citizens, during an Ashland Public Library board meeting, expressing their worries about the protection of childhood innocence and local accountability.

Unfortunately, it seems that the Ashland Public Library board chose to disregard those voices, leaving citizens feeling frustrated and unheard. As a means to capture the board’s attention and demand change, the flyer suggests voting NO on the Renewal tax levy.

It appears that the board has been resistant to finding a compromise, such as moving certain books to an adult shelf. This approach indicates the importance of acknowledging the concerns raised by citizens and promoting open dialogue, to ensure the preservation of childhood innocence and local accountability.

Flyer Reads as follows:

In July of 2022, hundreds of parents, grandparents, guardians, and concerned citizens filled the Ashland Public Library board meeting to make a statement against several “controversial books” being offered to children.

Controversial books such as “Making a Baby” by Rachel Greener, depicting what many consider to be indecent and offensive content – intended for 5-8 year old children.

The collective ask was that if the Ashland Public Library board would not remove books like this, then to please move them to a higher shelf where parents and guardians could decide what is appropriate for their children.

The answer was no. The board president alleged that relocating or removing the books is censorship.

“They are informing children,” said current Ashland Public Library board President, Sandra Tunnell.

Tunnell is exactly right about what these books are doing: they are informing our children, but in matters of which numerous individuals in our community find appalling.

It’s time to inform the library that the voices of concerned citizens who feel strongly about protecting childhood innocence and local accountability matter. Vote NO on November 7.

https://www.times-gazette.com/story/news/local/202rorris/nearth-books-porn-ashland-library-holds-firm-amid-book-bashing/10051736002/

Cover image is intended for artistic depiction and is not of the Ashland Public Library.

Paid for by Citizens for Ashland Library Accountability.

* https://www.times-gazette.com/story/news/local/2022/07/15/health-books-porn-ashland-library-holds-firm-amid-book-bashing/10051736002/

Troopers Investigating Fatal Crash on US 42

Jackson Township – Troopers from the Ashland Highway Patrol Post are investigating a fatal crash which occurred on US 42 at the intersection of State Route 302 in Ashland County, Ohio.

On Wednesday, November 1st, 2023 at approximately 1021 hours, a 2012 Freightliner semi-truck driven by Abdikadir Abshir Shire, age 37 of Saint Paul, Minnesota was southbound on SR 302. A 2001 Toyota Camry driven by John Thomas Keener, age 40 of Ashland, Ohio was north/eastbound on US 42. The Freightliner semi-truck failed to yield at the stop sign and entered the intersection into the path of the Toyota Camry, striking it. Both vehicles went off of the roadway after the collision and came to a final rest in a field off the southeast corner of the intersection.

The driver of the Toyota Camry was pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver of the Freightliner semi-truck was treated at the scene for minor injuries.

SR 302 is still closed just south of the intersection of US 42 for scene clean-up. US 42 is now open in both directions.

Other agencies assisting at the crash scene were: Town & County Fire & EMS, Polk/Jackson Township Fire & EMS, The Ohio Department of Transportation, and the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office.

Drugs and alcohol are not considered to be factors in the crash. The crash remains under investigation.

Richland County Pursuit Ends in Ashland County


Pursuit video just released from the early October pursuit

According to a Richland News Network Story, on October, 2, 2023 Ohio Highway Patrol was involved in a high speed pursuit a Chrysler 300, was reported running at speeds in excess of 100 mph, passing on the berm, and turning all lights off (going dark). The vehicle’s tires were spiked at or around the 178 mile marker and lost control at the 181.2 Mile marker veering off the side of the roadway and crashing.

ASHLAND WEATHER