Paint Township – On Wednesday, November 15, 2023 at approximately 3:53p.m. the Wooster Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol was called to the scene of a severe injury traffic crash on Harrison Road (County Road 2) at the intersection with South Kansas Road (Township Road 179) in Paint Township of Wayne County.
The on-scene investigation revealed that a silver 2010 Ford E-350 van was southbound on Kansas Road and failed to stop for the posted stop sign at the intersection with Harrison Road. A blue 2018 Chevrolet Silverado was westbound on Harrison Road and struck the Ford E-350 on the driver side. Both vehicles traveled off the southwest corner of the intersection before coming to final rest.
The driver of the Chevrolet Silverado, Patrick Baldwin, 65 years old, of Navarre, was injured in the crash and transported by Life Flight to Akron City Hospital. Mr. Baldwin eventually succumbed to his injuries while at the hospital. Mr. Baldwin was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash. The driver of the Ford E-350, Rex Beeler, 69 years old, of Wooster, was also injured in the crash. He was transported to Wooster Community Hospital for further evaluation. Mr. Beeler was wearing his seatbelt at the time of crash.
At this time, the crash remains under investigation. Alcohol and drugs do not appear as factors involved in this crash.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted on scene by South Central Fire and EMS, Life Flight, and 3 Sons Towing.
Step into the captivating world of Genesis Christian Academy History class, where teacher Ken Hammontree brings the past to life with an audacious twist.
In Genesis Christian Academy’s history classes, the teaching method employed by their dedicated teacher takes education to the next level.
As Ken Hammontree, the history teacher, walked through the doors at Genesis Christian Academy, dressed and looking like Tecumseh, it was as if a spark ignited within the students. Their eyes lit up, and fingers eagerly pointed in astonishment.
Addressing the class in a professional tone of voice, Ken Hammontree began sharing the captivating story of Tecumseh.
He conveyed, “Although Tecumseh, The Panther crossing the sky, met his untimely fate at the Battle of Thames in 1813, and his vision of a great Indian Confederacy was shattered, his reputation as a remarkable leader remains etched in history.”
With an air of authenticity, Ken Hammontree transported his students back in time, enabling them to witness the struggles faced by Tecumseh and his people, the Shawnees. He elucidated upon Tecumseh’s critical juncture in the spring of 1813 when only two options lay before him and his tribe: assimilate into the white man’s culture or resist until their ultimate demise in battle.
Neither alternative appeared appealing to Tecumseh; nevertheless, with unyielding courage, he and the remaining members of his pan-Indian confederation chose to fight fiercely against the corrupt culture imposed by the white man.
This immersive and personalized teaching approach employed by Ken Hammontree further enhances the students’ understanding and appreciation of historical events, instilling within them a profound connection to the past.
The Ashland Police Division, Ashland Fire Department, & EMS responded to the scene of a two-vehicle crash at the intersection George Road Eagle Way around noon today.
ASHLAND – Ashland City Schools Foundation and Ashland County Community Foundation are pleased to announce the recipients of their fall semester teacher mini-grants.
These mini-grants will allow 19 Ashland County educators to implement innovative programs and projects to advance student learning, both in and outside their classrooms.
Grants totaled $5,570 from ACSF and $15,344 from ACCF. The following teachers received grants from one or both foundations:
Ashland City Schools Foundation
Mariely Dawson, Ashland High School, received a grant for Genius Games for Chemistry Bonding Development.
Brian Krieger, Ashland High School, received a grant for The Whole World in Our Hands: Teaching Geography with Interactive Globes.
Linda Michael, Ashland Middle School, received a grant for Leveled Reading for Science Literacy.
Tiffany Sauder, Edison Elementary School, received a grant for Fantastic Fine Motor Skills.
Alexis Solet, Ashland City Schools, received a grant for Learning Life at the Wertman Property: Promoting Life Skills in Students with Disabilities.
Ashland City Schools Foundation and Ashland County Community Foundation
Alayna Shafer, Edison Elementary School, received grants for 3D Pens for the Art Room.
Ashland County Community Foundation
Carly Black, Hillsdale High School, received a grant for Plot Twist! We’re Podcasting!
Rachel Burgett, Taft Intermediate School, received a grant for Intentional Seating to Increase Learning.
Amber Haldeman, Ashland Middle School, received a grant for Building A Collaborative Math Classroom.
Shari Harlan, Edison Elementary School, received a grant for Math in Action.
Carol Hinkle, McMullen Elementary School, received a grant for New art tables for McMullen Elementary.
Thomas Howman, Edison Elementary School, received a grant for Learning Through Music in the General Education Classroom.
Bailey Jones, Edison Elementary School, received a grant for Sensory Success for all Learners.
Marty Kral, Ashland High School, received a grant for Band Tower Amplification.
Molly Kramer, Dale Roy School, received a grant for Discovery Classroom for Children with Multiple Disabilities.
Nicole Krieger, Taft Intermediate School, received a grant for Teaching Content, Engaging Readers, and Teaching Skills: A Three-In-One Project!
David Lance, Loudonville High School, received a grant for Mentor Leaders.
Kelly Owens, Ashland High School, received a grant for Veteran Hero Blanket Project.
Shelby Pummell, Edison Elementary School, received a grant for Interactive Read Alouds.
Ashland City Schools Foundation and Ashland County Community Foundation accept applications for teacher mini-grants each semester, with deadlines in September and January. Grant requests should be for programs and projects that are not covered by school budgets.
For spring semester 2024 grants, any K-12 teacher from any school in Ashland County may apply online at www.ashlandforgood.org/grants by January 15. Applicants from the Ashland City School district will be considered for ACSF grants, and all applicants will be considered for ACCF grants. Questions should be directed to Kristin Aspin, Chief Program Officer, Ashland County Community Foundation, at (419) 281-4733 or krisin@ashlandforgood.org.
About Ashland City Schools Foundation: Ashland City Schools Foundation promotes excellence in academics, the arts and athletics while providing educational opportunities for all students and educators in the Ashland City School District. ACSF has disbursed nearly $1 million to support the students of Ashland City Schools.
About Ashland County Community Foundation: Ashland County Community Foundation advances philanthropy and improves the quality of life in Ashland County by connecting people who care with causes that matter. ACCF has awarded over $27 million in scholarships, grants and distributions.
On November 8, 2023, Mayor Matt Miller administered the oath of office to new part-time Police Officer Marcus “Nate” Haring.
Haring, 38, of Ashland, is a United States Army veteran with a Bachelor of Arts degree from The Ohio State University. He has ten years of experience as a Patrol Officer with the Lorain Police Department and is currently an Auxiliary Officer with the Loudonville Police Department.
Nate works full-time as a REALTOR® with Haring Realty.
Having prior law enforcement experience, Haring will shadow trainers for several months to learn organizational procedures while becoming more familiar with operations.
Haring is excited about the opportunity to work in public safety for the City of Ashland and hopes to compete for a full-time position when one becomes available.
Presently, the Ashland Police Division staffs thirty-two full-time and three part-time police officers. The Division is authorized to employ four part-time sworn personnel.
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.
Kristopher Herron Age: 51
White / Male / 5’’6’ / 130lbs / Brown Hair / Blue Eyes
Wanted by the U.S Marshals Service on a supervised release violation on the original charge of possession of drugs.
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.
Shkail Walker Age: 22
Black / Male / 5’7’’ / 140lbs / Black Hair / Black Eyes
Wanted by the U.S Marshals Service and Richland County Sheriff’s Office for illegal conveyance.
Ties to the Mansfield and Columbus 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.
Richland County – In a chilling incident that unfolded on Saturday November, 11th the Richland County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of suspicious activity. Little did they know that this call would lead them to uncover the horrifying realities of domestic violence. The severity of the situation was so severe that the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation was called in to process the scene.
At 5:09 pm, a Richland County Sheriff’s Office Deputy received a report of suspicious activity from dispatch. According to the Sheriff’s report, the deputy immediately made contact with the reporting party, who informed them that a victim had just been brought to the Avita Hospital emergency room with severe bruises, as if someone had brutally beaten her. Disturbingly, the victim couldn’t remember what had happened.
The victim, whose identity is being protected, exhibited signs of brutal physical assault. The attending doctor described the extent of the injuries, including swollen shut eyes, bruises behind the ears suggesting possible skull fractures, bleeding from the ears, and bruising on the inner thighs, indicating potential sexual assault. The victim also bore bruises and swelling on the neck, indicating strangulation.
The reporting party informed the deputy that the victim had last made contact on November 9, 2023, but subsequent attempts to reach her had failed. Concerned about her well-being, the reporting party contacted William Smith, who claimed that the victim was asleep and would call back later. However, the victim never returned the call.
This wasn’t the first instance of alleged domestic violence in the relationship.
The reporting party revealed that the victim had suffered a black eye a month ago, dismissing it as an accident resulting from playful roughhousing with William Smith. The friend further divulged that Smith was not only possessive of the victim but also displayed controlling behavior towards her entire family. The victim was not allowed to visit friends or interact with her nieces and nephews. Shockingly, it was revealed that Smith had even placed a tracker on the victim’s phone to monitor her every move.
When asked about the duration of the relationship between the victim and William Smith, the reporting party shared that they had been together, on and off, for several years and had been cohabiting at the listed location for approximately 6 to 9 months. The victim’s reluctance to take action against Smith stemmed from her fear of him returning to prison. Smith was currently on parole, and the victim did not want to bear the responsibility for his incarceration.
Authorities wasted no time in apprehending the suspected offender, William Smith, the 40-year-old male 6’2 and weighing 224lbs and is now incarcerated in the Richland County Jail. He is charged with rape, felonious assault, and probation violation. This arrest provides a glimmer of hope for the victim, as she can now pursue justice and begin her journey towards healing and recovery.
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In conclusion, the Richland County Sheriff’s Office deputy’s encounter with a suspicious activity call exposed a distressing case of domestic violence. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to address and eliminate domestic violence from our society. By supporting victims, raising awareness, and fostering a culture of respect, we can work towards a world free from the horrors of domestic abuse.
After being tagged in a Facebook post asking who was in the old Ashland County Dog Shelter building, I started digging to find out the details. And here’s what I found: the new occupants are Service Dog United, formerly known as Buddy’s Buddies, based in Polk, Ohio
Ian Robinson, a disabled veteran and Purple Heart recipient, paid a terrible cost during his service. Serving as a Crew Chief on F-16s, he suffered injuries from an explosion, leading to a re-classification of his job. It was during this time that Ian began working with the K9 unit towards the latter part of his service. Dealing with combat injuries and PTSD firsthand, Ian connected with a service dog fostering program before the pandemic. He soon discovered the incredible benefits of having a service dog and, in 2019, he adopted his loyal companion, Buddy.
Realizing the profound impact a service dog had on his own life, Ian knew he wanted to do more to support other veterans struggling with similar challenges. Thus, Buddy’s Buddies was born in December 2022. Initially, a kennel facility in Polk, OH, Buddy’s Buddies quickly evolved into a broader vision: Service Dog United (SDU).
Service Dog United (SDU) is a program that aims to provide service dogs to veterans, first responders, and Gold Star Families at zero cost to them. The organization recognizes the growing need for assistance among these individuals, particularly with combat injuries and PTSD. Alarmingly, 22 veterans lose their battle with PTSD and other mental-health related issues every day.
SDU has identified three core goals as part of their mission:
Reducing Affordability Barriers: The cost of training a properly trained service dog can be as high as $30-40k. However, SDU has managed to bring the cost down to approximately $10-15k per dog, making it more accessible to those in need.
Public Education: Service dogs exist in a gray area in ADA legislation. SDU aims to raise awareness and educate the public about service dogs and their purpose, ensuring that these incredible animals and their handlers are treated with the respect they deserve.
Accreditation and Training: SDU is on a mission to set the standard for responsibly breeding, training, and certifying service dogs. By documenting their processes, they aim to create a repeatable and sustainable model for the future.
Service Dog United is not just an organization run by Ian and Holli Robinson, but a true family affair. Their children, as well as close friends, are actively involved in the operations of the organization. Together, they work tirelessly to ensure that veterans and first responders receive the support they need through the loving and dedicated service dogs they provide.
Looking ahead, Service Dog United has a clear vision for their future. Their primary goals include:
Expanding Their Reach: SDU aims to extend their services to veterans in Ashland, Richland, and across the nation. By doing so, they hope to empower more individuals to overcome the challenges of combat injuries and PTSD.
Responsible Reproduction: To ensure the availability of reliable, healthy service dogs for generations to come, SDU is dedicated to responsible reproduction practices. By carefully selecting and breeding AKC registered Labrador Retrievers, they aim to maintain the highest standard of service dog quality.
Ongoing Training Support: Service dogs and their handlers require continuous training and support. SDU is committed to providing ongoing assistance to both the dogs and their human companions, ensuring that their bond remains strong and effective.
Legislation Advocacy: Recognizing the impact of legislation on veterans and service dog relationships, SDU aims to actively advocate for legislation that supports and protects their rights. They understand the importance of a strong legal framework to ensure the welfare of both veterans and their service dogs.
In conclusion, Service Dog United’s move into the old Ashland County Dog Shelter building marks an important milestone in their mission to support veterans and first responders. With devoted founders, a clear vision, and a passion for making a difference, SDU is set to create a lasting impact on the lives of those who have dedicated themselves to serving others.
The Ashland Police Division, Ashland Fire Department, & EMS responded to the scene of a two-vehicle crash at the intersection of Union Street and 3rd Street.
The incident stemmed from a minor mishap caused by an elderly female driver who, unfortunately, failed to recognize that the intersection had been transformed into a four-way stop due to the recent change in traffic flow on 3rd Street.
Consequently, this resulted in a collision with another vehicle at the intersection.
However, it is fortunate to report that despite the impact, only minor injuries were sustained by those involved.
This occurrence serves as a reminder of the importance of staying informed about any alterations in traffic regulations, which can help avoid unfortunate incidents like this in the future.
Yesterday, American Legion Harry Higgins Post 88 held a Veterans Day Service to honor the brave men and women who have served in the Armed Forces of the United States. Led by Acting Commander Steve Williams and Chaplain Dave Abbruzzese, this service was a heartfelt tribute to those who have selflessly defended our nation. State Representative Melanie Miller graced the occasion with her rendition of the National Anthem, filling the air with patriotism.
During the service, the guest speaker, Kenneth Hammontree, reminded us of the three words that epitomize the dedication and sacrifice of our U.S. armed services: Duty, Honor, and Country. These words are etched on a large tablet at the U.S. military academy at West Point, serving as a constant reminder of the core values that guide our armed forces. From the Revolutionary War in 1776 to the present day, our veterans have always held true to these principles.
As we gathered on this eleventh month, eleventh day, and eleventh hour, we were reminded that World War I, the war to end all wars, came to a close. Hammontree emphasized that being born free is a privilege, but dying free is a tremendous responsibility. Throughout our nation’s history, countless men and women have borne that responsibility, valiantly defending our freedoms. At the World War II Memorial in Washington D.C., the wall of stars stands as a poignant reminder of the immense sacrifice made by over 400,000 war heroes. Each star represents 100 lives lost. Inscribed on the wall are the words, “Here we mark the price of freedom.”
Unlike the unknown soldiers laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery, whose identities are known only to God, memorials bearing the names of thousands of fallen heroes can be found in every corner of our great nation. These memorials serve as tangible reminders of the sacrifice made by brave men and women in service to their country. Carl Sandburg poignantly captured the essence of valor when he said, “Valor is a gift. Those having it never know for sure they have it until the test comes.” Today, we honor those heroes who demonstrated extraordinary valor when duty called.
The Veterans Day Service concluded with the Ashland Veterans Honor Guard rendering a solemn 21-Gun Salute on the Post 88 front lawn. This poignant and emotional moment paid tribute to the fallen soldiers, reminding us all of the price they paid for our freedom. Lunch was then prepared and served by the American Legion Auxiliary, a gesture of appreciation for the veterans and their families. American Legion Harry Higgins Post 88 takes great pride in conducting this annual ceremony, ensuring that the sacrifices of our servicemen and women are never forgotten.
As we reflect on the Veterans Day Service at American Legion Harry Higgins Post 88, we are reminded of the immense gratitude we owe to those who have fought, died, and continue to serve in the Armed Forces of the United States. Their commitment to duty, unwavering honor, and love for their country are qualities we must hold dear. Let us always remember their sacrifice and express our heartfelt appreciation to all veterans who have served and continue to serve. Our freedoms and way of life exist because of their bravery and selflessness.
Joe Lyons •
November 16, 2023
ASHLAND – Ashland City Schools Foundation and Ashland County Community Foundation are pleased to announce the recipients of their fall semester teacher mini-grants.
On November 8, 2023, Mayor Matt Miller administered the oath of office to new part-time Police Officer Marcus “Nate” Haring.
Derrick Hawkins Age: 49
Kristopher Herron Age: 51
Katrina Coyne Age: 33
Shkail Walker Age: 22
Authorities wasted no time in apprehending the suspected offender, William Smith, the 40-year-old male 6’2 and weighing 224lbs and is now incarcerated in the Richland County Jail. He is charged with rape, felonious assault, and probation violation. This arrest provides a glimmer of hope for the victim, as she can now pursue justice and begin her journey towards healing and recovery.
