Local News

Patrol Shares Pedestrian Safety Tips

(Ashland) – The Ohio State Highway Patrol is reminding both pedestrians and motorists that safety is a shared responsibility.

Since 2018, there have been 14,119 pedestrian-related crashes on Ohio’s roadways. Of those, 851 were fatal crashes resulting in the deaths of 853 pedestrians.

During this time, more than 45% of pedestrians killed in motor vehicle crashes were suspected of being impaired. Pedestrians were at fault in 33% of pedestrian-related crashes, and at fault in 52% of fatal pedestrian-related crashes.

“Pedestrian safety is a shared responsibility of both drivers and pedestrians,” said Governor Mike DeWine. “I encourage pedestrians to protect themselves and stay alert around vehicles and drivers to stay alert and watch for pedestrians.”

Pedestrians should always use a sidewalk when it is provided. It is unlawful for pedestrians to walk along and upon the adjacent roadway if a sidewalk is available. Where no sidewalk or shoulder exists, pedestrians may walk as close as practicable to an outside edge of the road, facing oncoming traffic.

“As a driver, one of the many responsibilities you have is to be aware of your surroundings,” said Colonel Charles A. Jones, Patrol superintendent. “Keep alert at all times. Avoid distractions and look for pedestrians.”

Pedestrians and motorists can follow these tips to increase pedestrian safety:

• Do not be distracted by electronic devices that take your eyes and ears off the roadway.

• Pedestrians should wear bright or reflective clothing, especially at night.

• Pedestrians should cross where motorists expect them to, follow pedestrian signs and signals, and never assume a driver can see them.

• Motorists are required to yield to pedestrians in a marked crosswalk and in unmarked crosswalks at intersections.

• Motorists can use bright headlights when legally able to illuminate the roadway and possibly spot a

pedestrian walking near the roadway.

• Motorists should slow down and drive cautiously in residential areas.

 

A statistical map containing pedestrian-related crash information can be found here.

 

AG Yost Praises Statewide Human Trafficking Crackdown That Arrested 160


AG Yost Praises Statewide Human Trafficking Crackdown That Arrested 160

 

(COLUMBUS, Ohio) — Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost today announced the success of a weeklong statewide human trafficking crackdown, ‘Operation Buyer’s Remorse,’ which sought to arrest those trying to buy sex and to identify survivors of human trafficking.

“Law enforcement across Ohio teamed up in a concerted effort to stem the demand that fuels human trafficking,” Yost said. “The success of this operation is measured not only by the number of arrests but also by the resources offered to survivors of human trafficking and the intelligence gathered that will propel long-term investigations forward.”

Led by AG Yost’s Ohio Organized Crime Investigations Commission (OOCIC), Operation Buyer’s Remorse was a collaborative effort that took place from Sept. 25 to Sept. 30 in every corner of the state, including in and around Columbus, Cleveland, Toledo, Akron, Youngstown, Marietta and Portsmouth.

The operation led to 160 arrests and was comprised of coordinated “stings” conducted by OOCIC’s eight human trafficking and major crimes task forces. The task forces’ work was amplified by numerous local law enforcement agencies that also conducted anti-human trafficking operations.

Additionally, search warrants were conducted at 11 massage parlors suspected of human trafficking activities as part of ongoing, long-term investigations.

Over the course of the week, 149 “johns” seeking to buy sex were arrested and charged with engaging in prostitution. Additional arrests included two individuals for seeking to have sex with minors and six for promoting prostitution. Others were arrested for illegally possessing narcotics and/or firearms, or because there were outstanding warrants against them.

Those arrested come from all backgrounds, including an EMT, nurses, educators, retirees, former law enforcement officers, self-employed individuals, delivery drivers, and others. The youngest john arrested was 17 and the oldest was 84.

Law enforcement officers interviewed 104 survivors of human trafficking, who were provided services from health care and social service organizations.

“Nearly 100 law enforcement agencies and service organizations participated in this operation – I am grateful for each and every partner who dedicated their time and resources, as we all play a key role in the fight against human trafficking,” Yost said. “Our message is simple: Don’t buy sex in Ohio!”

Operation Highlights

The H.E.A.L. Human Trafficking Task Force, consisting of the Huron, Erie, Ashland and Lorain Sheriff’s Offices, along with the Northeast Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force, conducted a search warrant on an illicit massage parlor in Lorain County. The search warrant resulted in the seizure of more than $49,000 and furthered an active investigation into criminal activity and potential human trafficking.

The Columbus Division of Police’s PACT Unit (Police and Community Together) made 62 arrests over five days. The unit arrested Delbert Thomas, 75, of Columbus twice on the same day. After the first arrest, Thomas sought to buy sex in a different area of the city and was arrested a second time. The PACT Unit also arrested Joseph Henry, 47, of Columbus, who is a registered sex offender.

The Toledo Police Department and U.S. Border Patrol served search warrants on five illicit massage parlors. The search led to the seizure of $25,000 and numerous electronic devices associated with the businesses. Kwi Hood, Ziaojing Yuan, Chunya Jiao, Junjuan Tao, Young Stone, and Xiaoyan Gou are all facing charges of promoting prostitution.

The Summit Regional Human Trafficking Task Force served four search warrants on illicit massage parlors as part of ongoing investigations. Seven survivors of human trafficking were offered social services.

The Madison County Sheriff’s Office arrested one individual for felony possession of narcotics.

The Montgomery County Human Trafficking Task Force conducted a john sting operation and arrested Shawn Ryken, a staff sergeant, and Jason Goins, a major, from the U.S. Air Force, as well as Michael Masterson, an administrator at the University of Dayton, and Ramesh Karki, a professor at Indiana University.

The Mahoning Valley Human Trafficking Task Force arrested Jordan Perez, 35, of Masury, Ohio, on charges of engaging in prostitution and possessing criminal tools. Perez brought a firearm to buy sex – but did not bring any money. He claimed he intended to pay for sexual services via a web app.

The Fairfield County Sheriff’s Office and Lancaster Police Department arrested Nick Claybourn, 29, of Rushville on charges of engaging in prostitution. Claybourn is a sixth-grade teacher in the Fairfield Union Local School District.

During their operation, the Southeast Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force had several encounters with individuals that led to felony arrests. Ethan Ross, 22, of Lowell, was arrested on an active warrant for kidnapping, a first-degree felony, and on a felonious assault charge, a second-degree felony. Jamey Lacy, 46, of Zanesville, was arrested and charged with trafficking in drugs in a school zone, a fifth-degree felony, possession of a controlled substance, a fifth-degree felony, and soliciting, a third-degree felony. The task force also executed a search warrant on a suspected massage parlor in Belpre.

The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office and Department of Public Safety offered services to 37 potential victims of human trafficking during two daylong outreach events.

Names of Arrestees

Statements from Inside the Operation

Franklin County Sheriff’s Office – Sheriff Dallas Baldwin

“Human Trafficking is a major problem across the country, and we want to stop the illegal activity from occurring here in Franklin County. It’s why we partnered once again with the Ohio Attorney General’s office and other local law enforcement agencies to battle this heinous crime. This collaboration helps strengthen our daily investigation efforts as we share resources not only in arrests and convictions but to help those who are victims.”

Homeland Security Investigations – HSI Detroit Special Agent in Charge Angie M. Salazar

“This operation represents true partnership between federal, state and local law enforcement to fight human trafficking in Ohio. Our efforts to identify victims of trafficking and provide services is just as important as holding these offenders, especially those in positions of public trust, accountable.”

Columbus Division of Police – Chief Elaine Bryant

“The Columbus Division of Police is committed to the relentless pursuit of criminals responsible for human trafficking, prostitution and crimes that exploit children. We will continue to support efforts to prevent these crimes by devoting resources to combat these complex issues through the Police and Community Together Unit, the Missing and Exploited Children’s Unit, the Central Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force, and the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.”

East Cleveland Police Department – Chief Brian Gerhard

“We are proud to support and cooperate with the Northeast Ohio Human Trafficking Operation for the operation held in our city.”

Hillard Division of Police – Chief Michael Woods

“We want to drive this illegal activity out of Hilliard, and it’s individuals who solicit prostitution online creating the demand. We’re hopeful this operation will not only serve as a deterrent for human trafficking, but will provide assistance to human trafficking victims so they can get connected to advocates and resources. This operation has been another example of the successful partnership between the Ohio Attorney General’s Office and other law enforcement agencies in Central Ohio.”

Madison County Sheriff’s Office – Sheriff John R. Swaney

“The Madison County Sheriff’s Office fully supports the Ohio Organized Crime Commission and the Central Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force in their efforts to rid central Ohio of crimes like prostitution and human trafficking. We do not want this type of activity in our community, so my office has teamed up with the task force and several other central Ohio agencies to participate in a statewide initiative to target and arrest anyone participating in these types of crimes. We feel that contributing to this initiative helps us better serve the citizens of Madison County.”

Licking County Sheriff’s Office – Captain Jay Cook

“The Licking County Sheriff’s Office is grateful to be a part of this year’s human trafficking sting operation. I know this will impact the victims of human trafficking in a positive way, giving them the assistance and resources needed to overcome their circumstances. This operation will not only shine a light on such a dark reality for some in central Ohio, but it will further strengthen the partnership with local law enforcement.”

New Albany Police Department – Chief Greg Jones

“This latest operation is part of a proactive and shared effort to help victims of human trafficking. Additionally, our goal is to offer aid and options to individuals involved in the dangerous work of prostitution and prosecute those who exploit them. The New Albany Police Department remains committed to working with the Central Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force and the Ohio Attorney General’s Office to battle human exploitation at every level.”

Marysville Police Department – Chief Tony L. Brooks

“The Marysville Police Department is supportive of Operation Buyer’s Remorse and is proud to collaborate with Ohio law enforcement to address the issues that fuel sex trafficking within the city of Marysville and the state of Ohio.”

Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Department – Sheriff Harold A. Pretel

“Through the Northeast Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force the Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Department is proud to partner with the Ohio Attorney General’s Office, Ohio Organized Crime Investigations Commission, local, state, and federal law enforcement partners as well as our community partners in Operation Buyer’s Remorse that focuses on human trafficking. Joint operations like this highlight the power of collective efforts to identify victims and push needed resources to them, locate offenders, and raise awareness in the community of this heinous crime. Although we bring to light the success of this operation, let us not forget the difficult work that begins for those identified victims and the organizations that support them through their healing process.”

Operation Participants

Special thanks to the nearly 100 law enforcement agencies and non-government organizations that joined AG Yost’s Ohio Organized Crime Investigations Commission in Operation Buyer’s Remorse.

“I want to thank OOCIC Executive Director Rocky Nelson and Deputy Director Matt Hilbert for their months of work that culminated in the success of Operation Buyer’s Remorse,” AG Yost said. “Rocky and Matt ensured that over the past week hundreds of law enforcement officers were equipped, covert and safe. Great work!”

For each task force recognized below, the lead agency is listed first.

OOCIC Central Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force

Columbus Division of Police, Homeland Security Investigations, BCI, FBI, Ohio State University Police Department, Salvation Army, Southeast Healthcare

OOCIC Montgomery County Human Trafficking Task Force

Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, Butler Township Police Department, Miami Township Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations

OOCIC Northeast Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force

Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Department, Lake County Sheriff’s Office, Ashtabula County Sheriff’s Office, Geauga County Sheriff’s Office, East Cleveland Police Department, MetroHealth Police Department, Cleveland Police, Warrensville Heights Police Department, North Olmsted Police, Westlake Police Department, Ohio Investigative Unit, Homeland Security Investigations, Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office, Harriett Tubman Movement, Ohio ICAC, Willoughby Police, Lake County Prosecutor’s Office, Westshore Enforcement Bureau, Ashtabula Police Department, Canopy Child Advocacy Center, Cleveland Rape Crisis Center, Conneaut Police Department, Solon Police Department

OOCIC Southeast Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force

Washington County Sheriff’s Office, Marietta Police Department, Belpre Police Department, Marietta College Police Department, Athens Police Department, Morgan County Sheriff’s Office, Noble County Sheriff’s Office, Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, Athens County Sheriff’s Office, Meigs County Sheriff’s Office, Athens County Prosecutor’s Office, Rescue and Restore Coalition, Ohio State Highway Patrol, Noble County Prosecutor’s Office

OOCIC Summit Regional Human Trafficking Task Force

Summit County Sheriff’s Office, Medina County Prosecutor’s Office, Portage County Sheriff’s Office, Stark County Sheriff’s Office, Akron Police, Stow Police, Springfield Township Police Department, Ohio Adult Parole Authority, Summit County Prosecutor’s Office

Mahoning Valley Human Trafficking Task Force

Mahoning County Sheriff’s Office, BCI, Ohio Investigative Unit, Youngstown Police Department, East Palestine Police Department, Austintown Township Police Department, Salem Police Department, Warren Police Department, Cortland Police Department, Compass Rape Crisis and Counseling Center, Beaver Township Police Department

Southern Ohio Organized and Major Crimes Task Force

Scioto County Sheriff’s Office, Portsmouth Police Department, Pike County Sheriff’s Office, Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office, New Boston Police Department, Scioto County Prosecutor’s Office, Pike County Prosecutor’s Office

H.E.A.L. Human Trafficking Task Force

Huron County Sheriff’s Office, Erie County Sheriff’s Office, Ashland County Sheriff’s Office, Lorain County Sheriff’s Office

Additional agencies that participated in the operation

Marysville Police Department, Lancaster Police Department, Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, Columbus Police PACT, Pickaway County Sheriff’s Office, Licking County Sheriff’s Office, Fairfield County Sheriff’s Office, Madison County Sheriff’s Office, New Albany Police Department, Hilliard Police Department, Grove City Police Department, Dublin Police Department, Toledo Police Department, Lorain Police Department, U.S. Marshals Service, Reynoldsburg Police Department, Ohio Department of Public Safety

Plymouth Woman Life Flighted After Motorcycle Crash

Portage Township — The Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating a two vehicle, serious injury crash that occurred on October l , 2023 on State Route 53 at milepost 12 in Ottawa County. The crash occurred at approximately 05:15 P.M.

Unit #1 Driver: Jo Ann Henning, age 71, of Marion, Ohio was operating a 2023 Hyundai SantaFe. Ms. Henning did not sustain any injuries as a result of the crash.

Unit #2 Driver: Ryan A Hall, age 47, of Plymouth, Ohio was operating a 201 1 Harley Davidson Electra Glide. Mr. Hall was not wearing a helmet. Mr. Hall sustained minor injuries as a result of the crash.

Passenger of Unit #2: Millie Jane Moore, age 50, of Plymouth, Ohio was passenger on Unit #2. Ms. Moore was not wearing a helmet. Ms. Moore sustained serious injuries and was transported by Life Flight to Toledo Saint Vincent Medical Center in Toledo, Ohio.

Details of the Crash: Mr. Hall was traveling southbound on State Route 53. Ms. Henning was turning northbound on State Route 53 from a private drive. Ms. Henning failed to yield to Mr. Hall and was struck by his Motorcycle.

The crash remains under investigation. Drugs and/or alcohol are not believed to be a factor in the crash.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted at the scene by Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office, Port Clinton Fire & EMS, Metro Life Flight, Bubba’s Towing, and Greer’s Towing.

Miller, Lear’s ‘The Never Alone Act’ Gets First Hearing

COLUMBUS, OH – State Reps. Melanie Miller (R-City of Ashland) and Beth Lear (R-Galena) spoke at the first hearing for legislation they have introduced, House Bill 236, “The Never Alone Act.” The bill ensures every patient has access to an advocate to be with them in a hospital, nursing home or other congregate care setting – especially during a health emergency.

 

“We want to ensure that no patient is ever left alone when they are facing a vulnerable health situation,” said Miller. “Over the last three years, we have gained heightened awareness of the need for legislation that protects the right of a patient to have access to a loved one or advocate to act on behalf of their best interest while in a hospital or care facility.”

In learning from the COVID emergency when Ohioans were isolated from loved ones, the bill:

  1. Creates a right for patients and long-term care residents to have access to an advocate of their choosing so that they can be accompanied by a loved one who can advocate for their health needs if needed and be a familiar face of support.
  2. Requires care facilities to provide patients and residents with information about their right to select an advocate and have the advocate with them in the care setting; and
  3. Balances protecting the rights and interests of patients with the health and safety concerns of the care facilities by ensuring patients are not totally isolated from loved ones while simultaneously protecting the care facilities from specific risks and liabilities.
    Lear outlined these details of the bill during the committee hearing and noted the importance of protecting these patients.

“While the need for an advocate became obvious during COVID, it remains clear that patients and residents need access to loved ones whenever they are in a vulnerable healthcare situation,” Lear said. “We simply want to ensure no one is forced to suffer or die alone ever again. We must protect our most vulnerable citizens during a healthcare crisis.”

 

House Bill 236 now awaits its second hearing.

State Skydiving Records Broke Last Night in Ashland

Aerohio Skydiving, located at the Ashland County Airport, 701G, Township Rd 1102, broke two State Skydiving records last night, according to Aerohio Skydiving Owner/Operator Sherry Butcher. The plan is to break both records tonight. So, make sure you stop out today, take a jump and stay to see another State Record being broke.

AerOhio began in 1950, and have introduced numerous people to the incredible world of skydiving, trained thousands as licensed skydivers. AerOhio originated as the Akron Skydivers Club and developed into a business in the 1990’s. AerOhio is centrally located between Cleveland, Columbus, and Akron in beautiful Ashland, Ohio.

The great thing about AerOhio is, it doesn’t matter whether you are a beginner or a professional, this is a one stop place for Skydiving. AerOhio is known around the country for having some of the best-trained staff, coaches, and instructors in the industry, having the largest & only twin engine jump aircraft in the tri-state area.

Aerohio Skydiving Night Jumps will be going on tonight from 8pm to 11pm

701G Township Rd 1102, Ashland, OH, United States, Ohio

(800) 726-3483

Info@aerohio.com

aerohio.com

https://www.facebook.com/AerOhio

Mapleton Local School District

Mapleton Local School District

“It is with a heavy heart that the Mapleton Local School District announces the passing of Bre McKean, a senior at Mapleton High School, on Friday, September 29, 2023 due to a medical emergency during homecoming festivities prior to the football game. Our hearts, thoughts and prayers go out to the McKean family, friends and the Mapleton community.

The Mapleton-South Central football game was suspended at halftime and the teams and student body were notified of this tragic event. Mapleton staff and grief counselors were available immediately after this announcement to provide comfort and support. Grief counselors will also be available for students and staff on Monday, October 2, 2023 provided by our community partners of Appleseed Community Mental Health Center, the Ashland County Ministerial Association and psi Associates.

A special thank you goes out to the South Central community, administration, coaches, players and fans for their compassion and support last night. We would also like to thank our Mapleton community and surrounding school districts and communities for their continued support, encouragement and prayers during this difficult time.

The homecoming dance scheduled for Saturday, September 30, 2023 is canceled. All Mapleton athletic events are canceled through Wednesday, October 4, 2023.

Additional information will be announced as it becomes available.

Government Shutdown and How it Would Affect Veterans

In an e-mail press release the VA is reporting the following:

 

As of now it is unclear whether a shutdown would occur, but if it does – this is how it would affect VA’s customers.

 

 

 

 

Veteran health care is not impacted. VA Medical Centers, Outpatient Clinics, and Vet Centers will be open.

VA benefits will continue to be processed and delivered, including compensation, pension, education, and housing benefits.

Burials will continue at VA national cemeteries. Applications for headstones, markers, and burial benefits processing will continue.

The Board of Veterans’ Appeals will continue decisions on Veterans’ cases.

VA Contact Centers (1-800-MyVA411) and the Veterans Crisis Line (Dial 988, Press 1) are open 24/7.

VA will not provide Veteran career counseling or transition assistance program activities.

The GI Bill Hotline will be closed.

VA benefits regional offices will be closed.

VA will cease public affairs and outreach to Veterans.

VA will not permanently place headstones or maintain the grounds at VA national cemeteries.

VA will not process applications for pre-need burials.

VA will not print new presidential memorial certificates.

VANEOHS remains fully operational.

In the event of a government shutdown, medical centers, emergency department and outpatient clinics will remain fully operational. If you have an appointment or need to see us for any reason, we are here.

Marion Troopers Investigating a Fatal Crash of a Mansfield Man

Marion – Troopers from the Marion Post are investigating a fatal crash that occurred on September 30, 2023, at approximately 3:18 PM, on State Route 309 in Marion County.

The crash involved a 2012 Chevrolet Silverado pick-up, driven by Jason A. Baker, age 48, of Mansfield, Ohio.

The preliminary investigation indicates Mr. Baker was traveling eastbound on State Route 309 when his vehicle traveled left of the center-line and off the left side of the roadway. Once off road, the Chevrolet struck a driveway embankment and a guardrail face. The Chevrolet continued and struck a creek embankment, overturned onto its top, and struck a bridge abutment.

Mr. Baker was transported by 1st Consolidated EMS to Marion General Hospital where he was later pronounced deceased. Mr. Baker was not wearing his seat-belt at the time of the crash.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted on scene by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, 1st Consolidated Fire and EMS, Fort Morrow Fire and EMS, Pleasant Township Fire and EMS, Marion Township Fire and EMS, and Kirby’s Towing.

The crash remains under investigation.

Two Killed in Wayne County Crash

Franklin Township – On Thursday, September 28, 2023 at 4:32 PM the Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Wooster Post was notified of a two-vehicle crash on SR 83 near milepost 7 in Franklin Township, Wayne County.

The investigation revealed a teal 1993 Dodge Stealth, was southbound on SR 83 when it failed to negotiate a curve and traveled left of center. A taupe 2006 Chrysler Town and Country minivan was northbound on SR 83 and struck the Dodge Stealth in the northbound lane of SR 83. The Dodge Stealth and Chrysler Town and Country came to rest against the guardrail along the berm of the northbound lane of SR 83.

The driver of the Stealth, Damion D. Torrence, 20 years old, of Wooster, was killed as a result of the crash. The passenger of the Stealth, Dalton R. Cisler, 20 years old, of Wooster was also killed as a result of the crash. The driver of the Town and Country, Susan E. Adkins, 56 years old, of Wooster, was taken to Wooster Community Hospital for non-life threatening injuries. Seatbelts were worn by all three occupants. The events leading to the crash remain under investigation. It is unknown at this time whether drugs or alcohol were a factor in the crash.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted on scene by Wayne County Sheriff’s Department, Wooster Township Fire and EMS, 3 Son’s Towing and Recovery, and the Wayne County Coroner’s Office.

Dilapidated Arthur Street School Sets the Background for a New Horror Flick

Arthur Street school pales in comparison to its glory days years ago, but as the old saying goes. “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.” With the ceiling falling down, and paint pealing off the walls and doors, with things looking in disarray, sure makes a perfect place for a horror movie.

Today I stopped in to chat with Andy Myers who is the Executive Vice President at Good Deed Entertainment. It’s a good thing I did, having the chance to see a movie set again, since the last one that I was on was Shawshank Redemption, back in 1994.

As I entered the school, the scene was terrifying, as the worm filled actress huddled on the floor against the old school room wall, at the Arthur Street School, in one of the emotional scenes, in Cranked Up film’s “WORMTOWN”.

According to Andy Myers, “Wormtown,” can be described as “a mind-altering parasites taking over a small town. A trio of women in lock-down are dragged into a fight for survival and revenge.”

If you are interested in being an extra in the Cranked Up film “Wormtown,” filming October 8th, please fill out this form: “Wormtown Extra Sign-up,” for your opportunity to be in the movie.

ASHLAND WEATHER