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.
This afternoon, a two-vehicle accident occurred at 419 State Route 58, prompting a response from Ohio Highway Patrol, Polk Jackson Perry Fire Department, and Sullivan Fire Department & EMS.
The accident unfolded when a 2017 Dodge Ram Truck, towing a trailer, was heading southbound on State Route 58. Unexpectedly, the trailer became unhitched, veering into the northbound lane where it collided head-on with a 2015 Hyundai Elantra.
The impact forced the Hyundai Elantra off the right side of the highway, causing it to spin and come to a stop in a nearby yard.
As a result, both the driver and a 3-month old passenger in the Elantra sustained minor injuries and were transported to UH Samaritan Medical Center by emergency services.
Please join us Saturday, November 18th for free grocery distribution!
Whether you’re looking for assistance or wanting to lend a helping hand look no further than the Matthew 25 Outreach Center of Ashland County’s free grocery distribution event.
With the help of dedicated volunteers, Matthew 25 Outreach Center strives to provide food to those in need, all while spreading God’s love and peace.
Drive-Through Distribution: Saturday, November 18th
Matthew 25 Outreach Center free drive-through grocery distribution will take place on Saturday, November 18th, from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. You can find us in the parking lot of the Luray Lanes, located at 647 E. Main St, in Ashland. Rain or shine, Matthew 25 Outreach Center volunteers will be there to assist you.
Dress for the Weather!
Since the entire distribution is outdoors, please dress accordingly. It’s essential to be prepared for the weather conditions on that day. However, if you need a break from the elements, the bowling alley will be open, providing access to restrooms and shelter.
Volunteer Opportunities: Join us in Making a Difference
Our work at the Matthew 25 Outreach Center of Ashland County wouldn’t be possible without the help of our amazing volunteers. Whether you can spare a few hours or the entire day, your assistance will be greatly appreciated. Here are some ways you can get involved:
Staging Process: Meet us at 7:00 am to help with the initial staging process, as the truckload of food arrives.
Traffic Control: Your assistance at 7:00 am to help direct traffic will be invaluable.
Packaging: Join us at 8:00 am to help package bulk foods into family-size packages, making them ready for distribution.
Registration: At 8:00 am, we need volunteers to help register every family that receives food. Don’t worry; we’ll provide a quick training session for this role.
Home Deliveries: If you have a personal vehicle, you can assist with home deliveries starting at 8:00 am. This is a rewarding experience, knowing you’re bringing food directly to those who can’t make it to the distribution site.
More Ways to Help
If you can’t join us on the fourth Saturday of each month, that doesn’t mean you can’t make a difference. We have additional volunteer opportunities, such as delivering shelf-stable food boxes to seniors in Ashland County. These deliveries take place throughout the month, offering flexibility for those with busy schedules.
Another option is helping us install yard signs during the week of our distribution. Contact us for more information about this volunteer opportunity.
Volunteers of All Ages and Abilities Welcome
We believe that volunteer opportunities should be accessible to everyone. Therefore, we welcome volunteers of all ages and abilities to join us in distributing free groceries and sharing God’s love with the people of Ashland County. Bring your friends, family, neighbors, and co-workers along for an impactful day.
The Matthew 25 Outreach Center of Ashland County’s free grocery distribution event is a shining example of what a community can achieve when they come together with a common purpose. Whether you need assistance or have time to spare, we encourage you to join us on Saturday, November 18th, for a rewarding experience. Let’s make a difference and spread love to those in need.
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.
Joe Lyons •
November 17, 2023
1 Week early this month!!
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