The Mansfield Division of Police received a call from authorities in Harrison County, Ohio, regarding a body found in their jurisdiction. The body was taken to the Cuyahoga County coroner’s office because of suspicious circumstances. The body was later identified as Trentin Isaac.
Mansfield Police Detectives are currently working with state and local authorities as there are more questions than answers at this point. The family and the community can be assured that the division will work diligently to not only answer these questions but also bring justice to the individuals who committed this act.
We continue to seek the public’s assistance with any information about this case.
Again, detectives investigating the case have received numerous unverified tips and rumors concerning videos and social media posts but no such evidence has been submitted to Mansfield Police. The department urges anyone with information regarding potential videos, photographs, or social media content related to Trentin or the circumstances of his disappearance to come forward immediately.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Mansfield Division of Police Detective Ronee Swisher at 419-755-9432.
One Killed in Single Vehicle Motorcycle Crash in Wayne County
Franklin Township – On Tuesday, November 19th, 2024, at 2:22 AM, the Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Wooster Post was notified of a single-vehicle motorcycle crash on Graber Rd (CR 159) east Fredericksburg Rd (CR 501).
A white 2005 Suzuki GSXR600 motorcycle was eastbound on Graber Rd and drove off the right side of the roadway, striking an embankment and then a group of pine trees.
The driver of the motorcycle, Nathan D. Coblentz, 17 years old, of Holmesville, was transported to Wooster Hospital by South Central EMS, where he died approximately an hour after the crash.
Mr. Coblentz was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash. Alcohol and drugs are not suspected to be contributing factors in this crash.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted on the scene by South Central Fire and EMS, TNT Towing, and the Wayne County Sheriff’s Department.
Mansfield Police Seek Public Assistance in Disappearance of Trentin Isaac
The Mansfield Division of Police are seeking the public’s assistance in locating Trentin Isaac who has been missing since November 12, 2024. Despite extensive search efforts by law enforcement and family members, Trentin’s whereabouts remain unknown.
Detectives investigating the case have received numerous unverified tips and rumors concerning videos and social media posts allegedly related to Trentin’s disappearance. However, to date, no such evidence has been submitted to the Mansfield Police for investigation.
The department is urging anyone with information regarding potential videos, photographs, or social media content related to Trentin or the circumstances of his disappearance to come forward immediately.
The Mansfield Division of Police would also like to remind the public that, while we appreciate the community’s concern and support, we strongly discourage individuals from attempting to conduct their own investigations. In particular, the public is urged not to approach or attempt to contact individuals who may have relevant information.
All tips, leads, and inquiries should be directed to the Mansfield Police Department to ensure the integrity of the investigation.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Mansfield Division of Police Detective Ronee Swisher at 419-755-9432
ASHLAND, OHIO — Stepping into history is an experience few ever truly get to savor. At Genesis Christian Academy, students were offered a rare glimpse into the past as their American History teacher, Kenneth Hammontree, transformed himself into William Clark of the famed Lewis and Clark Expedition. This immersive reenactment left students in awe, blending the tangible presence of the past with the visceral reality of the present.
Dressed in an elk-hide outfit he handcrafted, complete with a raccoon cap, deerskin moccasins, and a .50 caliber musket rifle, Hammontree brought the world of early 19th-century exploration to life. His ensemble included a string of pelts, ranging from beaver to fox and otter, and photographs of his journey along the Lewis and Clark Trail. Through these tools and his vivid storytelling, Hammontree gave students more than a lesson; he offered an unforgettable experience.
The Story of the Corps of Discovery
The Lewis and Clark Expedition is one of the great tales of American history, a blend of heroism, resilience, and exploration. Led by Captains Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, the Corps of Discovery was tasked with mapping the uncharted wilderness of the American West following the Louisiana Purchase of 1803. Alongside them was Sacagawea, a Shoshone teenager carrying her infant son, who served as an interpreter and guide.
Their journey took them through treacherous terrain, across rivers, and over mountains, exposing them to the untouched beauty of what would become the western United States. Along the way, they cataloged flora and fauna unknown to Western science, encountering animals like grizzly bears, pronghorn antelope, and mule deer for the first time. They also mapped vast stretches of land and interacted with numerous Indigenous tribes, whose assistance was critical to their survival.
“The bravery and endurance of these men and women were extraordinary,” Hammontree told students during his portrayal. “They ventured where no Americans had gone before and returned with stories that transformed the nation’s understanding of its vast new territory.”
Indigenous Perspectives: The Other Side of the Story
As transformative as the Lewis and Clark Expedition was for the fledgling United States, its legacy is more complex for the Indigenous tribes they encountered. The expedition’s journey through Sioux, Nez Perce, Shoshone, and Mandan lands heralded the beginning of profound change — much of it devastating.
President Thomas Jefferson’s instructions to Lewis and Clark included establishing relationships with the tribes and asserting U.S. sovereignty over their lands, even if the tribes did not comprehend these foreign concepts. Gifts such as flags and peace medals symbolized goodwill from the American government, but the underlying message was one of impending ownership.
“The Indigenous peoples had no frame of reference for what these explorers were bringing,” Hammontree explained to his audience. “They saw trinkets and tools, but they couldn’t foresee the tide of change that would upend their way of life.”
In the years following the expedition, waves of trappers, hunters, and settlers decimated animal populations vital to the tribes’ survival. Beaver, buffalo, and elk were hunted to near extinction, stripping Indigenous communities of critical resources. Tribes who had thrived for generations in harmony with the land faced displacement, starvation, and cultural erosion.
The Legacy of Lewis and Clark
The students at Genesis Christian Academy learned that the legacy of Lewis and Clark is as much about loss as it is about discovery. The pristine wilderness they described in their journals — vast plains, untouched forests, and roaring rivers — has been irrevocably altered. Today, much of that land is paved over, dammed, or polluted, a far cry from the Edenic landscapes the Corps of Discovery encountered.
Hammontree emphasized the bittersweet nature of progress. “American expansion paved the way for the country we know today,” he said, “but it came at a cost. The Indigenous way of life, their connection to the land, was shattered.”
A Lesson That Sticks
For the students at Genesis Christian Academy, Hammontree’s portrayal of William Clark wasn’t just a history lesson; it was a journey into the soul of America’s past. They witnessed the bravery and curiosity that propelled a young nation westward while grappling with the difficult truths of what that expansion meant for the original inhabitants of the land.
Through this reenactment, the history of the Lewis and Clark Expedition was brought to life, not just as a chapter in a textbook, but as a living, breathing story of adventure, resilience, and reflection — one that continues to shape America’s identity today.
Ontario Police Department Seeks Public’s Help in Shooting Investigation Behind PetSmart
Ontario, OH — The Ontario Police Department is asking for the public’s help as they investigate a shooting that occurred in the parking lot behind a PetSmart store.
Ontario Police responded to a call at 11:07 a.m. regarding a vehicle located at 2275 Walker Lake Road, where officers found two bullet holes in the driver’s side window and a woman slumped over the steering wheel with an apparent gunshot wound. She was transported to a nearby hospital for medical treatment; her current condition has not been disclosed.
In a press release, Ontario Police Chief Tom Hill said, “The Ontario Police Department is investigating a shooting that occurred behind the PetSmart store in Ontario. This incident is under active investigation, and we have no further information to release at this time.”
To assist in the investigation, the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) was called in to process the scene and gather evidence.
Authorities urge anyone with information that could aid in the investigation to contact the Ontario Police Department at 419-529-2115.
Ashland County Courthouse Installs Single-Point Entry with New Security Measures
Ashland, OH — Visitors to the Ashland County Courthouse will now enter through a single designated access point, as part of new security measures implemented to enhance safety at the courthouse. The shift to a single-point entry means previous entrances from Second Street and Church Street are no longer accessible, requiring all public entry to pass through a security checkpoint at the Third Street entrance.
Captain Joe Perry of the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the new access system, fully operational since October 1, includes a recently constructed security station featuring an x-ray machine and a metal detector. The installation of these devices aims to prevent any unauthorized items from entering the courthouse, aligning Ashland County with other courthouses across Ohio, many of which already have similar security protocols.
“Construction has been completed, and ADA compliance has been approved,” Captain Perry said. “Entry is now through the Third Street side, with an employee-specific entrance just west of the main entry, accessible via key fob.”
In addition to the upgraded entry system, the courthouse has enhanced its security personnel. Sheriff Risner has assigned an additional deputy to the courthouse, bringing the total number of officers on duty to two. Judge Stimpert has also offered support, providing his bailiffs for added security coverage when needed.
Courthouse hours remain unchanged, with doors open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, and closed on weekends and federal holidays.
This upgrade marks the Ashland County Courthouse’s first significant security enhancement and brings it in line with modern standards across Ohio’s judicial facilities.
Ashland Downtown Dream Cruise and Car Show Raises Record-Breaking $26,000 for Local “Shop with a Cop” Program
Ashland, OH — In a heartwarming show of community spirit, Ashland Main Street’s Executive Director Sandra Tunnell presented a $26,000 check to Ashland Police Division Detective Kara Pearce for the “Shop with a Cop” program. This year’s donation brings the total raised by the Ashland Downtown Dream Cruise and Car Show to a staggering $223,000 since its inception.
The annual Dream Cruise and Car Show has become a major community event, drawing car enthusiasts from around the region while raising funds for the local Shop with a Cop initiative. The program helps spread holiday cheer by allowing local children to shop for gifts alongside officers from multiple law enforcement agencies, ensuring a memorable holiday season for everyone involved.
Over the years, the event’s contributions have steadily grown:
2011: $4,000
2012: $8,000
2013: $9,000
2014: $10,000
2015: $10,500
2016: $12,500
2017: $14,000
2018: $15,000
2019: $20,000
2020: $22,000
2021: $23,000
2022: $24,000
2023: $25,000
2024: $26,000
Each year, the event has broken its own fundraising records, helping make an ever-larger impact on the lives of Ashland’s children.
As part of the fundraising efforts, the community is invited to a silent auction on November 17, 2024, from 1 PM to 4 PM at O’Bryan’s Pub, located at 1065 Claremont Avenue. Guests can participate in friendly bidding wars on items donated by local businesses and community members, with all proceeds supporting Shop with a Cop. For added enjoyment, attendees can watch the Cleveland Browns game on a big screen while bidding for a great cause.
The holiday season’s main event will take place in December 2024 at the Ashland Walmart, where officers from the Ashland Division of Police, Ashland Sheriff’s Office, Ohio Highway Patrol, Mifflin Police, Loudonville Police, and Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District Rangers will join Ashland County First Responders. Together, they’ll help local children select gifts for family members and themselves, fostering a strong bond between law enforcement and the Ashland community.
Detective Kara Pearce expressed gratitude to the community for their ongoing support, saying, “This program brings so much joy to our local children, and it wouldn’t be possible without the incredible generosity of Ashland’s residents and businesses.”
Ashland, OH — In a display of unity and gratitude, the AU College Republicans, AU College Democrats, and Kappa Sigma fraternity came together on Monday night to honor local veterans at a special Veterans Day service. The event, held in Miller Chapel, featured speeches from campus leaders, including AU President Jon Parrish Peede, and representatives from each student organization.
The ceremony aimed to recognize the sacrifices made by veterans in the community, drawing a diverse audience of students, faculty, and area residents. The Ashbrook Choir provided a moving musical performance, adding to the evening’s reverent atmosphere. This collaboration across campus groups highlighted the shared respect for those who have served, fostering a spirit of remembrance and gratitude within the AU community.
Joe Lyons •
November 19, 2024
