Milton Township – On Thursday, November 9, 2023 at 03:48 PM the Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Wooster Post was notified of a two-vehicle crash at the intersection of State Route 57 and State Route 604 in Milton Township, Wayne County.
The investigation revealed a black 2003 Buick Park Avenue was stopped at the stop sign westbound on State Route 604 when it failed to yield and attempted to cross State Route 57. A red 2015 Chrysler 200 was southbound on State Route 57 and struck the Buick in the right front. The Buick came to rest in the southbound lane of State Route 57. The Chrysler came to rest near the southwest corner of State Route 57 and State Route 604.
The driver of the Buick, Larry R. Bratcher, 72 years old, of Creston, was injured in the crash and transported to Akron City Hospital where he died at 6:21 PM. The driver of the Chrysler, Jayvon Stanford Jones Dehart, 18 years old, of Orrville, was transported to Akron City Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Mr. Bratcher was belted in the Buick. Mr. Stanford was not belted in the Chrysler.
Alcohol is suspected to be a contributing factor in this crash.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted on scene by Chippewa Township Fire and EMS, Rittman Fire and EMS, Wayne County Sheriff’s Office, 3 Son’s Towing, and Bear’s Towing.
On Saturday, November 4, the annual “CRAM THE CRUISER” event, sponsored by Ohio State Highway Patrol Ashland Post 3, took place at the Ashland Walmart. This year, the event surpassed all expectations and set a new record for donations. The Ashland community, once again, demonstrated their incredible generosity and dedication to helping those in need.
The “CRAM THE CRUISER” event has become a beloved tradition in Ashland County. Each year, residents come together to donate non-perishable food items and cash to support Associated Charities Ashland County Food Bank. And this year, the community showed just how much they care.
In 2018, the event collected an impressive 2,800 pounds of food. The following year, donations dropped slightly to 2,380 pounds. However, in 2020, the community rallied and increased the amount of donated food to 2,460 pounds. The trend continued in 2021, with a significant jump to 3,080 pounds. In 2022, the event saw another increase, reaching 3,300 pounds. And now, in 2023, the Ashland community has outdone themselves, with a remarkable 3,420 pounds of food donated. This new all-time record is a testament to the community’s unwavering support.
Not only did the Ashland community break the food donation record, but they also shattered the cash donation record. This year, an incredible $2,219.25 was collected in cash donations. These funds will greatly benefit the Associated Charities Ashland County Food Bank in their mission to feed those in need.
Associated Charities of Ashland County Executive Director, Christine Box expressed her appreciation, “For many years, the Ashland County Post of the Ohio State Patrol, has collected non-perishable food items for our food pantry. This year our troopers collected a record amount of food, weighing in at 3,420 pounds – along with $2189.25 in cash and a $30.00 gift card. Associated Charities is extremely thankful for the time and dedication given by our friends at the patrol post. It’s so awesome that these guys give of their time, especially on their days off, to do this for our community in need. The food collected will help to feed hundreds of folks that seek our assistance. I am beyond grateful for their friendship. We are blessed.”
“We had an awesome outpouring of support from our community this year!” Christine Box continued, “We set new records for the amount of food collected a cash donations. I want to thank everyone for their generous support in helping those in need during this upcoming holiday season. A special shout out to the Ashland University Criminal Justice Club for volunteering to help out collecting donations and making a difference.”
Sgt. Daniel Kumor of the Ashland Post of the Ohio Highway Patrol expressed his gratitude to the residents of Ashland County, saying, “On behalf of the Ohio State Highway Patrol, Ashland Post, and Associated Charities, Ashland County Food Bank, I want to thank the great citizens of Ashland County for their amazing generosity during our annual Cram the Cruiser food drive!”
Sgt. Perrin of the Ashland Post of the Ohio Highway Patrol expressed his admiration for the community, saying, “This community always exceeds expectations and shows what it means to truly care about one another. Your contributions will be put to good use helping those in need. Thank you, Ashland County. You truly are the World Headquarters of Nice People.”
The success of the “CRAM THE CRUISER” event would not have been possible without the tireless efforts of the Ohio State Highway Patrol, and the kindness of the Ashland community. These dedicated individuals, often volunteering their time on their days off, exemplify what it means to care deeply for others.
Once again, the Ashland community has demonstrated their boundless generosity and compassion. The annual “CRAM THE CRUISER” event continues to grow, setting new records each year. The success of this event not only benefits Associated Charities Ashland County Food Bank, but also serves as a powerful reminder of the strength and unity within the Ashland community.
ASHLAND – Live life by your own rules. Make people laugh. Never give up. Work hard, play hard. Speak your mind. Include everyone. Give respect, and earn respect. Always look for the positive.
This is what it means to “Live Like Bre,” a phrase coined by a neighbor and friend of Breanne McKean shortly after Bre’s unexpected death at the age of 17. The phrase has also become one of the criteria for the new Bre McKean Memorial Scholarship, held at Ashland County Community Foundation.
McKean passed away Sept. 29 after collapsing on the field at Mapleton High School’s homecoming football game. She was a senior, celebrating her spot on the homecoming court. She was happy and vibrant. And then she was gone.
The sudden loss shook the Mapleton community and rippled throughout Ashland County and beyond. Friends bought t-shirts and yard signs—a few even got tattoos— in memory of Bre. Acquaintances changed their Facebook Profile pictures and used the hashtags #MapletonStrong and #LiveLikeBre. Even strangers and athletic rivals wore Mapleton’s school colors. By the McKean family’s count, more than two dozen schools did something to remember Bre and show support for her grieving family and community. Upwards of 1,200 people attended Bre’s celebration of life service at Ashland University’s Niss Athletic Center.
“We knew she was special to us, but we didn’t know how she was perceived in the schools and in the community,” said Bre’s father, Tim McKean. “But we have seen hundreds, if not thousands, of posts on Facebook and Instagram and heard so many stories that we didn’t know.”
Several fundraisers sprung up as businesses and individuals began collecting money for what would become the Bre McKean Memorial Scholarship Fund at Ashland County Community Foundation.
“As soon as we added this fund to our online donation portal, gifts started pouring in from a diverse group of donors throughout Ashland County,” said Jim Cutright, president/CEO of ACCF. “We are honored to accept these donations and manage this fund in memory of Bre.”
The fundraising goal to start an endowed scholarship was $15,000. To date, the fund totals more than $60,000. Donations came from more than 200 individuals and groups and ranged from $10 to $5,000.
“It’s been overwhelming, but we’re just so proud of Bre for who she was,” Bre’s mother, Michelle McKean, said.
Bre was the teammate who made everyone laugh. She was the classmate who got the class discussion rolling and went out of her way to include the new kid. She had definite opinions, and she wasn’t afraid to verbalize them.
She had nicknames for all the adults around the school and she sometimes scoffed at the rules, but her behavior wasn’t perceived as rude, and her jokes weren’t made at the expense of others. She just lived life in her own way, and she didn’t take herself too seriously.
Still, she excelled in school as a member of the National Honor Society and was a driven three-season athlete, surprising doctors by returning to the volleyball court just six months after tearing her ACL.
The new scholarship has great meaning for the McKean family.
“We want her to be remembered, and this will help someone,” Michelle, said. “Bre always tried to include and to help people, so this is a way for her to continue to do that.”
Starting in Spring 2024, the annual scholarship will be awarded to a female student athlete graduating from Mapleton High School who embodies the phrase “Live Like Bre.” Students may apply for the scholarship through Ashland County Community Foundation’s online scholarship application at www.ashlandforgood.org/scholarships. Applications are accepted January 1 through March 15.
The award amount will be $2,100 for each of the first five years—a nod to Bre’s athletic uniform number, which was 21. After that, per ACCF’s distribution policy, the award will be 4 percent of the fund total. This policy ensures the permanently endowed scholarship will continue in perpetuity, carrying on McKean’s legacy for years to come.
The McKeans extend their gratitude to the entire community for the outpouring of practical, emotional and financial support.
“It’s just been overwhelming. Everybody has been so kind and gracious,” Michelle said. “I don’t even know the words to say to thank everyone, but I just want them to know we truly, truly appreciate everything.”
Donations in any amount may be made to any ACCF fund at any time. Visit www.ashlandforgood.org to contribute to the Bre McKean Memorial Scholarship Fund online, or mail a check made out to Ashland County Community Foundation with McKean Scholarship in the memo line to 300 College Ave., Ashland, OH 44805.
The Norwalk Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol is currently conducting an investigation into a tragic one-vehicle crash that took place on Friday, December 8, 2023, at approximately 8:47 PM on County Road 35, just north of Township Road 44 in Venice Township, Seneca County.
The driver, Heath Mahl, 41 years old from Attica, Ohio, was travelling north in a GMC Acadia when the incident occurred. While navigating a curve, Mr. Mahl veered off the right side of the road, colliding with a fence.
The vehicle then proceeded to go over an embankment, subsequently striking multiple trees. Tragically, Mr. Mahl, who was appropriately wearing his seat belt at the time, succumbed to his injuries.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol suspect that alcohol was a contributing factor in this particular crash.
Following the incident, Mr. Mahl’s body was transported to Mercy Health in Tiffin by the Seneca County EMS.
Additionally, Hess Towing and Recovery was responsible for towing the vehicle from the scene.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol received assistance from the Seneca County Sheriff’s Office, Attica Fire Department, Seneca County EMS, and Hess Towing and Recovery throughout the course of this investigation.
On October 27, 2023, the Mansfield Division of Police responded to the area of 810 Ferndale Ave. reference to a shooting incident. Police found two victims deceased at the residence and four additional victims of Felonious Assault.
Through investigation, Major Crimes Detectives were able to identify Cyrus J. Ellerbe as a suspect in the 810 Ferndale Ave. shooting incident.
On November 8, 2023, after consultation with the Richland County Prosecutors Office, detectives from the Mansfield Division of Police took Cyrus J. Ellerbe into custody on an F1 Murder Charge.
The Mansfield Division of Police would like to thank the community for their support and diligence thus far while reminding everyone that the investigation into this shooting incident is ongoing and detectives are continuing to gather additional facts.
We encourage any member of the community that has information regarding this investigation, to call our crime tip line at 419-522-7463 and remain anonymous or contact Det. Sgt. Jered Kingsborough at 419-755-9729 or Det. Korey Kaufman at 419-755-9748.
One of the best parts about living in our great city is the fact that we are a patriotic community. If you have served as a member of our United States military, Melanie & I would like to personally invite you and your guest to enjoy a delicious, free breakfast on Veterans Day, at the 5th annual Mayor’s Veterans Day Breakfast. The breakfast will take place Saturday, November 11th between 7:30 & 9:00 a.m. at the Ashland Eagles Club—and we hope you will join us as we honor you for your service to our great country!
Ashland Post of the Ohio Highway Patrol Troopers, Ashland Sheriff’s Office Deputies, Polk Fire Department & EMS, Jeromesville Fire Department responded to a two vehicle accident at the intersection of US Route 250 and State Route 89 around 7:15pm last night.
Waiting for the information from the Sheriff’s Office
Hey there, folks! Guess what time it is? Yup, it’s that time of year again when the Ashland Fire Department’s Red Helmet Christmas Charities is revving up for action!
Get ready to spread some holiday cheer because they are hosting a fantastic toy drive at Foundation Plaza on Saturday, November 25th, from 9 am to noon. Not only is the Ashland Fire Department accepting new (unwrapped) toys, but they are also happy to take your cold, hard cash donations too.
These amazing gifts will find their way to the Associated Charities, the Ashland County Food Bank, and The Ashland Kroc Center, where they will be distributed to families in need right here in Ashland County.
And that’s not all, my festive friends!
The Ashland Firefighters themselves will be on the scene, serving up scrumptious hot chocolate and dishing out candy canes to sweeten the deal.
So, mark your calendars, gather up your generosity, and join in the spirit of giving. Let’s make this holiday season truly magical for those who need it most!
In a remarkable demonstration of dedication and compassion, the Ashland Police Division Officers, Ashland Fire Department, and EMS came together to assist an 80-year old woman involved in a single vehicle accident at Aldi’s this morning.
Although it was a minor injury crash, there was something truly noteworthy that caught my attention as I was leaving the scene.
I witnessed two Officers from the Ashland Police Division, along with members of the Ashland Fire Department and the Auer Towing driver, going the extra mile by retrieving groceries from the lady’s trunk and placing them in the ambulance.
Their empathy and thoughtfulness didn’t stop there.
Not only did the EMS crew accompany her home, ensuring her safety along the way, but I later learned from scanner reports that EMS even reached out to an Officer to search for her lost cane. Promptly, the Officer located the cane and personally delivered it to the woman’s home.
This exceptional level of care and attention demonstrated by these first responders deserves our gratitude and appreciation.
Their willingness to go above and beyond their duties is truly commendable, and I simply wanted to take a moment to express my thanks to all those who were involved in providing such exceptional assistance today.
The Mansfield Police Department made a shocking discovery on Sunday, November 5th, at North Lake Park, when they stumbled upon a decomposed body while responding to another call.
After a preliminary investigation, the remains were identified as belonging to Shealeah Lachelle Staley, an Ashland woman who had been reported missing since August 31st.
The body was found deep within the woods of the park. This finding triggered the involvement of the Richland County Coroner’s Office and Mercyhurst University’s Forensic Anthropology Team, known for their expertise in meticulously processing crime scenes.
While there does not appear to be any foul play involved, it is crucial for investigators to piece together the puzzle of Staley’s death, and shed light on the circumstances surrounding her disappearance.
This tragic incident serves as a reminder of the invaluable role that professional agencies play in bringing closure to unfortunate events, while also extending compassion and support to those affected.
Back in October, I shared a Facebook post about Staley’s disappearance, after a request from Sara Mae to share the post, highlighting the urgency to find her. Thanks to all who shared the post.
Joe Lyons •
November 10, 2023
Milton Township – On Thursday, November 9, 2023 at 03:48 PM the Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Wooster Post was notified of a two-vehicle crash at the intersection of State Route 57 and State Route 604 in Milton Township, Wayne County.
On Saturday, November 4, the annual “CRAM THE CRUISER” event, sponsored by Ohio State Highway Patrol Ashland Post 3, took place at the Ashland Walmart. This year, the event surpassed all expectations and set a new record for donations. The Ashland community, once again, demonstrated their incredible generosity and dedication to helping those in need.
“We had an awesome outpouring of support from our community this year!” Christine Box continued, “We set new records for the amount of food collected a cash donations. I want to thank everyone for their generous support in helping those in need during this upcoming holiday season. A special shout out to the Ashland University Criminal Justice Club for volunteering to help out collecting donations and making a difference.”
ASHLAND – Live life by your own rules. Make people laugh. Never give up. Work hard, play hard. Speak your mind. Include everyone. Give respect, and earn respect. Always look for the positive.
The Norwalk Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol is currently conducting an investigation into a tragic one-vehicle crash that took place on Friday, December 8, 2023, at approximately 8:47 PM on County Road 35, just north of Township Road 44 in Venice Township, Seneca County.
On October 27, 2023, the Mansfield Division of Police responded to the area of 810 Ferndale Ave. reference to a shooting incident. Police found two victims deceased at the residence and four additional victims of Felonious Assault.
The Mansfield Police Department made a shocking discovery on Sunday, November 5th, at North Lake Park, when they stumbled upon a decomposed body while responding to another call.
