(COLUMBUS, Ohio) — Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost is providing Ohioans with vital clarity and transparency in anticipation of the Nov. 7 vote on State Issue 1 and State Issue 2, two contentious citizen-initiated ballot proposals.
The First Amendment safeguards even wrong information, Yost noted, and the government largely lacks the authority to restrain information. To help ensure a meaningful and accurate public discourse on the two initiatives, the Attorney General directed two teams from his office – one for each issue – to conduct legal analyses of both. These are not policy analyses, but legal analyses – not “why,” but “what.”
“Ohio voters deserve an impartial resource that offers an objective analysis of the legal implications of both citizen-initiated initiatives,” Yost said. “The decision regarding which policy path is best for Ohio lies with voters, not with me.”
Issue 1 is a constitutional amendment that deals with reproductive rights and abortion, and Issue 2 is a proposed statute on recreational use of marijuana.
“The people of Ohio hired me to do a job,” Yost said. “I owe it to them to give them accurate information so they can make informed decisions. This work is for them.”
Led by the Attorney General, separate teams of attorneys and professional staff conducted the analyses, meticulously reviewing the appropriate citizen-initiated initiatives, discussing them at length, and preparing comprehensive explanations of their legal implications.
The final versions offer clarity in some areas and acknowledge the potential for legal disputes in others – without resorting to speculative projections.
To read the Attorney General’s legal explanations of State Issues 1 and 2, visit www.ohioattorneygeneral.gov/Ballot-Initiatives.
Deputy Cindy Benner Trial Started Today in Ashland Municipal Court on Four Charges of Dereliction of Duty
Cindy Benner, an Ashland County Sheriff’s Office Deputy, appeared in the Ashland Municipal Court, before Judge, John L. Good and a jury, for her Trial concerning four charges of dereliction of duty.
Benner was charged on March 2, 2023, by Ashland’s law director, Rick Wolfe, and plead not guilty on March 10, 2023.
Trial resumes at 9am tomorrow.
A second-degree misdemeanor is punishable by, up to 90 days in jail, and a maximum $750 fine, under Ohio law.
Madison Township — The Mansfield Patrol Post responded to a report of a one vehicle crash on Mansfield Lucas Road near Illinois Avenue, in Madison Township, at 2:02 AM.
The preliminary investigation shows a 2014 Harley Davidson Street Glide was traveling southeast on Mansfield Lucas Road.
The Harley Davidson was driven by Mason C. Clover, 23, of Butler, Ohio. The Harley Davidson traveled off the left side of the roadway and down an embankment. Mr. Clover was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Mr. Clover was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.
A portion of Mansfield Lucas Road was closed for approximately two hours during the investigation of the crash.
The Richland County Sheriff’s Department, Madison Township Fire Department, and Laurence’s Towing assisted on the scene. The crash remains under investigation.
Tickets are on sale now for the Madrigal Feaste, a beloved and long-standing tradition at Ashland University. The 47th annual event, presented by the AU Department of Music, will be held Thursday, Nov. 30, through Sunday, Dec. 3, at Redwood Hall with doors opening at 6 p.m. each night and the royal procession beginning at 6:30 p.m.
The Madrigal Feaste takes audiences back to “Merry Olde England,” a term that refers to the country’s powerful and prosperous Elizabethan period, for an evening of fine singing, original comedy, award-winning dining and cherished traditions.
The dinner theater includes performances throughout by the AU Chamber Singers, a select vocal ensemble on campus. They dress in authentic period-style costumes and sing traditional Christmas carols, ceremonial music and madrigals—a cappella love songs from 400 years ago that include themes and topics that are relatable today—while actors entertain theatrically, with comic relief provided by the commanding butler and the court jester.
The four-course-meal, served family style, features roast beef, roasted potatoes and carrots, cashew salad, rolls, cookies, figgy pudding and wassail. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available and can be selected when purchasing tickets.
All tickets must be purchased in advance (none are sold at the door) and are on sale through Monday, Nov. 27. They are available online at ashland.edu/performing-arts-tickets (credit card purchases will include an additional transaction fee) or in person at the AU Campus Store during normal business hours.
For more information, contact Ron Blackley, director of choral activities and professor of music at AU, at 419-289-5114 or rblackle@ashland.edu.
If you have a question for the Mayor please email them to pilyons@yahoo.com
Update on Claremont Avenue Project.
Follow up on year-end paving update.
Mansfield Plumbing Closing.
Follow up on Area Jobs and Hiring Places.
Mayor’s Annual Veterans Breakfast.
Ashland‘s Trick or Treat.
Notification of Ashland Leaf Pick up Program.
Update on Eagle Gas Station on Claremont Avenue.
Vision/Pumphouse Update.
Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area/ DORA.
I would like to give a huge shout-out to Bill Harris Dealerships for sponsoring the monthly updates with Ashland Mayor, Matt Miller.
This exciting endeavor will help to ensure that Ashland County Pictures (ACP) will be able to continue serving the Ashland area with breaking news, and up to date information.
I would like to thank the Ashland County Pictures supporters for their continued patronage without viewers like you, there would be no ACP.
It is almost time for the City’s annual leaf collection! Each autumn the City of Ashland works with residents to collect fallen leaves from your curb to create clean and safe neighborhood streets in preparation for the winter season.
ASHLAND – In just five years, Ashland Young Professionals has grown into a force for good in Ashland County.
After raising an impressive $15,000 through a recent “Putts for Pets” golf outing, AYP teamed up with Ashland County Community Foundation to make AYP’s charitable giving even more effective.
AYP’s steering committee brought the proceeds from the fundraiser to ACCF to establish a donor advised fund, and ACCF agreed to provide a $5,000 match to help grow the new fund.
The young professionals group then arranged for $7,000 to be given to each of their two chosen charities—the Homeward Bound Agency Fund in support of the new dog shelter and The Cat House Feline Sanctuary. They also used a portion of proceeds to buy pet product donations for both nonprofit organizations.
While all the money raised through the golf outing was passed through to directly benefit the animal-related charities, ACCF’s $5,000 matching grant will remain in the fund held at ACCF to serve as the fund’s floor—the minimum dollar amount required to maintain a charitable grantmaking fund at the foundation.
Fund dollars will be invested to grow over time, allowing AYP to give more effectively in the coming years. As donor advisors for the fund, AYP can contribute to the fund any time the group raises money through its fundraisers, such as the annual golf outing and the Ashland County Fair beer garden. The group can also make grants from available dollars in the fund at any time to any nonprofit or other qualifying organization.
Donor advised funds have become an increasingly popular fund type among individuals and families, but AYP is the first club in the community to establish one at ACCF.
ACCF President/CEO Jim Cutright is thrilled to see AYP thriving and giving back to the community through the foundation.
He noted that when Ashland Area Chamber of Commerce launched AYP in 2018, ACCF provided seed money for the program from the foundation’s strategic grantmaking pool.
“Often when you provide seed money for a new program, you don’t know how successful it will be,” he said. “So to see that AYP has been successful to the point that they are able to start their own fund for charitable giving is fantastic.”
Emily Grimm helps lead the AYP program as the program’s liaison from Ashland Area Chamber of Commerce, where she works as director of membership and marketing.
Grimm said she and AYP’s steering committee members are pleased to be able to start the new fund. Steering committee members include Angela Ringler (Advantage Marketing), Alyssa McQuate (Appleseed Mental Health Center), Bri Noel (Edward Jones), Emily Pauly (Ashland Christian School/Eva’s Treas), Kristin Flickinger (Wayne Savings), Heather Claybaugh (Charles River), Jayla Hyde (Charles River), Matthew Lefelhoc (Whitcomb & Hess), Lindsey Hoover (Simonson Construction Services), Grant Denbow (Ashland Pump) and Jake Jones (Spreng-Smith).
“ACCF helped us get off the ground to start our organization, and we wouldn’t be where we are today without the foundation,” she said. “This fund will help us get our name out there more and help us to be more charitable.”
For AYP members, Grimm said, hosting group fundraisers for charitable causes is a way of making a collective impact.
“We see all the wonderful momentum in the community, and we want to be a part of that,” she said. “We want to give back and to be philanthropic in the community, but because of our age range, our group members don’t necessarily have the finances to be charitable givers.”
The group is excited to have grown the golf outing from 14 participating teams and $2,000 raised in the first year to 33 teams and $15,000 raised this year.
Grimm encouraged any young people in Ashland County between the ages of 21 and 40 to connect with AYP by following Ashland Young Professionals on Facebook and Instagram or visiting www.ashlandoh.com/programs/ayp/.
The group regularly hosts social events, professional development opportunities, fundraisers and community service projects.
“We don’t have a membership fee or any attendance requirements. We just hope you attend the events that sound fun and fit your schedule,” she said.
About Ashland Young Professionals: A program of Ashland Area Chamber of Commerce, Ashland Young Professionals provides opportunities for young professionals to connect with one another, grow together, serve their community and make an impact in Ashland.
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.
(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
(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
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
(COLUMBUS, Ohio) — Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost is providing Ohioans with vital clarity and transparency in anticipation of the Nov. 7 vote on State Issue 1 and State Issue 2, two contentious citizen-initiated ballot proposals.
Madison Township — The Mansfield Patrol Post responded to a report of a one vehicle crash on Mansfield Lucas Road near Illinois Avenue, in Madison Township, at 2:02 AM.
Tickets are on sale now for the Madrigal Feaste, a beloved and long-standing tradition at Ashland University. The 47th annual event, presented by the AU Department of Music, will be held Thursday, Nov. 30, through Sunday, Dec. 3, at Redwood Hall with doors opening at 6 p.m. each night and the royal procession beginning at 6:30 p.m.
After raising an impressive $15,000 through a recent “Putts for Pets” golf outing, AYP teamed up with Ashland County Community Foundation to make AYP’s charitable giving even more effective.
The young professionals group then arranged for $7,000 to be given to each of their two chosen charities—the Homeward Bound Agency Fund in support of the new dog shelter and The Cat House Feline Sanctuary. They also used a portion of proceeds to buy pet product donations for both nonprofit organizations.
Emily Grimm helps lead the AYP program as the program’s liaison from Ashland Area Chamber of Commerce, where she works as director of membership and marketing.
(Ashland) – The Ohio State Highway Patrol is reminding both pedestrians and motorists that safety is a shared responsibility.
(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.