ASHLAND, Ohio – The Ashland Center for Nonviolence (ACN) is co-hosting a special event with the Ashland County Mental Health and Recovery Board, as part of Ashland University’s 2023-24 Symposium Against Indifference: Perspectives on the Mental Health Crisis. On Tuesday, Oct. 10, which is World Mental Health Day, Ashland will welcome Jillian Peterson, co-author of “The Violence Project: How to Stop a Mass Shooting Epidemic,” in the Trustees Room of the John C. Myers Convocation Center at 7 p.m. The presentation is free and open to the public.
“The Violence Project” is based on four years of in-depth research into the lives of mass shooters. Using data, including first-person accounts from perpetrators of mass shootings across the country, Peterson charted new pathways to prevention and innovative ways to stop the social contagion of violence. She will share those data-driven solutions on what can be done individually, in our communities and as a country to put an end to these tragedies.
In addition to her highly-acclaimed book, Peterson is a forensic psychologist and associate professor of criminology at Hamline University. Her career began as a special investigator in New York City, researching the psycho-social life histories of men facing the death penalty. She has led largescale research studies on mental illness and crime, school shooting prevention and mass violence, which have received national media attention. She has been a regular commentator on CBS Morning News, NPR, CNN and Fox News.
A sought-after national trainer and speaker on issues related to mental illness and violence, trauma, forensic psychology and mass violence, Peterson earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Grinnell College and a master’s degree and Ph.D. in psychology and social behavior from the University of California, Irvine. She is trained in restorative justice, violence mediation, crisis intervention, de-escalation and suicide prevention.
The Ashland Center for Nonviolence promotes alternatives to violence through education, training and building relationships that foster awareness and consideration of issues related to nonviolence and social justice, and supports ways to create a caring community that is inclusive and just.
For more information, please contact Elizabeth Buttil, assistant director of ACN, at 419-289-5313 or ebuttil@ashland.edu.
Norwalk – The Norwalk Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating a two-vehicle fatal crash that occurred on Thursday September 14, 2023 at 9:30 PM on State Route 101 at Township Road 188 in Clinton Township, Seneca County.
Joseph Knott, age 45, of Tiffin Ohio, was driving a 2012 Harley Davidson Street Glide southwest on State Route 101. James Dougherty, age 91, of Tiffin Ohio, was driving a 2018 Ford EcoSport northeast on State Route 101 and turning onto Township Road 188. Mr. Dougherty failed to yield while turning left and was struck by Mr. Knott.
The impact threw Mr. Knott from his motorcycle, where he landed in the roadway. Mr. Knott was not wearing a helmet and was killed in the crash.
It is unknown if alcohol or drugs were a factor in the crash. The crash remains under investigation.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted by the Seneca County Sheriff’s Office, Tiffin Fire and EMS, Clinton Township Fire Department, Seneca County Coroner’s Office, Keller Truck Repair and the Ohio Department of Transportation.
Rafael Martinez Age: 40
White / Male / 5’8” / 180lbs / Black Hair / Brown Eyes
Wanted by U.S Marshals Service, the Richland County Sheriff’s Office for failure to register (F1) and a bond revocation for possession of fentanyl (F1) and failure to register (F1), and Adult Parole Authority for a parole violation for rape (F1).
Ties to the Cleveland.
Sayah Blakely Age: 31
White / Female / 5’3’’ / 230lbs / Brown Hair / Brown Eyes
Wanted by the U.S Marshals Service and Richland County Sheriff’s Office on the charge of aggravated possession of drugs F3.
Ties to Mansfield area.
Anthony Alexander Age: 38
White / Male / 200 lbs. / Brown Hair / Brown Eyes
Wanted by the U.S Marshals and Adult Parole Authority for parole violation on the original charge of possession of drugs F2.
Ties to Mansfield and Marion.
Derrick Hawkins Age: 49
Black / Male / 5’10’’ / 200 lbs. / Black Hair / Brown Eyes
Wanted by the U.S Marshals Service and Adult Parole Authority for parole violation on the original charge of aggravated robbery.
Ties to the Mansfield 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.
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.
The Ashland County Historical Society is excited to announce the return of the Living History Cemetery Walk at Ashland Cemetery. Ashland’s historical figures will come to life through local re-enactors. Each character will spend a few minutes telling stories about their lives in Ashland and how they were an important part of our history. Period costumes worn by the re-enactors will further heighten the experience with an aura of authenticity.
Join us on Sunday, September 24 from 1:00 – 3:00 pm for a fun-filled afternoon of education and exploration! Guided tours will begin promptly at 1:00 pm, with groups leaving every ten minutes. The last tour will depart at 3:00 pm.
Be sure to stop by our check-in booth upon arrival to be placed in your tour group!
This year’s cast of characters are as follows:
Helen (Phillips) Arnold – former Ashland County probation officer (Debbie Sickmiller); Sarah (Killgore) Wertman – the first woman in the United States to graduate from law school (Deleasa Randall-Griffiths); Benjamin Frank Zercher – former Mayor of Ashland (Ed Krakora); Dr. J. Allen Miller – former President, Dean and teacher at Ashland College (Dave Kowalka); Henry J. Schulz – former fire chief of The Citizens Relief Fire Company (Ken Hammontree); and Judge Mildred (McKibben) Myers – the first woman in Ashland County to hold public office (Barbara Tate).
The Living History Cemetery Walk is appropriate for families and people of all ages.
The event is open to the public, rain or shine, for a suggested donation of $5. No reservations are required
Sunday, May 15, 2023 – 1:00pm
Address:
523 W Main Street
Ashland, OH 44805
Presented By: Ashland County Historical Society & Cleo Redd Fisher Museum
When Eleanor Roosevelt said that strength and courage can be gained by looking fear in the face, she must have been speaking of someone like my friend, Santa.
In 2007, several folks gathered together and decided we needed to host a Christmas Morning Breakfast for people who are alone. What better place than to hold our first event, at the little church on Center Street which was the Art Center.
Plans were made, volunteers were contacted, and the excitement was sizzling as we opened the doors on December 25th, to a large group of hungry, lonely people. We fried bacon and eggs, served muffins, coffee and juice. Several firemen came to assist folks down the stairs.
Young and old came, single parents with children, divorcees, widows and widowers, and some came just because it was wonderful!
Then, who should arrive, but Santa, with a booming Ho! Ho! Ho! He was a hit! He hugged and talked with everyone there, had small gifts for each one and when I wasn’t looking—he disappeared.
The next year, he came again. I told the firemen to block the doors if Santa tried to disappear again. Caught! His true identity was revealed. This was the beginning of a long friendship and we are still fast friends today.
Sierra was his little rescued dog, and went everywhere with him on his scooter—but don’t try to pet her because you could lose a finger. She was only loyal to him.
Santa is a veteran and a diabetic. He continues to visit churches, nursing homes and folks in the city. Nothing stops him from from helping where he can, and he always prays for each person and dog he sees.
Santa is an inspiration to me. He makes me laugh, and at times makes me weep in anguish, at his surgeries and for loosing Sierra. His grief was acute, but the joy before was even greater.
Sierra didn’t need a new car, or a vacation in Hawaii. For her, bliss was to be close to Santa, have a belly rub or a scooter ride on a sunny day, a cuddle and a soft word. Santa always said, “God sees my heart and so does Sierra.”
Consider visiting the Ashland County Dog Shelter, walking a dog, and maybe rescuing a pup. Your life will never be the same.
Blessings,
Dianne Hammontree, secretary of Homeward Bound 501[c]3
COLUMBUS—Asst. Majority Whip Sharon Ray (R-Wadsworth), State Rep. Melanie Miller (R-City of Ashland), and State Senator Mark Romanchuk (R-Ontario) today held a press conference on newly introduced legislation that came as a result of constituent concerns about a highway interchange in Medina County. The Representatives and Senator were accompanied by leaders and residents of the City of Brunswick and the surrounding communities.
The bill will repeal a portion of the State Transportation Budget, which would require the Ohio Department of Transportation to construct an I-71 interchange on Boston Road in the City of Brunswick.
“Boston Road is not fit for an interchange like this,” said Miller. “We would have to destroy homes, level a hilly road that is unfit to carry highway traffic, and for that to be in statue is not right. This interchange is bad for Brunswick and was forced upon the residents and that is why I am pushing for this legislation to repeal the interchange.”
“This proposed interchange was the result of one community – Strongsville – trying to legislate a neighboring community – Brunswick – to fix a problem they created,” said Ray.
“This interchange is bad for Brunswick and all of Medina County for financial and safety reasons, and is just bad policy overall.”
This legislation to repeal the interchange was introduced today, as well as a Senate companion bill by Senator Romanchuk.
Medina, OH– The Medina Highway Patrol Post is investigating a traffic crash which occurred on Interstate 71 South near mile post 216 in Montville Township, Medina County.
The crash occurred at 09:54 AM when a southbound 2012 Harley Davidson pulling a trailer lost control. The Harley Davidson traveled off the left side of Interstate 71, struck the median cable, and overturned.
The driver, Dennis Shaffer, age 66, from Bristolville, Ohio and his passenger Marry Shaffer, age 60, also from Bristolville, Ohio were ejected from the motorcycle.
Both occupants were air lifted to Metro Health Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
The following agencies assisted the Ohio State Highway Patrol at the scene. The Ohio Department of Transportation, Medina LST, Montville Township Police Department, and Montville Township Fire Department / EMS,
Both occupants were not wearing helmets and drugs and or alcohol do not appear to be a factor in this crash.
Interstate 71 South was closed near the crash scene for approximately 45 minutes. The crash remains under investigation.
Deputies learned through an investigation, which was opened on 09/12/23 at 9:35 p.m., that two middle school students had a conversation at school on Tuesday about shooting up the school Wednesday.
This investigation took place after it was reported that one of the suspect students sent a text message to another middle school student Tuesday night telling the student not to go to school on Wednesday, and the text included a gun emoji.
The Sheriff’s Office made the school aware of the incident late Tuesday night into Wednesday morning and made contact with both suspect students and their families.
Charges were filed this morning with Richland County Prosecutor Jodie Schumacher. No other students are believed to be involved.
The Sheriff’s Office has added patrol to Madison Schools.
The suspect students are currently being evaluated by medical professionals and upon being cleared medically will be transported to the Richland County Juvenile Attention Center.
MANSFIELD – The Ohio State Highway Patrol has completed an OVI checkpoint that occurred on September 9th, 2023, on US Route 42, near milepost 15, in Mifflin Township.
The checkpoint was held from 8 PM to 10 PM. During the operational hours, 421 vehicles drove through the checkpoint. One vehicle was diverted and no OVI arrests were made.
After the checkpoint, saturation patrols continued in the area. 27 traffic stops were initiated with four OVI arrests made.
The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) assisted with traffic control during the checkpoint.
Dasani Antaijza Unique Cherry Age: 20
Black / Female / 5’ / 86bs / Brown Hair / Brown Eyes
Wanted by U.S Marshals Service and the Richland County Sheriff’s Office on the charge of illegal conveyance.
Ties to the Bellevue and Sandusky area.
Vernon Cole Age: 48
White / Male / 5’11’’ / 175lbs / Brown Hair / Brown Eyes
Wanted by the U.S Marshals Service and Richland County Sheriff’s Office on the charge of breaking and entering.
Ties to Mansfield and Savanah area..
Anthony Alexander Age: 38
White / Male / 200 lbs / Brown Hair / Brown Eyes
Wanted by the U.S Marshals and Adult Parole Authority for PV on the original charge of possession of drugs F2..
Ties to Mansfield and Marion area. .
Glen Pettry Age: 44
White / Male / 5’11’’ / 192 lbs / Brown Hair / Blue Eyes
Wanted by the U.S Marshals Service and Richland County Sheriff’s Office for illegal conveyance of drugs.
Ties to the Mansfield 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.
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 •
September 20, 2023
ASHLAND, Ohio – The Ashland Center for Nonviolence (ACN) is co-hosting a special event with the Ashland County Mental Health and Recovery Board, as part of Ashland University’s 2023-24 Symposium Against Indifference: Perspectives on the Mental Health Crisis. On Tuesday, Oct. 10, which is World Mental Health Day, Ashland will welcome Jillian Peterson, co-author of “The Violence Project: How to Stop a Mass Shooting Epidemic,” in the Trustees Room of the John C. Myers Convocation Center at 7 p.m. The presentation is free and open to the public.
Norwalk – The Norwalk Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating a two-vehicle fatal crash that occurred on Thursday September 14, 2023 at 9:30 PM on State Route 101 at Township Road 188 in Clinton Township, Seneca County.
COLUMBUS—Asst. Majority Whip Sharon Ray (R-Wadsworth), State Rep. Melanie Miller (R-City of Ashland), and State Senator Mark Romanchuk (R-Ontario) today held a press conference on newly introduced legislation that came as a result of constituent concerns about a highway interchange in Medina County. The Representatives and Senator were accompanied by leaders and residents of the City of Brunswick and the surrounding communities.
Deputies learned through an investigation, which was opened on 09/12/23 at 9:35 p.m., that two middle school students had a conversation at school on Tuesday about shooting up the school Wednesday.
