Ashland – Nationally, around 11 percent of drivers are age 24 and younger. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, teen drivers have a higher rate of fatal crashes, mainly because of their immaturity, lack of skills, and lack of experience.
“Anytime a person gets behind the wheel, especially our teen drivers, it is a huge responsibility,” said Governor Mike DeWine. “To prevent senseless tragedies and save lives, young drivers should take this responsibility seriously and always keep their attention on the road.”
In Ohio, youthful drivers, age 15 to 24, were involved in 166,399 traffic crashes from 2021 to 2022. An action on the part of the youthful driver contributed to 63 percent of these crashes. Crashes where youthful drivers were at fault resulted in 441 fatalities and 45,540 injuries during the same timeframe.
To support young drivers, the Ohio State Highway Patrol oversees the DRIVE to Live education program. DRIVE to Live positively engages young drivers in conversations about good decision-making. The Ohio Department of Public Safety’s Teach Your Teen to Drive website also offers parents and caregivers helpful tips and a framework for having discussions with their teen drivers about risky driving behaviors that can lead to fatal consequences.
“Poor decisions while driving can impact young drivers for the rest of their lives,” said Colonel Charles A. Jones, Patrol superintendent. “Each time our troopers have the chance to interact with a young driver, it is an opportunity to stress the importance of safe driving habits.”
The leading causes of youthful driver crashes were following too close and failure to yield or running a red light or stop sign. Leading causes of fatal at-fault youthful driver crashes included unsafe speed, failure to yield or running a red light or stop sign, driving off the roadway and driving left of center.
A statistical map containing youthful driver crash information can be found here. To schedule a DRIVE to Live presentation for your school or group click here.
ASHLAND, Ohio – Abraham Edwards, a 2005 graduate of Ashland University and currently a faculty member at Michigan State University, was one of three recipients nationwide of the Mathematical Association of America’s 2023 Henry L. Alder Award for Distinguished Teaching.
The prestigious honor goes to “beginning college or university faculty whose teaching has been extraordinarily successful and whose effectiveness in teaching undergraduate mathematics is shown to have influence beyond their classrooms,” according to the MAA website.
Edwards is a professor at MSU’s Lyman Briggs College teaching a variety of math courses, ranging from college algebra, to the calculus sequence, to statistics for scientists, to an honors research seminar in experimental mathematics. He also guides interdisciplinary courses, such as “Proof! A History of Certainty in Mathematics and Science,” “Quest for the Sublime: Mathematics, Poetry, and the Romantic Age” and “Mathematics in Cultural and Historical Contexts.” In addition, he has mentored multiple student research projects, including two that led to publications co-authored with students.
Beyond the classroom, Edwards contributes to the National Science Foundation-funded TRIUMPHS group (Transforming Instruction in Undergraduate Mathematics via Primary Historical Sources) and leads a popular MAA MathFest workshop, titled “Learning from History: Teaching with Primary Source Projects in Your Mathematics Classroom.”
Edwards, who earned a master’s degree in mathematics from Cleveland State University in 2009 and a Ph.D. in mathematics education from MSU in 2016, credits his successful career path, in part, to his days as an undergraduate.
“What really struck me was how much the math faculty (at AU) seemed to enjoy teaching. I think that was what really got me thinking about a career related to mathematics teaching,” he recalled.
Edwards, originally from Grafton, Ohio, also appreciated the personal attention and support that Ashland prides itself on.
“I was able to study mathematics in small classes, taught by expert professors. This created an atmosphere in which learning was enjoyable and I felt supported in my academic journey. I wasn’t the best math student, not by a longshot. But, that’s what’s great about a college like Ashland. The faculty are willing to meet students where they’re at, and it put me on a trajectory to succeed in graduate school and in academia,” he said.
On September 4, 2023, at approximately 4:17 a.m., Ashland Police responded to an alarm at Bill Harris, Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, of Ashland.
Ashland Police Division Chief of Police, David Lay said in a press release, “The alarm led officers to discover the business had been broken into. Sgt. Eggeman located an occupied, dark-colored, Honda CRV at a residence on Baney Rd, south of the dealership. When he stopped the Honda, two suspects got out, and were ultimately taken into custody. The driver of the Honda fled, leading police on a high-speed pursuit into the county. The pursuit ended after the Honda returned to the city, where a sheriff’s deputy was able to deploy spike strips.”
“The Honda crashed on US 42, between South Davis Rd and East Main Street, where two more suspects fled on foot. With the help of the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office, Ohio State Highway Patrol of Ashland, and Richland County, officers were able to establish a perimeter,” Chief Lay explained.
“At approximately 6:46 a.m., a third suspect was taken into custody, near Country Club Lane. At this time, there is no description of the remaining suspect. Police extensively searched the area, using a canine, drones, and a helicopter.” Chief Lay concluded with, “ Anyone who sees anything suspicious, or has non-emergency information can contact Ashland Police at 419-289-1911.”
Fernando Evans, 20, along with Calvin White, 19, and Greenwood Lewis, 18, all three are from Cleveland, Ohio and were arrested and booked into the Ashland County Jail.
All three had Bond Hearings on Wednesday, September 6, 2023, before Magistrate Emily M. Bates, of the Court of Common Pleas of Ashland County.
The court found that Fernando Evans, is indigent and appointed Attorney Benjamin Zushin to represent him in: Count one: complicity (breaking and entering) and count two: failure to comply with an order or signal of a police officer.
Bond was set:
A bail bond secured by the deposit of ten percent (10%) of the amount of the bond in cash. The amount of the bond is $100,000.00. Ninety percent (90%) of the deposit shall be returned upon compliance with all conditions of the bond.
OR
A surety bond, a bond secured by real estate or securities, as allowed by law, or the deposit of cash, in the sum of $100,000.00, at the option of the Defendant.
The court found that Calvin White is indigent and appointed Attorney Jodie Dees to represent him in: Count one: complicity (breaking and entering)
Bond was set:
A bail bond secured by the deposit of ten percent (10%) of the amount of the bond in cash. The amount of the bond is $50,000.00. Ninety percent (90%) of the deposit shall be returned upon compliance with all conditions of the bond.
OR
A surety bond, a bond secured by real estate or securities as allowed by law, or the deposit of cash, in the sum of $50,000.00, at the option of the Defendant.
The court found that Greenwood Lewis is indigent and appointed Attorney Jennifer Harmon to represent him in Count one: complicity (breaking and entering)
Bond was set:
A bail bond secured by the deposit of ten percent (10%) of the amount of the bond in cash. The amount of the bond is $50,000.00. Ninety percent (90%) of the deposit shall be returned upon compliance with all conditions of the bond.
OR
A surety bond, a bond secured by real estate or securities as allowed by law, or the deposit of cash, in the sum of $50,000.00, at the option of the Defendant.
Charges are as follows:
COUNT ONE: COMPLICITY (BREAKING AND ENTERING)
In that on or about September 4, 2023, in Ashland County, Ohio, FERNANDO EVANS did act with the kind of culpability required for the commission of an offense and did aid or abet another, to wit: Calvin White and/or Greenwood Lewis and/or Unnamed co-Conspirator I and/or Unnamed co-Conspirator 2, in committing the offense of Breaking and Entering a felony of the fifth degree.
COUNT TWO: FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH AN ORDER OR SIGNAL OF A POLICE OFFICER
In that on or about September 4, 2023, in Ashland County, Ohio, FERNANDO EVANS did operate a motor vehicle so as willfully to elude or flee a police officer after receiving a visible or audible signal from a police officer to bring his motor vehicle to a stop, in violation of Ohio Revised Code Section 2921.331 2921.331 FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH AN ORDER OR SIGNAL OF A POLICE OFFICER, a felony of the fourth degree.
FURTHERMORE, and the offender was fleeing immediately after the commission of a felony.
COUNT ONE: COMPLICITY (BREAKING AND ENTERING)
In that on or about September 4, 2023, in Ashland County, Ohio, CALVIN WHITE did act with the kind of culpability required for the commission of an offense and did aid or abet another, to wit: Ferando Evans and/or Greenwood Lewis and/or Unnamed co-Conspirator 1 and/or Unnamed co-Conspirator 2 in committing the offense of Breaking and Entering, ORC Sections 2911.13(A) & 2911.13(C), and the underlying offense was a felony of the fifth degree,
COUNT ONE: COMPLICITY (BREAKING AND ENTERING)
In that on or about September 4, 2023, in Ashland County, Ohio, GREENWOOD LEWIS did act with the kind of culpability required for the commission of an offense and did aid or abet another, to wit: Calvin White and/or Femando Evans and/or Unnamed co-Conspirator I and/or Unnamed co-Conspirator 2 in committing the offense of Breaking and Entering, ORC Sections 2911.13(A) & 2911.13(C), and the underlying offense was a felony of the fifth degree, in violation of Ohio Revised Code Section
SUGAR CREEK TOWNSHIP – On Thursday, September 7, 2023 at 7:32 PM, the Wooster Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol was notified of a two-vehicle crash with serious injuries. The crash occurred in the westbound lanes of US Route 30 near Wenger Road in Sugar Creek Township, Wayne County.
The crash investigation revealed that a gray 2017 Dodge Durango was traveling westbound on US 30 in the left lane. A red 2000 Harley Davidson Road King was also traveling westbound on US 30 in the left lane. As the Dodge slowed to make a left turn, the motorcycle failed to maintain assured clear distance ahead and struck the Dodge in the left rear portion of the vehicle. After impact, the Dodge rotated and traveled into the grassy median.
The motorcycle driver was separated from the motorcycle and landed in the grassy median. The motorcycle itself overturned on its right side and came to final rest in the left lane of US 30.
The driver of the Dodge SUV, Sharla West, 42, of Dalton, Ohio did not sustain any injuries and was seat-belted at the time of the crash. The driver of the motorcycle, Jackson Fimple, 21, of East Canton, Ohio was transported from the scene by East Wayne Fire and EMS to Aultman Orrville Hospital. While enroute to the hospital, Mr. Fimple was pronounced deceased by EMS personnel. Mr. Fimple had a motorcycle endorsement and was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.
At this time, the crash remains under investigation, but impairment is believed to be a contributing factor.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted on scene by the Dalton Police Department, the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office, East Wayne Fire and EMS, the Wayne County Coroner’s Office, and Paul Pratt’s Towing.
The Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District (MWCD), is proud to announce that it has been honored with the prestigious Horizon Award by the Ashland Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD).
Ashland SWCD selects a Horizon Award winner annually to recognize a pioneer in conservation in the county. The MWCD has been a long-time partner with Ashland SWCD in helping farmers and landowners implement conservation practices that make a difference in the watershed.
“For the last 90 years, MWCD has made a commitment to flood reduction, water conservation, and recreational opportunities throughout Ohio’s largest watershed,” said Jane Houin, Program Administrator for Ashland SWCD. “For Ashland County, this commitment has resulted in MWCD partnering with our conservation district on a number of projects that directly benefit farmers, landowners and residents of the county. Their cover crop cost-share program has provided cost share for over 22,000 acres of cover crops to be planted in Ashland County over the last 10 years. Ashland County’s soil and water resources would not be where they are today without the support and commitment to these resources the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District has provided to our area since 1933.”
The Horizon Award is a testament to MWCD’s commitment to preserving and improving the natural environment and supporting the farming communities in the district. MWCD is dedicated to supporting innovative conservation practices and fostering a sense of responsibility towards local ecosystems.
“We are deeply honored to receive the Horizon Award from the Ashland Soil and Water Conservation District,” said Matt Thomas, MWCD’s Chief of Conservation. “This award underscores our efforts to protect the environment, promote sustainable practices, and make a positive impact on the community.”
MWCD has a long history of collaborating with local organizations, educational institutions, and community members to drive environmental awareness and change. This award recognizes the commitment to working hand-in-hand with the Ashland SWCD to advance conservation initiatives within the county.
For more information about MWCD and its conservation efforts, please visit www.mwcd.org. To view the Ashland Soil and Water Conservation District newsletter with the annual meeting and award winner info: https://www.ashlandswcd.com/the-steward-newsletters
Today Whoopsie Daisy Bowtique owner, Megan Steffen welcomed guests to a Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cutting, celebrating her new location at 126 E Main Street.
Steffen has been in business 13 years, and specializes in screen printing, vinyl lettering, and custom embroidery. Her new space includes create your own spa stations for kids, along with a machine where you can even stuff your own stuffed animal.
“Additional space also allows me to have Birthday Parties at the bowtique.” Megan says.
Ashland County Prosecuting Attorney Christopher R. Tunnell and Ashland City School District Superintendent Steve Paramore announced today that they are jointly sponsoring an internet safety presentation by the Ohio Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (Ohio ICAC).
The program will take place Tuesday, September 12th 2023, at 6 p.m. in Archer Auditorium located at 1440 King Rd Ashland, OH. The program is free for parents, custodians, and guardians of children, regardless of which school district they attend. This presentation is for adults only. The program is expected to conclude by 8 p.m.
Most Ashland County school age children are utilizing not just computers, but cell phones, tablets, and an array of internet connected devices. While this connectivity holds great potential for education, there is also the potential that online predators will interact with a child. Those predators are sophisticated and can pull your child from a virtual environment into the real-life dangers of the world. Parents and caretakers are very often the least knowledgeable people in the home about the online environment. The purpose of this program is to educate adults as to what happens online and how to can keep children safe.
Ohio ICAC began in 1999 in the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office. It is an alliance of city, county, state, and federal law enforcement authorities dedicated to the apprehension and prosecution of internet child predators and child pornographers and to educate parents and children about internet safety. The task force is currently comprised of over 330 partner law enforcement agencies.
The Ohio ICAC Task Force has seen a significant increase in the number of Internet crimes against children and tips reported by apps and websites popular with children. According to ICAC Outreach Coordinator Emmaleigh Welka, “these crimes demand a vigilant response from parents and caregivers. The task force encourages all adults to attend this presentation to learn about these virtual dangers and best practices for ensuring that youth know how to use today’s technology safely and responsibly.”
Superintendent Paramore added, “Student safety and the preservation of our children and families is at the forefront of our mission. We know that there is always uncertainty in this world as we raise, nurture, and educate our children. We are so pleased to partner with ICAC and our county prosecutor’s office to bring this informational presentation to Ashland County. Ashland City Schools and all the schools in this county can benefit from this transparent look at what is unfortunately out there as unforeseen dangers in any community. We look forward to the good that comes out of informing and engaging our stakeholders on the topic of crimes against children.”
Prosecutor Tunnell said, “Over the years we have seen the predators come to life. If your child is online, the bad guys have access to the inside of your home. Ashland and the surrounding areas have seen cases where these people show up to meet children for reasons you don’t want to hear about. Every one of them were introduced to the children online. If there is a child in your home, you must be aware of what’s out there and how to safely navigate cyberspace. It makes me proud to live and work in a community where we can partner with professionals like Steve Paramore, organizations like Ohio ICAC, and parents and custodians to proactively keep kids safe.”
Loudonville Police Chief, Kevin Taylor, receives Proclamation from Loudonville Mayor, Jason VanSickle, thanking him for all his faithful years of service, as Friends, Family, and other Law Enforcement Officers gathered to a packed out, standing room only, which extended out into the hallway at Tuesday’s City Council meeting.
After the Proclamation was read and presented to retired Chief Taylor, the room erupted in a round of applause, giving retired Chief Taylor a standing ovation.
The Proclamation read as follows:
WHEREAS, Kevin D. Taylor has announced his retirement from the Village of Loudonville, effective August 31, 2023, culminating 32 years of distinguished service in the Police Department; and
WHEREAS, he began his tenure as a Dispatcher in 1991, where his interest in law enforcement developed, and he was subsequently sworn in as an Auxiliary Police Officer in 1992; and
WHEREAS, on March 6, 1995, Chief Taylor took the Oath of Office as a full-time Police Officer, where he began his journey moving up through the ranks; and
WHEREAS, his leadership skills became evident and was awarded the following promotions:
March 24, 1999 Appointed Police Sergeant
June 14, 2002 Appointed Police Captain
June 1, 2008 Appointed Acting Chief
July 11, 2008 Appointed Chief of Police
WHEREAS, Chief Taylor has steadfastly served the citizens of our Village with distinction, always faithfully and impartially performing his duties as Chief of Police; and
WHEREAS, these years have been marked by his exemplary work ethic, excellent moral character, and his ability to get along well with all those he came in contact with on a daily basis, both residents and co-workers alike, and he will be greatly missed by all.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, I, Jason Van Sickle, do hereby extend sincere congratulations to Chief Taylor on his retirement from the Village, and do hereby urge all citizens to join me in expressing gratitude for his outstanding years of service to our community.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a copy of this Proclamation be placed upon the official records of our Village. In witness whereof, I do hereby cause the Seal of the Village of Loudonville to be affixed on this 5th day of September 2023.
Ashland County Sheriff’s Office Drone Team assisted Holmes County Sheriff’s Office in capturing wanted suspect,
NEWS RELEASE:
Holmes County Sheriff Timothy Zimmerly reports that a Toledo man remains in custody this afternoon after being captured following an extensive organized search yesterday morning that spanned both Holmes and Ashland Counties.
Andre L. Robinson Jr., age 25 of Toledo, was finally captured and arrested without incident by Holmes, Ashland County Deputies, and the Loudonville Police Department at around 7:24 p.m. yesterday evening.
Robinson was found hiding in a corn field by the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office Drone Team on Ashland County Road 2575 near the intersection of Ashland County Road 175.
The initial search for Robinson began on Tuesday evening at around 11:00 p.m. when he fled as the driver of a vehicle that was stopped by the Loudonville Police Department on State Route 39 just inside Holmes County. Deputies searched for Robinson for several hours after he fled, but he was not located at that time. The search resumed in the early morning hours yesterday.
Investigation by deputies revealed that Tuesday evening Robinson and a female passenger in the vehicle Alajhia N.U. Williams, age 27 of Toledo were involved in a theft offense that occurred on Township RD 130, Mechanic Township, Holmes County. The pair purchased four (4) French Bulldog Puppies valued at $11,000.00 and paid the victim with fake currency. The victim was able to provide a description of the pair and their vehicle to deputies after they fled with the puppies. The puppies were in the vehicle at the time of the stop. The puppies were found safe, unharmed, and returned to the victim. Williams was also arrested by deputies at the vehicle stop and she remains in custody at the Holmes County Jail.
Sheriff Zimmerly wishes to thank all those who called and assisted deputies with this investigation and locating the whereabouts of this individual.
Deputies were assisted by the Loudonville Police Department, Ohio State Highway Patrol Troopers & Aviation, Ashland County Sheriff’s Office, and Loudonville EMS.
Facebook post from the Holmes County Sheriff’s Office
Be on the lookout
The Holmes County Sheriff’s Office is attempting to locate a 25 year old black male that fled on foot in the area of County Rd 385 at SR 3 northeast of Loudonville earlier this morning. He was last seen wearing black shorts with white trim and dark colored t-shirt. He is 6’01” tall and 200 lbs. Please contact the Holmes County Sheriff’s Office at 330-674-1936 if you have seen him or anything suspicious in the area.
Columbus – During the 2023 Labor Day holiday weekend, the Ohio State Highway Patrol saw an increase in traffic stops. A total of 17,965 traffic enforcement stops were conducted along with 9,479 non-enforcement stops.
Three of the traffic stops resulted in the apprehension of four murder suspects. On Saturday, in Hancock County, troopers arrested two suspects who were wanted on murder charges from Monroe, Mich. On Sunday, troopers apprehended a suspect who was wanted for murder in Chicago. Finally, on Monday, troopers arrested a murder suspect in Delaware County. All of these cases remain under investigation.
In addition, troopers arrested 415 drivers for OVI and issued 2,173 safety belt citations. Troopers also made 225 drug arrests, 98 felony apprehensions and provided assistance to 1,876 motorists. The Labor Day holiday reporting period began Friday, September 1 at 12 a.m. and ende#d Monday, September 4 at 11:59 p.m.
Joe Lyons •
September 11, 2023
Ashland – Nationally, around 11 percent of drivers are age 24 and younger. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, teen drivers have a higher rate of fatal crashes, mainly because of their immaturity, lack of skills, and lack of experience.
ASHLAND, Ohio – Abraham Edwards, a 2005 graduate of Ashland University and currently a faculty member at Michigan State University, was one of three recipients nationwide of the Mathematical Association of America’s 2023 Henry L. Alder Award for Distinguished Teaching.
The court found that Fernando Evans, is indigent and appointed Attorney Benjamin Zushin to represent him in: Count one: complicity (breaking and entering) and count two: failure to comply with an order or signal of a police officer.
The court found that Calvin White is indigent and appointed Attorney Jodie Dees to represent him in: Count one: complicity (breaking and entering)
The court found that Greenwood Lewis is indigent and appointed Attorney Jennifer Harmon to represent him in Count one: complicity (breaking and entering)
COUNT ONE: COMPLICITY (BREAKING AND ENTERING)
COUNT ONE: COMPLICITY (BREAKING AND ENTERING)
COUNT ONE: COMPLICITY (BREAKING AND ENTERING)
SUGAR CREEK TOWNSHIP – On Thursday, September 7, 2023 at 7:32 PM, the Wooster Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol was notified of a two-vehicle crash with serious injuries. The crash occurred in the westbound lanes of US Route 30 near Wenger Road in Sugar Creek Township, Wayne County.
The Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District (MWCD), is proud to announce that it has been honored with the prestigious Horizon Award by the Ashland Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD).
Today Whoopsie Daisy Bowtique owner, Megan Steffen welcomed guests to a Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cutting, celebrating her new location at 126 E Main Street.
Ashland County Prosecuting Attorney Christopher R. Tunnell and Ashland City School District Superintendent Steve Paramore announced today that they are jointly sponsoring an internet safety presentation by the Ohio Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (Ohio ICAC).
Columbus – During the 2023 Labor Day holiday weekend, the Ohio State Highway Patrol saw an increase in traffic stops. A total of 17,965 traffic enforcement stops were conducted along with 9,479 non-enforcement stops.