Ashland High School Hosts “Ignite Worship Night” for Local Youth
Ashland, OH – A powerful night of worship, fellowship, and inspiration is set to take place as “Ignite Worship Night” comes to Ashland High School’s little theater on Wednesday, February 5th, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. Doors will open at 5:00 PM, welcoming youth from across Ashland County and beyond.
Sponsored by LifeWise, the event is organized by a coalition of local churches and ministries, including Bethel Baptist Church, and will feature Legacy Band from Word of Life, as well as student speakers from Ashland University’s Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Five local church youth groups from Ashland County and New London are also set to participate.
Pastor John Bouquet of Bethel Baptist Church, along with Chris Lopez, youth pastor and event coordinator, and Bobby Brown, associate pastor and one of the event organizers, shared their enthusiasm for this night of worship and community.
Bobby Brown emphasized the importance of unity, saying, “We want to see our students come together to worship the Lord, have fun, and most of all, ignite their faith. This event is so big that five churches have come together because we are passionate about seeing the youth in our community grow.”
Chris Lopez added that the night will feature fun activities, rally games, a worship concert, prayer, and a transformational message. To close out the evening, attendees will be treated to free pizza, generously donated by Domino’s.
“This is going to be a night you don’t want to miss,” Lopez said. “We want you to be challenged and inspired, and then go home full of delicious pizza!”
The event is open to all youth in the community, and no registration is required. Organizers encourage students to come ready for a night of faith, fun, and fellowship.
For more information, attendees can reach out to Bethel Baptist Church https://www.bethelchapel.com/
BREAKING: Punxsutawney Phil Claps Back – “I Wasn’t Looking for My Shadow, I Was Looking for My Coffee”
Punxsutawney, PA – In a shocking turn of events, the world’s most overworked and underappreciated meteorologist, Punxsutawney Phil, has finally broken his silence after yet another year of winter-despair-inducing headlines.
“Let me clear this up,” Phil said in an exclusive press conference held outside his burrow. “I wasn’t looking for my shadow—I was looking for my coffee. You try waking up to a crowd of thousands before dawn without caffeine and see how accurate your weather predictions are.”
Phil, who has been contractually obligated to this gig since 1887, expressed his frustration with the annual spectacle. “Every year, they yank me out of my warm burrow like I’m a prize in some bizarre weather-themed carnival game. They shine blinding lights in my face, expect me to make an accurate forecast on zero notice, and then act surprised when I retreat. Wouldn’t you?”
Critics argue that Phil’s track record is spotty at best, with some meteorologists pointing out that a coin flip would be just as reliable. But Phil fired back. “Oh, I’m sorry, you trust the same weather apps that tell you it’ll be sunny, and then you get caught in a downpour? Please.”
The rodent prognosticator also hinted at labor negotiations with his handler, Phil’s Inner Circle. “All I’m saying is, if I had an espresso machine in my burrow, maybe—just maybe—spring would come a little sooner.”
As of now, Phil remains firm on his forecast of six more weeks of winter, mostly because he’s already committed to his post-shadow nap. “Wake me up when Starbucks starts a groundhog loyalty program,” he muttered before disappearing back into his den.
Stay tuned for more updates—or at least until next year, when Phil is once again rudely awakened for the sake of tradition.
Ashland to Host Second Annual Homeschool Conference Featuring Todd Wilson
ASHLAND, OH — The Homeschool and Classical Learning Center is excited to announce its Second Annual Homeschool Conference, set for March 8, 2025, at the John C. Myers Convocation Center in Ashland. The event promises a day filled with inspiration, practical insights, and connection for homeschooling families.
Theresa Watson, Coordinator of Home School and Classical Learning Programs, expressed her enthusiasm for the upcoming gathering.
“We are thrilled to invite you to our Second Annual Homeschool Conference, a day of inspiration, insights, and laughter tailored for the homeschooling community,” Watson said.
The highlight of the conference will be keynote speaker Todd Wilson, a well-known author and homeschool advocate. Wilson, the author of Help! I’m Married to a Homeschooling Mom and The Official Book of Homeschooling Cartoons, is recognized for his engaging and humorous approach to the challenges and joys of homeschooling. His weekly column, The Familyman Weekly, and his appearances at homeschool conventions nationwide have made him a trusted voice in the community.
The event kicks off at 9 AM and will include lunch, snacks, drinks, all conference sessions, and access to a vendor hall.
Homeschooling families and educators looking to gain practical wisdom and encouragement are encouraged to attend.
Event Details:
📅 Date: March 8, 2025
📍 Location: John C. Myers Convocation Center, 638 Jefferson St, Ashland, OH 44805
🎤 Keynote Speaker: Todd Wilson
🍽️ Includes: Lunch, snacks, drinks, all sessions, and vendor hall access
Bellville, Ohio – The Bellville Police Department is mourning the loss of one of its own after Officer Summer Kennard was killed in a tragic vehicle crash early Monday morning.
In a statement posted to social media, the department shared the heartbreaking news, saying, “It is with great sadness to inform you that the Bellville Police Department lost an outstanding officer. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Officer Kennard’s family and friends.”
The fatal crash occurred on February 3, 2025, at approximately 5:32 AM on U.S. Route 42 in Gilead Township, Morrow County, according to a report from the Morrow County Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol.
Kennard, 20, of Cardington, was driving eastbound in a 2010 Toyota RAV4 when she veered off the right side of the road. She then overcorrected, crossing left of center, and was struck by a 2013 Ford F-150 driven by 63-year-old Ricky Smalley of Galion.
Emergency responders transported Kennard to Morrow County Hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries. Smalley was also taken to the hospital but sustained only minor injuries. Both drivers were wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash, and authorities do not believe alcohol or drugs were factors.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol, along with the Morrow County Sheriff’s Office, Morrow County EMS, and the Cardington Fire Department, responded to the scene. The crash remains under investigation.
Kennard, who dedicated herself to serving the Bellville community, is being remembered as a devoted officer and a beloved friend.
Semi-Truck Overturns at State Route 3 and 95 in Wayne County
Wayne County, OH – A semi-truck rollover crash shut down a section of State Route 3 on Thursday afternoon, prompting a response from multiple emergency agencies.
According to the Wooster Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol, the crash occurred around 4:23 p.m. February 1st at the intersection of State Route 3 and State Route 95. The driver, 25-year-old Jarod Krznaric of Kent, Ohio, was operating a 2016 white International semi heading southbound on State Route 3. As he attempted to turn onto State Route 95, the truck overturned.
Wooster Township Fire Department & EMS responded to the scene, where minor injuries were reported.
Aber’s Towing & Crane Service was called in to assist with clearing the wreckage. Authorities shut down State Route 95 for cleanup operations before reopening the roadway later in the evening.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
Additional note:
Some was curious to know where we had went out to eat while in Wooster, it was BayLobsters Café & Fish Market at 3423 Cleveland Rd, Wooster, OH 44691, and is was great food and service! If you haven’t eaten there you should try it.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol reminds all motorists to do their part in keeping roadway workers safe by moving over a lane and slowing down when you see an emergency vehicle on the side of the road.
Over the last four years, 55 Patrol cruisers were involved in crashes while stopped on the side of the road due to drivers failing to move over and slow down. These crashes resulted in two deaths and 29 injuries to the public, as well as 16 injured troopers. Alcohol and/or drugs were a factor in 27% of “move over” crashes. Most of these types of crashes took place on interstates, unlit roadways and surfaces covered in snow, ice or slush.
“These crashes are avoidable when drivers pay attention, slow down, and move over,” said Governor Mike DeWine.
Ohio’s Move Over Law requires all drivers to move over to an adjacent lane when approaching any vehicle with flashing or rotating lights parked on the roadside. If moving over is not possible due to traffic, weather conditions or a second lane not being available, motorists should slow down and proceed with caution.
“When you move over, you’re helping ensure the safety of everyone who works on or travels our roadways,” said Colonel Charles A. Jones, Patrol superintendent. “It’s not just the law – it’s a simple act that can save lives.”
When driving in work zones, moving over and slowing down is also important. You can find out more information on Ohio’s work zones, and what troopers do to make them safer, by visiting http://www.workzonedashboard.ohio.gov.
Car Crashes Into Ashland Craft Vinyl, Driver Seriously Injured
ASHLAND, OH – A driver was seriously injured tonight after crashing into a local business, causing significant structural damage.
According to the Ashland Police Division, officers responded to the intersection of Cleveland Avenue and Middle Rowsburg Road at approximately 9:08 p.m., alongside the Ashland Fire Department & EMS.
The crash involved a 2005 Ford Escape XLT driven by Tyson Lewis, 44, of Ashland, who was traveling eastbound when he lost control and slid into Ashland Craft Vinyl at 1221 Cleveland Ave.
Ashland EMS transported Lewis to OhioHealth Mansfield Hospital with serious injuries.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation by the Ashland Police Division.
Due to severe structural damage, Ashland Craft Vinyl will remain closed until necessary repairs can be made.
Multi-Vehicle Crash Involving Semi Reported at U.S. Route 250 & U.S. Route 42
ASHLAND, OH – Ashland Police Division, Ashland Fire Department, & EMS. Responded to a four-vehicle crash, including a semi-truck, occurred at the intersection of U.S. Route 250 and U.S. Route 42 on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, around 3 p.m.
According to crash report by the Ashland Police, the crash began when Jordan Duposki, 20, of Ashland, Ohio, driving a 2004 Honda CR-V, attempted to make a left turn from U.S. Route 42 onto East Main Street (U.S. Route 250) but failed to yield the right of way.
A 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt driven by a 17-year-old from Nova, Ohio, was traveling northbound on U.S. Route 42 and struck the rear of Duposki’s Honda CR-V. The impact caused the Chevrolet Cobalt to slide sideways into a 2013 Hyundai Elantra, driven by Rachael Witmer, 31, of Sullivan, Ohio, who was traveling southbound in the left lane.
The collision then involved a 2013 Kenworth semi-truck, driven by Travis Carlisle, 48, of Ashland, Ohio, which was traveling southbound in the right lane.
Emergency responders reported minor injuries at the scene.
Towing services assisted with vehicle removal:
The 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt was towed by Bates Towing
The 2013 Hyundai Elantra was towed by Gibbs Towing
The 2013 Kenworth semi-truck was towed by Abers Towing
Note: Sorry, I had forgot to get this posted yesterday
Semi Runs Red Light, Causes Crash at Ashland Intersection
Ashland, OH – A semi-truck ran a red light at a busy Ashland intersection Tuesday morning, colliding with a car and injuring a passenger, according to Ashland Police Division crash report.
The crash occurred around 7:30 a.m. at the intersection of the I-71 on/off ramp and U.S. Route 250. Ashland Police Division officers, along with Ashland Fire Department & EMS, responded to the scene.
Police say David Wolske, 61, of Frazeysburg, Ohio, was driving a 2024 Peterbilt semi eastbound on U.S. Route 250 when he failed to stop for a red light. His truck struck a blue 2022 Hyundai Elantra, driven by Andrew Miller, 21, of Lorain, Ohio, as Miller attempted to turn left onto the I-71 on-ramp.
Neither Wolske nor Miller reported injuries, but Miller’s passenger, Elizabeth Hernandez, 20, of Lorain, was hurt in the crash. Fire crews had to cut the door off the Hyundai Elantra to safely remove Hernandez from the vehicle. She was transported by Ashland EMS to Ohio Health Mansfield with non-life-threatening injuries.
Ashland to host Heart of Ohio Our Community Salutes Ceremony
Inaugural Event Honoring Area High School Students Enlisting in Military Service January 31, 2025
Ashland, Ohio—The City of Ashland is partnering with Our Community Salutes (OCS), a national non-profit organization to be ‘the first to say thank you’ to area high school students who have made the decision to enlist and enter into the United States military after graduation. This inaugural event, entitled “Heart of Ohio Our Community Salutes,” will be held at 2:30pm on Sunday, April 13, 2025 at Mount Vernon Estate, 1041 U.S. 250, Ashland, OH 44805.
Founded in 2009, Our Community Salutes’ mission is to recognize and honor high school enlistees and their commitment to military service, as well as provide parents and guardians of enlistees with community support as their son or daughter transitions into military service. Thousands of military-bound graduates are recognized across the U.S. each year at OCS ceremonies.
“We are so proud to honor our local men and women who have made the decision to serve our great country in the United States military,” said Mayor Matt Miller. “We are inviting everyone in our community to come out and show these young men and women support as they embark on this important chapter in their lives. We are truly blessed that in every generation throughout our country’s rich history, God has raised up a group of people to defend our freedom.”
Featuring Jack Hughes, Congressional Fellow currently working at the Pentagon as the U.S. Army’s Budget Liaison to Congress, as the keynote speaker, the Heart of Ohio OCS ceremony will bring together community leaders, veterans, military enlistees and their families from Ashland, Holmes, Huron, Knox, Medina, Richland, Wayne counties.
Supported by the City of Ashland and local organizations and individuals, this will be an annual event. Student enlistees and their families will receive an invitation through their designated recruitment office. If you are interested in sponsoring this event, please reach out to Amanda Furman at furman.amanda@ashland-ohio.com.
About Our Community Salutes
Our Community Salutes (OCS) is a national, non-profit organization helping communities recognize, honor and support high school seniors who plan to enlist in the U.S. Armed Services after graduation. OCS includes community leaders, government officials, educators, businessmen, and veterans who feel strongly in the importance of community support and recognition of the patriotic young adults who will enlist in the military after graduation. Our Community Salutes was founded in 2009 and is a 501c3 non-profit organization.
Joe Lyons •
February 4, 2025
