“It is with a heavy heart that the Mapleton Local School District announces the passing of Bre McKean, a senior at Mapleton High School, on Friday, September 29, 2023 due to a medical emergency during homecoming festivities prior to the football game. Our hearts, thoughts and prayers go out to the McKean family, friends and the Mapleton community.
The Mapleton-South Central football game was suspended at halftime and the teams and student body were notified of this tragic event. Mapleton staff and grief counselors were available immediately after this announcement to provide comfort and support. Grief counselors will also be available for students and staff on Monday, October 2, 2023 provided by our community partners of Appleseed Community Mental Health Center, the Ashland County Ministerial Association and psi Associates.
A special thank you goes out to the South Central community, administration, coaches, players and fans for their compassion and support last night. We would also like to thank our Mapleton community and surrounding school districts and communities for their continued support, encouragement and prayers during this difficult time.
The homecoming dance scheduled for Saturday, September 30, 2023 is canceled. All Mapleton athletic events are canceled through Wednesday, October 4, 2023.
Additional information will be announced as it becomes available.
In an e-mail press release the VA is reporting the following:
As of now it is unclear whether a shutdown would occur, but if it does – this is how it would affect VA’s customers.
Veteran health care is not impacted. VA Medical Centers, Outpatient Clinics, and Vet Centers will be open.
VA benefits will continue to be processed and delivered, including compensation, pension, education, and housing benefits.
Burials will continue at VA national cemeteries. Applications for headstones, markers, and burial benefits processing will continue.
The Board of Veterans’ Appeals will continue decisions on Veterans’ cases.
VA Contact Centers (1-800-MyVA411) and the Veterans Crisis Line (Dial 988, Press 1) are open 24/7.
VA will not provide Veteran career counseling or transition assistance program activities.
The GI Bill Hotline will be closed.
VA benefits regional offices will be closed.
VA will cease public affairs and outreach to Veterans.
VA will not permanently place headstones or maintain the grounds at VA national cemeteries.
VA will not process applications for pre-need burials.
VA will not print new presidential memorial certificates.
VANEOHS remains fully operational.
In the event of a government shutdown, medical centers, emergency department and outpatient clinics will remain fully operational. If you have an appointment or need to see us for any reason, we are here.
Marion – Troopers from the Marion Post are investigating a fatal crash that occurred on September 30, 2023, at approximately 3:18 PM, on State Route 309 in Marion County.
The crash involved a 2012 Chevrolet Silverado pick-up, driven by Jason A. Baker, age 48, of Mansfield, Ohio.
The preliminary investigation indicates Mr. Baker was traveling eastbound on State Route 309 when his vehicle traveled left of the center-line and off the left side of the roadway. Once off road, the Chevrolet struck a driveway embankment and a guardrail face. The Chevrolet continued and struck a creek embankment, overturned onto its top, and struck a bridge abutment.
Mr. Baker was transported by 1st Consolidated EMS to Marion General Hospital where he was later pronounced deceased. Mr. Baker was not wearing his seat-belt at the time of the crash.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted on scene by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, 1st Consolidated Fire and EMS, Fort Morrow Fire and EMS, Pleasant Township Fire and EMS, Marion Township Fire and EMS, and Kirby’s Towing.
Franklin Township – On Thursday, September 28, 2023 at 4:32 PM the Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Wooster Post was notified of a two-vehicle crash on SR 83 near milepost 7 in Franklin Township, Wayne County.
The investigation revealed a teal 1993 Dodge Stealth, was southbound on SR 83 when it failed to negotiate a curve and traveled left of center. A taupe 2006 Chrysler Town and Country minivan was northbound on SR 83 and struck the Dodge Stealth in the northbound lane of SR 83. The Dodge Stealth and Chrysler Town and Country came to rest against the guardrail along the berm of the northbound lane of SR 83.
The driver of the Stealth, Damion D. Torrence, 20 years old, of Wooster, was killed as a result of the crash. The passenger of the Stealth, Dalton R. Cisler, 20 years old, of Wooster was also killed as a result of the crash. The driver of the Town and Country, Susan E. Adkins, 56 years old, of Wooster, was taken to Wooster Community Hospital for non-life threatening injuries. Seatbelts were worn by all three occupants. The events leading to the crash remain under investigation. It is unknown at this time whether drugs or alcohol were a factor in the crash.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted on scene by Wayne County Sheriff’s Department, Wooster Township Fire and EMS, 3 Son’s Towing and Recovery, and the Wayne County Coroner’s Office.
Arthur Street school pales in comparison to its glory days years ago, but as the old saying goes. “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.” With the ceiling falling down, and paint pealing off the walls and doors, with things looking in disarray, sure makes a perfect place for a horror movie.
Today I stopped in to chat with Andy Myers who is the Executive Vice President at Good Deed Entertainment. It’s a good thing I did, having the chance to see a movie set again, since the last one that I was on was Shawshank Redemption, back in 1994.
As I entered the school, the scene was terrifying, as the worm filled actress huddled on the floor against the old school room wall, at the Arthur Street School, in one of the emotional scenes, in Cranked Up film’s “WORMTOWN”.
According to Andy Myers, “Wormtown,” can be described as “a mind-altering parasites taking over a small town. A trio of women in lock-down are dragged into a fight for survival and revenge.”
If you are interested in being an extra in the Cranked Up film “Wormtown,” filming October 8th, please fill out this form: “Wormtown Extra Sign-up,” for your opportunity to be in the movie.
ASHLAND, Ohio – The Coburn Gallery and Ashland University Department of Art + Design will be hosting “An Evolution from Imagery to Entanglement,” a painting exhibition featuring alumnus Jamie Lindholm, from Thursday, Oct. 5, through Sunday, Oct. 29. On Oct. 5, there will be an opening reception from 4:30-6:30 p.m. This event is free and open to the public.
“An Evolution from Imagery to Entanglement” pulls from Lindholm’s studio practice in Colorado where she works primarily with oils and charcoal. She creates complex woven paintings connecting emotions, experiences, figures and memories, culminating in conceptual work about human entanglements.
Lindholm’s art has been exhibited throughout the United States, as well as in Sweden. Her work can be found in the permanent collections of the International Securities Exchange (N.Y.), Dancker, Sellew & Douglas (N.J.) and Somerset County Parks of New Jersey, and in private collections in the U.S., Switzerland, Australia and Sweden.
Lindholm graduated from AU with a bachelor’s degree in business management and marketing in 1983. She then progressed through art programs in the studios of David Zuccarini, Maryland Institute College of Art, Studio Incamminati and The Art Students League of New York, where she studied with notables Everett Kinstler, David Leffel and Robert Neffson. She earned a Master of Fine Arts degree with honors from Regis University.
Lindholm is a patron member of the Portrait Society of America, where she was once an ambassador and national coordinator for its ambassador program. She is also a signature member of American Women Artists.
The Coburn Gallery is open from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays and noon-4 p.m. on weekends. Gallery admission is free and open to the public. Please note the gallery will offer extended hours during AU’s Homecoming weekend, open until 7 p.m. on Oct. 20 and from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Oct. 21. For more information about the exhibition, call 419-289-5652 or visit the gallery’s Facebook page.
The Ashland County Historical Society will debut the family-friendly Halloween House during the fifth annual Pumpkin Glow on Saturday, October 21, 2023, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Freer Home located at 1260 Center St.
This year, guests will be asked to park their cars in the designated parking area and enjoy the display on foot. The outside of the Freer Home will be decorated as always, featuring jack-o’-lanterns along the porches and a graveyard out front.
Behind the house, Grunt Grub will be serving up delicious food for purchase that guests can enjoy in the picnic area located next to the garage. The main attraction will be self-guided tours through the Halloween House accompanied by indoor trick-or-treating.
For the first time, both the first and second floors of the Freer Home will be decorated for Halloween in conjunction with the revamped History of Halloween tour. From jack-o’-lanterns, pumpkins, and black cats to ghosts, witches, and candy corn, each room will have its own theme to illustrate the history of Halloween.
Exhibits will also feature plenty of signage to provide guests with a fully educational experience. As visitors enjoy the home, they can expect free handouts from local businesses and historical society volunteers to complete the night.
Costumes are encouraged, but not required. Admission to the event will be $5 for adults, and $3 for children. Cash or credit will be accepted at the door. Tickets will not be pre-sold this year. Call the Ashland County Historical Society, 419-289-3111, with any questions about the event.
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.
Joe Lyons •
September 30, 2023
“It is with a heavy heart that the Mapleton Local School District announces the passing of Bre McKean, a senior at Mapleton High School, on Friday, September 29, 2023 due to a medical emergency during homecoming festivities prior to the football game. Our hearts, thoughts and prayers go out to the McKean family, friends and the Mapleton community.
In an e-mail press release the VA is reporting the following:
Marion – Troopers from the Marion Post are investigating a fatal crash that occurred on September 30, 2023, at approximately 3:18 PM, on State Route 309 in Marion County.
Franklin Township – On Thursday, September 28, 2023 at 4:32 PM the Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Wooster Post was notified of a two-vehicle crash on SR 83 near milepost 7 in Franklin Township, Wayne County.
ASHLAND, Ohio – The Coburn Gallery and Ashland University Department of Art + Design will be hosting “An Evolution from Imagery to Entanglement,” a painting exhibition featuring alumnus Jamie Lindholm, from Thursday, Oct. 5, through Sunday, Oct. 29. On Oct. 5, there will be an opening reception from 4:30-6:30 p.m. This event is free and open to the public.
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 
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.
