The Mansfield Division of Police, Major Crimes Unit is actively searching for the suspects in the Aggravated Murder of one person and the Felonious Assault of three others.
On August 27, 2023, at 0224 hours, the Mansfield Division of Police responded to the area of 151 Blymyer Ave referencing a ShotSpotter activation. Officers arrived in the area and located four gunshot victims outside of a home. One victim was found to be deceased. The other three victims made their way to a local hospital.
The suspects had fled the scene in a dark-colored vehicle.
“We are asking for the help of the community in identifying the suspects in this
Homicide,” stated Lt. Robert Skropits.
Please contact Det. Ronee Swisher 419-755-9432 with any information about the
Ashland County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call on 08/24/23, at 06:23am from a female driver, who had her car washed off of County Road 1300.
The 911 call lasted over an hour, this is a few of the grueling moments of the call between the dispatcher and the victim.
All identifying information, including name, number etc. have been removed to protect the identity of the victim.
Thanks to the dispatcher who was able to keep her calm and reassure her that help was on the way, and to the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office Dive Team, who put themselves at risk to rescue this female.
In April of 2022, Detectives from the Ashland Police Division and the Ashland County Sheriffs Office assigned to the METRICH Enforcement Unit initiated a drug trafficking investigation in Ashland County. On April 7, 2022, a traffic stop resulted in two arrests, which led to a search warrant at 158 US 250 Polk, Ohio.
During the search, Detectives discovered evidence of Dimethyltryptamine (DMT) manufacturing. DMT is a Schedule I hallucinogenic drug of abuse. Detectives from the Mansfield METRICH office assisted in collecting the evidence. Investigators seized Dimethyltryptamine, evidence of drug trafficking, and a firearm. Stephen L. Messier, 40, of Polk, Ohio, was subsequently charged with drug-related offenses.
Messier was convicted in July 2023 of Illegal Manufacture of Drugs, Illegal Assembly or Possession of Chemicals for the Manufacture of Drugs, Aggravated Trafficking in Drugs, Aggravated Possession of Drugs, Having Weapons Under Disability, and Endangering Children. Judge David Stimpert of the Common Pleas Court of Ashland County sentenced Messier to a combined prison term of eleven (11) to fourteen (14) years.
The METRICH Enforcement Unit would like to thank the community for providing tips that helped lead to the successful completion of this case. We encourage all residents to continue to report suspected drug activity by calling the METRICH Crime Tip Hotline at 419-52-CRIME (419-522-7463) or downloading the METRICH Enforcement Unit mobile app to submit a tip.
Ashland County Sheriff’s Office, and Polk-Jackson-Perry Fire Department & EMS responded to Township Road 1275, just East of State Route 89, around 5:16 am yesterday morning.
A father and son were traveling westbound on Township Road 1275, unaware the culvert had washed away.
Both were able to escape the vehicle and the water with minor injuries.
Happiness is a dominant emotion for both Grace and I when we are at a nursing home, strange as that sounds and strange as it was. We didn’t go there to be happy any more than we did to learn about hope or fortitude or to think about courage and faith— but that’s what happened. This day we were blessed with tremendous leadership and a devoted staff.
When Grace is at “work,” she brings a lightness and easiness that seems to expand outward and encompasses almost everyone she encounters. We often talk about getting out of our comfort zone, but Grace does not see a debilitating illness or lack of privacy or bodily fluids, so she just jumps into anyone’s comfort zone. Which happened!
A dog and her human are like a pair of dance partners, able to anticipate each other’s moves and read body language, and pick up on the most subtle cues.
We found the room of a lovely lady, whom we will call Ruth. Her nurse and family member said that Ruth had been unresponsive for four days. They assumed she was ready to meet Jesus. I picked up Grace and gently laid her on the bed close to Ruth. Nothing. Not even a flutter of her closed eyelids. Then I took Ruth’s arm out from under the sheet and blanket and placed her hand on Grace’s chest. Ruth’s eyes shot open, bright, and clear and happy and she said, “Hey, Hey!” Then one second later her eyes closed. Unresponsive again.
Nothing in my life had prepared me for this simple act. What was I supposed to do? I spoke with the nurse and family member, “Did you see what I just saw?” It seemed that Ruth just saw heaven and not us.” Let’s try this again; the same thing happened. Every time I moved her hand on Grace— “Hey, Hey” with eyes open and joyful. Well, this went a few more times and all three of us in the room were laughing and crying for Ruth.
I put Ruth’s arm back under the covers, kissed her forehead, picked up Grace and headed down the hallway for a few more pets for Grace. Ruth did go see Jesus about eight hours later. What Grace could do, and I could not, was to meet Ruth exactly where she was: disabled, mute, frail, lonely and tired. She met her without a moment’s hesitation, and this was a gift.
When we got home, Grace got into her bed, curled herself into a tight ball, braiding leg over leg and stayed there, not asleep but not stirring either. She was spent.
Charity is what we can give one another. Don’t be afraid. Just do it!
Blessings,
Dianne Hammontree, secretary of Homeward Bound Dog Shelter.
The Grand Opening of the new dog shelter is on September 11 at 4:00 p.m.
Redeeming Grace Bible Church Pastor, Sam Flynn speaks The Essential Church movie and the opening night is 6:30pm this Friday at The Ashland Theatre, 212 Center Street.
When governments use COVID emergency act edicts to restrict the gathering and worship of the Church, three pastors facing the risk of imprisonment, unlimited fines, and their own Churches splitting apart take a courageous stand and re-open in the face of a world that has chosen to comply.
The Essential Church is a feature-length documentary that explores the struggle between Church and government throughout history. This story takes us to multiple countries and uncovers those who have sacrificed their lives for what they believe in.
Journey with us as we rediscover why the Church is essential and how we prove that our stand remains true from a scientific, legal, and most importantly Biblical perspective.
Ashland Dickey Church joyfully hosts the annual Sunflower Festival. This is a free community event that is fun for everyone. Activities include; great food, games, inflatables, great raffle prizes, and I heard the fire truck may come to spray the kids! And…. have you seen the free family photos that we have done in the sunflower field?
Joe Lyons •
August 28, 2023
The Mansfield Division of Police, Major Crimes Unit is actively searching for the suspects in the Aggravated Murder of one person and the Felonious Assault of three others.
In April of 2022, Detectives from the Ashland Police Division and the Ashland County Sheriffs Office assigned to the METRICH Enforcement Unit initiated a drug trafficking investigation in Ashland County. On April 7, 2022, a traffic stop resulted in two arrests, which led to a search warrant at 158 US 250 Polk, Ohio.
Ashland County Sheriff’s Office, and Polk-Jackson-Perry Fire Department & EMS responded to Township Road 1275, just East of State Route 89, around 5:16 am yesterday morning.
Happiness is a dominant emotion for both Grace and I when we are at a nursing home, strange as that sounds and strange as it was. We didn’t go there to be happy any more than we did to learn about hope or fortitude or to think about courage and faith— but that’s what happened. This day we were blessed with tremendous leadership and a devoted staff.