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.
John Bare Age: 27
White / Male / 5’5” / 155lbs / Brown Hair / Brown Eyes
Wanted by U.S Marshals Service, the Huron County Sheriff’s Office for weapons under disability.
Ties to the Norwalk and Willard area.
Marquis Morris Age: 34
Black / Male / 6’0’’ / 165lbs / Black Hair / Brown Eyes
Wanted by the U.S Marshals Service and Richland County Sheriff’s Office for charge of felonious assault.
Ties to Mansfield area and Oxon Hill MD.
Derrick Taylor Age: 46
White / Male / 245 lbs. / Brown Hair / Brown Eyes
Wanted by the U.S Marshals and Richland County Sheriff’s office for felonious assault.
Ties to Mansfield, Ontario, Baltic, and Bucyrus OH.
Carolyn Hart Age: 56
White / Female / 5’6’’ / 232 lbs. / Gray Hair / Hazel Eyes
Wanted by the U.S Marshals Service and Richland County Sheriff’s Office for aggravated arson.
Ties to Mansfield
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.
Ashland Police Division Officers responded to a theft at The Shoe Dept, 25 Amberwood Pkwy, yesterday around 10:47am.
Dana Kincade, 47, of Mansfield was charged with Theft M1 ($50 Shoes) and Possession of Drugs F5 (Suspected Meth) and booked into the Ashland County Jail.
In a bittersweet moment, the long serving Chief of Loudonville Police Department, Chief Kevin Taylor retired, yesterday at 3pm. In an emotional last radio call, surrounded by family, and having the Police station full of Officers, Detectives, and friends, Chief Taylor signed off for the last time as chief of Police.
I had the opportunity to ride with Chief Taylor, shortly before he retired. As we patrolled the village of Loudonville, Chief Taylor talked about some of his experience serving the residents of Loudonville.
Chief Taylor graduated high school in 1990, and joined the Ohio National Guard, where he became a Military Policeman, and served from 1991 until 1999.
In 1991, Chief Taylor was hired as a dispatcher with Loudonville Police Department. In 1993, he started the Police Academy at North Central Technical College and was immediately hired as a patrol officer upon completion.
Chief Taylor was promoted to Sergeant in 1998, promoted to Captain in 2003, and finally promoted to Chief of Police in 2008 where he held that position until yesterday.
During his years at Loudonville Police Department, Chief Taylor was a K-9 handler for 2 different Police Dogs, totaling 13-years as a K-9 handler.
Besides being a Field Training Officer (FTO) for Loudonville Police Department, Chief Taylor was a special deputy for Holmes County Sheriff’s Office from 2016 through 2023 and was also a special deputy for the U.S Marshall Service for 4 years.
Chief Taylor has been awarded numerous awards over the years, including Meritorious Conduct Award, Lifesaving Award, Victims of Crime Award, Departmental Leadership Award, Safe Driving Award, and a Sheriff’s Office Accommodation Citation.
Chief Taylor has left big shoes to fill, but he is confident in the abilities of Captain Brian McCauley.
Chief Taylor starts a new chapter in his life today, without taking one day off, Taylor begins a new job as Probation Officer at the Ashland Municipal Court, for the Honorable Judge, John L. Good.
Sgt. Sean Gorrell, of the Loudonville Police Department, commented about a picture of him as a child talking to Officer Kevin Taylor. “I used to see Kevin Taylor patrolling Loudonville. I wanted to be just like him. Then I got to work for him! I hope he enjoys an amazing retirement; he deserves it.”
Captain Brian McCauley now intern Chief said, “I’ve known Kevin Taylor for a long time, as his family had moved into the village of Loudonville in the 70s. They moved in, down the street from where I lived. Kevin‘s dad had taken the job as the Ashland County Game Warden. Since both our fathers were in law enforcement, they became friends. Our mothers became friends as my mother was the area Avon representative.”
Captain McCauley went on to say, “Kevin is nine years younger than I, but he had started his law enforcement career before me. As I took a position as an officer in the Village of Perrysville, Kevin and I would be working nights and occasionally be each other’s back up. I have always admired Chief Taylor’s ability to be calm and steady. Whenever he would help someone he was always more of a mentor instead of being judgmental. As most of his sentences would start with, ‘If I were you.’ He lead from the front.”
Captain McCauley finished by saying, “It has been a pleasure to work for Chief Taylor for the last six years. He has been one, if not the best, bosses I have had in this profession. I will miss our daily interactions with each other, but I am fortunate that he is staying on our auxiliary.”
Sheriff E. Wayne Risner said, “Congratulations to Chief Taylor on his decision to retire. He has certainly served the Loudonville Community extremely well. During his tenure as the Police Chief, he maintained the highest standards for his Department, and he will be missed!
Congratulations to Chief Kevin Taylor and may God Bless you and yours.
Joe Lyons •
September 8, 2023
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.
