Local News

Burger King Donates $941.00 to the Ashland County Dog Shelter

On Saturday, July 29th, Burger King, at 910 Claremont Avenue, held their first annual Car Show to benefit the Ashland County Dog Shelter.

With only 30 cars showing up, Burger King Car Show netted $941.00 for the Ashland County Dog Shelter, and boy did that put a big smile on Ashland County Dog Warden Joe Eggerton’s face.

This was posted on Facebook by Ashland County Dog Warden Joe Eggerton

“On behalf of the Ashland County Dog Shelter , our staff, Dog Warden, volunteers & our beautiful shelter fur-babies, we would like to shout out a huge “Thank You” to the staff of Burger King on Claremont Avenue, Ashland. This amazing group of individuals held a car show on Saturday July 29th with all proceeds & donations to benefit our fur-babies of the Ashland County Dog Shelter. Along with bags of dog food, they also raised a total of $941.00 that was presented to help our furry friends! Once again,, on behalf of all of us at the dog. Shelter & our fur-babies, we greatly appreciate each & everyone of you who helped to make this fundraiser such a huge success, you guys are amazing! Our Shelter Representative is the one & only Luna, who received a cheeseburger for her beauty & grace!”

A Plea of Not Guilty Entered by Howard Walters

Yesterday, Howard Walters appeared in courtroom #1, at the Ashland County Common Pleas Court, for an arraignment on the charge of Aggravated Murder, before visiting Judge Janet Burnside, around 3:00 pm.

Howard Walters, who is represented by Attorney James J. Mayer III entered a plea of not guilty, and requested through his attorney, that his bond be reduced. Judge Janet Burnside said the request would have to be submitted in writing.

A Pretrial is scheduled on Tuesday, August 22, 2023, at 3:30 p.m. by remote video Zoom.

Ashland County Common Pleas Court Updates

Updates have been requested from viewers, for the following cases:

 

STATE OF OHIO vs STANLEY GARDNER

Zoom Video Hearing on 08/11/2023 09:00 AM for a NGRI Dispositional Hearing (Plea of Not Guilty for Reason of Insanity and Competency to Stand Trial.)

AGGRAVATED MURDER (UNCLASSIFIED)

 

 

STATE OF OHIO vs RYAN COFFMAN

Zoom Video Hearing on 08/17/2023 01:45 PM for a Criminal Pretrial

4 Counts of PANDERING OBSCENITY INVOLVING A MINOR OR IMPAIRED (Felony 4th Degree)

ILLEGAL USE OF A MINOR IN NUDITY-ORIENTED MATERIAL (Felony 5th Degree)

 

STATE OF OHIO vs AARON DRUSHELL

Zoom Video Hearing on 08/28/2023 09:30 AM for a Criminal Pretrial

RAPE (Felony 1st Degree)

 

 

STATE OF OHIO vs RANDALL JEFFREY

Zoom Video Hearing on 09/25/2023 08:30 AM for a NGRI Dispositional Hearing (Plea of Not Guilty for Reason of Insanity and Competency to Stand Trial.)

3 Counts of RAPE (Felony 1st Degree)

COMPELLING PROSTITUTION (Felony 1st Degree)

COMPELLING PROSTITUTION (Felony 3rd Degree)

 

STATE OF OHIO vs DAVID OWENS

Bench Trial scheduled for 10/24/2023 08:30 AM in Courtroom #1

2 counts of GROSS SEXUAL IMPOSITION (Felony 3rd Degree)

SEXUAL BATTERY (Felony 3rd Degree)

RAPE (Felony 1st Degree)

UNLAWFUL SEXUAL CONDUCT WITH A MINOR (Felony 2nd Degree)

The Maximum is Just Not Enough

STATE OF OHIO vs ROBERT HAUDENSCHILD

In a Criminal Sentencing Hearing via Zoom Video yesterday, Ashland County Common Pleas Court Judge David R. Stimpert said, “The maximum is just not enough!”

Robert Haudenschild, who is represented by Attorney Benjamin Zushinhad, withdrew his former plea of not guilty, and entered a plea of guilty. On 06/22/2023, he was given the maximum on every charge.

The Defendant will be classified as a Tier III Sex Offender, and is required to register his residence, place of employment and higher education. every 90 days for his lifetime.

Agencies involved with the case: Loudonville Police Department, Ashland County Job and Family Services, Wayne County Children’s Advocacy Center, Ashland Police Division, Ashland County Prosecutor’s Office, and Loudonville-Perrysville School District.

COUNT ONE: §2919.22(B)(5), 2919.22(E)(4): Endangering Children F2 (8-12 years)

COUNT TWO: §2925.02(A)(4)(a), 2925.02(C)(3): Corrupting Another With Drugs F4 (18 months)

COUNT FOUR: §2907.31(A)(1), 2907.31(F): Disseminating Matter Harmful To Juveniles F5 (12 months)

COUNT FIVE: §2907.03(A)(5), 2907.03(B): Sexual Battery F3 (60 months)

COUNT SIX: §2907.03(A)(5), 2907.03(B): Sexual Battery F3 (60 months)

COUNT SEVEN: §2907.03(A)(5), 2907.03(B): Sexual Battery F3 (60 months)

COUNT EIGHT: §2907.07(D)(1), 2907.07(F)(3): Importuning F5 (12 months)

COUNT NINE: §2907.05(A)(1), 2907.05(C)(1): Gross Sexual Imposition F4 (18 months)

Totaling a minimum of 28 consecutive years.

SENTENCING ORDER OF THE COURT

IT IS HEREBY ORDERED as follows:

1. RESIDENTIAL SANCTIONS:

a. As stated in Count One of the Indictment for the offense ENDANGERING CHILDREN in violation of R.C. 2919.22(B)(5) and 2919.22(E)(4), a felony of the second degree, the Defendant is sentenced to an indefinite term of 8 to 12 years under the authority of the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction for placement in an appropriate penal institution.

b. As stated in Count Two of the Indictment for the offense CORRUPTING ANOTHER WITH DRUGS, in violation of R.C. 2925.02(A)(4)(a) and 2925.02(C)(3), a felony of the fourth degree, the Defendant is sentenced to 18 months under the authority of the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction for placement in an appropriate penal institution. The sentence imposed for Count Two shall be served consecutively to Count One.

c. As stated in Count Four of the Indictment for the offense DISSEMINATING MATTER HARMFUL TO JUVENILES, in violation of R.C. 2907.31(A)(1) and 2907.31(F), a felony of the fifth degree, the Defendant is sentenced to 12 months under the authority of the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction for placement in an appropriate penal institution. The sentence imposed for Count Four shall be served consecutively to Counts One and Two.

d. As stated in Count Five of the Indictment for the offense SEXUAL BATTERY, in violation of R.C. 2907.03(A)(5) and 2907.03(B), a felony of the third degree, the Defendant is sentenced to 60 months under the authority of the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction for placement in an appropriate penal institution. The sentence imposed for Count Five shall be served consecutively to Counts One, Two, and Four.

e. As stated in Count Six of the Indictment for the offense SEXUAL BATTERY, in violation of R.C. 2907.03(A)(5) and 2907.03(B), a felony of the third degree, the Defendant is sentenced to 60 months under the authority of the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction for placement in an appropriate penal institution. The sentence imposed for Count Six shall be served consecutively to Counts One, Two, Four, and Five.

f. As stated in Count Seven of the Indictment for the offense SEXUAL BATTERY, in violation of R.C. 2907.03(A)(5) and 2907.03(B), a felony of the third degree, the Defendant is sentenced to 60 months under the authority of the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction for placement in an appropriate penal institution. The sentence imposed for Count Seven shall be served consecutively to Counts One Two, Four, Five, and Six.

g. As stated in Count Eight of the Indictment for the offense IMPORTUNING, in violation of R.C. 2907.07(D)(1) and 2907.07(F)(3), a felony of the fifth degree, the Defendant is sentenced to 12 months under the authority of the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction for placement in an appropriate penal institution. The sentence imposed for Count Eight shall be served consecutively to Counts One, Two, Four, Five, Six, and Seven.

h. As stated in Count Nine of the Indictment for the offense GROSS SEXUAL IMPOSITION, in violation of R.C. 2907.05(A)(1) and 2907.05(C)(1), a felony of the fourth degree, the Defendant is sentenced to 18 months under the authority of the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction for placement in an appropriate penal institution. The sentence imposed for Count Nine shall be served consecutively to Counts One, Two, Four, Five, Six, Seven and Eight.

Miller Completes OSU Public Leadership Academy

COLUMBUS – State Rep. Melanie Miller (R-City of Ashland) is one of 22 elected officials from across the state of Ohio to successfully complete this year’s Public Leadership Academy at The Ohio State University’s John Glenn College of Public Affairs.

The Public Leadership Academy is an intensive, one-week, bipartisan, residential academy for Ohio’s rising state and local elected leaders. Along with Miller, participants included other state representatives, county commissioners, mayors, and school board and city council members.

“The program was such a worthwhile and amazing experience to undergo with such talented individuals,” Miller said. “I hope to bring back some of the ideas and things we learned when it comes to public service to benefit the people of Ashland and Medina Counties.”

The program is designed to support leaders who inspire citizenship. Participants reflect on their call to serve, explore topics they have in common, and return to public life with a better understanding of their colleagues and a renewed commitment to public service.

“Everyone in the class was identified by their leadership as a rising star in Ohio elected service,” said Greg Moody, the director of professional development for the Glenn College. “Our role is to bring them together to learn from each other and build lasting relationships that benefit their constituents and citizens of Ohio.”

This year’s program, held July 10-14, coincided with the Glenn College Democracy Camp, a one-day program for 30 high school students to learn about civic engagement and the democratic process. At a shared lunch, Democracy Camp and Public Leadership Academy participants discussed career paths in local government and the importance of leadership in public service.

Miller was among the fourth class to graduate from the Public Leadership Academy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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State Representative Melanie Miller is currently serving her first term in the Ohio House of Representatives. She represents the 67th House District, which includes all of Ashland County and the western portion of Medina County.

Single Vehicle Rollover Crash

Ashland County Sheriff’s Office, Sullivan Fire Department & EMS respond to a single vehicle rollover crash at 92 State Route 58, just North of the RR Tracks in Sullivan, around 11:30am this morning.

The driver was transported by Sullivan EMS.

Fugitives of the Week July 31, 2023

Rafael MartinezRafael Martinez Age: 40
Hispanic / Male / 5”9” / Bald / Brown Eyes
Wanted by U.S Marshals Service and Richland County Sheriff’s Office, and Ohio Department of Corrections on a bond violation on the original charge of possession of drugs F1, and failure to provide notice on change of address F1, and a parole violation on the original charge of rape F1
Ties to Cleveland, Texas, and Kentucky

 

Mitchell FlemingMitchell Fleming Age: 56
Black / Male / 5’10” / 200 / Bald / Brown Eyes
Wanted by U.S Marshals Service and Richland County Sheriff’s Office for possession of drugs.
Ties to the Mansfield and Columbus.

 
 
 

Pamela SauderPamela Sauder Age: 57
Black / Female / 5’4’’ / 120 / Brown Hair / Brown Eyes
Wanted by the U.S Marshals Service and Richland County Sheriff’s Office for possession of drugs.
Ties to the Mansfield area.

 

 

Jhousha StewartJhousha Stewart Age: 33
White / Male / 511’’ / 150 / Brown Hair / Blue Eyes
Wanted by the U.S Marshals Service and Richland County Sheriff’s Office for possession of fentanyl .
Ties to Mansfield and Columbus 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.

Tipsters may remain anonymous, and a cash reward may be available. The Task Force’s “Dangerous Dozen” fugitives can be viewed at https://www.usmarshals.gov/sites/default/files/media/document/dangerous-dozen.pdf, which is updated monthly.

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.

Chad Enderby Announces his Candidacy for Ashland County Sheriff

The safety of our community has always been my passion. I committed my life to a career in law enforcement at the age of 19, and now 31 years later I am even more committed to making sure that Ashland County remains a safe place to live and raise a family.

My wife, Sandy and I have always lived in Ashland County. We raised two beautiful daughters here, and the reason we chose to plant our roots here is because Ashland County is truly a great place to work, play, and live the American dream. That’s why I am excited to announce that I am running for Sheriff of Ashland County.

Sheriff Risner provided strong leadership for our county, over the past 20+ years, and I want to continue this tradition. Law Enforcement is full of challenges today—but with my 29 years of extensive training, command experience, and leadership at the Ohio Highway Patrol, coupled with the knowledge, and experience as Human Resource Director for the City of Ashland, I know I have the qualifications and commitment to meet these challenges.

I am looking forward to talking with you about the future of Ashland County, and how we can work together to keep our home the safest place to live in all of Ohio!

Our website, social media, yard signs, and other ways to support this important campaign will be out soon. In the meantime you can email me at cenderby21@gmail.com or search for me on Facebook.

With your support in the upcoming election, we will ensure our Sheriff’s Department is professional, highly trained and dedicated to serving Ashland County.

Respectfully,

Chad Enderby

Five Charged in Rite Aid Robbery Appear in Court for Bond Hearing

ASHLAND, OH – Five individuals have been charged in connection with a robbery at a Rite Aid Pharmacy in Ashland, Ohio. The defendants, identified as Sir Christion Rogers, Kerry Stephens, Robert Prater, Taquan Thompson, and Jamez Phipps, appeared in the Ashland County Court of Common Pleas for a bond hearing on July 28, 2024.

 

 

The Charges

All five defendants are charged with complicity in the commission of an offense, specifically aiding and abetting in the robbery of the Rite Aid Pharmacy located at 419 Claremont Avenue, Ashland, Ohio. The charges stem from an incident that occurred on July 24, 2024, and involve second-degree felony robbery under the Ohio Revised Code.

The Robbery Incident

According to Prosecuting Attorney Christopher Tunnell, the defendants traveled from the Montgomery County, Dayton area to Ashland. Upon arrival, three of the defendants entered the pharmacy wearing masks and forced their way into the secured area behind the pharmacy counter. An employee was pushed to the ground, and the pharmacist was coerced into opening the safe. The robbers then emptied the safe, taking a significant amount of medication and pills before fleeing the scene.

The Pursuit

The defendants fled in a getaway vehicle, leading law enforcement on a high-speed chase involving multiple counties and agencies. The pursuit ended in the Columbus area when the vehicle ran out of gas. All five suspects were apprehended and taken into custody.

Bond Hearing

During the bond hearing, Prosecuting Attorney Tunnell presented the court with detailed accounts of the defendants’ alleged involvement and criminal histories. He highlighted the seriousness of the charges and the potential for additional felony charges pending grand jury review.

Defendant Profiles and Bond Conditions:

 

Sir Christion Rogers (Huber Heights, OH):

  •    Charged with complicity in the commission of an offense.
  •    Prosecuting Attorney Tunnell noted prior arrests for breaking and entering, receiving stolen property, felony theft, and burglary.
  •    Bond set at $250,000, with conditions including no contact with Rite Aid stores and GPS monitoring.

 

 

Kerry Stephens (Trotwood, OH):

  • Charged with complicity in the commission of an offense.

  • Tunnell detailed prior offenses, including juvenile and adult convictions for theft and carrying concealed weapons.

  • Bond set at $250,000, with similar conditions to Rogers.

 

Robert Prater (Dayton, OH):

  • Charged with complicity in the commission of an offense.

  • Prior juvenile and adult convictions for robbery, possession of cocaine, and weapons offenses were presented.

  • Bond set at $500,000, with no contact with Rite Aid stores and GPS monitoring.

 

Taquan Thompson (Dayton, OH):

  • Charged with complicity in the commission of an offense.

  • Prosecuting Attorney Tunnell mentioned a lengthy criminal record, including juvenile robbery and adult convictions for petty theft, attempted burglary, and rape.

  • Bond set at $500,000, with stringent conditions, including GPS monitoring.

Jamez Phipps: (Dayton, OH):

  • Charged with complicity in the commission of an offense.

  • Phipps’ criminal history includes multiple convictions for burglary, breaking and entering, and receiving stolen property.

  • Bond set at $500,000, with standard conditions, GPS monitoring, and no contact with Rite Aid stores.

 

Larger Conspiracy

Prosecuting Attorney Tunnell indicated that the defendants are believed to be part of a larger criminal organization targeting Rite Aid pharmacies in Ohio and Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania authorities have been involved in the investigation, collecting evidence and coordinating with local law enforcement.
 

Conclusion

The court has imposed substantial bonds and strict conditions on all defendants, reflecting the serious nature of the charges and the ongoing investigation into the broader criminal network. Further charges are expected as the case proceeds to the grand jury.
 
 

Car vs Train Crash

Mansfield – The Mansfield Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating a car vs. train crash that occurred on July 28, 2023, at around 1:58 PM in Sharon Twp, Richland County, Ohio.

The crash took place on Settlement East Road just west of Horning Road when a 2014 Ford Pickup driven by Dean J. Myers, age 80 of Shelby, was crossing the tracks and collided with a moving CSX train.

The pickup truck was also occupied by front passenger Richard L. Burkepile of Mansfield.

Myers was flown to OSU Medical Center in Columbus for treatment. The severity of his injuries is unknown at this time. Burkepile was treated and released from the scene with minor injuries.

Shelby Fire and EMS and Ronk’s Towing assisted on scene. Settlement East Road was closed for a short duration but will re-open shortly.

The crash is still being further investigated at this time.

ASHLAND WEATHER