Norwalk – The Norwalk Post of The Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating a two-vehicle head-on crash that occurred Wednesday April 26, 2023 at 03:03 PM on Section Line Road 30 north of Old Military Road in Norwich Township, Huron County.
John R. Tracey, age 65, of Willard, was driving a white 2017 Ford pickup northbound on Section Line Road 30. Samuel W. Howell, age 24, of Crestline, was driving a silver 2008 Saturn hatchback southbound on Section Line Road 30. Mr. Tracey attempted to pass another northbound vehicle in a no passing zone and struck Mr. Howell’s Saturn head-on. Both vehicles came to rest in the roadway.
Mr. Howell was not wearing a safety belt and was trapped in the hatchback. He was extricated by mechanical means. He died as a result of injuries sustained in the crash.
Mr. Tracey’s safety belt usage is unknown at this time. He sustained serious injuries and was flown by Mercy Health LifeFlight to Mercy Health St. Vincent Medical Center.
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 Huron County Sheriff’s Office, Willard Fire and Rescue, Attica-Venice-Reed Fire District, Mercy Health LifeFlight, Huron County Engineer’s Office, The Huron County Coroner’s Office, Secor Funeral Services, and A and M Towing.
The balanced budget commits to grow the economy and workforce, protect Ohio families and most vulnerable, and invest in educating our communities
COLUMBUS, OH – State Rep. Melanie Miller (R-City of Ashland) voted to support the Ohio House state operating budget and the bill passed in the chamber on Wednesday. The legislation provides billions in funding over the next two fiscal years to grow the economy and workforce, protect Ohio families and most vulnerable, and invest in educating our communities.
“All in all, through both the wonderful local projects we were able to get added and additional investments happening throughout the state, I do believe this House budget will positively impact all Ohioans,” Miller said. “We have very positive things included here that are going to help Ohio families thrive such as lowering taxes, lots of funding our schools, and providing huge investments into our economy and workforce.”
Some of the highlights of the state budget includes:
Providing tax relief for everyday Ohioans by flattening and reducing the state income tax from the bottom up to 2.75% for those making up to $92,000 a year.
Investing over $8 billion in FY24 and more than $8.2 billion in FY25 to fund the Fair School Funding Plan, demonstrating a commitment to providing all students with the resources they need to succeed.
Investing over $433 billion in FY24 and $465 billion in FY25 for joint vocational school districts (career centers) as part of the Fair School Funding Plan, creating more opportunities for students to gain valuable career skills.
$1 billon in FY24 and $1.1 billion in FY25 for independent STEM schools and charter schools, providing students with innovative educational options to prepare them for the workforce of the future.
$500 million in bonus depreciation tax deduction that allows businesses across the state to deduct a large percentage of the purchase price of eligible assets upfront versus over a six year period and continue to grow their companies.
Allowing all eligible volunteer firefighters, EMTs, first responders, and paramedics to receive a $1000 non-refundable tax credit.
Providing tax credits for affordable workforce housing in Ohio.
Indexing homestead exemption for inflation, ensuring that seniors and veterans are protected from increases in property taxes.
Investing $500 million in the All Ohio Future Fund to benefit all of Ohio with economic development sites.
Connecting workers and employers throughout Ohio by creating the Connect4Ohio Fund, which is a $1 billion investment to make it easier for all Ohio workers to commute to economic centers.
Invests $500 million to site redevelopment programs like brownfield remediation and building demolition that will revitalize unused or underutilized land, creating new opportunities for businesses and job growth.
Providing $200 million in the H2Ohio program that will protect water resources and reduce phosphorous discharge into lakes and rivers, ensuring a healthy environment.
Investing $100 million in new training facilities and workforce development capacity at Ohio’s colleges, universities, and training providers that will prepare workers for the jobs of the future and ensure that businesses have access to a highly skilled workforce.
Investing $200 million in high school career-tech facilities, which will provide new opportunities for Ohio’s students to gain valuable skills and prepare for successful careers in a variety of fields.
$160 million investment in water and sewer projects will improve infrastructure and support economic growth, while also ensuring access to clean and safe drinking water for Ohioans.
Investing $150 million towards the development of vibrant downtown areas to improve quality of life for Ohioans and attracting new businesses and visitors to the state.
$50 million expansion of broadband throughout the state will support remote work and online learning, while also attracting new businesses and industries to Ohio.
$50 million in funding for construction and upgrades for township facilities that will improve public services and support local communities, driving economic growth in rural areas.
Providing $25 million in support to Ohio’s county and independent fairs to provide them with a boost to their economic impact through facility upgrades, construction, and create new job opportunities related to tourism.
Utilizing $25 million to upgrade cultural centers, such as museums and historical sites.
Investing in facilities hosting sporting events that will attract visitors to Ohio and provide a boost to the hospitality and entertainment industries.
Invests in publicly funded child care for families earning 160% of the federal poverty level or less will provide critical support to working families in Ohio. This increase from the current limit of 142% means that more families can access affordable and high-quality child care services.
Over $61 million in additional funding for early childhood education each year that will ensure that more children have access to preschool programs that put them on the path to success in school and beyond.
$250 million each year to provide vital support for multi-system youth, public children’s service agencies, and kinship care programs.
Establishing the Department of Children and Youth is a significant step in prioritizing early childhood education and health issues in Ohio.
Funding to support increased wages for many critical workers in the Medicaid-funded healthcare space.
Investing more than $50 million in upgrades at healthcare facilities around Ohio to increase access to health care in underserved areas, ensuring that all Ohioans have access to the care they need.
Increasing state support for nursing facilities to provide higher quality care for more Ohioans, ensuring that elderly and disabled citizens receive the care they deserve.
Miller submitted several amendments that were added into the budget package, including:
· Coverage for donor breast milk and milk fortifiers that requires health insurance plans and the Medicaid program to cover medically necessary pasteurized donor human milk and human milk fortifiers for inpatient and home use for the recovery of an infant.
· Requiring the public defender to prioritize with counties to contract with the PD so that those counties get 100% reimbursement.
· Providing $600,000 for the Ashland University Military and Veterans Resource Center Project.
· Providing $500,000 for the Ashland University Center for Addictions Project.
· $700,000 for the Ashland University Correctional Education Expansion program.
· Including $175k for a sidewalk along US 250 in Ashland.
· $25,000 for the Ashland Community Theater to purchase equipment for the hearing impaired.
The budget bill now moves to the Senate for consideration.
The Coburn Gallery of Ashland University will host an Ashland Community Arts League (AshCAL) juried membership exhibition May 19 through July 23. The exhibition is open to all artists who are current members of AshCAL. Entry fee is $25 for up to four entries. Newly joining members must provide contact information and pay annual membership dues ($35) at the time of entry. Life membership is also available for $100, and includes the entry fee for the 2023 exhibition. Works in any media, traditional or experimental, qualify.
All works must be original to the entering artist and not completed under instruction or as part of a class or workshop. No kits or commercial patterns will be accepted. Work may not have been previously exhibited at Coburn Gallery. Wall hanging pieces must be wired and completely ready to exhibit. All pieces must be hand delivered to Coburn Gallery, 331 College Ave, Ashland, on Tuesday, May 9, between 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
The guest juror for the exhibition is Keith Dull. Dull was born in Fort Wayne, Ind., in 1968. He received a BFA in printmaking and painting from Indiana University, Herron School of Art in 1992, and an MFA in printmaking from the University of South Dakota in 1995. From 1998-99, he worked as adjunct faculty and print shop technician for Herron School of Art, and in 1999, accepted a teaching position at Ashland University where he is a professor of art, teaching printmaking, painting, illustration, drawing and 2D Design. His imagery reflects an interest in history, and the historical use of print as guides, manuals and magic talismans.
The Coburn Art Gallery will host an opening reception on May 19 from 5-6:30 p.m. Detailed entry forms and prospectus may be obtained by email at cpetry@ashland.edu.
COLUMBUS— State Representatives Darrell Kick (R-Loudonville) and Roy Klopfenstein (R-Haviland) have introduced legislation that would add several federally recognized agricultural days into the Ohio Revised Code.
The proposed agricultural days and weeks of recognition include:
·Agriculture Day, March 21
·Farmer’s Day, October 12
·FFA Week, The last full week of February
·4-H Week, The first full week of October
“Agriculture is one of the largest industries in Ohio, generating more than $100 billion to our state’s economy,” Kick said. “With over 75,000 farms, 90% of which are family-owned, we need to highlight the important work being done by everyday Ohioans.”
“Farmers tend to keep to themselves, but now is the time to promote different aspects of the agriculture industry throughout the year so we can inspire the next generation to pursue careers in the field,” Klopfenstein said.
The legislation awaits committee assignment.
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State Representative Darrell Kick is serving his fourth term in the Ohio House. He represents the 98th House District, which includes all of Coshocton and Holmes counties and eastern Knox County.
Ashland County Prosecuting Attorney Christopher R. Tunnell Announces Law Enforcement Officer of the Month for April
Ashland County Prosecuting Attorney Christopher R. Tunnell is pleased to announce that the Officer of the Month for March 2023 is Ohio State Highway Patrol Trooper Richard Kluever.
Trooper Kluever has a long-standing history of winning major awards, having been the Ashland Post Trooper of the Year in 2015 and 2021. He had the most misdemeanor drug arrests by any trooper in Ohio for 2022. Trooper Kluever was likewise the leader in felony arrests in 2022 at the Ashland Post.
Post Commander Lt. Brad Bishop commented “Trooper Kluever is a team player with an incredible work ethic and unquestionable integrity.”
Prosecutor Tunnell agreed saying, “Trooper Kluever’s dedication and excellent work product is something my office has consistently seen. We wholeheartedly agree with Lt. Bishop’s assessment.”
Each month Ashland County Prosecuting Attorney Christopher R. Tunnell will select an officer of the month to recognize the good work being done in our community by our law enforcement officers.
COLUMBUS – State Rep. Melanie Miller (R-City of Ashland) presented a resolution on Monday to the Ashland Women’s Basketball team on the House floor of the Statehouse in Columbus. The representative invited the team to recognize their NCAA Division II national championship win earlier this year.
“I’m so proud of these women and their massive achievement in taking home the big championship win,” Miller said. “Their undefeated season speaks to their dedication and hard work. They are inspiring role models for our community, and I congratulate them on taking the national title home.”
Earlier this year, Ashland beat Minnesota Duluth, 78-67, in Dallas to win its third NCAA Division II national championship. The win wrapped up a 37-0 season, and made the Eagles the third Division II women’s team to win at least three national titles. Kari Pickens, AU Women’s Basketball head coach, also attended the ceremony.
“Our program is thankful to the Governor, the State House, and the State Senate for recognizing our team and providing us the opportunity to celebrate at the Statehouse,” Pickens said. “Ohio is rich with tradition, and we were grateful to be a part of it today!”
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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.
Winston Kilgore Age: 31
White / Male / 6’1’’ / 220 / Blond Hair / Hazel Eyes
Wanted by the U.S Marshals Service and Richland County Sheriff’s Office for probation violation on the original charge of Burglary F-2
Ties to the Mansfield, Marion and Mt. Gilead areas
Marquise Morris Age: 34
Black / Male / 6’ / 165 / Black Hair / Brown Eyes
Wanted by the U.S Marshals Service and Richland County Sheriff’s Office for felonious assault F-2
Ties to the Mansfield area and Oxon Hill Maryland
Tyrone Cheeks Age: 43
Black / Male / 5’11’’ / 170 / Black Hair / Brown Eyes
Wanted by the U.S Marshals Service and Richland County Sheriff’s Office for probation violation on the original charge of aggravated robbery F1.
Ties to Mansfield area.
Richard Kiser Age: 56
White / Male / 5’7’’ / 180 / Brown Hair / Brown Eyes
Wanted by the Richland County Sheriff’s Office for a failing to provide change of address as sex offender
Ties to the Mansfield, New Philadelphia, Conneaut, Bergholz, Lawrenceburg, TN
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.
Ashland University is launching a new academic program—industrial and systems engineering—which will be housed in the Dauch College of Business and Economics. The bachelor’s program has been in development for almost two years and is enrolling students for this fall after recently being approved by both the Higher Learning Commission and the Ohio Department of Higher Education.
“We are grateful to Bob and Jan Archer for helping us launch this new degree, and to the faculty who moved the curriculum forward,” stated AU President Carlos Campo. “This new degree expands our academic offerings and gives us the opportunity to consider related degrees in the future as well.”
“This is very exciting. We’ve never had an engineering degree at Ashland. We can now reach students that probably wouldn’t even consider us in the past,” remarked Dan Fox, dean of the College of Business and Economics and a member of the AU faculty since 2004. “Probably more important is the market really needs industrial and systems engineers.”
The demand for industrial and systems engineers has been growing. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of industrial engineers is projected to grow 10 percent from 2021 to 2031, faster than the average for all occupations. About 22,400 openings for industrial engineers are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
Fox believes this trend will continue well into the future, especially in Ohio where the addition of the mega Intel plant in Licking County and other manufacturing initiatives are taking place. Companies across a wide range of industries need these types of engineers, from manufacturing to energy, healthcare, military, technology and transportation. “Really any organization that needs a process improvement. It’s all about increasing efficiency and speed,” said Fox.
Students who enroll in the program this fall as part of the first cohort will take core curriculum and prerequisite math and science courses, then engineering classes in future years, which is typical for engineering programs. Fox noted that Ashland is pursuing future internship partners, as well as accreditation from ABET, the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, which will be retroactive to all graduates of the program.
Ashland offers academic programs in supply chain management, manufacturing management and business analytics, so the addition of industrial and systems engineering is a natural fit. It also gives business students who are undecided on a major another option. “Maybe (students) come here with an interest in supply chain, but then they really get interested in industrial engineering … or the other way around,” noted Fox.
Another advantage Ashland provides, compared to its peer industrial and systems engineering programs at larger universities in the region, is individualized attention from faculty members. As with all of its academics, Ashland promises a high quality and transformational education experience, as well as a commitment to a stimulating and supportive environment in every respect.
For more information, contact Mark Sindelar, assistant professor of industrial engineering and supply chain management, at msindela@ashland.edu or 419-289-5223.
Joe Lyons •
April 27, 2023
Ashland County Prosecuting Attorney Christopher R. Tunnell Announces Law Enforcement Officer of the Month for April
Winston Kilgore Age: 31
Marquise Morris Age: 34
Tyrone Cheeks Age: 43
Richard Kiser Age: 56
Ashland University is launching a new academic program—industrial and systems engineering—which will be housed in the Dauch College of Business and Economics. The bachelor’s program has been in development for almost two years and is enrolling students for this fall after recently being approved by both the Higher Learning Commission and the Ohio Department of Higher Education.
