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?
ASHLAND, Ohio – Jason Miller, the chief advancement officer at Ashland University, has been named the university’s new vice president for institutional advancement, effective Sept. 1. Miller has served various roles in the advancement office since January 2011.
“Jason Miller has proven himself as a steady leader for more than a decade here at Ashland University. We have high hopes for his continued success in this new role, and offer him a hearty congratulations,” stated AU President Carlos Campo.
“I’m thrilled to be working with Jason going forward. He is an empathetic leader that will only enhance a very talented advancement team,” added Fred Broad, vice chair of the board of trustees at AU and a member of the class of 1975. “There is no one on the planet that is more dedicated to the well-being of Ashland University and the future success of our students.”
Miller has spearheaded a number of successful fundraising initiatives the last 13 years at AU. He has raised more than $10 million in new scholarships and another $10 million in estate gifts that will support the university’s endowment. Specific projects he has led include $350,000 for the Dwight Schar College of Nursing and Health Sciences campaign and $150,000 for a new press box at Ferguson Field.
Prior to joining AU, Miller was in pharmaceutical sales for 15 years, working for Sanofi-Aventis Pharmaceuticals, Novartis Pharmaceuticals and UCB Pharma, Inc. While at UCB Pharma, he won the Chairman Award (top 1% of sales within the company) and twice earned the President’s Club Award (top 5% of sales within the company).
Miller is a 1996 AU graduate who earned a bachelor’s degree while majoring in marketing with a minor in management. Miller was a four-year letter winner with the baseball team and helped pitch the Eagles to the 1995 Great Lakes Valley Conference and NCAA Div. II North Central Regional championships, the latter of which propelled them to the eight-team finals of the national tournament in Montgomery, Ala. He served as a team captain on the 1996 team.
“I would like to thank Dr. Campo along with the search committee for this tremendous opportunity. It is a privilege and an honor to be working at Ashland University with my wonderful colleagues in the office of advancement, as well as the entire faculty and staff,” said Miller. “I look forward to connecting with the many donors, alumni and friends of the university that make AU and the city of Ashland such a wonderful place.”
Ashland County, OH—Three individuals have been formally charged in connection with a disturbing incident that took place in Savannah, Ohio, where a 6-year-old child was viciously attacked by a Pitbull after being handcuffed and restrained by the very people that are supposed to love and protect him. This case, which has sent shockwaves through the community, resulted in serious charges and substantial bond amounts being set during a court hearing on August 21, 2024.
Incident Overview
The incident occurred on Saturday, August 17, 2024, when the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call at 5:06 p.m. reporting that a young child had been severely bitten by a Pitbull at a residence located at 23 Chapel Street in Savannah, Ohio. Upon arriving at the scene, first responders found the child in critical condition, suffering from significant injuries to his neck and ear. The child was immediately transported to Ohio-Health Mansfield where he was then airlifted via Life Flight to Akron Children’s Hospital for emergency treatment.
The subsequent investigation uncovered disturbing details. It was revealed that the child had been handcuffed at both his hands and feet when the dog attacked him. This shocking discovery led to a search warrant being executed at the residence, where authorities found further evidence corroborating the initial reports. Robert Michalski, the owner of the house and the dog, was discovered hiding with the Pitbull in an upstairs cubbyhole. The dog has since been taken into custody as a “vicious dog.”
Arrests and Charges
Three individuals were arrested in connection with the incident: Angelina Williams, the child’s mother; her boyfriend, Taylor Desiree Marvin-Brown; and Robert Michalski, the homeowner and great-uncle of the child. All three have been charged with multiple felonies.
Angelina Williams (28), of Cleveland, Ohio, was charged with second-degree felony Endangering Children and fifth-degree felony Obstructing Justice. According to investigators, Williams had been using handcuffs and rope to discipline her children, including the 6-year-old victim. On the day of the incident, a disagreement arose when the child refused to pick up dog excrement, leading Williams and the others to handcuff him. During the process, the child was attacked by the Pitbull.
Taylor Desiree Marvin-Brown (29), of Sandusky, Ohio, faces the same charges as Williams—second-degree felony Endangering Children and fifth-degree felony Obstructing Justice. Marvin-Brown is alleged to have actively assisted in restraining the child. Prosecutors noted that both children had been subjected to this form of punishment on previous occasions.
Robert Michalski, Jr. (47), of Savannah, Ohio, was charged with second-degree felony Endangering Children and third-degree felony Tampering with Evidence. Michalski is accused of providing the handcuffs used in the incident and attempting to hide the Pitbull from authorities after the attack.
Court Proceedings and Bond Hearing
At the bond hearing held on August 21, 2024, Ashland County Prosecuting Attorney Christopher R. Tunnell presented the charges and outlined the severity of the case. He detailed the prolonged abuse the children had suffered and the efforts made by the accused to mislead law enforcement.
Magistrate Emily M. Bates presided over the hearing and granted the state’s request for substantial bond amounts, reflecting the gravity of the charges and the potential danger posed by the defendants.
Angelina Williams was assigned a bond of $300,000. During the hearing, she tearfully protested the amount, insisting that the cuffs and the dog were not hers and that she had not intended any harm.
Taylor Desiree Marvin-Brown received a bond of $250,000. He declined legal representation during the hearing, further complicating his defense.
Robert Michalski, Jr. was given a bond of $150,000, with the court imposing strict conditions, including no contact with minors and no possession of dogs.
All three defendants are scheduled for a criminal video appearance on August 23, 2024, where further proceedings will determine the next steps in this ongoing investigation.
Ongoing Investigation
The Ashland County Sheriff’s Office, in collaboration with the Prosecutor’s Office, continues to investigate the case. Prosecutor Tunnell indicated that additional charges might be brought against the defendants following a Grand Jury review. He emphasized that all accused individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Community Reaction
The case has drawn significant attention in the local community, with many expressing outrage and concern for the welfare of the child and his sibling. Authorities have assured the public that they are taking all necessary measures to ensure justice is served and that the children involved are protected.
As the investigation unfolds, more details are expected to emerge, shedding further light on the circumstances that led to this tragic incident.
*** All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law***
Please join us Saturday, August 26th for free grocery distribution
Matthew 25 Outreach Center of Ashland County
Luray Lanes
647 E. Main St
Ashland, OH
Drive through distribution starts at 10:00 am and ends at 1:00pm
Volunteers needed from 7:00am through 1:00pm
We provide food to anyone in need, while sharing God’s love and peace with all we encounter. This work requires the help of many volunteers ….. so bring your family, friends, neighbors, and your co-workers to join us as we distribute groceries to families in need of assistance.
Our FREE drive-through grocery distribution takes place from 10:00am – 1:00pm, in the parking lot of the Luray Lanes, located at 647 E. Main St, in Ashland. The entire distribution is outdoors so please dress for the weather. The bowling alley will be open, so we’ll have access to restrooms and to take a break from the weather, as needed.
If you would like to help with this FREE grocery distribution, please meet us Saturday, August 26th at
7:00am to help with the initial staging process, as our truckload of food arrives
7:00am to help direct traffic
8:00am to help package bulk foods into family size packages, to make ready for distribution
8:00am to help register every family that receives food (a quick training session is available)
8:00am to help with home deliveries (this requires the use of your personal vehicle)
Not available to help us the 2nd Saturday of each month? That’s OK ……
Please contact us if you are interested in delivering shelf stable food boxes to seniors located in Ashland County …. deliveries take place anytime throughout the month.
Maybe you are interested in helping install yard signs the week of our distribution – you can contact us to learn more about this volunteer opportunity.
We have volunteer opportunities for people of all ages and all abilities! Please join us (and bring your friends) as we distribute FREE groceries and share God’s love with the people of Ashland County. We look forward to seeing you Saturday and pray that you’ll serve alongside us!
The Ashland County Park District will hold its annual deer gun and waterfowl lottery for the 2023 hunting season. The lottery will be held on Thursday, August 24, 2023 at the Ashland County Conservation League 1930 Co. Rd. 1035, Ashland Ohio. The deer lottery will start at 6:30pm. and waterfowl will start at 7:30 pm.
For a $10.00 fee, you can put your name in the lottery. Winning lottery hunters will be able to pick the park, day and area they want to hunt and will be allowed one hunting partner each day. You must be present at the lottery to secure your hunting dates.
Deer hunting parks in this year’s lottery are Avian Acres, Audubon Wetlands, Black Fork Bottoms, Carpenter Waterfowl Park, Cooke Family Park, Cool Springs, Esbenshade Wetlands, Gilliom-Cherp, Pine Hill Sauers Farm and Sprinkle Park.
Waterfowl hunting parks in this year’s lottery are Avian Acres, Black Fork Bottoms, Carpenter Waterfowl Park, Cooke Family Park, Cool Springs, Esbenshade Wetlands, Gilliom-Cherp, and Sprinkle Park.
Youth lottery drawings
The youth Deer and Waterfowl lottery will also be held at no charge.
If you are the parent or guardian of a youth that is unable to attend the lottery,
the parent or guardian may enter the youth in the youth lottery ONLY. The parent or guardian needs to bring proof of youth’s hunting license (hunting license or copy) No exceptions.
If the youth wants to be entered in the general lottery they must be present.
On Friday, Aug 11, 2023, at 2:06 a.m. the Sheriff’s Office was alerted to a Breaking and Entering at the Wellington Implement on US RT 42, Ashland Ohio. When deputies arrived, they observed a truck and trailer loaded with equipment and an individual behind the trailer. The deputy got out of his cruiser and the individual took off. He also observed a mower on the trailer ramp running with a screwdriver in the ignition. The trailer also had several side by sides and zero turns loaded.
While checking the property, they found that a side by side had also been tampered with. Upon further investigation, deputies learned that both truck and trailer were stolen from businesses in Ashland.
The property was secured by the Ashland Police Department as the search for suspects started. The Drone Team arrived and began a search. They located a male in the ditch along US RT42 and he was taken into custody. He was identified as Jordan Tracy of Columbus Ohio.
As the search continued, a 2nd suspect was found, Christopher Tracey, of Columbus Ohio.
The investigation revealed a total of four suspects.
During a search of the business, it was found that several zero turns and side by side’s had been damaged.
All items were recovered and returned to all three businesses.
Perrysville, OH – (August 15,2023) — Bigfoot event returns at Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District’s (MWCD) Pleasant Hill Lake Park this fall! Seekers of Bigfoot (aka sasquatch, Grassman, Yeti, etc.) should mark their calendars for October 5-8, 2023, to attend 2nd Annual Bigfoot Basecamp Weekend. Matt Moneymaker, Founder and President of the Bigfoot Field Researchers Organization (BFRO) and co-host of “Finding Bigfoot” on Animal Planet Channel will host a VIP dinner and Community Townhall event.
“The weekend will kick off with a VIP dinner and presentation by Moneymaker on Thursday, October 5th, along with campfire BFRO speakers, activities for kids, and movie under the stars,” says Louis Andres, Program Specialist at Pleasant Hill Lake Park. “Saturday’s activities will include a Community Townhall with Moneymaker, BFRO investigator presentations, Bigfoot author book signings, guided pontoon tours, Bigfoot T-Shirt tie dye, casting class, just to name a few.”
Ohio now ranks 4th in United States with over 321 BFRO reported sightings, Only Washington, California, and Florida tallied more total Bigfoot reports. Locally, Ashland County has nine reported sightings and Richland County has four reported encounters. The most recent sightings were in Ashland County at Mohican State Park on June 18, 2021, and another Class A sighting occurring at Pleasant Hill Lake Park primitive camp area on August 18, 2020, according to the BFRO website.
The weekend will feature family-friendly events, food trucks, Bigfoot souvenirs, a caricature artist, and Bigfoot themed Movie at the Lake. Reservations are required for the VIP dinner and select scheduled events. More information, detailed schedule and tickets can be purchased online at MWCD.org/Bigfoot.
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About BRFO
The BFRO site is the only collection of bigfoot reports from across North America that have been investigated by researchers to determine credibility. The BFRO has a large network of experienced volunteer investigators across the U.S. and Canada who use various methods to determine the credibility of reports. They spend a great deal of time and effort sorting through and investigating sighting reports to determine which are credible enough to display to the public. None of the modern reports in the BFRO’s online database are made public without investigation.
About Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District
The MWCD, a political subdivision of the state, was organized in 1933 to develop and implement a plan to reduce flooding and conserve water for beneficial public uses in the Muskingum River Watershed, the largest wholly contained watershed in Ohio. Since their construction, the 16 reservoirs and dams in the MWCD region have been credited for saving over $7 billion worth of potential property damage from flooding, according to the federal government, as well as providing popular recreational opportunities that bolster the region’s economy garnering more than 5 million visitors annually. A significant portion of the reservoirs are managed by the MWCD and the dams are managed for flood-risk management by the federal U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). For more information about the MWCD, visit www.mwcd.org and follow the MWCD on Facebook and Twitter.
Joe Lyons •
August 23, 2023
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.
ASHLAND, Ohio – Jason Miller, the chief advancement officer at Ashland University, has been named the university’s new vice president for institutional advancement, effective Sept. 1. Miller has served various roles in the advancement office since January 2011.
Angelina Williams (28), of Cleveland, Ohio, was charged with second-degree felony Endangering Children and fifth-degree felony Obstructing Justice. According to investigators, Williams had been using handcuffs and rope to discipline her children, including the 6-year-old victim. On the day of the incident, a disagreement arose when the child refused to pick up dog excrement, leading Williams and the others to handcuff him. During the process, the child was attacked by the Pitbull.
Taylor Desiree Marvin-Brown (29), of Sandusky, Ohio, faces the same charges as Williams—second-degree felony Endangering Children and fifth-degree felony Obstructing Justice. Marvin-Brown is alleged to have actively assisted in restraining the child. Prosecutors noted that both children had been subjected to this form of punishment on previous occasions.
Robert Michalski, Jr. (47), of Savannah, Ohio, was charged with second-degree felony Endangering Children and third-degree felony Tampering with Evidence. Michalski is accused of providing the handcuffs used in the incident and attempting to hide the Pitbull from authorities after the attack.
Luray Lanes
We provide food to anyone in need, while sharing God’s love and peace with all we encounter. This work requires the help of many volunteers ….. so bring your family, friends, neighbors, and your co-workers to join us as we distribute groceries to families in need of assistance.
The Ashland County Park District will hold its annual deer gun and waterfowl lottery for the 2023 hunting season. The lottery will be held on Thursday, August 24, 2023 at the Ashland County Conservation League 1930 Co. Rd. 1035, Ashland Ohio. The deer lottery will start at 6:30pm. and waterfowl will start at 7:30 pm.
The property was secured by the Ashland Police Department as the search for suspects started. The Drone Team arrived and began a search. They located a male in the ditch along US RT42 and he was taken into custody. He was identified as Jordan Tracy of Columbus Ohio.
As the search continued, a 2nd suspect was found, Christopher Tracey, of Columbus Ohio.
Perrysville, OH – (August 15,2023) — Bigfoot event returns at Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District’s (MWCD) Pleasant Hill Lake Park this fall! Seekers of Bigfoot (aka sasquatch, Grassman, Yeti, etc.) should mark their calendars for October 5-8, 2023, to attend 2nd Annual Bigfoot Basecamp Weekend. Matt Moneymaker, Founder and President of the Bigfoot Field Researchers Organization (BFRO) and co-host of “Finding Bigfoot” on Animal Planet Channel will host a VIP dinner and Community Townhall event.