Local News

Marion Troopers Investigating a Hit-Skip Crash

• June 2, 2023

 Troopers from the Marion Post and the Bucyrus District Office of Investigative Services are seeking the public’s assistance in locating the vehicle and driver from the hit-skip crash that occurred on state Route 95 in Marion County on May 13.

 

As a result of the crash, John Arthur II succumbed to his injuries on May19.

The BMW, possibly a 2006-2013 X5 did not stop after the crash. The hit-skip driver is a white male, believed to be in his late 30’s or early 40’s with a reddish beard.

Anyone with information regarding this crash, the location of the hit-skip vehicle, or the identity of the driver is asked to call the Marion Post at (740) 383-2181.

ASHLAND POLICE APPOINT NEW OFFICER

• June 2, 2023

On May 30, 2023, Mayor Matt Miller administered the oath of office to new Police Officer Joseph Artrip.

Artrip, 27, of Ashland, previously worked as a Sergeant for the Shelby Police Department and a Corrections Officer for the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office.

Having prior law enforcement experience, Artrip will shadow trainers for three to four months to learn organizational procedures while becoming more familiar with operations.

Artrip is excited about the opportunity to work in public safety for the City of Ashland, stating, “I like the sense of community and the culture at APD. I have always wanted to work here.”

Mayor Miller reminded those in attendance about the essential qualities needed to succeed as a police officer. With integrity, dedication, and sacrifice at the forefront, he encouraged the officers to remain humble and diligent while serving the citizens of Ashland.

This appointment brings the Ashland Police Division to 32 full-time police officers.

Ashland Railway crossing on County Road 1356 Closing

• June 1, 2023

The Ashland Railway crossing on County Road 1356 in Milton Township will be closed for five days starting Monday, June 5th through Friday, June 9th for railway crossing rehab.

It is anticipated that the road will reopen at the end of the day Friday, June 9th.

ASHLAND COUNTY PARK DISTRICT ANNOUNCES 100% OF FUNDS RAISED FOR OUTDOOR EDUCATION CENTER

• May 30, 2023

Ashland County Park District (ACPD) announced today that 100% of the funds needed to help build the Davy McClure Outdoor Education Center in TK Park have been raised.

Ashland County Park District director Eric Schneider & Ashland County Park District Commissioner Bob DeSanto were excited to show this goal has been reached.

In 2022, local philanthropists Bob and Jan Archer committed $250,000 to help fund the project and challenged the community to raise the additional $250,000 to help make it a reality.

Construction cost have raised significantly since the fundraising began, so funds are still needed.

Tax-deductible gifts to the Davy McClure Outdoor Education Center will help ACPD continue Davy McClure’s vision of having an education center/pavilion for the residents of Ashland County. Highlights of Davy McClure Outdoor Education Center include:

· Three season shelter/pavilion

· Bio-diverse educational habitats

· Flushable restrooms

· School bus accessible parking lot

100% of your donation to the Davy McClure Outdoor Education Center will go to supporting this project.

Community members interested in donating can call the park office at (419) 289-3524 or bring donations into the park offices at 1301 Park Street in Ashland. Please make checks payable to “Friends of the ACPD.”

FUGITIVES OF THE WEEK May 30, 2023

• May 30, 2023

Larry ReynoldsLarry Reynolds Age: 60
Black / Male / 5’2’’ / 145 / Black Hair / Brown Eyes
Wanted by the U.S Marshals Service and Richland County Sheriff’s Office for a probation violation on the original charge of aggravated burglary F1.
Ties to the Mansfield area.

 

Jerry ArthurJerry Arthur Age: 48
White / Male / 5’9’’ / 200 / Brown Hair / Blue Eyes
Wanted by the U.S Marshals Service and Richland County Sheriff’s Office for trafficking in drugs.
Ties to Mansfield area.

 
 

Jaleeka BurtonJaleeka Burton Age: 27
Black / female / 5’4’’ / 147 / Black Hair / Black Eyes
Wanted by the U.S. Marshals Service and Richland County Sheriff’s Office for aggravated possession of drugs.
Ties to the Mansfield and Columbus areas.

 
 

Richard Kiser Richard Kiser Age: 56 (in custody in TN)
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.

Fatal Car Crash in Ontario

• May 27, 2023

Ontario — The Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating a fatal car crash involving three vehicles at the intersection of Lexington Springmill Road and Park Avenue West. The crash occurred in the city limits of Ontario, Richland County, on May 27th around 2:45 pm.

Della Bekeleski, age 69, of Mansfield, was driving a 2016 Kia Soul northbound on Lexington Springmill Road. Lucas Ferguson, age 32, of Lexington, was driving westbound on Park Avenue West and was in the process of turning south onto Lexington Springmill.

Ms. Bekeleski failed to yield to the traffic signal and entered the intersection at a red light. Ms. Bekeleski struck Mr. Ferguson in the left side of his vehicle. As the Kia came to a stop it collided with a third vehicle which was driven by Christen Dingess, age 54, of Mansfield.

Ms. Bekeleski and Mr. Ferguson were transported to Ohio Health Mansfield by Springfield Township EMS. Ms. Bekeleski succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced deceased by the attending physician.

Mr. Ferguson was later flown to Grant Medical Center in Columbus. Ms. Dingess did not sustain any injuries from this crash.

Ontario Police, Springfield Township Fire and EMS, the Richland County Coroner, and Valley Towing assisted during this crash investigation.

The crash remains under investigation.

Patrol reminds drivers to ‘Buckle Up’ and ‘Drive Sober’ for Memorial Day

• May 27, 2023

During the upcoming Memorial Day weekend, the Ohio State Highway Patrol will be highly visible on Ohio’s roadways promoting traffic safety. As motorists travel this weekend, troopers are reminding drivers to utilize their safety belts and to be responsible by designating a sober driver. The effort begins at midnight on Friday, May 26 and continues through 11:59 p.m. on Monday, May 29.

Last year in Ohio, 15 fatal crashes killed 18 people during the Memorial Day weekend. Of those fatalities, six crashes and seven fatalities were OVI-related. In the fatalities where a safety belt was available, all were unbelted. Half of the eight motorcyclists who died were not wearing a helmet. Five pedestrians were also killed during the holiday weekend.

“Memorial Day weekend is always a fun time to be in Ohio, but if you’re traveling our roadways, I urge you to make responsible decisions,” said Governor Mike DeWine. “Buckling up and driving sober are essential to ensuring everyone on our roads is safe this holiday and all summer.”

Also, during last year’s Memorial Day weekend, the Patrol made 494 impaired driving arrests.

“Too many times our troopers see tragic loss of life on our roadways due to irresponsible decisions,” said Colonel Charles A. Jones. “Before heading out, make a plan, designate a sober driver and buckle up.”

In addition to the Memorial Day reporting period, the Patrol is continuing the 6-State Trooper Project focusing on the use of safety belts. This high-visibility effort includes the Indiana State Police, Kentucky State Police, Michigan State Police, Pennsylvania State Police, West Virginia State Police and the Patrol. The initiative began May 22 and will continue through May 29.

The Patrol is also taking part in the Click It or Ticket campaign, which runs May 23 through June 5.

You can help contribute to a safer Ohio by calling #677 to report drug activity and dangerous or impaired driving.

Loudonville-Perrysville Exempted Village Schools with Pool Pass Purchase

• May 26, 2023

Loudonville-Perrysville Exempted Village Schools Put Student Engagement and Movement First

 

Loudonville, OH – (May 25, 2023) – The Loudonville-Perrysville Exempted Village school district is taking an innovative and creative approach to student wellness this summer by purchasing pool passes for every student in the district. Using funding from the State of Ohio’s Student Wellness Fund, the school district has committed to providing its students with a pass to the Loudonville Public Swimming Pool. The move speaks volumes about their commitment to health and engagement for students inside and outside the classroom.

Governor Mike DeWine established the Student Wellness Fund to help schools meet the non-academic needs of students. The Ohio Department of Education (ODE) directed districts and schools to develop plans for collaborating with at least one state-approved community partner. Each year, the ODE informs districts and schools how much of their state funding will be spent on social-emotional well-being initiatives. The list of acceptable initiatives consists of services such as physical and mental healthcare, community liaisons, support for family engagement, and services offered outside of regular school hours.

Loudonville City Councilman Matt Young and the District worked together to develop this plan for how the district’s Wellness Funds could best support the LPEVS students’ wellness needs. They collaborated on this project to provide this opportunity with significant savings for the district on the cost of memberships.

“I want to thank Loudonville City Councilman Matt Young and the City of Loudonville for their efforts and collaboration in providing this wonderful opportunity to our students,” said BOE President John Carroll. “This initiative is helping us meet the non-academic needs of our students in meaningful ways, and for that, we are immensely grateful.”

The district’s commitment to using the Student Wellness Fund focuses on encouraging and supporting physical activity, mental health, and student engagement among its students. By making this purchase, the district is giving students an innovative opportunity to develop skills and relationships that will stay with them long after they graduate from Loudonville-Perrysville Exempted Village Schools.

To learn more about Loudonville-Perrysville Exempted Village Schools, visit their website.

ASHLAND WEATHER