Ashland – National School Bus Safety Week begins Monday, October 21 and runs through Friday,
October 25. During this time, the Ohio State Highway Patrol will increase enforcement efforts regarding
school bus violations. These violations include passing a stopped school bus, school zone violations and
other school bus or school zone-related activity.
National School Bus Safety Week is supported by the National Association for Pupil Transportation and
serves as a reminder to motorists, students and school bus drivers of the important role they all have in
ensuring children’s safety. This year’s theme is “Safety First – Safety Always,” a unique reminder to
both motorists and students about the dangers that exist outside the school bus.
“School Bus Safety Week serves as an important reminder that keeping Ohio’s children safe as they
travel to and from school requires a collective effort,” said Governor Mike DeWine. “I encourage all
drivers, parents, and students to stay vigilant, follow traffic laws, and work together to ensure everyone
gets to their destinations safely.”
Prior to stopping, school buses display yellow warning lights that signify the bus is about to stop. Once a
bus comes to a complete stop, red flashing lights and a stop sign are displayed. Motorists approaching a
stopped school bus from either direction are required to stop at least 10 feet from the bus while the bus
driver is receiving or discharging students. When a road is divided into four or more lanes, only traffic
driving in the same direction as the bus must stop. Drivers may not resume their travels until the bus
starts moving.
“The Ohio State Highway Patrol is committed to ensuring the safety of students who rely on school
transportation every day,” said Colonel Charles A. Jones, Patrol superintendent. “While drivers are
legally required to stop for school buses when children are boarding or exiting, it is just as important for
students to look both ways and cross the road with caution.”
Since 2019, there has been a total of 6,415 school bus-related traffic crashes in Ohio, resulting in eight
fatalities and 2,064 injuries. One of the eight killed was an occupant of a school bus. During that time,
troopers have issued more than 16,500 citations for passing a stopped school bus and other school zone
violations.
Additionally, school buses are required to be inspected twice a year to ensure the bus is operating
properly. Every bus used to transport students is inspected before the beginning of the school year and
once randomly during the year. Since 2019, the Ohio State Highway Patrol has performed more than
200,000 inspections.
Veterans and Active-Duty Military Welcome to Enjoy a Free Breakfast
Ashland, Ohio—Mayor Matt Miller will again host the annual Mayor’s Veterans Day Breakfast to
honor our community’s military service members on Monday, November 11th from 7:30 to 9:00
a.m. at the Fraternal Order of Eagles Club, located at 400 Eastlake Drive. Breakfast will be
continuously served throughout the morning.
“We are so thankful to live in the great United States of America, and we are so blessed that in
every generation God has raised up a group of men and women to defend our freedom by
serving in our country’s military,” said Miller. “We are so proud of our veterans and current
service members and this annual breakfast is one way we can say thank you to these local
heroes.”
Veterans and active-duty military members are welcome to stop by the Eagles Club anytime
between 7:30 and 9:00 a.m. for a delicious, free breakfast assortment, including egg casserole,
biscuits and gravy, pancakes and more
WARCOG 911 Dispatcher Arrested on Multiple Felony Charges
Wayne County OH – A 911 dispatcher with the Wayne/Ashland County Regional Communications and Operations Group (WARCOG), Andrew Mohn, 36, of Burbank, OH, who also is a Captain and EMT for Canaan Township Fire Department has been arrested and indicted on multiple serious charges, including rape and gross sexual imposition, according to documents from the Wayne County Court of Common Pleas.
Mohn faces the following charges:
11 counts of Rape (First-degree felony)
12 counts of Gross Sexual Imposition (Third-degree felony)
The indictment reveals a pattern of repeated sexual abuse, involving multiple child victims. According to the prosecution, Mohn admitted to law enforcement officials that he engaged in oral and anal penetration and possessed a large collection of child sexual abuse material, including images and videos that he shared with others.
Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Brianna Dietary has requested that Mohn be held without bond, citing public safety concerns. In a statement from the Bond Hearing, Dietary said, “This is a case of repeated sexual abuse of multiple child victims. The defendant’s admissions and possession of child sexual abuse material raise significant concerns for the safety of the public.”
On September 30, 2024, Judge Corey E. Spitler ruled that Mohn is to be held without bail. The first pretrial conference is scheduled for October 30, 2024, at 11:00 AM.
The Wayne County community remains shocked by the charges, especially given Mohn’s role as a public safety dispatcher along with being a Captain and EMT for Canaan Township Fire Department.
Canaan Township Fire Department, or WARCOG has not yet issued a public statement regarding the arrest.
This case is ongoing, and further details will be provided as they become available.
House Fire on Ashland County Road 1095 Leaves Home Heavily Damaged, Family Pets Lost
Ashland, OH – A devastating house fire at 1607 Ashland County Road 1095 has left a home in ruins and resulted in the tragic loss of two beloved family pets. The fire was reported at 10:46 a.m. this morning, with firefighters from Station #2 arriving at the scene just two minutes later.
The Ashland County Sheriff’s Office, along with the Ashland Fire Department and EMS, responded to the scene after a 911 call was placed by a sanitation worker from COUNTYSIDE Trash Removal LLC. The worker, while making his rounds at a neighboring home, noticed the fire and quickly contacted emergency services, preventing the situation from escalating further.
Fortunately, no one was home when the fire started.
Assistant Fire Chief Dan Raudebaugh explained stating, “It came in as a structure fire, and when our first unit, Engine 12, arrived, they confirmed flames and smoke showing on the rear of the structure. We managed to extinguish the fire from both inside and outside, but there was significant structural damage. I would estimate a near-total loss of the home’s contents due to smoke and heat.”
Tragically, the family’s dog and rabbit were unable to escape the blaze and perished. Witness described a touching moment during the aftermath. Ashland County Sheriff’s Dog Warden, Deputy Hall showed compassion by covering the body of the family dog with a blanket.
Ashland Fire Department’s Station #2 was the first on the scene, highlighting the critical role of Station #2 in such emergencies. Despite their immediate response, the fire had already caused extensive damage. “Even with our quick action, seconds make all the difference,” Raudebaugh said, referencing the lessons learned from a controlled burn in downtown Ashland the previous week. “In just three minutes, the structure was almost fully engulfed.”
The Mifflin Township Fire Department responded to the fire as mutual aid, assisting with a tanker.
The Red Cross was called in to support the displaced family, helping them in the aftermath of the fire.
The cause of the fire is undetermined. No human injuries were reported.
Two teams delivered two trailer loads of water, diapers, miscellaneous supplies, chain saws, generators, cots and blankets.
They were overwhelmed and blessed to receive them.
The big need is HEATERS, GENERATORS and CAMP STOVES FOR COOKING.
We will prepare to send our next truck load. You can drop off the supplies at LIVING WATERS, the old Savannah School. See Roger or Christa Spoerr.
Our goal is to raise the funds or purchase 25 generators with a 5 gal fuel container, extension cord, funnels and oil. These generators will be run and ready to go.
We have a semi-flat bed if we can find a semi truck and driver. Or we will take our trailers back.
We will put together work teams. We have some military tents, cots and heaters for house workers. We will need cooking teams, food and the rest to feed the teams. It’s a boy scout/girl scout adventure.
Preparedness Consulting Services, LLC @ Hominy Valley Singing Grounds. {They publish a daily list of needs}
Ashland, OH — The City of Ashland has set its annual Halloween trick-or-treat event for Thursday, October 31st, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, regardless of weather conditions. Families can prepare for an evening of fun, as children make their rounds collecting treats in neighborhoods throughout the city.
The City continues its tradition of holding trick-or-treating on the Thursday closest to Halloween, a decision made to avoid conflicts with Friday night high school football games and other weekend activities. The early evening time frame, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, has been chosen with safety in mind.
“Even with reflective costumes and flashlights, the risk of accidents increases after dark. The earlier hours are set to ensure our children can enjoy a fun, safe experience,” city officials stated in a recent announcement.
To participate, residents are encouraged to turn on their porch lights as a signal to welcome trick-or-treaters. Those homes with porch lights off are to indicate non-participation. Trick-or-treaters are urged to respect these signals and follow safety guidelines throughout the evening.
This community tradition promises to deliver another night of Halloween excitement, with safety at the forefront.
ASHLAND COUNTY (Friday, October 11, 2024) State Route 511, from State Route 302 to just south of County Road 500, will close Friday, October 18 for three consecutive culvert replacements.
The first culvert is located just south of Township Road 754; the second culvert is located just south of Township Road 704; and the third culvert is located just south of County Road 500. Crews will begin work on culvert one and move north along State Route 511.
The detour route for all three culverts will be State Route 511 to State Route 302 north to U.S. 250 west to State Route 60 north to U.S. 224 east to State Route 511, and reverse.
Lucas, Ohio — In a somber ceremony that drew an overwhelming number of Friends, Family, and Co-workers, Trenton Michael Gallaway was laid to rest today at Mt. Zion Cemetery, a touching tribute to a life tragically cut short. The 20-year-old, who worked for the Richland County Highway Department, lost his life in a heartbreaking accident on October 2, 2024, while performing road maintenance.
As the sun rose over the village of Lucas, the sight was striking: a sea of vehicles from the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) and local county departments filled every available space, lining alleyways in a testament to the impact Trenton had on his community. Though many may not have known him personally, the sheer volume of attendees spoke volumes about the love and respect held for this young man.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Mansfield Post reported that the tragic incident occurred when Trenton, outside of a Highway Department vehicle, was struck by a motorist attempting to pass on Bowman Street Road. Despite the immediate response from emergency services, Trenton succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
His obituary paints a vivid picture of a hardworking, passionate young man. Born on May 21, 2004, Trenton graduated from Lucas High School in 2023 and had quickly made his mark in the workforce. From humble beginnings as a farmhand at Culler Farms to securing a position with the Highway Department, he exemplified dedication and ambition, saving for his dream GMC Denali.
Trenton was not just a worker; he was a devoted member of Grace Bible Church, actively participating in youth groups and missions. His love for the outdoors—whether camping, hunting, or off-roading—showcased his adventurous spirit, while his close bond with family and friends revealed a loyal and caring heart.
“Trent was a man’s man,” one friend recalled, “always up for an adventure, but also someone you could rely on. He knew how to have fun and make you laugh, but he was fiercely protective of those he loved.”
He is survived by his parents, Michael and Jennifer Gallaway; brother Bo; sister Shanique; his sweetheart, Morgan Guegold; and numerous other family members and friends who will carry his memory forward.
The Gallaway family hosted visitation services at Lucas Grace Bible Church, followed by a funeral service officiated by Pastor Wayne Presnell. Trenton’s pick-up truck lead the procession to the cemetery, while the community reflects on the profound loss of a young life filled with promise.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Trenton’s honor can be made to the American Traffic Safety Services or the National Road Safety Foundation, organizations that align with the values he held dear.
As the community comes together to remember Trenton Michael Gallaway, his legacy will endure in the hearts of all who knew him—a shining example of kindness, hard work, and the spirit of camaraderie.
COLUMBUS, OH – State Rep. Melanie Miller (R-Ashland) and the Ohio Pro-Life Caucus on Friday hosted a meet and greet event in advance of the annual March for Life at the Ohio Statehouse with legislators, pregnancy center leaders, Students for Life groups, and state & national pro-life organizations.
“It is a beautiful day to be celebrating life here at the Statehouse,” said Miller. “Our work protecting the unborn and promoting a culture of life is never done. On days like today, it is important for us to gather, reflect, and reaffirm the significance of what we are doing. Every life matters, and together we continue to advocate for the most vulnerable among us.”
The meet and greet featured remarks and a policy update from Rep. Miller, a legal overview in the state by Attorney General Dave Yost and Mrs. Darlene Yost, as well perspective from Savannah Marten, the leader of the Ohio Coalition of Pregnancy Centers. These Pregnancy Centers provided over $5,000,000 in education and support services for mothers and families in Ohio (Ohio Coalition of Pregnancy Centers, 2022).
The Ohio Pro-Life Caucus was founded by State Rep. Jena Powell (R-Arcanum) in 2021 and exists to advocate for policies to support women and children in the Buckeye State. Rep. Melanie Miller will serve as chair of the Pro-Life Caucus next General Assembly.
Ashland, OH — The Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Ashland Post #03 has announced the upcoming Cram the Cruiser event on Saturday, November 2, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Walmart located at 1996 E Main St, Ashland, OH 44805.
This community-driven initiative aims to fill a OHP cruiser with non-perishable food items and household goods, all to benefit the Associated Charities of Ashland County. Last year’s event was a resounding success, and organizers are hoping to surpass that achievement this year.
“Every donation counts,” said Sergeant Daniel Kumor, Assistant Post Commander at the Ashland Post. “We encourage everyone to come out and support this cause. Together, we can make a significant difference in our community.”
Suggested items for donation include:
Cereal
Spaghetti noodles and sauce (cans only)
Macaroni and cheese
Canned meats (tuna, beef, chicken)
Crackers
Ramen noodles
Pancake mix and syrup
Peanut butter and jelly
Ketchup and mustard
Toilet paper
Dish soap
Hygiene products
Community members who wish to donate early can drop off their items at the Ashland Post of the Ohio Highway Patrol, located at 805 US Route 250 at the corner of George Road. Karen is ready to assist anyone who wants to get a head start on their contributions.
Join us on November 2 to help fill the cruiser and support those in need in Ashland County. Together, we can make a positive impact!
Joe Lyons •
October 21, 2024
