Single-Vehicle Rollover Accident on US Route 42 Sends One to Hospital
Ashland County, OH – Emergency responders were called to the scene of a single-vehicle rollover accident on U.S. Route 42 at 5:47 p.m. this evening. The Ohio Highway Patrol, along with the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office, Ashland Police Division, and Ashland Fire Department & EMS, responded to the incident, which occurred near State Route 511.
The driver, 61-year-old Teresa Bates of Ashland, was operating a 2022 Hyundai Accent southbound on U.S. Route 42. According to the Ohio Highway Patrol, Bates veered off the right side of the highway, striking an embankment. The impact caused her vehicle to roll over and come to rest at the bottom of a ravine.
Ashland Firefighters used mechanical means to extricate Bates.
Ashland EMS personnel transported Bates to Ohio-Health Mansfield Hospital, her injuries are believed to be non-life-threatening.
Troopers do not believe drugs or alcohol were factors in the crash.
The Ohio Highway Patrol is continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Record-Breaking Turnout at Ashland Main Street’s Annual Costume Capers
ASHLAND, OHIO — A lively crowd of goblins, ghouls, and costumed families took over Ashland’s Main Street for the annual Costume Capers event, marking the largest turnout yet for the beloved Halloween celebration. Local businesses and community leaders came out in force, with storefronts decorated, candy at the ready, and costumes ranging from spooky to silly as they welcomed visitors of all ages to this family-friendly affair.
With classic characters, pirates, and creatures galore, the scene buzzed with excitement. Captain Jack Sparrow was spotted weaving his way down Main Street, bottle in hand, much to the amusement of children dressed as their own favorite heroes and monsters. Local businesses lined the sidewalks to hand out candy, while costumed kids and adults added to the festive atmosphere, with more ghosts and goblins than could be counted.
Ashland’s own Mayor Matt Miller and his wife, State Representative Melanie Miller, got in on the fun, joining community groups like the Ashland Post of the Ohio Highway Patrol, the Ashland Public Library, and even the Ashland Fire Department to hand out treats. Chief of the Ashland Police Division Dave Lay and his wife also joined in, adding to the sense of camaraderie as city officials and citizens mingled in the spirit of the season. The Ashland University students brought extra excitement, leading candy-fueled games like basketball shootouts and arm-wrestling contests, while The Salvation Army Kroc Community Center kept smiles wide with its candy-filled festivities.
Not far away on South Street, Substance Church hosted its popular Fall Fest, offering free hot dogs and other treats to passersby, while the Ashland Board of Realtors’ haunted house provided a thrilling walk-through experience for families.
Ashland Main Street Executive Director Sandra Hedlund Tunnell celebrated the record-breaking success, noting, “We were thrilled to see so many families downtown participating in Costume Capers this year. From businesses to community groups, everyone brought their best to make this a memorable night. It’s exciting to see how much this event has grown year after year.”
Mayor Matt Miller was equally pleased, sharing his pride in the community’s spirit: “It’s a tremendous joy to see such a diverse crowd filling Main Street, celebrating and connecting with one another. This event truly embodies the warmth and vibrancy of Ashland.”
State Representative Melanie Miller added her own reflections, sharing, “It was a beautiful evening to see so many families taking part in Ashland’s tradition of Costume Capers. Thanks to our Main Street business owners and community organizations, we created a memorable experience for countless children and families.”
Adding to the festive atmosphere, the mayor credited Ashland’s famed fall decorations and the “Pumpkin People” for drawing record numbers and positive community buzz. “Ashland is on the rise,” he remarked with a smile.
Costume Capers was just the beginning of Halloween fun for Ashland, as the city-wide Trick-or-Treat event will kick off tomorrow from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., rain or shine. As the community reflects on the success of this year’s Costume Capers, it’s clear that Ashland is building a legacy of family-friendly celebrations for all to enjoy.
Shop With A Cop Event Brings Big Smiles to Ashland County Children
Ashland, OH – Local law enforcement agencies in Ashland County are gearing up for the annual “Shop With A Cop” event, a holiday tradition that helps spread Christmas cheer to children in need across the community. Ashland Division of Police Detective Kara Pearce announced the dates for both the Shop With A Cop event and the popular silent auction fundraiser that supports it.
The silent auction will be held on November 17, 2024, from 1 PM to 4 PM at O’Bryan’s Pub, 1065 Claremont Avenue. Guests can participate in bidding wars for items generously donated by local businesses and community members—all for a great cause. As a bonus, attendees can catch the Cleveland Browns game on the big screen while bidding and supporting a beloved community event.
Then, in December 2024, officers from several local law enforcement agencies will gather at the Ashland Wal-Mart to accompany children on their holiday shopping sprees. Officers from the Ashland Division of Police, Ashland Sheriff’s Office, Ohio Highway Patrol, Mifflin Police, Loudonville Police, and Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District Rangers, along with Ashland County First Responders, like Ashland Fire Department & EMS and Dispatchers will be on hand, making sure each child has an unforgettable holiday experience.
Detective Pearce shared her enthusiasm for the event, saying, “Our silent auction is on November 17th, and the shopping event will be in December this year, we’ll be spacing out times for the children to make sure everyone has a memorable and comfortable experience.” She emphasized that the officers and community members involved are excited to make this holiday season special for each child.
The annual Shop With A Cop event is a cherished local tradition, one that brightens the holidays for families and fosters connections between law enforcement and the community. This is truly one of the most anticipated events of the year in Ashland County, bringing warmth, joy, and countless smiles to those who need it most.
If you know or want to add that if a family is in need you can call Associated Charities at (419) 281-6061
ASHLAND, Ohio – Kurt Schneider, who will be Ashland County’s next sheriff, has released a mini-documentary highlighting the crisis at the U.S.-Mexico border and its impact on communities nationwide, including in North Central Ohio. Schneider recently led a delegation from Ashland County to Cochise County, Arizona, to observe the effects of the border crisis firsthand.
The four-minute documentary, produced by Ashland resident Sean Bartley’s firm, provides a concise overview of the border crisis and the humanitarian and economic toll extending well beyond Arizona. “Schneider’s brief Border documentary succinctly highlights the issues arising from our broken border across the entire country,” Bartley said. “The documentary addresses the Cartels’ influence, the elements involved in securing the border, and what we all can do to make sure those actions are taken.”
In the opening of the documentary, Schneider explains his purpose in bringing local leaders to the border. “I thought it to be a prudent decision to take a delegation of leaders from Ashland County to put eyes on this crisis firsthand, figure out how it’s going to affect us locally,” he says. Schneider goes on to describe the extensive control of the border by criminal cartels, asserting, “they are the ones calling the shots.”
Ashland Mayor Matt Miller, who was part of the delegation, elaborates on the cartels’ profit motives. “They are taking advantage of this border situation to make money,” Miller said. “They are sacrificing the lives of people from all over the world in the name of making money.”
Ohio State Representative Melanie Miller also offers insights into the gaps in border security, emphasizing a three-pronged approach. “There’s that three-tiered approach for security, the lighting, the security with cameras, obviously the physical wall but also the men and women to secure the border,” stated Representative Miller. “We have to do that for our American people.”
The delegation collectively addressed the severe humanitarian costs stemming from the crisis. “This is not just an Arizona crisis or a Texas crisis. Every state in the Union has a border problem,” Schneider states in the documentary. He highlights that individuals crossing the border become indentured servants to the cartels where they are forced to work off their debt for the rest of their lives or risk harm to them or their family.
Representative Miller further underscores the humanitarian implications, stressing the safety of children caught in the crisis. “Children are lost. We don’t know where they are,” she says. “It is so important that we secure our border so we can protect human life.”
Closer to home, Mayor Miller links the border situation to local challenges in Ashland County, noting a double-digit increase in the number of cases in local courts involving individuals detained along Interstate 71. “It’s costing our local taxpayers to address the very men and women who are getting through this fence, over this fence, or getting into this country illegally,” he remarked.
Schneider, who has a long background in law enforcement and public safety, ends the documentary by encouraging Ashland County residents to vote for political leaders who will address the crisis head-on. “Vote for a president who will get stuff done. That’s Donald Trump,” he says. Schneider also highlights Bernie Moreno as a Senate candidate with a strong stance on border security and urges the election of local officials committed to understanding and tackling the complex issues arising from the border situation.
The documentary aims to raise awareness of the border crisis, the humanitarian crisis it is causing, and its impact on communities across the nation.
The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force has announced a reward for information leading to the capture of four fugitives wanted on a variety of charges.
The Task Force is actively searching for Akil Gordon, David Greene, Richard Keaton, and Dorrien Smith. Each individual is wanted by the U.S. Marshals Service and local law enforcement, and each has known ties to Northern Ohio.
Akil Gordon
Akil Gordon, 26, is wanted by the Mansfield Police Department for domestic violence. He is described as a Black male, 5 feet 9 inches tall, with black hair and brown eyes. Gordon has connections to Mansfield.
David Greene
David Greene, 38, is wanted by the Richland County Sheriff’s Office on charges of failure to verify his address as a registered sex offender. Greene is a white male with brown hair and hazel eyes, standing 6 feet tall. He is known to frequent the Mansfield and Galion areas.
Richard Keaton
Richard Keaton, 62, is being sought by the Richland County Sheriff’s Office on a strangulation charge. He is described as a Black male, 5 feet 9 inches tall, with black hair and blue eyes. Keaton also has ties to Mansfield.
Dorrien Smith
Dorrien Smith, 45, is wanted for escape and a probation violation on an aggravated robbery charge. He is known to the U.S. Marshals Service, the Richland County Sheriff’s Office, and the Adult Parole Authority. Smith is a Black male with brown hair and brown eyes, standing 6 feet 4 inches tall. He has connections to Mansfield and Marion, Ohio.
Authorities are urging anyone with information on the whereabouts of Gordon, Greene, Keaton, or Smith to contact the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force. Anonymous tips can be made by calling 1-866-4WANTED or by texting the keyword WANTED and the tip to 847411 (tip411). Reward money is available for those providing useful information.
The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force is committed to apprehending these individuals
Mark your calendars! Bernie Moreno coming to Ashland! Join us on Monday, October 28th at 3 PM at our GOP Headquarters, located at 141 E. Main St., for an event that’s sure to inspire and energize!
This is our moment to show the country that Ashland County is ready for a fresh voice in the U.S. Senate! Don’t miss this chance—invite your friends, family, and neighbors to be part of this key moment. Let’s make our voices heard!
October 18, 2024 – Gettysburg, PA: A group of 38 students, parents, and staff from Genesis Christian Academy recently embarked on a field trip to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, for a hands-on educational experience, aimed at deepening their understanding of American history. Led by History teacher Kenneth Hammontree and historian Tyler Rice, the trip was a living lesson in one of the most crucial battles of the Civil War. Departing early Friday at 6:00 a.m., the group visited key sites, including the exact spot where President Abraham Lincoln delivered the iconic Gettysburg Address.
The field trip was more than just an excursion—it was designed to engage students in active learning. At the location where Lincoln gave his famous speech in 1863, the students were invited to recite the Gettysburg Address, an exercise meant to connect them with the emotional and historical weight of the moment. This act of recitation allowed students to walk in the footsteps of history, while bringing alive the principles of equality, liberty, and sacrifice that were at the heart of Lincoln’s brief but powerful address.
A Lesson in American Ideals
Delivered on November 19, 1863, just months after the bloody Battle of Gettysburg, Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address is regarded as one of the most significant speeches in American history. Although it lasted only about two minutes, the address summarized the purpose of the war and redefined the struggle in terms of national unity and the principles upon which the country was founded. Lincoln honored the fallen soldiers and reminded the nation that the conflict was not just a battle for territory, but for the survival of democracy itself.
Hammontree and Rice used the occasion to discuss the battle’s pivotal role in shaping the course of the Civil War. They highlighted how the battle, which took place over three days from July 1-3, 1863, resulted in a decisive Union victory that shifted the war’s momentum. The site of the battle, with its memorials and carefully preserved landscapes, remains a place of reflection and learning, reminding students of the cost of war and the enduring nature of the American democratic experiment.
“The Gettysburg Address wasn’t just a speech about the past; it was a vision for the future,” Hammontree said. “By having our students recite it where Lincoln stood, we wanted them to feel the weight of those words and understand that the fight for freedom and equality is an ongoing struggle.”
A Visit to the Soldiers’ National Cemetery
Following their time at the site of the address, the group explored the Soldiers’ National Cemetery, the first national cemetery in the United States, which was established to bury Union soldiers who died in the battle. Surrounded by monuments, gravestones, and memorials, the cemetery is a solemn reminder of the sacrifice made by thousands of soldiers during one of the Civil War’s most crucial confrontations.
Hammontree and Rice led discussions on the significance of the cemetery, both as a place of rest for the fallen and as a symbol of the nation’s commitment to preserving the Union. Lincoln’s address, they explained, was part of the dedication ceremony for the cemetery, forever linking the address with the landscape of Gettysburg.
“Standing in the cemetery, it becomes clear that the war wasn’t just about North vs. South—it was about ensuring that the values of democracy and freedom could survive,” said Rice. “This is a place where history feels alive, where the past speaks to the present in a powerful way.”
A Lasting Impact on Students
The field trip to Gettysburg is expected to have a lasting educational impact on Genesis Christian Academy students. Many of the students shared how the experience of walking through history changed the way they viewed the Civil War and Lincoln’s legacy. Some students were particularly moved by standing at the site where Lincoln delivered his speech, calling it “inspiring” and “eye-opening.”
“The field trip gave us a chance to experience history in a way that textbooks just can’t,” said one student. “It was incredible to think that we were standing where President Lincoln once stood and to imagine what it must have been like.”
As the day ended and the group boarded their buses back home, the consensus was clear: the field trip had not only expanded their historical knowledge but also deepened their appreciation for the principles that continue to shape the nation.
For Genesis Christian Academy, this trip to Gettysburg was more than just an educational outing; it was an opportunity to instill a sense of history, patriotism, and civic responsibility in their students. By exploring one of the most hallowed grounds in American history, the students were reminded of the cost of freedom and the enduring significance of the ideals upon which the United States was founded.
This hands-on approach to learning underscores the Academy’s commitment to providing immersive educational experiences that go beyond the classroom. The trip will undoubtedly resonate with students for years to come.
October 18, 2024 – Gettysburg, PA: A group of 38 students, parents, and staff from Genesis Christian Academy recently embarked on a captivating educational trip to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, where they delved into one of the most pivotal moments in American history. This immersive experience was designed to offer a tangible connection to the lessons learned in the classroom. Led by history teacher Kenneth Hammontree and local historian Tyler Rice, the group departed early on Friday morning, eager to walk the grounds where the fate of the nation once hung in the balance.
The trip’s centerpiece was an in-depth exploration of Pickett’s Charge, a bold yet devastating Confederate assault during the Battle of Gettysburg, which took place on July 3, 1863. This event, regarded as a turning point in the Civil War, served as the focus of the group’s historical investigation.
A Closer Look at Pickett’s Charge
“Pickett’s Charge was the culmination of the Battle of Gettysburg,” said Genesis Christian Academy history teacher Kenneth Hammontree. “It involved the advance of approximately 15,000 Confederate soldiers across nearly a mile of open ground toward 6,500 entrenched Union troops positioned along Cemetery Ridge. This ill-fated assault resulted in over 6,000 Confederate casualties and marked the end of Lee’s second and final invasion of the North. It was the beginning of the end for the Confederacy.”
Hammontree elaborated on the strategic significance of the charge, explaining that Confederate General Robert E. Lee ordered the attack believing that Union General George Meade had weakened his center to reinforce his flanks. Lee hoped this perceived vulnerability would allow his forces to break through the Union defenses. However, General James Longstreet, the commander of the Confederate corps under which the charge was ordered, famously expressed his doubts, warning Lee, “No 15,000 men who ever lived could ever take that position.”
The assault was preceded by a massive artillery barrage, the largest of its kind on the North American continent, beginning at 1:00 p.m. on July 3, 1863. Some 150 Confederate cannons unleashed their fury on the Union lines, hoping to weaken them before the infantry advanced. In response, around 75 Union cannons returned fire. However, as Hammontree pointed out, most of the Confederate shells overshot their targets, causing minimal damage and leaving the Union forces relatively unscathed.
When the shelling subsided, Confederate soldiers advanced in a line over a mile and a half long. They faced treacherous terrain, broken by fences that disrupted their ranks, and relentless fire from Union cannons and rifles. The bloodshed was catastrophic. As the Confederate soldiers struggled to reach the Union lines, they were met with deadly resistance. Despite some Confederate brigades reaching the Union position at the stone wall, the few who penetrated the line were quickly overwhelmed by a Union counterattack. Among them was General Lewis Armistead, who led the charge over the stone wall before falling mortally wounded in the thick of battle.
The tragic outcome of Pickett’s Charge was a sobering moment for the Confederate army. Over 4,900 Southern soldiers were killed, wounded, or captured in the assault. The Union victory at Gettysburg, combined with the fall of Vicksburg the next day, marked a decisive shift in the Civil War. As Hammontree reflected, “This moment would later become known as the ‘High Tide of the Confederacy’—the point at which the Southern cause was at its peak, but from which it would only decline.”
Bringing History to Life
Tyler Rice, the historian accompanying the group, emphasized the importance of field trips like this in making history come alive for students. “Walking the very ground where these monumental events took place allows students to understand the human experience behind the facts and figures. They can appreciate the bravery, the tragedy, and the complexities of the Civil War in a way that goes far beyond the classroom.”
For the students of Genesis Christian Academy, this field trip to Gettysburg offered a rare opportunity to connect with the past. As they stood on Cemetery Ridge, looking out over the fields that witnessed the charge, they were not just learning history—they were experiencing it.
This educational journey is one the students and staff will remember for years to come, deepening their understanding of a crucial chapter in American history and the sacrifices made by those who fought on both sides.
Historic Journey Through Gettysburg Battlefields: Little Round Top and Devil’s Den
October 18, 2024 – Gettysburg, PA: Genesis Christian Academy students took a step back in time on their educational field trip to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, where they immersed themselves in the history of the famous 1863 battle that became a turning point in the American Civil War. Led by history teacher Kenneth Hammontree and Civil War historian Tyler Rice, the trip offered the 38 students, parents, and staff a chance to explore the grounds of the pivotal three-day conflict that shaped the nation’s history.
The educational experience centered around the key events of the Battle of Gettysburg, which took place from July 1 to July 3, 1863. As the group roamed the battlefield, historian Tyler Rice gave vivid recountings of the engagements, focusing particularly on two iconic sites—Little Round Top and Devil’s Den.
Bravery at Little Round Top
Standing on the historic Little Round Top, Rice transported the students back to July 2, 1863, a critical moment in the Union’s defense. “Little Round Top was more than just a rocky hill,” Rice explained. “It was the key to holding the Union’s left flank. Losing it would have meant disaster for the Union Army.” He then recounted the fierce fighting between the Confederate Army, led by General Robert E. Lee, and the Union forces under General George Meade.
Rice highlighted the heroism of Colonel Joshua Chamberlain and the 20th Maine Regiment. Vastly outnumbered and facing relentless assaults, Chamberlain’s forces clung to the high ground. When ammunition ran low and the Confederates threatened to break through, Chamberlain made a daring decision: he ordered a bayonet charge down the hill, which caught the Confederates off guard and forced them to retreat. “That charge saved the Union line,” Rice told the group, “and helped secure victory at Gettysburg.”
Little Round Top, with its steep and rocky terrain, became a symbol of tenacity and military brilliance, serving as a key highlight in the students’ understanding of the battle. Today, the site is preserved within Gettysburg National Military Park, where visitors can still walk the rugged trails and stand where soldiers fought with everything they had.
The Bloody Fight at Devil’s Den
From Little Round Top, the group moved on to another dramatic site of the battle—Devil’s Den. The large boulders and rocky formations that characterize this area made it an ideal stronghold during the fighting. On July 2, it became the site of chaotic, bloody combat, with both Union and Confederate soldiers locked in close-quarters battle.
Rice explained how the Union’s Fifth Corps tried to defend Devil’s Den from Confederate forces eager to break through the Union’s defenses. “The boulders made for excellent cover, but they also created confusion,” Rice shared, explaining how the rocky terrain turned the area into a deadly maze of ambushes and attacks. “Soldiers were disoriented, and the fighting was brutal.”
Both the Union and Confederate forces suffered heavy casualties in the fighting for Devil’s Den, which became one of the bloodiest engagements of the entire battle. The strategic importance of this position, coupled with the fierce combat, left a lasting legacy that students learned about firsthand as they stood among the boulders.
Bringing History to Life
For the students of Genesis Christian Academy, the trip to Gettysburg was more than just a history lesson—it was an opportunity to experience the events of the Civil War in a tangible way. As they walked the battlefield, Rice and Hammontree guided them through not just the strategies and outcomes of the conflict, but the human stories of courage, sacrifice, and resilience.
“Being here, seeing these places with my own eyes, makes it all so much more real,” said one student. “You can really feel the weight of what happened here.”
The trip offered a unique blend of education and reflection, leaving the students with a deep appreciation for the events that unfolded at Gettysburg and the broader implications of the Civil War. The visit to Gettysburg not only deepened their understanding of American history but also highlighted the importance of remembering the sacrifices that shaped the nation’s future.
Joe Lyons •
November 2, 2024
