Joe Lyons •
April 10, 2023
ASHLAND COUNTY – The following construction projects are anticipated to affect highways in Ashland County this week. All outlined work is weather permitting.
U.S. Route 42 slide repair – U.S. 42, between Township Road 810 and County Road 700, will have single lane closures for a slide repair project. Crews will be constructing drilled shafts to correct and prevent roadway slippage. Traffic will be maintained at all times. Estimated completion: October 2023
U.S. Route 42 bridge repairs – NEW IMPACTS – U.S. 42 at the structure just south of Township Road 793 will have single lane closures for bridge repairs. Estimated completion: September 2023
U.S. Route 250 bridge repairs – NEW IMPACTS – U.S. 250 at the structure just north of Township Road 1056 will have single lane closures for bridge repairs. Estimated completion: September 2023
State Route 511 bridge repair – NEW IMPACTS – State Route 511, between Township Road 704 and Township Road 754, will close Monday, April 17 for 60 days for a bridge repair project. The detour route for northbound motorists will be SR 511 to SR 302, west on SR 302 to U.S. 250, west on U.S. 250 to SR 60, north on SR 60 to U.S. 224, east on U.S. 224 to SR 511, and reverse for southbound motorists. Estimated completion: Friday, June 16, 2023
Joe Lyons •
April 10, 2023
ASHLAND, Ohio – The Ashland University Department of Theatre will close out its 2022-23 season by presenting a festival of 10-minute plays Friday and Saturday, April 14-15, in the Studio Theatre of the Center for the Arts (331 College Ave.). To conclude this season’s theme, “Standing Up, Standing Out,” these student-directed short plays each have characters who stand up for themselves and stand out by making choices that will change their lives.
Admission is free, but seating is limited. Tickets are available from the directors or at the door.
Anthony Marchetta, a junior journalism and digital media major, is directing “I Can’t Think of It Right Now.” The comedy is a scene of a common life experience, as a couple tries to remember the name of an actor, movie or song. A quiet evening at home for Marsha (performed by Meredith Morgan) and John (Aaron Stephens) is disrupted when they can’t think of the movie with “the guy with the blue paint across his face.”
The play “People Will Talk” by Scott Mullen will be directed by senior musical theatre major Katie Snell. Two strangers, Martha (Rhiannon Reed) and Owen (Camden Edwards) meet on a ledge and discuss who gets to jump first. As they talk, they learn about one another and come to decisions about their own lives. This play deals with topics for mature audiences, such as suicide, suicidal ideation and drinking alcohol.
Senior theatre major Tiffany Sims is directing “Sun Dried” by Edna Ferber and adapted for the stage by Walter Wykes. Set in 1912, this play is about a girl (Leanna Uselton) from the country who moved to New York City to pursue her dreams of becoming a writer. A kind janitor (Oliver Wagner) allows her on the rooftop to dry her hair in the sun, then a mystery man (Tobin Grendzynski) appears who might have the power to change the trajectory of her writing career.
A play within a play, “A Rebel Among the Wretched,” by Andrew Bliss will be directed by junior musical theatre major Mattie Vermilya. A celebrated drama about a dysfunctional family enthralls audiences night after night, but one of its characters (Leanna Uselton) decides that she has had enough doom and despair and wants to leave with her children (Ellie Nickoli and Rhiannon Reed) to join a musical.
“The Wedding Song” by Sam Graber is to be directed by junior theatre major Anthony McFee. During the first dance with his bride, a groom (Jesse Baker) is transported to other worlds by a mystical songkeeper (Gabrielle O’Brien). An ancient song delivers the key to eternal happiness.
Junior musical theatre major Tobin Grendzynski will direct “The Goon” by Pete Malicki. Two goons, Gary (Tia Shanklin) and Blarney (Ray Yeh), who work for a super villain (Belle Ayala), are in big trouble when one of them accidentally shoots a superhero. The vulgar pair of goons then take it upon themselves to hide the murder from their eccentric boss. This play contains adult language and subject matter.
Technical support is being provided by Hermalinda Abarca (stage manager), Becca Huegler (sound board operator) and Lily Dowler (light board operator). Seth Morrison ‘18 is serving as the technical director and D. Justin Bilewicz III ’09 as the costumer.
For more information, contact Teresa Durbin-Ames at tdurbin@ashland.edu or 419-289-5821.
Joe Lyons •
April 10, 2023
A portion of County Road 601 in Orange Township will be closed Wednesday, April 12th through Thursday, April 13th for a culvert replacement. The road will be closed between State Route 58 and Township Road 700. More specifically between House #627 and House #655. It is anticipated that the road will reopen on Thursday, April 13th.
A portion of County Road 601 in Orange Township will be closed Thursday, April 13th through Friday, April 14th for a culvert replacement. The road will be closed between County Road 800 and Township Road 700. More specifically between House #707 and House #705. It is anticipated that the road will reopen on Friday, April 14th.
Joe Lyons •
April 10, 2023
50th Annual PANCAKE DAY
Saturday, April 15, 2023
Ashland Central Fire Station
274 Cleveland Avenue
Serving from 6:00 A.M. to 12 Noon
Includes: Sausage, Milk, Coffee, or Juice
(RAIN OR SHINE)
INSIDE WAITING IF INCLEMENT WEATHER
Joe Lyons •
April 8, 2023
I spoke with Sgt. Kumor, of the Ashland Post of the Ohio Highway Patrol, about the new distracted driving law, that took effect on April 4, 2023, making it illegal to use or hold a cell phone or electronic device in your hand, lap, or other parts of the body, while driving on Ohio roads.
According to Sgt. Kumor, even though the law took effect on April 4, 2023, there will be a six-month grace period where Troopers and Officers will issue warnings for six months in an attempt to educate drivers on the new law. After October 5th of 2023 Troopers and Officers will be issuing citations.
Sgt Kumor explains, this law will be enforced with very few exceptions, like swiping your phone once to answer it. Anything that involves using, holding, or supporting a device while driving is now illegal. This could include dialing a phone number, updating, or browsing social media, playing games, texting, video calls or FaceTime, or watching videos. Drivers can listen to audio streaming apps and use navigational equipment if they turn them on before getting on the road, or use a single touch or swipe to activate, modify, or deactivate them.”
If a Troopers or an Officers sees a violation, they can and will pull you over.
Looking at your cell phone while stopped at a light can potentially endanger your family, friends, and neighbors. Drivers have a responsibility to watch for people crossing the street or other drivers and bicyclists who haven’t yet cleared the intersection.
Keep in mind — EVEN IF you can, That doesn’t mean you should.
The 1st offense gets two points assessed to an individual’s license, and up to a $150 fine. Fines are doubled if the violation occurs in a work zone. Completion of a distracted driving course can help avoid the fine and points.
The 2nd offense gets three points assessed to an individual’s license, and up to a $250 fine. Fines are doubled if the violation occurs in a work zone.
3 or more offenses, gets four points assessed to an individual’s license, up to a $500 fine, and a possible 90-day suspension of driver license. Fines are doubled if the violation occurs in a work zone.
There are exceptions that include:
Drivers reporting an emergency to law enforcement, a hospital, health care provider, fire department, or similar emergency entity.
Drivers holding a phone to their ear only during phone conversations if the call is started or stopped with a single touch or swipe.
Drivers holding or using cell phones and other electronic devices while stopped at a traffic light or parked on a road or highway during an emergency or road closure.
First responders (law enforcement, fire, EMS) using electronic devices as part of their official duties.
Utility workers operating utility vehicles in certain emergency or outage situations.
Licensed operators using an amateur radio.
Commercial truck drivers using a mobile data terminal.
Remember, drivers under the age of 18 are still restricted from using their electronic devices in any way, including hands-free features.
From 2018 through 2022, there were 60,421 crashes in Ohio that involved one or more drivers who were distracted by something within their vehicle. Of these, 189 were fatal crashes that resulted in 207 deaths.
Over the past five years (2018-2022), Cuyahoga County has led the state in the number of distracted driving crashes (5,651), followed by Franklin (5,073), Hamilton (4,682), Montgomery (2,977), and Lucas (2,603).
Combined, these five counties accounted for more than one in three distracted driving crashes (35%) in Ohio.
Male drivers made up the majority of the distracted drivers in these crashes (56% vs. 43%). In fatal crashes, males made up 68% of the distracted drivers. Nearly one in three distracted drivers (32%) were 15-24 years old.
From 2018 through 2022, OSHP troopers issued 39,533 citations that included a charge of distracted driving.
On April 4, 2023, Ohio’s distracted driving laws have become more strict. Law enforcement officers will now have probable cause to pull over motorists if they witness them illegally using a cell phone or other electronic device.
While emergency calls will be permitted in all circumstances, the use of an electronic device to call, text, search, hold, or support while driving will generally not be allowed. There is a six-month grace period where officers will attempt to educate drivers on the new law. Officers will have the authority to issue citations in October 2023.
Additional distracted driving enforcement and educational information can be found on the Patrol’s Ohio Statistics and Analytics for Traffic Safety (OSTATS) distracted driving dashboard at:
https://www.distracteddrivingdashboard.ohio.gov.
Additional crash-related data can be found at:
https://www.statepatrol.ohio.gov/ostats.aspx.
For more information, visit: PhonesDown.Ohio.gov.
Joe Lyons •
April 6, 2023
ASHLAND – Ethan Stadler was an introvert, but when he arrived at a scene as a firefighter and paramedic, his demeanor transformed. He showed up as a calm and confident leader, fueled by a strong sense of duty and a passion for service.
“He wanted to help people, but he wouldn’t just walk up to somebody and say, ‘Hey, are you okay?’” said Ethan’s father, Eric Stadler. “This job was perfect for him, because people would call and say they needed help, and he would come.”
Before the October 2022 motorcycle crash that resulted in his death, Ethan was EMS Captain for Polk Jackson Perry Fire District, where he was named EMT of the year in 2021. He also served as a member of the Jeromesville Community Fire District and Green-Perrysville Joint Fire District.
Ethan seized every training opportunity he had, his parents said, and he was a confidant and encourager for fellow firefighters and EMTs when they struggled to get through a tough training.
Now, Ethan’s dedication to emergency response training and his passion for serving his community will live on through a memorial scholarship fund at Ashland County Community Foundation. Each year, the Ethan Stadler Memorial Firefighter/EMT Scholarship will be awarded to help a local resident pursue fire or EMS training.
The fund was started by Ethan’s fellow firefighters at Polk Jackson Perry Fire District, with support from the Stadler family.
“We (at the Polk Jackson Perry Fire District) held a benefit pancake breakfast soon after Ethan’s passing to raise money for the family to help with funeral expenses, and we had an overwhelming response from the community,” said Polk Jackson Perry Fire District Lieutenant Enos Miller. “The three Fire departments that he served on paid for his casket, and the plan was to give the rest of the money raised to the Stadler family.”
When the idea of a scholarship fund in Ethan’s memory was raised, the family chose to donate more than $6,000 that remained from the benefit to help create the scholarship.
To ensure the fund can sustain a $500 annual scholarship in perpetuity, the firefighters aim to raise an additional $8,345, with the community’s support.
Ethan’s mother, LeAnn Stadler, said all three fire departments were amazing throughout the funeral process, and the ongoing community support has been overwhelming.
The scholarship will be especially meaningful for the family as they continue to grieve, she said.
“What is really great about this is, when you lose your child, you don’t just lose your child for that time that you’ve had them,” she said. “You also lose the future—everything that had been planned, and all the dreams and desires they had. Now, we can see other people pursue dreams in his honor and in his memory. It’s a way of allowing him to continue on, in spite of the fact that he’s no longer with us.”
Contributions of any size may be added to the fund by anyone at any time.
To donate online, visit www.ashlandforgood.org, click “Donate,” and search for Ethan Stadler Memorial Firefighter/EMT Scholarship Fund. Donations can also be made by mailing a check payable to Ashland County Community Foundation with “Ethan Stadler Memorial Firefighter/EMT Scholarship Fund” on the memo line to 300 College Ave. Ashland, OH 44805.
Joe Lyons •
April 4, 2023
April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month
This year, April’s National Distracted Driving Awareness Month coincides with the start of stricter distracted driving laws in Ohio, and the Ohio State Highway Patrol is reminding motorists to keep their eyes and focus on the roadway while driving.
“Distracted driving is dangerous, irresponsible and just as deadly as driving drunk, and beginning today, distracted driving is now a primary traffic offense in Ohio,” said Governor Mike DeWine. “This new law will undoubtedly save lives and spare many families the incredible pain of losing loved ones in senseless and preventable crashes.”
Since 2018, 209 people lost their lives as a result of distracted driving. During this same timeframe, distracted driving led to 62,324 crashes in Ohio with 21,652 resulting in injuries. Because drivers are reluctant to admit to distracted driving, the actual number of distracted driving crashes, injuries and deaths is believed to be significantly higher.
“Keep your focus on the road,” said Colonel Charles A. Jones, Patrol superintendent. “Every time you take your eyes off the road, you’re putting the lives of everyone on the road at risk.”
Distracted driving is any non-driving activity with the potential to distract a person from the primary task of driving and increase the risk of crashing. Distractions can be visual, taking eyes off of the road; manual, taking hands off the wheel; or cognitive, taking the mind off driving. Texting while driving is an example that results in all three types of distraction. Sending or receiving a text message takes a driver’s eyes off the road for an average of 4.6 seconds, the equivalent of driving the length of an entire football field when traveling at 55 mph.
With Ohio’s new distracted driving laws now in effect, law enforcement officers will now have probable cause to pull over motorists if they witness them illegally using an electronic communications device to manually input text, dial a phone number, or hold or physically support that device with any part of the person’s body while driving. Some exceptions exist, and emergency calls will be permitted in all circumstances. In early October, officers will have the authority to issue citations. Until then if drivers are stopped, officers will warn drivers and educate them on the dangers of distracted driving. Resources for motorists regarding the new law can be found at PhonesDown.Ohio.gov and an educational video.
For more information, a traffic safety bulletin with distracted driving statistics from 2018 – 2022 can be found here.
Joe Lyons •
April 3, 2023
Jason Goings, Athletic Director at Ashland High School, has announced today on Twitter that Tommy Bauer will take over as the head wrestling coach of the Arrows pending board approval.
Bauer, 2001 AHS graduate, was a two-time DI OHSAA state qualifier as an Arrow. He placed 6th in 2001 and had over 125 career victories in high school. He won an OCC title in his junior and senior seasons while wrestling for the Arrows.
Bauer is excited to assume his new role, “It feels great,” he said, “to see it come full circle.” Bauer added, “I have spent a lifetime in the sport and look forward to taking over the program.”
A three-time All-American at Ashland University, Bauer won over 100 matches for then AU Head Coach Ray Kowatch. He was a four time NCAA qualifier that had two 6th place finishes and a 7th place finish for the Eagles at the Division II National Tournament. He graduated in 2005 with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management and Marketing.
Bauer has been active in area wrestling the past several years working with many former, current and future Arrow wrestlers. He was a volunteer assistant coach at the Ashland Middle School this past wrestling season. He was a varsity assistant at Clear Fork High School from 2010-2015.
Bauer is ready to embrace the opportunity as head coach at Ashland, “I am looking forward to having a larger role developing young Arrow wrestlers not only to be great athletes but also great individuals in life.”
With board approval looming, Bauer is no doubt ready to get to work at his alma mater. #GoArrows
From the Desk of Dan Chandler
Joe Lyons •
April 3, 2023
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.
John Bowen Jr. Age: 25
White / Male / 5’7’’ / 130 / Brown Hair / Brown Eyes
Wanted by the U.S. Marshals Service and Richland County Sheriff’s Office for bond revocation on the original charge of aggravated possession of drugs F3.
Ties to the Mansfield area.
Marquis Morris Age: 34
Black / Male / 6’0’’ / 180 / Black Hair / Brown Eyes
Wanted by the U.S Marshals Service and Richland County Sheriff’s Office for felonious assault F2.
Ties to the 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, Connecticut, 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.
Joe Lyons •
April 2, 2023
The Ashland County Sheriff’s Office responded to an injury accident in the 2000 block of State Route 89.
While the officers were responding to a crash, a white male that was involved in the crash stole a vehicle of a witness to the crash and left the scene traveling southbound on State Route 89. Deputies and other law enforcement agencies began searching for the stolen vehicle. A short time later the vehicle was spotted in the 2500 block of Sr. 60 traveling southbound.
Officers attempted to stop the vehicle and the vehicle continued to flee from law enforcement.
The stolen vehicle came to rest after crashing behind the H&H custom homes. The driver fled on foot into a wooded area, and drone teams were activated.
It was discovered during the incident that the male was running from law enforcement, because he was involved in a shooting in Morrow County. The male was located and taken into custody in the basement of a vacant residence on Tr. 457 at the Ashland and Holmes County line.
Assistance from Ashland Police Department, Ohio State Patrol, Holmes County Sheriff’s Office, Knox County Sheriff’s Office, Loudonville Police Department, ODNR Rangers, Loudonville and Perrysville Fire Department.
The Ashland County Sheriff’s Office would like to extend our appreciation to all agencies involved in the apprehension of the suspect, Joshua Boucher.
