The Ashland Police Division is investigating the report of a missing, 74-year-old, white, male. Timothy Metcalf walked away from his home on the north side of Ashland last night at approximately 8:00 pm. He left his cell phone and wallet at the residence, and did not report to work today. Mr. Metcalf has been experiencing a significant amount of stress lately and his family is concerned for his wellbeing due to the uncharacteristic behavior.
Mr. Metcalf is 5’11”, 185 lbs., with graying hair, beard and hazel eyes. He was last seen wearing blue jeans and a navy-blue coat. He likes to frequent parks and nature preserves in the Ashland County area, and walks to them regularly.
Mr. Metcalf may have asked someone for a ride, or to use a phone. If you see him, or know where he may be, please call the non-emergency line at 419-289-1911, or dial 911 if he is in distress, to report the specifics.
Prosecuting Attorney Christopher R. Tunnell Announces Deputy Garrett Dudte as the February 2022 Officer of the Month
Ashland County Prosecuting Attorney Christopher R. Tunnell announced today that the Officer of the Month for February 2023 is Ashland County Sheriff Deputy Garrett Dudte.
Deputy Dudte has shown a relentless pursuit of criminals through a high level of self-initiated activity. By using his training, experience, and instincts, Deputy Dudte has created positive outcomes in high pressure situations. Month after month, his efforts have resulted in felony cases involving narcotics, firearms, and more. His report writing skills are strong and he is proactive when it comes to conducting necessary follow-up. Deputy Dudte’s diligence reflects the high standards of law enforcement in our community and we are grateful to have him protecting our county.
Prosecutor Tunnell stated, “Deputy Dudte has drawn the attention of my staff by his consistency. He is consistently making cases by staying alert and aggressively pursuing the criminal element. He’s a hard-charging go-getter.”
Each month Ashland County Prosecuting Attorney Christopher R. Tunnell will select an officer of the month to recognize the good work being done in our community by our law enforcement officers.
ASHLAND, Ohio – The department of English at Ashland University is sponsoring a poetry reading by visiting writer Saeed Jones on Thursday, March 2, at 7 p.m. It will take place at the Student Center Auditorium inside the Hawkins-Conard Student Center (847 Claremont Ave.), and is free and open to the public.
Jones will read excerpts from his critically-acclaimed book, “Alive at the End of the World.” A collection of poems that confront the haunted condition of Black life in America, it was selected to “Best Books of 2022” lists by The New Yorker, NPR and Publishers Weekly among others. Utilizing a combination of memoir, fiction and persona, Jones addresses everyday perils as he and his speakers seek ways to love and survive through America’s existential threats.
Jones is the award-winning author of “Prelude to Bruise” and “How We Fight for Our Lives.” The former was named a 2014 finalist for the National Book Critics Circle Award for poetry, while the latter won the Kirkus Prize for Nonfiction in 2019.
Jones was born in Memphis, Tenn., grew up in Texas and now lives in Columbus, Ohio. His work has appeared in The New Yorker, The New York Times and GQ, and he has been featured on a number of public radio programs.
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2023 AT 6 PM – 8 PM
Ashland County 4-H Open House
Ashland County Fairgrounds
A come and go event from 6-8 pm to learn about Ashland County 4-H. Everyone welcome!
Featuring: project books available to look through, committee members from each animal species to talk to and ask questions, poster project examples on display, door prizes and live animals to pet! We will be on the Fairgrounds in Mozelle Hall.
The Mansfield Division of Police would like to alert area residents of a possible phone fraud/scam/impersonating a police officer occurring in our community.
We have received dozens of complaints today from area residents as well as Columbus area residents who advised they are receiving calls from a“Sgt Ryan Grimshaw”. The caller is stating they need to discuss legal documents with them and then leaves a return phone number.
If you call the number you do get a voicemail that identifies as“Sgt. Grimshaw”.
Although the division does have a Sgt. Grimshaw on staff, these phone calls were not made by him. If you do receive a call please do not respond. The division is currently investigating these calls.
If you have any information relating to this please contact Lt. Robert Skropits
ASHLAND COUNTY PROSECUTING ATTORNEY CHRISTOPHER R. TUNNELL RECOGNIZES DONATINI AND RAFELD FOR YEARS OF SERVICE
Ashland County Prosecuting Attorney Christopher R. Tunnell, in a brief presentation at the Ashland County Prosecutor’s Office, recognized Michael D. Donatini, First Assistant Prosecuting Attorney, and Ruth Rafeld, Ashland County Victims Assistance Coordinator, for their years of dedicated service to the Prosecutor’s Office and to Ashland County. Donatini was recognized for fifteen years of service, and Rafeld for ten years of service.
Michael Donatini is the First Assistant Prosecuting Attorney at the Ashland County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. He joined the Prosecutor’s Office in February of 2008. Michael advises officers of the county and its fifteen townships on a wide variety of legal issues related to their duties, including contracts, real estate, zoning, employment, and tax levies. He also represents the county and townships in civil litigation, and has been known to appear in juvenile hearings as well as adult felony matters. As First Assistant, Michael has an array of administrative duties relating to the internal operation of the office.
Tunnell commented, “I’ve been in prosecutors’ offices since 2001 and come across a lot of assistant prosecuting attorneys. I don’t know any that are as dedicated or competent as Michael Donatini. He is a real asset to Ashland County. It’s a pleasure and an honor to work with him every day.”
Donatini stated, “After fifteen years at the prosecutor’s office, it still feels like I’ve fallen into the perfect career. I love being able to serve the community where I was born and raised. Each day still brings new challenges for my mind and something new to learn, so the work never gets boring. Best of all are the relationships I’ve built with law enforcement, local government officers and employees, other attorneys, and especially my coworkers at the prosecutor’s office. It’s really a pleasure to work alongside so many great people who are so dedicated to public service.”
Ruth Rafeld, the Ashland County Victims Assistance Coordinator, joined the office in March of 2013. Mrs. Rafeld ensures that victims of felony crimes in Ashland County receive fair and courteous treatment during the course of prosecution, keeps them informed as to developments in their case, when court hearings will occur, and what to expect at each hearing. Mrs. Rafeld ensures that every victim’s voice is heard by both the court and the prosecuting attorney.
Tunnell commented, “There’s nobody better in the role of helping victims than Ruth Rafeld. She comes to work every day with a renewed spirit of optimism and a drive to advocate on behalf of those who have been affected by crime. She makes a positive impact in Ashland County every day. It is humbling to be able to work with her.”
Rafeld added, “I have considered it an absolute honor to provide support for those weathering a storm. I am grateful to be working in a community like Ashland, where a victim-centered approach is embraced. I look forward to the coming years at the Ashland County Prosecutor’s Office.”
VFW Post 1067 JR Vice Commander, Tim Chandler, of the Ashland County Joint Veterans Council has presented a plaque to Keith Searl and Karen Graves of Miller’s-Hawkins Market, at 1617 Claremont Avenue, for their outstanding and continued contribution to the Veterans Bean Soup lunch at the Ashland County Fair.
Chandler said, “They have always donated a great deal for the bean soup and the cornbread, and this year they went far above and donated more than half the items needed for the soup and cornbread.”
Ashland County Prosecuting Attorney Christopher R. Tunnell would like to thank Ashland County’s School Resource Officers for all their hard work and dedication to our children.
Thank you to Deputy Shelby Hammond at ACCA, Deputy Angie Hamilton at Black River, Officer Jeremy Jarvis at Ashland, Deputy Brian Martin at Hillsdale, Deputy Brandon Hendrix at Mapleton and Officer Ben Kick at Loudonville for all that you do to keep our kids safe.
An Ashland Post Trooper attempted to stop a vehicle, around the 185mm, in the southbound lane of I-71 yesterday, just after midnight. The male was later identified as Arthur Cook Jr., 43, of Wooster, Ohio, who fled southbound into Richland County.
As Cook exited I-71 into the westbound lane of US Route 30, he entered the rest area, turning through the parking lot, and exiting the rest area into the entrance, back into the westbound lane of US Route 30, going eastbound at a high rate of speed.
For safety reasons, the Trooper did not follow, but attempted to get over to the eastbound lane, thus losing Cook.
According to reports released by Captain Donald Zehner, of Richland County Sheriff’s Office, Deputies located the vehicle, abandoned behind a barn on Crider Road. Arthur Cook’s wallet and ID were found in the abandoned vehicle.
The report went on to say that while Deputies were looking for Cook, he jumped into the Sheriff’s Deputy’s, Ford F-150 pickup and fled the scene.
Ohio Highway Patrol aviation joined the pursuit, and Officers were able to apprehend Cook, after a struggle in a field, off of Crall Road in Richland County.
Cook remains in the Richland County Jail on a federal warrant, for a parole violation with more charges from Wooster, Ashland, and Richland counties.
Joe Lyons •
February 21, 2023
The Mansfield Division of Police would like to alert area residents of a possible phone fraud/scam/impersonating a police officer occurring in our community.
