Local News

I’ll Take Jail

Today, Ashland Municipal Court Magistrate, Fred M. Oxley heard eight Amish responses to their fines and costs hearings.

Magistrate Oxley explained that these hearings were to determine a person’s ability to pay a fine and develop a payment plan, if necessary, or the court could order community service, asset forfeiture, wage garnishes or even jail time. If jail is ordered, a $50.00 per day credit would be assessed against the fines.

Elmer Hershberger, Mosie Shetler, Andy Swartzentruber, Eli L. Swartzentruber, Henry Swartzentruber, Susan Troyer, Eli J. Yoder, and Levi Yoder all reported that they understood their rights and understood what could happen.

Most of the Amish in court today said that they would not pay their fines, because it is against their religious beliefs, but they would take jail time. The next court date for the eight Amish is on April 14th, at 1pm.

According to a Sheriff’s Office report, 73 Amish have been cited with the violation of 4513.114 – Lights on Horse Drawn Buggy from 10/10/2022 to 01/03/2023.

Ashland County Sheriff’s Office Sheriff E. Wayne Risner commented “We don’t make the laws; we only enforce the laws, and we fully support this law, because it creates a safer environment on our Ashland roadways. As far as negotiating, we can’t. That is not within our power to negotiate. Just like if an English individual would have no lights on their vehicle, we would issue a citation, no difference.”

Sheriff Risner pointed out “The Sheriff’s Office has met with the Amish Bishops numerous times, before and after the law came into effect. We made flyers, and made sure they all had the information. The Sheriff’s Office has gone above and beyond, working to educate and explain this new law. An overwhelming population of the Amish are in compliance with this law.”

Ashland County K-9 Fundraiser

The Sentinel Warriors LEMC in Ashland County, has announce an Ashland County K-9 Fundraiser called “Soup for K-9’s” on February 11th, 2023 at 2293 State Route 603 in Mifflin, Ohio.

Ashland County K-9 units will there to do a demonstration.

Bill Bauer said. “We are looking for local companies to donate items for our silent auction.”

If anyone is interested in Donating, please email Bill Bauer at Billbauer88@gmail.com

Nathan J. Olsen Murder Suspect Arrested In South Carolina

On 11/05/2022, Detectives from the Mansfield Police Department’s Major Crime Section obtained a murder warrant for Nathan J. Olsen (W/M/40). This is in connection with the October 22, 2022 murder of Antonyo Powell at 20 Antibus Pl., Mansfield.

On 01/11/23 at approximately 7:00 AM, the U.S. Marshals Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force (NOVFTF) collaborated with Marshals in South Carolina to successfully serve this warrant resulting in the arrest of Mr. Olson at 290 Indian Ridge Ct., Fountain Inn SC.

This arrest is a direct result of excellent work by the entire Major Crimes Section of the Mansfield Police Department and the relationship with the Division of Police and the NOVFTF.

Anyone with any further information about this investigation please call Major Crimes Detective Richard Clapp at (419) 755-9470.

AU Unity Week features several events inspired by the work of MLK

ASHLAND, Ohio – Ashland University will celebrate AU Unity Week Jan. 16-19 with a series of events to commemorate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., while bringing students, faculty, staff and the broader community together for conversation, fellowship, engagement and service. AU’s Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusive Excellence (DEI) is coordinating the celebration, and all of the events are open to the public.

“I am so excited to bring Unity Week 2023 to Ashland University to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King and to inspire us as we move forward,” said Brielle Nettles, executive director of DEI. “Through this series of in-person and virtual events, members of AU and the larger Ashland area can celebrate our rich diversity and come together in ways that advance unity, peacemaking, justice and joy. Inspired by Dr. King’s exhortation ‘The time is always right to do what is right,’ it is my hope that Unity Week will encourage us all to remain diligent and active in the work of building a beloved community.”

On MLK Day itself, Monday, Jan. 16, AU students will be volunteering from 12-4 p.m. for a number of community partners, including Ashland Special Needs Ministry, ACCESS, Safe Haven, Paid in Full and Ashland Parenting Plus. Students, faculty and staff can still sign up to help here.

That evening, AU is hosting “Unity in Fellowship,” which will feature a jazz band and readings of MLK texts and original works. It will take place at Jack and Deb Miller Chapel from 6:30-8:30 p.m.

On Tuesday, Jan. 17, a “Lunch and Learn” will be hosted by AU professors Peter Slade and Craig Hovey. They will lead a study and discussion of “Paul’s Letter to American Christians,” a sermon that King delivered at the inaugural convention of the United Presbyterian Church. This event will be held in ABCD Conference Room of the Hawkins-Conard Student Center, starting at noon (light food will be served).

A virtual fireside chat will be held Wednesday, Jan. 18, from 7-8 p.m., featuring attorney Bobby Alexander. A scholar, educator and equity champion, Alexander is focused on increasing access and opportunity for at-risk communities and his commitment to justice and equality will inspire the audience. Registration for the virtual event is available here.

On Thursday, Jan. 19, there will be a DEI Open House at the Robert Troop Center from noon-2 p.m. It is an opportunity for AU clubs and organizations, as well as community-based groups, to come together and showcase their work and share options how to join or support them (light refreshments will be served).

Murder Suspect Arrested

On 01/10/23 at approximately 11:20 AM, the U.S. Marshals Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force (NOVFTF), arrested Monteles Holland, who was wanted on an Aggravated Murder warrant. Mr. Holland is the suspect in the January shooting of Nayshawn Lovett at the Quality Inn at 500 N. Trimble Rd.

The suspect was located at in an apartment at 3725 Kimberly West Dr in Columbus, Ohio, and taken into custody without incident.

We are hopeful that this arrest will not only allow the victim’s family some relief but also, help alleviate any additional community fears. We ask that you respect the victim’s family’s privacy at this time.

Anyone with any further information about this investigation please call Major Crimes Detective Terry Butler at (419) 755-9791.

Fugitives of the Week for January 9, 2023

Danielle SHULTZDanielle SHULTZ Age: 36
White / Female / 5’7’’ / 150 / Blond Hair / Brown Eyes
Wanted by the Richland County Sheriff’s Office for Illegal conveyance of drugs F3.
Ties to the Mansfield and Bucyrus OH.

 

 

Danielle BREAUXDanielle BREAUX Age: 42
White / Female / 5’4’’ / 140 / Brown Hair / Brown Eyes
Wanted by the Richland County Sheriff’s Office for aggravated possession of drugs F3
Ties to Mansfield and Shelby, OH.

 

 

Derrick S. TAYLORDerrick S. TAYLOR Age: 45
White / Male / 6’2’’ / 245 / Brow Hair / Brown Eyes
Wanted by the Richland County Sheriff’s Office for felonious assault F2
Ties to the Mansfield and Cardington OH.

 

 

Richard KiserRichard 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, 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.

18 Min of the HOAX 911 Call Released

Ashland Police Division Officers & Detectives, Ashland County Sheriff’s Office Deputies, along with the Ashland Fire Department & EMS responded to a 911 call saying someone was shot, this later turned out to be a “Swatter” perpetuating an awful hoax.

Press Release reads as follows:

REPORT OF SHOOTING INCIDENT ON OHIO STREET DETERMINED To BE A HOAX

The Ashland Police Division responded to the report of a shooting today at 2:39 pm. The male caller stated that his dad had shot his mom with a rifle in the living room of 413 Ohio Street. The caller went on to say that he was in an upstairs bedroom and he was unsure if his dad still had the gun, or where he was located in the home.

Police personnel established a perimeter around the home while Fire personnel assisted with shutting down Ohio Street, and EMS staged in the area to provide trauma care to the potential victim. While officers and deputies managed the scene, our detectives began communicating with the caller to gather more information. The caller ultimately admitted that the report was false before disconnecting. The home was found to be vacant. There was no evidence that substantiated a violent crime had occurred inside the house.

This incident will be investigated to determine if the caller can be identified and held accountable for making the false report. Ohio Governor Mike DeWine recently signed a new law that makes this crime a felony of the fourth degree, and raises the penalty to a felony of the second degree if anyone is seriously injured as a result of these reckless acts.

435 GRAMS OF METHAMPHETAMINE SEIZED

On January 5,2023, METRICH detectives conducted an investigation into illegal drugs entering into the Mansfield, Richland County community. Seized was 435 grams of methamphetamine, resulting in a vehicle stop in the 600 block of S. Diamond St., Mansfield, Ohio by Mansfield Police Patrol and METRICH detectives.

EIijah Myers was charged with Felony drug possession and is being held at the Richland County jail.

Further charges will be presented to the Richland County Prosecutors office.

METRICH Lt. Steve Blust stated this was a direct result of cooperation amongst partner Law Enforcement agencies and tips received from the community.

The METRICH Enforcement Unit will continue to seek those that pollute our streets with narcotics and Lt. Blust encourages all citizens to continue reporting suspected drug activity.

Citizens can call the METRICH Crime Tip Hotline at 419-52-CRIME (419-522-7463) or the Task Force line at 419-755-9728 or by using the MET RICH app.

Ashland Man Sentenced to LIFE IN PRISON for Rape

 

AKRON, Ohio– Summit County Prosecutor Sherri Bevan Walsh announced today that Summit County Common Pleas Court Judge Kathryn Michael sentenced Noah Kyle, 26, of East 10thStreet in Ashland, to LIFE IN PRISON for raping a young child he knew.

Kyle is eligible for parole after serving 15 years of his sentence. Judge Michael also designated Kyle a Tier III sex offender. If Kyle is released from prison, he would have to register with the local sheriff every 90 days for the rest of his life.

Prior to sentencing, Kyle pled guilty to the following charges:

•Rape – a Felony of the 1stDegree

In June of 2021, the survivor, who was under 10 at the time, first reported being raped by Kyle while living in Stow. Investigators used DNA to connect Kyle to the crime.

ASHLAND WEATHER