Chili Showdown Simmers Into Spicy Showdown at Ashland County Sheriff’s Office

Joe Lyons • December 5, 2024

Ashland County, OH – The Sheriff’s Annex was bubbling with friendly rivalry today as the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office hosted a Chili Cookoff. But, the stakes were higher than ever—both for the chili and the bragging rights.

The event, coinciding with Sheriff E. Wayne Risner’s final month in office, served as a flavorful farewell and brought together teams from the Sheriff’s Office, Ashland Police Division, and the Ohio Highway Patrol for a showdown spicier than a jalapeño.

With 15 submissions, judges were up to their elbows in chili bowls. The illustrious panel included Sheriff Risner, Chief David Blake, foodie-favorite Jail C.O. Charles Scruggs, Mayor Matt Miller, and Judge David R. Stimpert. Each spoonful brought its own flair—smoky, sweet, tangy, and some downright fiery.

But the real heat wasn’t in the chili—it was behind the scenes. As it turns out, Detective Secretary Denise Patterson and front receptionist Steve Black had been trading “smack talk” over whose chili reigned supreme. What started as playful banter boiled over into one of the most dramatic moments in chili cookoff history.

The awards ceremony began innocently enough. Third place went to 911 Dispatcher Brooke Massie, sparking a round of applause. Then came second place: Steve Black, who took the stage with a grin and a hint of chili-stained pride.

And then the twist: Denise Patterson, ever the showwoman, called Steve forward to announce the winner. “And the first-place apron goes to… Denise Patterson!” she declared, with a victorious smirk.

Laughter, cheers, and perhaps a side of simmering revenge, as Steve begrudgingly handed the coveted apron to his office rival.

The crowd erupted, and the room was left wondering: was this justice, coincidence, or the perfect recipe for revenge? Either way, the only thing hotter than the competition was the chili—and Patterson’s well-played mic drop.

As Sheriff Risner enjoys his last month in office, one thing is certain: Ashland County doesn’t just protect and serve—it also spices things up.