U.S. Attorney’s Office Warns Residents About Scam Calls Demanding Money

Tuesday, January 3, 2023

U.S. Attorney's Office, Northern District of Ohio

CLEVELAND  – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio is cautioning northern Ohio residents about a telephone spoofing campaign where the caller is portraying themselves as an attorney, representative, or law enforcement officer, and the phone number is showing as the Department of Justice or the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

During these calls, scammers may attempt to collect money from victims or threaten arrest or legal action.  These calls are bogus and an attempt to use a legitimate law enforcement number to obtain money from victims.

Scammers use many tactics to sound and appear credible.  They sometimes provide information like actual names of federal prosecutors and federal office addresses.  They also spoof their phone numbers to appear on caller IDs as if they are calling from a government agency such as the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office reminds the public to be vigilant and never share personal identifying information with a caller that you have not initiated contact with or have not verified as a legitimate business or organization.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office will never ask you to purchase a gift card or give out a credit card number to avoid arrest.

To report a call or message from someone portraying to be a representative of the U.S. Attorney’s Office or Department of Justice, please contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at reportfraud.ftc.gov

Contact

Daniel Ball 

Daniel.Ball@usdoj.gov 

Updated January 3, 2023

Winter Warming Centers

Here is a list of warming centers that will be available in Ashland County during the upcoming winter storm. Please use them if you need them. Not all of the township fire stations are manned 24/7 so if you need to go there, contact the sheriffs office (419-289-3911) and they will let the department know it is needed.

Ashland, OH
Trinity Lutheran Church: 508 Center St. {times vary}

Ashland County Sheriff' s Office: 1205 E. Main St.

Kroc Center: 527 E. Liberty St. - Thursday: 5:15 AM to 8 PM; Friday: 7:30 AM to 12:30 PM

Ashland Transit will provide rides 6 AM to 9 PM Thursday and Friday

Hayesville, OH
Hayesville Fire Station: 8 High St.

Jeromesville, OH

Jeromesville Fire Station: 1 North St,

Mifflin, OH

114 S Ohio Street 

Perrysville, OH

Green-Perrysville Joint Fire District Station: 181 E 3rd St.

Polk, OH

Polk Jackson Perry Fire District Station: 209 E Congress St.

Savannah, OH

Savannah Fire Station: 6 Haney St.

Ashland County Tornado Siren Upgrades Have Begun

NOTICE for Ashland County Residents

We are in the process of updating the electronics that control the Ashland County Tornado sirens. Part of this process requires a test that will cause a siren to sound off for 1 second. This update will be performed on each siren and the process is expected to be completed during the next 2-3 months.

Do not be alarmed if you hear a single siren sound off for ONE second. It is only a test.

ACSO would like to thank...

We would like to thank the following individuals for these generous donations that will assist in future animal rescues.

Corey Roscoe for the donation of a Pet Thermometer. Corey is the Director, State Policy Volunteer Engagement, Outreach, Engagement & Training of The Humane Society.

http://humanesociety.org

Dominick Lesinski for donating a Micro Chip Reader. Dominick is the Client Services Director for 24Pet, a division of Pet Health Inc.

http://pethealthinc.com

You are an asset to our community and we Thank You!

Summer Hiking and Camping Season Is Here: Ohio Officials Share Safety and Insurance Tips

For Immediate Release Contact: Robert Denhard
July 20, 2022 614-644-3366
robert.denhard@insurance.ohio.gov

COLUMBUS – Summer is a popular time of year to be out and about enjoying the state's natural wonders, highlighted by the millions of visitors welcomed to Ohio State Parks. 

To help keep everyone on the path for a good time, Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Director Mary Mertz and Ohio Department of Insurance Director Judith L. French are sharing important things to know about safety and insurance. 

"There’s adventure in every direction in the Buckeye State – whether people are looking for hiking, biking, fishing, boating, or camping – one of our 75 state parks has something for everyone,” Mertz said. “It is important that people take the proper precautions for whatever activity they choose and be prepared in case the trip does not go as planned.” 

Outdoor experiences can quickly derail if other elements are uncooperative. A storm or rogue campfire can wreak havoc on an RV/camper, tent, and campsite items. Theft of expensive gear, equipment, and bikes and kayaks could occur. And injuries happen.  

"Review your vehicle and property insurance policies and talk with your agent about the possessions you use outdoors and if they are insured," French said. "Understand and be comfortable with your coverage amounts, coverage limitations, and the deductible levels. A deductible is the amount the policyholder pays before the insurance company pays its portion of an insured loss." 

Directors Mertz and French provided the following information: 

Stay Safe

  • Bring sunscreen, a first aid kit, water, and food.

  • Hiking and biking off designated trails, participating in water activities without a life jacket, and leaving campfires unattended can lead to trouble. Call 911 for help in an emergency.

  • Secure your valuables.

  • Keep campfires as far away as possible from a tent, equipment, and natural surroundings.

  • Do not use fuel-burning supplies in enclosed areas.

  • Go to ohiodnr.gov for posted guidelines and check ODNR’s social media pages for any alerts or advisories.

Review Your Insurance

  • Different protections may be applicable across different types of insurance policies. This includes auto, homeowners, condo, and renters insurance and specialized insurance coverage for RVs, ATVs, and watercraft when it comes to outdoor gear and equipment, watercraft, and vehicles.

  • Review your policies and discuss coverage approaches with an insurance agent. Shop around and compare coverage options.

  • Review your liability insurance, which can provide protection if you cause damage or injury, and evaluate umbrella coverage for greater financial protection.

  • Keep your insurance information with you. Immediately contact your insurance company or agent if an insurance situation arises.

  • If you suffer an injury and are worried about being out of your health plan's medical provider network, new laws protect patients from receiving and paying surprise medical bills above the patient's in-network rate from health care providers for emergency care or, in certain circumstances, unanticipated out-of-network care.

More Information

Ohio State Parks information is available on the Ohio Department of Natural Resources website, ohiodnr.gov, and the agency's social media pages. If you have insurance questions and complaints, contact the Ohio Department of Insurance at 800-686-1526, consumer.complaint@insurance.ohio.gov, and insurance.ohio.gov, where educational insurance materials are available. 

A Message from Ohio Edison Regarding Pole Attachments

June 9, 2022
As utility pole attachments such as cameras, banners and flags continue to gain popularity in many of our communities, Ohio Edison reminds the public that a formal approval process must be followed to ensure utility pole attachments, like cameras, are safe and legal.


Prior to attaching any object to Ohio Edison utility poles or equipment, the requestor must receive
approval from the company to ensure the safety of residents and utility personnel. FirstEnergy’s pole
attachment guidelines can be found here: Joint Use Policies (firstenergycorp.com)

Additionally, prior to connecting a device to Ohio Edison power lines, the requestor MUST apply for electric service for each specific location. Failure to do so creates major safety concerns and often
results in accidental theft of electricity. Only Ohio Edison is authorized to perform work on its
equipment for new service connection.

Entities interested in any attachments to Ohio Edison owned poles or equipment and/or establishing electric service for a device are encouraged to contact their Regional External Affairs representative to learn more or get the process started.

Safety is our top priority, and we look forward to continuing to work together to make our communities stronger and our customers lives brighter!

Severe Weather Brings Out Home-Repair Scammers and Fake Charities

6/16/2022

(COLUMBUS, Ohio) — With the warm-weather storm season heating up, Attorney General Dave Yost is reminding Ohioans to watch out for home-repair scammers and fake charities soliciting donations on behalf of individuals affected by storms.

“Shady storm chasers make my blood boil – they look to severe weather watches and warnings to try to make a quick buck,” Yost said. “And bogus charities come from the same swamp. Their goal is to rip off people who are trying to help.

“My office works hard to show Ohioans how to spot these swindlers.”

Unscrupulous contractors travel to storm-damaged communities to offer their services to homeowners, but then perform shoddy work or no work at all. In many cases, they go door to door, claiming that they can complete the work immediately. 

The Attorney General’s Office advises consumers to follow these steps to avoid home-repair scams:

  • Research the business. Ask for identification from the company representative; note the person’s name, address and phone number; and be cautious of any contractor who won’t provide this information. Check out the company’s reputation with the Ohio Attorney General’s Office and the Better Business Bureau. You can also search for possible previous lawsuits filed by the attorney general’s Consumer Protection Section.

  • Get multiple written estimates. Obtaining at least three written estimates from three distinct contractors could help you weed out bad apples. Beware of contractors that have only a few projects for you to review.

  • Don’t make large payments in advance. Instead, pay in increments – for example, a third at the beginning of the job, a third after half of the work is completed to your satisfaction, and the final third when the job is completed.

  • Get all promises in writing. Insist on a written contract detailing the costs, the work to be done, the starting and end dates, and any verbal promises made by the contractor. The contract should also note whether subcontractors will be used and whether the contractor has or will obtain the necessary licenses and permits. Insist on being provided a copy of every document you sign or initial.

  • Understand your cancellation rights. If the contract resulted from a door-to-door sale, you generally have three days to cancel the contract, according to Ohio’s Home Solicitation Sales Act. The seller should give you written notice of these rights.

  • Consider paying with a credit card. Paying with a credit card, as opposed to paying in cash, generally gives you greater protections to dispute unauthorized charges.

When it comes to making charitable donations, donors should research charities and ask questions. Donors should follow these steps to ensure that gifts are used as intended:

  • Visit the attorney general’s Research Charities webpage to see whether charities have complied with registration requirements, to connect with charity watchdog organizations and to learn what others say about the group. News articles and other postings can also provide useful details about groups, board members and key employees.

  • Request to view 990 forms, which most tax-exempt groups must file with the Internal Revenue Service. These forms describe where organizations get their funding and how they spend it.

  • Support familiar, established organizations with a strong track record of success and experience in dealing with natural disasters. Tragedies can sometimes prompt the creation of new charities that may or may not have the needed expertise to provide meaningful relief or run a charity effectively.

  • Talk with friends and family about unfamiliar solicitations. Have they heard of the group? Do they know of anyone who has been assisted by it?

Ohioans who suspect unfair sales practices or misuse of charitable resources should contact the Ohio Attorney General’s Office at www.OhioProtects.org, Charitable.OhioAGO.gov or 800-282-0515.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Hannah Hundley: 614-906-9113

Notice of Online Sheriff Sales Effective in July 2022

NOTICE OF ONLINE SHERIFF SALES

Starting in July 2022, the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office will conduct the sale of all real estate subject to foreclosure on the “Official Public Sheriff Sale Website” which is operated by RealAuction based on a contract with the Ohio Department of Administrative Services.

The process and procedures under which these sales will be completed are detailed at the RealAuction website: https://ashland.sheriffsaleauction.ohio.gov.  All prospective bidders should familiarize themselves with this process.

To bid on a property offered by the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office you must register with RealAuction.

RealAuction will conduct webinar training.  Registrants for webinar training must contact RealAuction Customer Service at 877-361-7325 or email  customerservice@realauction.com.

All sales are pursuant to the provisions of the Ohio Revised Code 2329.15. Sheriff Sales are held on scheduled Tuesday mornings at 10:00 A.M. Properties are advertised for three consecutive weeks in the Thursday edition of the Ashland Times Gazette Newspaper. This is your legal source of information.  Withdrawal orders received by our office are updated as quickly as possible. Employees of the Sheriff’s Office or its affiliates do not have access to the inside of the properties.  These sales are “Buyer Beware” and “Sold As Is”.  Bidding will start at 2/3rds of the appraised value unless otherwise directed by the court order.  To access tax records, court cases and deed information – please go to the following link: www.ashlandcounty.org.

All Real Estate Tax Sales will still be held in the lobby of the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office on scheduled Tuesdays until further notice. 

Law Enforcement Partners in the area

We just wanted people to be aware.  Beginning on May 9th there will be sales representatives from Law Enforcement Partners in our area working on the advertising for a calendar project for the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office.  The company’s information is as follows: 

 

Law Enforcement Partners

2530 Scottsville Road, Suite 6

Bowling Green, KY  42104

 

The representatives that will be in the area are:

 

Linda Mann

Katie Nunley

 

If you have any questions or problems, feel free to contact our office.

 

Thank you.

Have you downloaded the NEW METRICH App?  

The METRICH Enforcement Unit and The Ashland County Sheriff’s Office are pleased to announce the release of the “METRICH App” for public use. The METRICH App is available for both Apple and Android devices. The App will provide useful information to the public such as drug education, addiction resources, and helpful links. Users will be able to view press releases, and calendar events which are tailored to the specific counties within the METRICH region along with providing the availability to citizens to submit direct tips to METRICH detectives while remaining anonymous.

The METRICH Enforcement Unit App is the first of its kind to be used by a drug taskforce within the state of Ohio. They hope citizens within the METRICH region will take full advantage of this new platform and together they can reduce the availability of drugs that enter our community daily.

Counties within the network include Ashland, Crawford, Hancock, Huron, Knox, Marion, Morrow, Richland, Seneca and Wyandot counties. The METRICH App is not meant to be used for emergency situations. If you have an emergency, please call 911. To download the app search for METRICH in the Apple App Store or Google Play.

FirstEnergy Transmission 2022 Vegetation Management

Subject: FirstEnergy Transmission 2022 Vegetation Management

FirstEnergy Transmission Vegetation Management operations will be occurring throughout 2022 in Ashland County. Specifically, on the Burger-Brookside 138kV line that runs from just east of Jeromesville, OH to just north of I-71. Individual property owners have been notified about these operations. Contractors under FirstEnergy supervision will include PennLine Service, Davey Resource Group, and Progressive Solutions. Work activities will include notification, marking, tree and brush cutting, herbicide application, and inspection.

For more info, follow the link. https://www.firstenergycorp.com/help/safety/trees.html

Amish Safety

Ohio is home to one of the largest Amish populations in the world, with many of the state's Amish communities located in northeast Ohio. It is estimated that over 36,000 Amish citizens live in Holmes County and its adjacent counties, where tourism draws millions of visitors each year.

Members of the Old Order Amish communities do not drive motorized vehicles or farm equipment, instead relying on horse-drawn buggies. Motorists must remain cautious as they share roads and highways with buggies or other horse-drawn equipment in Amish communities.

Buggies and horse-drawn equipment

Normal speeds for horse-drawn buggies range between five and eight miles per hour. Horse-drawn vehicles may travel even slower when pulling large farm equipment or when crossing intersections.

Reflective slow-moving vehicle signs, shown to the right, are mounted to the back of farm equipment and animal-drawn buggies to warn motorists of their slow traveling speeds.

The potential for restricted vision for horse-drawn vehicle drivers should also be considered. When pulling large loads of hay or other equipment, horse-drawn vehicle drivers may not be able to see cars behind them.

Driving automobiles in Amish communities

Passing horse-drawn vehicles

Automobile drivers should be extremely cautious when passing buggies and horse-drawn equipment. Motorists should pass only when legal and safe. Before passing, anticipate any left hand turns into fields and driveways, and when passing, allow plenty of room. Horses are unpredictable and passing cars may frighten even the most road-safe horses.

Traveling behind horse-drawn vehicles

When approaching a stop sign or traffic light, motorists should leave extra space – at least 10 to 12 feet – between their car and horse-drawn equipment stopped in front of them. Buggies may back up a few feet after coming to a complete stop.

While traveling behind moving horse-drawn vehicles, motorists should be aware of their closure time. Closure time is the time a driver has to recognize and respond when coming upon other vehicles. Drivers have much less time and distance to react to slow-moving vehicles than other automobiles.

Roadway hazards in Amish communities

Many Amish communities are located in the rolling hills of rural northeast Ohio. In addition to the state and federal highway system, rural roadways are important connections for the communities and tourists alike. 

  • Rural roads are often narrower or may vary in width more than city streets. Narrow roadways provide less room to maneuver and can be especially dangerous when passing horse-drawn vehicles.

  • A loose gravel or grass berm area can also be hazardous.

  • Open ditches along rural roads are often deep and close to the road.

  • Seemingly open roadways may have sharp dips or unexpected turns.

  • In cold weather, a road shaded by trees or buildings may be especially icy.

  • Blind corners created by wooded areas, corn fields or other tall crops are also hazardous.

Retired Sheriff Kenneth W. Etzwiler 1934 - 2021

Today, we mourn the loss of Retired Sheriff Kenneth W. Etzwiler. Sheriff Etzwiler served as the 34th Sheriff in Ashland County from 1973-1992.

Kenneth William Etzwiler, 86 of Ashland passed away early Thursday, August 5, 2021 in the Good Shepherd Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

He was born on December 22, 1934 in Loudonville the son of the late William and Mary Margaret (Stouffer) Etzwiler. Kenny was a 1952 graduate of Loudonville High School. He proudly served in the United States Army. Kenny married the former Louise Swainhart on September 23, 1967.

He retired in 1992 after more than 20 years as the 34th Ashland County Sherriff. He was previously employed as a Sergeant with the Loudonville Police Department and a Trooper with the Ohio State Highway Patrol.

Throughout his life he was an avid animal lover. Kenny along with his wife, Louise raised dogs and enjoyed both the outdoors and wildlife.

He was a former member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Ashland Eagles Aerie #2178, Moose Lodge #1383, Elks Lodge #1360, Post #88 of the American Legion, Ashland County Conservation League, and the Buckeye State Sherriff’s Association.

Kenny is survived by one daughter, Candice Cranmore of Tiffin; two sons, Kim (Cathy) Johnston of Phoenix, Arizona and Kirk (Mindy) Johnston of Ashland; four grandchildren, Jamie (Rick) Brightbill of Ashland, Stacey Cranmore of Georgia, Jeff Johnston of Phoenix, Arizona and Kari (Chad) Emmons of Ashland; six great grandchildren, Morgan Cranmore, Carter and Clair Brightbill, and Hayes, Lyla, and Reed Emmons; one sister-in-law, Beverly Richardson of Loudonville; and one brother-in-law, Ted (Patty) Swainhart of Perrysville.

In addition to his parents, Kenny is preceded in death by his wife of 51 years, Mrs. Louise Etzwiler who passed on September 27, 2018; three brothers, Weldon, Larry, and Leland Etzwiler; one sister, Eileen Deibler; one granddaughter, Jody Cranmore; two sisters-law, Norma Paullin and Carol Waddell; one brother-in-law, Roger Swainhart; and a son-in-law, Dan Cranmore.

Funeral services will be held, Friday, August 13, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. in the Denbow-Gasche Funeral Home with Reverend Kevin McClain officiating. Interment will follow in the Miller Cemetery where the Ashland Veteran’s Honor Guard will conduct full military honors. Friends may call one hour prior to the service from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Associated Charities, 240 Cleveland Avenue, Ashland, Ohio or to Ashland County Humane Society, 1710 Garfield Avenue, Ashland, Ohio 44805.

For those unable to attend, online condolences may be shared on the funeral home’s website at denbowfh.com.

Denbow-Gasche Funeral Home & Crematory is handling the arrangements.

Sheriff Etzwiler.jpg

Nationwide Click It or Ticket Campaign is in Full Swing

Law Enforcement Agencies including Deputies from the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office will be conducting high visibility traffic enforcement for the Click It or Ticket campaign running from May 27 through June 6

Click It or Ticket is a national effort to bring awareness to the importance of wearing seat belts while traveling in vehicles.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 47% of the 22,215 people killed in crashes in 2019 were not wearing seat belts. Research has shown that wearing laps or shoulder seat belts reduce the risk of fatal injury to the front seat passengers by 45% and the risk of moderate to critical injury by 50%.

NHTSA said that while seat belt usage has climbed to about 90%, there are still millions of motorists daily that are not buckling up.

The Ashland County Sheriff’s Office will have additional deputies on patrol during the Memorial Day Weekend. Deputies will be on the lookout for drivers who are not wearing seat belts and for improperly secured children. Children must be secured using the proper restraint device for their age and weight.

For more information, click here.

ODJFS Creates New Hotline for Victims of Unemployment Identity Theft

COLUMBUS, OHIO – The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) has established a new toll-free number for individuals to notify the agency if they believe their personal information was compromised and used to file a fraudulent unemployment claim: (833) 658-0394. This number is staffed by 50 dedicated, cross-trained customer service representatives, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. One way victims have been discovering identity theft is by receiving an IRS 1099-G form for unemployment benefits that were never received.

The phone number complements a secure online portal ODJFS established last month to provide a direct way for victims to report identity theft. Individuals who believe their identity was stolen and used to file a fraudulent unemployment claim can visit unemployment.ohio.gov, click on the “Report Identity Theft” button and follow the guidance for individuals. This includes three steps: 1. Complete the reporting form, 2. File your taxes with IRS guidance, and 3. Protect your identity. 

Identity theft is a widespread national challenge. Many Ohioans have become victims, and their identities used to file fraudulent unemployment claims in both the traditional unemployment and Pandemic Unemployment Assistance programs. Last month, ODJFS issued 1.7 million 1099-G tax forms to individuals in whose names unemployment benefits were paid in 2020. Many of those individuals were never paid unemployment benefits and did not know their identity had been compromised until they received a 1099-G form.

Unemployment Fraud Tips:

With the increased claim volumes due to the COVID19 closures, the state has seen a significant uptick in identity theft-based unemployment fraud.

If it is fraud, we suggest that the individual file a police report, place a fraud alert on their credit report and notify the Ohio Department of Jobs and Family services.

For general information on how to respond to identity theft, please see the below link. You can also submit a report at a federal level of this unemployment fraud on this site.

Website: https://identitytheft.gov/

The information to contact the Ohio Department of Jobs and Family services is below. Ohio Fraud: 1-800-686-1555 or https://odjfs2.secure.force.com/OUIOFraudReportingPortal

To put a credit freeze or credit monitoring on your accounts, please see the Credit Reporting Agency Phone Numbers and Website Information:

Equifax – (800) 685‐1111 or https://www.equifax.com/personal/credit-report-services/credit-freeze/

Experian – (888) 397‐3742 or https://www.experian.com/help/

TransUnion – (888) 909‐8872 or https://www.transunion.com/credit-freeze/