Before You Light It... Know Ohio’s Open Burning Regulations
State Agencies Warn of Cryptocurrency Scams Targeting Older Adults
If you or a loved one believe you have been a target of a cryptocurrency scam, please see the
following resources and reporting guidelines:
State Resources & Reporting:
• Ohio Department of Aging: Stop Scams Before They Start: https://aging.ohio.gov/care-andliving/get-help/elder-justice/stop-scams-before-they-start
• For local services and support for older adults and caregivers, call 1-866-243-5678 to be
connected to the organization on aging serving your community.
• Ohio Attorney General’s Office, Elder Justice Unit: Report a scam:
https://www.ohioattorneygeneral.gov/About-AG/Contact/Report-AScam
Federal Resources & Reporting:
• Federal Trade Commission (FTC): Report fraud: (202-326-2000)
https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/#/form/main
• Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3): https://www.ic3.gov/home/fileComplaint
• Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC): https://www.cftc.gov/complaint
• U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) https://www.sec.gov/tcr
Cryptocurrency Platforms:
• Always contact the cryptocurrency exchange company where the funds (i.e. Bitcoin) were sent or
transferred. Most cryptocurrency exchanges have scam reporting features.
New Law: Phones Down, It's the Law
Ohio Narcotics Intelligence Center Warns of Emojis Symbolizing Potential Drug Activity
(COLUMBUS, Ohio) —The Ohio Narcotics Intelligence Center (ONIC) released a public safety bulletin today alerting parents that emojis are being used by youth on social media and electronic communications to market, sell, and buy illegal drugs.
Emojis used in drug communications commonly refer to the physical, psychological, or physiological characteristics of the drugs. The presence of these emojis in communications can be one indication of possible drug activity, though it is important to note that these meanings are not definitive and emojis can be used in other ways.
“The use of emojis in this manner is a nationwide trend, and our analysts are seeing it here in Ohio as they analyze electronic devices seized in ongoing drug investigations,” said Cynthia Peterman, ONIC Executive Director. “Although use of these emojis is most often harmless, it’s important that parents keep this alert in mind, especially if their child is showing other signs of withdrawal or drug abuse.”
Emojis can refer to specific types of drugs such as a peeled banana for oxycodone/Percocet, a step ladder for alprazolam/Xanax, a snail for fentanyl, or a palm tree for marijuana.
Emojis are also used in generic ways to denote a drug dealer with an electrical outlet plug or the price of a drug by using a concert ticket stub. Other general references include using a flame, gasoline pump, or goat to depict the high potency of a drug and an astronaut, rocket, or face with an exploding brain to describe the euphoria of drug use.
To report a drug tip to ONIC, please call 1-833-OHIO-NIC (644-6642).
Governor DeWine signed an executive order in July 2019 creating ONIC, a specialized criminal intelligence unit to assist local law enforcement in conducting intelligence-driven drug trafficking investigations. Operated as part of the Ohio Department of Public Safety, ONIC has locations in Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, and Toledo. ONIC’s criminal intelligence analysts and computer forensic specialists provide investigative, analytical, and digital forensic support to local law enforcement agencies and drug task forces throughout Ohio.
Do It For James Foundation
Press Release -January 28, 2023
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
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.
ORC 4513.114 Information
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.
Dominick Lesinski for donating a Micro Chip Reader. Dominick is the Client Services Director for 24Pet, a division of Pet Health Inc.
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.
Press Release - Senate Bill 215
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.
Information Regarding the New Senate Bill 215, Effective June 13, 2022
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.
