Six Years Later, Lt. Garry Alting Remains Remembered, Respected And Missed

ASHLAND — Six years have passed since Ashland lost one of its finest, but the memory of Lt. Garry Lee Alting remains strong in the hearts of those who knew him.

Lt. Alting, a 25-year veteran of the Ashland Police Division, passed away suddenly during a medical procedure on June 30, 2020, at OhioHealth Mansfield Hospital. He was 47.

For many in Ashland, Garry was far more than a police officer. He was a friend, a storyteller, a man with an infectious smile, a sharp sense of humor and a deep love for police work. Over the past six years, his name has continued to come up in conversations, always spoken of with admiration, respect and warmth.

I would be amiss if I didn’t mention you today Garry, You have come up in many conversations over the past six years, and you were always spoken of very highly. So my friend, just saying you are not forgotten.

Garry was known throughout the community for his compassion, integrity and dedication to service. During his years with the Ashland Police Division, he served in several roles, including time in the Detective Bureau, where he worked hard to resolve cases both big and small. Those who worked with him remember a man who cared deeply about victims, taking time to explain difficult situations and offer comfort whenever he could.

He was also remembered for the little things that made him unforgettable,  his storytelling abilities, his humor, his love of history, and one of his favorite reminders: the second “R” stands for Respect.

Outside of police work, Garry enjoyed taking care of his yard and took great pride in keeping it looking its best. He also enjoyed quiet days at home, sharing popcorn with his dog and watching documentaries about U.S. history,  a subject he knew well and loved to talk about.

When Garry was laid to rest, hundreds came to pay their respects. Stories were shared, tears were shed and laughter could be heard as family, friends, officers and community members remembered a man who had touched so many lives.

Six years later, the grief of losing a friend remains, but so does the gratitude for the memories he left behind.

To his wife, Sherry Alting, and to all of Garry’s family, friends and former co-workers, the Ashland community continues to stand with you in thought and prayer.

Lt. Garry Lee Alting served Ashland with honor, compassion and respect. He created thousands of smiles throughout the years, and while he is deeply missed, he has not been forgotten.

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Pie In The Face Event Raised Over 13,000 for Access

ASHLAND — The 3rd Annual Summer Kick-Off hosted by Access and Ohio Fire brought fun, fundraising and plenty of community spirit to Foundation Plaza in Ashland.

The event featured cornhole, dine-to-donate pizza, live music, horse-drawn carriage rides and the always-popular pie-in-the-face fundraiser, with proceeds going directly to Access.

Sunny with Access said this was the third year for the Summer Kick-Off, while the cornhole tournament and pie-in-the-face fundraiser were added last year and returned for their second year.

“It’s our second year for our cornhole and pie in the face part of our Summer Kick-Off,” she said. “Summer Kick-Off is our third time doing it. We just added the cornhole and pie in the face contest to it.”

This year’s pie-in-the-face fundraiser brought plenty of laughs and excitement. Sunny said six teams took part, each partnering with a member of the community to raise money for Access. Each team had a goal of raising at least $1,000 in order to “pie” their teammate.

Teams included:

Sunny McCarty and Dr. Kevin Priest — Team “Flossy Posse”

Travis Pickering and Brandon Carpenter — Team “Haul’er Back”

Renae Beck and Deputy Kyle Pidgeon — Team “License to Pie”

Ashley Williams and Lane Porter — Team “Tow-the-Line”

Shelly Jones and Phillip Bennett — Team “Polish & Purpose”

Gabe and Chloe — Team “Young and Sassy”

If a team raised more than its goal, the fun continued, with an Access staff member or organization member also getting a pie in the face.

Sunny said several teams went above and beyond their fundraising goals, with one team, Ashley and Lane’s team, raising a little over $6,000.

The crowd also got involved in the fun. Sunny said Dr. Priest’s children asked if they could bring sprinkles, and after their dad took a pie in the face, they added sprinkles to the moment.

“We had a lot more crowd involvement this year with our pie in the face contest,” she said.

Sunny said the contestants and their teammates were a big part of making the fundraiser successful, helping bring energy, laughter and donations to the event. The pie-in-the-face contest has quickly become one of the highlights of the Summer Kick-Off, giving the community a fun way to support the mission of Access while cheering on familiar faces.

The cornhole tournament also brought out plenty of friendly competition. Fifteen teams took part this year, nearly matching last year’s 16 teams. Each team was able to pick its own name, leading to some creative entries, including Hole Patrol, Dad N Son, Asphalt Ghosts, Lucky Tossers, Need A Ride!, Goldfish Brain, The Badgers, Big Bob & Lil’ Ron, Corn Stars, Here for the Vibes, Generational Toss, 2OldGuys and Badger Bag Throwers.

The winning team was 2OldGuys, made up of Travis Jordan and Mike Juarez. Sunny said the team is nationally ranked, making the win even more exciting.

Access is a temporary shelter program serving Ashland County families. Sunny said the organization provides housing, life skills classes and relational connections to help people become stable and successful.

Access also works with families on areas of wellness, including medical needs, transportation and other support services. The organization has three support coordinators who work one-on-one with clients.

Sunny said organizers are already looking ahead to next year and hope the event continues to grow.

“We’re hoping next year is even bigger and better,” she said.

Anyone interested in being a partner for next year’s pie-in-the-face contest can contact the Access office or email director@ashlandaccess.com.

Total Raised for Pie in the Face Event was $13,750.00

Total for CornHole Tournament (including prize payout) $600.00

Total for both = $14,350.00

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Ohio State Highway Patrol To Host Regional Testing Event And Conditioning Camp In Crestline

CRESTLINE — The Ohio State Highway Patrol is looking for driven, service-minded men and women ready to turn their talents into a career serving the people of Ohio.

The Patrol will host a regional testing event and conditioning camp on Wednesday, July 2, at Colonel Crawford High School, located at 5444 Crestline Road in Crestline.

The regional testing event begins at 9 a.m. and gives interested candidates a chance to take several early steps in the hiring process in one visit. According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, candidates will be able to speak with troopers about a career of service, complete an application, take the written test and move directly into the physical fitness assessment.

Those planning to attend should wear business casual attire and bring proper workout clothing and shoes for the fitness portion of the event.

The “one-stop testing” opportunity is designed to help prospective applicants move forward toward securing a spot in the Patrol’s 181st Academy Class, which begins in September.

To be eligible, applicants must be between the ages of 20 and 39, be a U.S. citizen, have a high school diploma or GED and possess a valid driver’s license.

A conditioning camp will also be offered at 11 a.m. The camp is open to those who have already secured a spot in the next Academy class and want to stay fit, those preparing for a future physical assessment or anyone looking to improve from a previous attempt.

The Patrol’s recruiting message encourages candidates to “Transform Your Talents” into a career with purpose. The release highlights opportunities for natural leaders, strong communicators, technology enthusiasts and those with a passion for helping others.

The Patrol also offers a ride-along program for those interested in learning more about the job. Anyone interested may contact their local OSHP post to schedule a ride-along with a trooper during a shift.

Prospective applicants are encouraged to apply before the event, though applications may also be completed on site. Those interested can text “JoinOSHP” to 614-654-OSHP to get started.

For questions about the July 2 event, contact Trooper Joshua Smith at 614-203-5183.

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Missing: : Madalin Posey (OH)

: Madalin Posey (OH)

Madalin Posey, Age Now: 14, Missing: 06/28/2026. Missing From Dayton, OH. ANYONE HAVING INFORMATION SHOULD CONTACT: Dayton Police Department
(Ohio)
1-937-333-2677
.

http://www.missingkids.org/poster/NCMC/2093441/1

Originally published here.

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Missing: : Aneyah Taborn (OH)

: Aneyah Taborn (OH)

Aneyah Taborn, Age Now: 15, Missing: 06/14/2026. Missing From Springfield, OH. ANYONE HAVING INFORMATION SHOULD CONTACT: Springfield Police Department
(Ohio)
1-937-324-7685
.

http://www.missingkids.org/poster/NCMC/2093194/1

Originally published here.

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Ohio State Highway Patrol Seeks Votes In ‘Best Looking Cruiser’ Contest

COLUMBUS — The Ohio State Highway Patrol is asking Ohioans to help cruise them to victory in the 13th annual American Association of State Troopers “Best Looking Cruiser” contest.

The annual contest features state law enforcement agencies from across the country submitting photos of their patrol vehicles. The top 13 cruisers, chosen by public vote, will be featured in the AAST’s annual calendar.

For the Ohio State Highway Patrol, the cruiser and its well-known Flying Wheel logo represent more than just a patrol vehicle. The Patrol said the cruiser reflects its commitment to providing unbiased, professional public safety services through inclusion, collaboration and innovation.

The contest also gives law enforcement agencies a chance to connect with the communities they serve while taking part in a friendly competition with other state agencies nationwide.

Voting is open now through noon on Friday, July 10. Each person may vote once per device.

To vote for Ohio, visit the contest survey at:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2026bestlookingcruiser

Once on the survey, scroll to the bottom of the list and select “Ohio” under the section that says, “Choose your favorite cruiser from the list below.” Voters will then need to answer the security question and click “done” to submit their vote.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol thanked the public for its support as it looks to bring home the title of “Best Looking Cruiser.”

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Summer Ignite 2026 Set To Bring A Powerful Week Of Faith, Fun And Friendship To Ashland County Youth

SAVANNAH — Ashland County students are invited to get ready for what organizers are calling the ultimate summer experience as Summer Ignite 2026 returns for its second year.

The high-energy, week-long event will take place July 6 through July 10, 2026, at Bethel Chapel, located at 575 U.S. Route 250 in Savannah. The event is designed for students in grades 6 through 12 and will feature food, games, worship, inspiring messages, small group discussions and plenty of outdoor fun.

Pastor Chris Lopez of Bethel Chapel in Savannah and Pastor Nate Meiers, youth pastor at Ashland Grace, said they are excited to see multiple churches come together for one powerful purpose — helping students ignite their faith this summer.

“We’re really excited,” Meiers said. “This is our second year to host Summer Ignite. It’s an impactful week that is geared for high school students.”

Lopez said the event is open to students across Ashland County and beyond, encouraging them to bring friends and be part of something meaningful.

“We want to make sure that you get an opportunity to come out, join us, and be a part of something exciting,” Lopez said.

Organizers are expecting around 100 youth to attend this year’s event. Each evening will include dinner, worship, a message, small group time, games and outdoor activities. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m., with dinner beginning at 6 p.m. Events will run nightly from 6 to 8:30 p.m.

Dinner will include fun favorites such as barbecue sandwiches and walking tacos.

One of the biggest highlights of the week will be Thursday night’s special event known as “Destination Unknown.” Students will not know where they are going until they arrive, adding a sense of excitement and mystery to the night.

“No one knows where we’re going,” Meiers said. “It’s just going to be an impactful night, and it’s different from last year.”

Lopez joked that students may be told to pack anything from fishing poles to hiking boots — or even skis — because they just never know what might happen.

Summer Ignite is more than just a week of fun. Organizers say the goal is to create a place where students can build friendships, grow in faith and leave encouraged for the rest of the summer.

The cost is $40 per student for the full week, which includes food, a free T-shirt and transportation for Destination Unknown. Students may also bring $10 per night if attending individual evenings.

Scholarships are available, and organizers said they do not want finances to keep any student from attending.

For scholarship information or questions, contact Pastor Nate Meiers at 567-274-7658 or Pastor Chris Lopez at 540-798-5047.

Registration is now open at:

https://bethelchapelsavannah.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/3687551

“Get signed up,” Lopez said. “We want to make sure that you get signed up quickly so we can have a great, impactful week.”

Summer Ignite 2026 promises to be a week filled with faith, fun, friendship and unforgettable memories — and organizers say it just may be the highlight of the summer.

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U.S. Marshals Seek Public’s Help Finding Fugitive Wanted In 2020 Medina County Fatal Crash

AKRON — The U.S. Marshals Service in Northern Ohio is asking for the public’s help locating a fugitive wanted in connection with a 2020 aggravated vehicular homicide case out of Medina County.

According to a June 29 news release from the U.S. Marshals Service, David Anthony Sawicki, 55, is wanted for aggravated vehicular homicide from an incident that occurred in Medina County in April 2020. Authorities say Sawicki is believed to have fled Ohio after the incident and has evaded law enforcement since.

Sawicki may be using the alias “Anthony Horvath,” according to the U.S. Marshals. Officials said he has ties to Florida and Arizona, while the release headline also notes ties to North Dakota.

The wanted poster lists Sawicki as a white male with brown hair and blue eyes. He is described as 6 feet tall and approximately 270 pounds. Authorities say he is known to wear glasses and has several tattoos, including a dragon on his upper left chest, a lion on his right shoulder, an eagle on his left shoulder, a cross on the middle finger of his right hand and the name “Denise” on his left wrist.

The U.S. Marshals are offering reward money for information leading to Sawicki’s capture. The news release lists a reward of up to $2,500, while the attached wanted poster lists a U.S. Marshals reward of up to $3,500.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force at 1-866-4WANTED, or 1-866-492-6833. Tips may also be submitted through the U.S. Marshals Service, and officials said tipsters may remain anonymous.

Authorities urge anyone with information, no matter how minor it may seem, to contact law enforcement.

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DIANNE’S DOGHOUSE

Surviving Joseph

My puppy Joseph has special needs. He is a doodle, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel with Poodle. He is a bundle of muscle, who makes other high energy dogs look comatose, so I try to counteract his high-spirited enthusiasm with massive doses of exercise.

You may be asking yourself, why did I get another dog, since I already have Joy and Grace? It probably had something to do with my childhood. In my family it was understood we would not have a dog. We could have one fish, one ugly fish… or maybe a bird. After the fish died, I decided to catch my own bird. Turns out it was a real bird, a canary named Sugar who sang all the time and the owner didn’t want her back.

I’d really, rather have a dog. So, when I left home, I began life with dogs. There was Rusty and Joy, and Simon Peter, and Mary Magdalene, and another Joy, and Jesse, and Jeff, and Grace. All were dogs of perfection and played a starring role in my true-love-dog experiences. Then here comes Joseph, a puppy left behind with the breeder because nobody wanted a five-month-old dog.

After acclimating him to his new home, I decided to take him on a small road trip for bonding time. Packing a puppy is challenging with a crate, blankies, food, dishes, bones, treats, leash, water bottle and toys… It was a day to remember. Potty breaks every fifteen minutes, throw up, climbing up my body while driving and crying when big trucks pass by. 

We finally arrive at Mohican Forest and now it is time for training on leash while lots of awesome smells and lots of squirrels to tempt him. There is so much new stuff to see, smell and tinkle on. Pretty soon Joseph shakes with anticipation and his dance becomes a barely contained desire to bolt. SQUIRREL sprints across our path. All twenty pounds of muscled puppy bursts into a leaping, howling pursuit.

I plant my feet and leverage my body with a double hand hold on the leash. I catch Joseph at the pinnacle of his highest leap as he performs a spectacular midair tumble.  He hops up, wipes the astonished look off his face, and trots over to me in his best model-of-obedience persona. I check him over for injuries as he gives me an enthusiastic sloppy kiss and wiggles ‘Again!’

It’s Christmas Eve. We sit in the library in front of the fireplace and feel very excited for Joseph’s first Christmas with his humans and his sisters. To keep Joseph busy, he gets the first present, a new toy, a tennis ball. He takes a sniff, clamps his teeth on the ball. SQUEAK! Then leaps up and runs through the house to the kitchen.

Zoom! Squeak, squeak, squeak!

He whips around, passes us, and dashes to another part of the house.

Zoom! Squeak, squeak, squeak!

The rest of us open our presents.

Zoom! Squeak, squeak!

Have coffee.

Zoom! Squeak, squeak!

Have breakfast.

Zoom! Squeak, squeak!

Joseph is incurably happy!

I love this crazy boy, and he loves me. We can do this day by day to discover not what Joseph can become, but what I can become. Thank you, God, for Joseph.

Blessings,

Dianne Hammontree

The post Surviving Joseph first appeared on Ashland County Pictures.

Strawberry Feast Brings Sweet Family Fun To Grandpa’s Cheesebarn This Weekend

ASHLAND — It is a sweet weekend in Ashland, Ohio, as Grandpa’s Cheesebarn hosts its 26th annual Strawberry Feast, bringing three days of strawberry treats, family fun and local tradition to the well-known stop along U.S. Route 250 and I-71.

The popular event runs Friday, Saturday and Sunday, giving visitors a chance to enjoy one of the Cheesebarn’s most anticipated treats of the year, homemade strawberry shortcake.

And what a shortcake it is.

The strawberry shortcake, made from a family recipe, is only available during the three-day Strawberry Feast. Mistie, who spoke about this year’s event, said the crew has been busy preparing for what they expect to be their biggest Strawberry Feast yet.

“We are going to sell a thousand of those this time,” Mistie said. “So it’s going to be our biggest and best yet.”

Grandpa’s Cheesebarn is celebrating 48 years in business this year, and the Strawberry Feast has become a summertime tradition for families across the area. While the homemade strawberry shortcake remains the star of the weekend, there is plenty more for visitors to enjoy.

This year’s strawberry-themed features include strawberry pickle lemonade, three kinds of strawberry fudge, strawberry barbecue sauce and even strawberry cheese.

“Everything strawberry,” Mistie said with a smile.

Of course, Grandpa’s Cheesebarn is known for much more than sweets. Visitors can also sample from more than 100 varieties of cheese, including strawberry Chardonnay cheese and strawberry jalapeño cheddar.

The weekend also includes entertainment and activities. On Friday, the Chardon Polka Band was scheduled to perform from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. On Saturday, large kites will be flying near the pond behind the Cheesebarn, and families can enjoy games in the courtyard.

The Strawberry Feast hours are Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Grandpa’s Cheesebarn is located on U.S. Route 250, right beside I-71.

For anyone looking for sweet family fun this weekend, the Strawberry Feast is the place to be. Stop out, enjoy the festivities, sample some cheese, and make sure you save room for that incredible homemade strawberry shortcake.

As Mistie said, “You got to come out and try it.”

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