Extra Edition from the Mount Vernon News

Photo Submitted

Summer weather on Saturday allowed Dave Monteith, left, and Tim Martin to finish installing a new standing-seam roof on the Kokosing Gap Trail shelter along Mount Vernon Avenue. The new roof was made possible by a gift to the trail in memory of long-time trail volunteer and advocate Herb Rock.

GAMBIER — An international, participatory art exhibition spanning 50 countries and 20 years — “Do it” — is now on display in the Graham Gund Gallery at Kenyon College.

Conceived by artist Hans Ulrich Obrist, the exhibition allows each venue to create original versions of the art works. Each gallery receives a compendium of more than 200 instructions written by the participating artists and chooses a minimum of 25 art works to create and display.

At Kenyon, a curatorial team of six students and the Gund Gallery staff had about one month to choose the pieces for display and then install the works. The gallery’s exhibition features works by 30 artists, including Sol LeWitt, Suzanne Lacy, Yoko Ono, and Kenyon alumna and installation artist Meg Cranston.

Lauren Ross, a student curator from Greenbrae, Calif., said the curatorial team sought a range of both art works and artists displayed. “We picked art works that showed the range of the different pieces and styles involved in the exhibit,” she said. “But we also wanted a mix of artists, a mix of the heavy hitters and the smaller names. One of the cool things about (the exhibit) is that a lot of the artists are big names, so it’s a way to get their work into a gallery on a small, liberal-arts budget. You’re also exposed to their work in a new way here.”

The specifics of the instructions written by the artists varied, Ross said. “Some instructions were extremely precise — down to the type of pen that should be used — and there was no room for interpretation,” she said. “But a lot of the others were very vague or very minimal, which left it to whoever’s curating it to interpret what they mean. When this was the case, we researched to see what kind of work the artist does on his own, and tried to find ways to stay true to that but also use our own ideas about what the art should be.”

The exhibit’s participatory nature fits well with the gallery’s mission, said Julie Leone, registrar and collections manager of the Gund Gallery. “We felt the do it exhibit was a great fit for us because it’s very participatory and hands-on, and you don’t need to have any specialized art background to come and enjoy it,” Leone said. “It’s also exposing the campus to artists who people might not be familiar with, and (in the case of Cranston) revealing to Kenyon what can be done with a Kenyon degree.”

The exhibition will be on view through August 25. For more information about this exhibition or the Gund Gallery, visit www.thegundgallery.org.

MOUNT VERNON — Laboratory Services at Knox Community Hospital announces revised outpatient laboratory hours. Beginning Monday, outpatient lab hours will be 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 6 a.m. to 12:30 pm on Saturday and Sunday.

Hours for the lab in the Knox Medical Pavilion will be 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. For easy reference, this information is available on the new, mobile friendly hospital website at www.knoxcommhosp.org.

10:27 a.m.

Joshua Baldridge

Related

• Knox County Sheriff issues statement on chase 12:53 p.m.

• Blue Alert for Knox County A Blue Alert is issued when an officer is missing, critically injured or killed and the suspect has not been arrested.

By NEWS STAFF REPORTERS

CENTERBURG — A Danville police officer is in stable condition at OSU Medical Center after being struck by a suspect in a high speed chase that covered most of Knox County this morning.

Mount Vernon Police Department initiated a pursuit of Josh Baldridge, 18, Mount Vernon, when Baldridge failed to pull over. The MVPD officer proceeded to chase Baldridge east on Ohio 229, through Gambier on Ohio 308, east on U.S. 36 through Howard to Millwood, where Baldridge swerved to miss stop sticks striking Chad Lishness.

Lishness responded from Danville on a request to place the stop sticks. He was taken by Air-Evac to OSU.

An official with the Ohio Highway Patrol told the News, it is believed Baldridge stole a second vehicle. This vehicle was spotted on Murray Road by Knox County Sheriff’s Deputy Scott Baker where the driver appeared to be slumped over the wheel. When Baker and a second deputy approached the vehicle, it sped away. The two deputies pursued Baldridge into Centerburg where he crashed into cars parked on Main Street.

The Mount Vernon Police Department is investigating the incident.

At this time, there is no indication as to why MVPD tried to pull over Baldridge.

9:07 a.m.

MILLWOOD — A Danville police officer was injured this morning after being hit by a vehicle involved in a high speed chase that started in Mount Vernon.

According to sources on the scene, pursuit of the vehicle started in the city and followed Ohio 229, Ohio 308 and U.S. 36 through Howard and into Millwood where Officer Chad Lishness was struck near Spearman’s Restaurant where he responded to place stop sticks in an attempt to capture the suspect when he was hit.

The pursuit reached speeds near 100 miles per hour at several times, the News was told.

The suspect has been identified as 18-year-old Josh Baldridge.

The Ohio Highway Patrol is investigating. More details will be published as they become available.

8:47 a.m.

MILLWOOD — A Danville police officer was injured this morning after being hit by a vehicle involved in a high speed chase that started in Mount Vernon.

According to sources on the scene, pursuit of the vehicle started in the city and followed Ohio 229, Ohio 308 and U.S. 36 through Howard and into Millwood near the intersection of U.S. 36 and 62.

The Danville officer responded to the area to place stop sticks in an attempt to capture the suspect when he was hit.

The pursuit reached speeds near 100 miles per hour at several times, the News was told.

The name of the officer and the extent of his injuries are unknown at this time.

The Ohio Highway Patrol is investigating. More details will be published as they become available.

Submitted Photo

Submitted Photo

Pupils from Pleasant Street Elementary were one of only four teams which earned an Outstanding Project Award at the 19th annual Youth For Justice Summit on May 7. First row, from left, Hannah Johnson, Taylor Collins, Malaya Sherman, Jace Peugh and Alina Syed. Second row, from left, Hannah Chadwick, Dylan Snyder, Gabe Harmon, Tarti Suddreth and Adam Kinnear. Third row, Teacher Aimee Humphrey.

MOUNT VERNON — Judge Otho Eyster handed down sentences today in eight felony cases.

According to Knox County Prosecutor John Thatcher, Nicholas M. Parsons, 24, Howard, was sentenced to a four year prison term for burglary and receiving stolen property. Thatcher said on February 6, Parsons burglarized a residence on Martinsburg Road and another residence on Crestmonte Drive, in Apple Valley. The next day Parsons pawned stolen jewelry at a Mount Vernon gold exchange shop. Parsons was also ordered to pay $2,800.00 in restitution to the crime victim. In a separate case, Parsons was convicted of possessing heroin and given a concurrent, eleven month prison sentence.

Shannon M. Kitts, 34, Howard, was sentenced to a 24 month prison term for complicity to commit burglary because she drove Nicholas Parson to the residences he burglarized. Thatcher said she was also convicted of receiving stolen property for driving Parsons to the pawn shop. Kitts was ordered to pay $2,800.00 to her crime victim. In separate cases, Kitts was convicted of receiving stolen property for possessing a stolen guitar in January, and trafficking in heroin for selling heroin to a confidential informant, last August. Kitts was sentenced to concurrent, eleven month prison sentences for these offenses, and ordered to pay $2,095.00 in restitution to the owner of the stolen guitar.

Detectives Doug Turpen and James Ferenbaugh, Knox County Sheriff’s Office, investigated the burglary case. Detective Corporal Dailey, Mount Vernon Police Department, investigated Kitts’ heroin case.

Tawni E. Osterman, 31, Mount Vernon, was convicted of possessing heroin and sentenced to 120 days in jail and three years of community control supervision. She will be required to submit to mandatory drug and alcohol monitoring while she is supervised, and her driver’s license was suspended for six months. Osterman will serve an eleven month prison term, if she violates her supervision. Thatcher said on August 2, Patrol Officer Jessica Butler, MVPD, caught Osterman with heroin during a shoplifting arrest.

Stephanie Jo Ferry, 30, Danville, was convicted of permitting drug abuse for letting Deondre Brown use her residence to sell heroin just before his arrest, last June. Thatcher said Brown is currently serving a seven year prison term. Ferry was sentenced to 60 days in jail and three years of community control supervision. She will be required to submit to mandatory drug and alcohol monitoring while she is supervised, and her driver’s license was suspended for six months. Ferry will serve an eleven month prison term, if she violates her supervision. Detective Turpen investigated the case.

Carlena A. Pinson, 41, Mount Vernon, was convicted of attempted illegal assembly or possession of chemicals for the manufacture of drugs. Thatcher said last December, Pinson attempted to help Jonathon Flack collect the ingredients to cook methamphetamine. Flack is serving a three year prison term for illegal manufacture of drugs, according to Thatcher. Pinson was sentenced to 60 days in jail and three years of community control supervision. She will be required to submit to mandatory drug and alcohol monitoring while she is supervised, and her driver’s license was suspended for six months. Pinson will serve a 17 month prison term, if she violates her supervision. Detective Craig Feeney, MVPD, investigated the case.

Joshua A. Beeman, 20, Fredericktown, went to jail for 60 days for violating his community control supervision. Thatcher said Beeman was convicted of domestic violence, last September. Beeman violated his supervision terms last month when he had contact with persons with criminal records.

Joseph A. Darr, 40, Coshocton, was convicted of aggravated possession of drugs and sentenced to an eleven month suspended prison term and three years of community control supervision. Darr will be required to submit to mandatory drug and alcohol monitoring while he is supervised, and his driver’s license was suspended for six months. Thatcher said Darr also forfeited as contraband the $1,179.00 Sergeant Troy Glazier found on Darr during a traffic stop, last October. Thatcher said Sergeant Glazier, MVPD, also found a quantity of methamphetamine in Darr’s possession.

Last June, Angela M. Thompson, 22, Mount Vernon, was convicted of stealing blank checks and was sentenced to three years of community control supervision. Today, Thompson was ordered to go to the Oriana House, in Akron, for residential chemical dependency treatment services. Thatcher said Thompson violated her supervision by consuming alcohol and being charged with disorderly conduct, in March.

Submitted Photo

Knox County Special Olympics attended the Regional Track & Field Spring Games on Saturday, May 4, at Lexington High School. Athletes were awarded ribbons for their achievements. Team members included, front row from left, Jessica Jameison, bocce, 3rd place; Margaret Palser, mini javelin, 3rd, 25-meter independent walk, 1st; Kimberly Tobias, softball throw, 2nd, 50-meter run, 2nd; Geremy Kerr, softball throw, 1st, 100-meter walk, 3rd; Tami Grogg, bocce, 3rd; and coach Linda Kerr; Second row, coach Tara Clark; Matt Haughton, softball throw, 6th, 100 run, 6th; David O’Brien, mini javelin, 2nd, 100 run, 4th; Seth Kegley, softball throw, 2nd, 100 run, 5th; Cole Stricker, softball throw, 2nd, 100 run, 2nd; and Robert Keane, softball throw, 2nd, 100 run, 4th; Third row, David Hollar, softball throw, 1st, 100 run, 2nd; Steven Muston, mini javelin, 1st, 50 run, 1st; Troy Clendenen, standing long jump, 1st, 100 run, 1st; Josh Fuston, softball throw, 5th, 100 run, 4th; and Nathan Holmes, softball throw, 3rd, 100 walk, 1st; Fourth row, Mike Deeter, 100 walk, 2nd; Jessica Bell, mini javelin, 2nd, 100 run, 2nd; Cindy Grubbs, softball throw, 1st, 100 run, 3rd; Ginny Thompson, mini javelin, 4th, 100 run, 5th; and December Gfell, softball throw, 1st, 100 run, 1st; Fifth row, Ben Frazier, softball throw, 4th, 100 run, 1st; Nathaniel Skeese, running long jump, 2nd, 100 run, 2nd; Lakota Muston, running long jump, 2nd, 100 run, 2nd; Ami Iverson, softball throw, 2nd, 100 run, 4th; and Erica Faziom, softball throw, 1st, 100 walk, 3rd; Sixth row, coaches Rachel Shaffer, Ron Keer, Mark Stricker and Kelly Hunkele. Not pictured: Jeff Beard, softball throw, 3rd, 100 run, 4th; Jack Knight, softball throw, 3rd, 100 walk, 3rd; Merle Park, softball throw, 2nd, 100 walk, 4th; Jim Schweitzer, softball throw, 2nd, 100 walk, 6th; and Davon Swint, softball throw, 1st, 50 run, 2nd. The Knox 1 relay team of Lakota Muston, Thompson, Bell and Gfell earned third place; and the Knox 2 relay team of Clendenen, O’Brien, Frazier and Skeese earned first place.

MOUNT VERNON — The Knox County area will be holding several programs and events for Memorial Day.

At Bloomfield Cemetery, the Memorial Day service will be Monday, May 27, at 1 p.m. Invocation and benediction will be given by Jeff Deel from The Glory Baptist Church. Trustee Daniel Harris will be there to introduce the speaker, trustee Jacob Rutherford.

The event will also feature the Highland High School Marching Band, the ROTC Color Guard and Marengo American Legion Post 710.

Brandon’s Memorial Day observance begins on Sunday, May 26, with a parade at 1:30 p.m. There will be a brief ceremony in the cemetery followed by a service in the Baptist Church. Daryl Gruver, a retired specialist in the U.S. Army from 1969-71, is the scheduled speaker. Gruver is a business professor and department chairman at Mount Vernon Nazarene University.

Centerburg celebrates Memorial Day on Monday, May 27. The parade forms at the post office at 10:30 a.m. and proceeeds to East View Cemetery where services will begin at 11 a.m.

Danville’s Memorial Day parade forms at the square at 10 a.m., Monday, May 27, with a ceremony at Memorial Park immediately following the parade.

Fredericktown’s Memorial Day celebration beigns on Monday, May 27 with assembly on Public Square at 9:30 a.m. There will be a flag raising at 9:45 followed by the National Anthem, invocation and laying of the wreath. At 10 a.m. the parade heads off to Forrest Cemetery for the formal service and Memorial Day address by Rev. Gary Campbell.

Mount Vernon observes Memorial Day on Monday, May 27. An opening parade forms at East High and George streets at 10:30 a.m. and circles Public Square, where the remembrance ceremonies will take place. The scheduled speaker is Chief Craig Cox, USAF, Ret./JROTC.

The Traditional Memorial Day celebration will be held at Mound View Cemetery at approximately noon. Members of the Gen. Banning Camp of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War will host a short program and the traditional decorating of veterans’ graves with flowers.

Utica’s Memorial Day celebration begins Monday, May 27, at 8 a.m. Members of the American Legion Post will be holding short memorial services at five cemeteries in the area, then return to the post for a ceremony at 11 a.m.

FREDERICKTOWN — The Administrative Board for the Fredericktown Christian Preschool announces the retirement of Bonnie Moore. This spring, Moore submitted her letter to the board with her intent to retire at the end of the 2013 school year, after working with the children for 25 years.

Moore started teaching with Fredericktown Christian Preschool in 1988 as an assistant teacher and progressed to fill the role as Preschool Administrator beginning in the fall of 1994. Over her years in the preschool, Moore has worked with over 750 children. Her knowledge, leadership and passion for the children has helped the Fredericktown Christian Preschool to stand out in the community. “It has been a pleasure and privilege to have worked with Bonnie over the years. The children have enjoyed her and will also miss her,” said Bev Edwards, chairwoman of the board.

The board and church invite everyone to join Sunday as Moore is recognized during the 9 a.m., church service in the Fredericktown United Methodist Church. A cake and card reception will be held following the service in the welcome area. For those unable to attend but would like to send a card to Mrs. Moore, send it to 123 Columbus Road, Fredericktown, OH 43019.

MOUNT VERNON — The Board of Knox County Commissioners has announced the winning participants selected in the countywide Fifth-Grade Art Contest.

Four winners were chosen from approximately 250 entries as numerous fifth grade classrooms competed to see who would design the best original artwork related to the theme of recycling and litter prevention. Artwork was drawn on the fronts of grocery bags that were donated by Krogers. Participating classrooms nominated the three best drawings for consideration. All nominated artwork was on display at the Earth Day Festival at Kenyon College. From all nominated artwork, a panel of three judges selected four winners.

Winning artwork was selected as follows:

Falon Smith, Dan Emmett Elementary, Bruce Jacklin, teacher; “Let’s Make the World a Greener Place,” which featured a little girl in pigtails with barrettes in the shape of bottles.

Kyle Stader, Dan Emmett Elementary, Bruce Jacklin, teacher; featured was a policemen holding a stop sign while saying, “Littering and Recycle!”

Alexandra Costache, St. Vincent de Paul Elementary, Beth Robinson, teacher; “Reduce, Reuse and Recycle,” featured small creatures with clever captions urging everyone not to litter.

Maggie Williams, Wiggin Street Elementary, Andy Lane, teacher; “Reduce, Reuse and Recycle,” featured turtles, fish and flowers.

Winners were awarded prizes made from recycled materials and a $25 gift certificate from Walmart. Teachers were given a cash prize to be used towards the purchase of classroom supplies.

The fifth-grade art contest was created by the Earth Day Festival Committee and was used to line the Duff Street entrance into the Kenyon College Athletic Center. The contest was sponsored by the Knox County Commissioners and the DKMM Solid Waste District. The purpose of this contest is to bring awareness to the need to conserve natural resources and to protect our environment by recycling and litter prevention. This project is made possible by funding from the DKMM Solid Waste District, strictly allocated to recycling and litter prevention education and awareness.

All artwork will also be on display this summer in the 4-H Building at the Knox County Fair.

By News Staff Reporters

MOUNT VERNON — A Plain City man was arrested Wednesday after a high-speed chase that started in Delaware County.

Tanner D. Nicholson, 18, was clocked by Delaware County Sheriff’s Office going 114 miles per hour while on a motorcycle. DCSO followed Nicholson for eight miles while in Delaware County. Nicholson then headed north on Ohio 3/U.S. 36 into Centerburg.

According to Capt. Jay Sheffer, Knox County Sheriff’s Office, Deputy Brandon Minot picked up on Nicholson in the village and followed him into Mount Vernon, where Sgt. Al Dexter was able to make apprehension on Harcourt Road. Nicholson admitted to traveling at speeds of 70 miles per hour, Sheffer said.

Nicholson is being held in the Delaware County Jail on a third-degree felony charge of failure to comply after law enforcement tried to pull him over. Additional misdemeanor charges such as speeding have also been filed, according to Tracy Whited, public information officer for DCSO.

Nicholson’s motorcycle is currently being held at the Knox County Sheriff’s impound lot and will be released to DCSO.

Judge Otho Eyster handed down sentences today in ten felony cases.

According to Knox County Prosecutor John Thatcher, Keith C. Brandenburg, 26, Danville, was convicted of failing to provide change of address notification to the Knox County Sheriff’s Office, and he was sentenced to a 30 month prison term. Thatcher said Brandenburg is a registered sex offender due to a 2008 conviction for unlawful sexual conduct with a minor, and he was convicted of failing to provide change of address notification, in 2010. Deputy Dan Selby investigated the case.

Levi C. O’Rourke, 23, Mount Vernon, was convicted of burglary for breaking into a North Main Street residence, on February 18, to steal a television and laptop computer. O’Rourke was sentenced to 30 months in prison, and he was ordered to pay the victim restitution in the amount of $858.00. Thatcher said O’Rourke has a prior burglary conviction, in 2011. Patrolman Kyle Theibert, MVPD, investigated the case.

Jason D. Wilson, 31, Mount Vernon, was convicted of breaking and entering for breaking into a church on December 2, 2012, and stealing church property. Wilson was sentenced to 11 months in prison, and he was ordered to pay the church restitution in the amount of $279.76. Thatcher said Wilson has a prior burglary conviction, in 2006. Detective James Dechant, MVPD, investigated the case.

Charles H. Beatty Lillie, 18, Uhrichsville, Ohio, was convicted of breaking and entering and vandalism for breaking into a Coshocton Road business, on July 2, 2012. Lillie was sentenced to six months in prison, and he was ordered to pay the business restitution in the amount of $250.00. Thatcher said the vandalism charge was sought because of the damage done to the business during the break in. Detective David Light, KCSO, investigated the case.

In April 2009, Ryan L. Shock, 34, Fredericktown, was convicted of felonious assault and sentenced to a four year prison term. In 2011, the Court granted Shock’s motion for early release from prison. Shock was resentenced today to serve the remainder of his prison term for violating his supervision. Thatcher said in March, Shock’s supervising officer found several marihuana plants growing in his residence.

Mark J. Kirk, 23, Mount Vernon, was convicted of pandering sexual matter involving a minor, and he was sentenced to 17 months in prison. Thatcher said on October 9, 2012, Kirk possessed an image on his laptop computer containing child pornography. Kirk was also classified as a Tier II sex offender, and he will be required to register his address with authorities for 25 years with address verification every 180 days. Kirk has a prior conviction for the same offense in 2009, according to Court records. The case was investigated by Detective Doug Turpen, KCSO, and an investigator with the Franklin County Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force.

Carl F. Bagent, Jr., 68, Howard, was convicted of pandering obscenity involving a minor, and he was sentenced to 30 days in jail and a three year term of community control supervision. Bagent was also classified as a Tier II sex offender. Thatcher said on June 19, 2012, an ICAC investigator found that Bagent was using a peer to peer file sharing network on his computer share images containing child pornography on the Internet. Detective Tom Bumpus, KCSO, investigated the case.

On January 25, Jodiah L. Berger, 31, Fredericktown, was convicted of trafficking in heroin and sentenced to community control supervision on the condition that she successfully completed an in-patient drug treatment program. Berger was resentenced to a 17 month prison term today for failing to complete the drug treatment program.

Randolph F. McGregor, 29, Mount Vernon, was convicted of aggravated trafficking in drugs for selling Oxycodone pills to a confidential informant, on May 29, 2012. McGregor was sentenced to a 17 month prison term, and his driver’s license was suspended for two years. Lieutenant Jay Sheffer and other Fredericktown Police Department officers investigated the case.

Teaca D. Lowe, 35, Mount Vernon, was convicted of trafficking in heroin and permitting drug abuse for allowing her Fairmont Avenue residence to be used for drug trafficking activity, on October 5, 2012. Lowe was sentenced to 30 days in jail and a three year term of community control supervision. While on supervision, Lowe will be required to submit to mandatory drug and alcohol use monitoring. Thatcher said Lowe will receive an 11 month prison term, if she violates any term of her supervision. Detective Corporal Matt Dailey, MVPD, investigated the case.

By SAMANTHA SCOLES
News Managing Editor

MOUNT VERNON — The reward for information leading to the identification of those involved in the May 2 fire at 2 McGibney Road has increased in value.

At the time the fire was determined to be arson, a reward up to $5,000 was offered for information relating to the start of the fire. Owner of the apartment complex, Harvest Management Group, has now offered an additional $5,000 for information that leads to the identification of those responsible.

According to Fire Chief Chris Menapace, the fire started at the foot of the bed and spread to the carpet, furnishings and household items. Samples were taken to test for accelerants.

MVFD is also investigating a fire at 123 Quarry St., which started early Tuesday morning, that was determined to be intentionally set. A reward of up to $5,000 has been offered for information that leads to the identification of those involved.

Information regarding either fire can be given to the Mount Vernon Fire Department at 740-393-9515, the Arson tip line at 800-589-2728, or the Mount Vernon Police Department at 740-397-2222.

In the past couple of days the Knox County Sheriff’s Office have received information that the “Gypsy Pavers” or “Paving Scam Crews” are in the Knox County area.

Below are some tips provided by the Sheriff’s office.

Asphalt Paving Scam” warning signs

1. Selling door-to-door: Reputable asphalt contractors will sometimes offer their services if they are doing a legitimate job in the immediate area. Always ask for references.

2. Claiming they have leftover asphalt from another job: Professional asphalt contractors will know, with great accuracy, how much paving material is needed to complete a project. Rarely will they have leftover material. Some of the reasons a contractor might have left over material are due to weather, equipment problems, cancellations and etc.

3. Push you to make a quick decision: Reputable contractors will provide a written estimate that will be valid for weeks or months. If the great deal they are offering you today is not available tomorrow or next week it may be a scam.

4. No contract offered: Insist upon a written contract specifying in detail, the work to be performed and the agreed upon price.

5. Cash only sales: Most reputable contractors take checks or credit cards and don’t require cash-only terms.

6. Deals that seem to be good to be true: If the quoted price seems very low, chances are the quality of the work will also be quite low.

7. Unmarked truck: Often the trucks they travel in are unmarked or they have an out of town address and phone number. A little research will reveal that they have no permanent address and the phone number is often an answering machine.

MOUNT VERNON – According to Knox County Prosecutor John Thatcher, the Grand Jury returned sixteen indictments, on Monday.

Mary Ann Dales, 32, and Aaron A. Walker, 32, both of Mount Vernon, are accused of trafficking and possession of drugs for allegedly selling Percocet pills to a confidential informant working for the Mount Vernon Police Department, on January 4 and March 7. Detective James DeChant, MVPD, investigated the cases.

Jeremy R. Lamb, 27, and Demetrius A. Caldwell, 26, both of Mount Vernon also face drug trafficking and possession of drugs charges. Thatcher said Lamb and Caldwell allegedly sold heroin to a confidential informant, on April 26 and 29 and on May 1. Detective Craig Feeney, MVPD, investigated the cases.

Avery J. Smith, 19, Mount Vernon, was allegedly caught with a bag of “mushrooms” also known as Psilocyn, a schedule I controlled substance, during a traffic stop, on September 6, 2012. Smith was indicted on an aggravated possession of drugs charge. Trooper Paul Shore, Ohio State Highway Patrol, investigated the case.

Roger E. Artripe, 57, Mount Vernon, is accused of rape and gross sexual imposition for allegedly engaging in sexual conduct with a four year old female victim, in February.

Michael P. Ashcraft, 26, Fredericktown, is charged with sexual battery and unlawful sexual conduct with a minor for allegedly engaging in sexual conduct with a fourteen year old female victim, last October. The sexual battery charge in the indictment alleges that Ashcraft was acting in the capacity of “an instructor at the time of the alleged offense. Ashcraft was tutoring the child in one of her school subjects, according to Thatcher.

Tyler B. Smith, 27, Mount Vernon, faces child pornography charges for allegedly downloading child pornography onto a computer, last October.

Detective Tom Bumpus, Knox County Sheriff’s Office, investigated the Artripe, Ashcraft and Smith cases. Investigators from the Franklin County Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force assisted with the Smith investigation.

Kenneth L. McGregor, 37, and Marvin E. Cornette, 31, both of Mount Vernon, are accused of breaking and entering. Thatcher said on April 15, McGregor and Cornette allegedly broke into an unoccupied Madison Avenue residence to steal scrap metal. Deputy Scott Baker, KCSO, investigated the cases.

Matthew C. Hart, 22, and William J. Wheeler, 37, both of Mount Vernon, face breaking and entering and grand theft charges. Thatcher said on April 24, witnesses saw Hart and Wheeler allegedly break into a storage unit, in Fredericktown, and then steal over $17,000.00 worth of property belonging to a local manufacturing business. Lieutenant Roger Brown, FPD, arrived immediately after Hart and Wheeler finished loading the allegedly stolen property into their motor vehicle, then Brown made the arrests and recovered the property.

Michele L. Staples, 33, Columbus, and Jerry D. Neal, 33, Canal Winchester face theft from an elderly person charges. Staples and Neal are also accused of possessing stolen checks and forgery. Thatcher said Staples allegedly stole blank checks from a 76 year old Centerburg resident and Staples’ former employer, last December. Staples and Neal, her boyfriend at the time, then allegedly cashed the checks totaling $3,900.00. Detective David Light, KCSO, investigated the case.

Mark A. Banbury, 34, Danville, was indicted on charges of possessing stolen checks and forgery. On May 2, Banbury allegedly tried to cash a stolen check at a bank, in Danville. The investigation done by Sergeant Dan Weckesser, DPD, led to the discovery of three more stolen checks Banbury allegedly cashed at other County banks, on April 30 and May 1. Detective Light assisted with the investigation.

According to the indictment, Chad M. Morrison, 36, Mount Vernon, was previously convicted of domestic violence in the Mount Vernon Municipal Court, in 2002. Morrison is accused of felony domestic violence for allegedly assaulting his live-in girlfriend, on April 13. Patrol Officer Jessica Butler, MVPD, investigated the case.

Arraignment hearings in the cases are scheduled for May 17 at 9 a.m., before Common Pleas Court Judge Otho Eyster.

Stephen S. Randrup

MOUNT VERNON – Yesterday (May 6th), at approximately 2:50pm Knox County Sheriff deputies were dispatched to the Kokosing Gap Trail on a report of a male exposing himself.

The incident was reported to have taken place west of Laymon Rd. near the 3 1/2 mile marker.

Patrol officers and detectives responded to the area and made contact with Stephen S. Randrup of Mount Vernon. Randrup was identified by witnesses and arrested for public indecency.

The case remains under investigation and officers are asking anyone who may have recently observed similar activity to call the Knox County Sheriff’s Office at 740-397-3333.

By PAM SCHEHL
News Staff Reporter

MOUNT VERNON — A warrant has been issued for a Mount Vernon in connection with an alleged incident that took place Tuesday on East Ohio Avenue.

Mount Vernon Police Department Capt. George Hartz, told the News this morning an arrest warrant has been issued for Josh Shannon, 31, on a charge of aggravated menacing.

Hartz said the owner of the property at 307 E. Ohio Ave., went to the residence to collect the rent for this coming month. Shannon, who lives at 1101 N. Mulberry St., was allegedly on the porch at East Ohio Avenue. The police report stated Shannon pulled out a pistol and allegedly told the property owner, “Don’t bug my buddy,” then walked away.

Shannon is a white male, 5’5”, 170 pounds with brown hair and brown eyes. Anyone with information regarding his whereabouts is encouraged to call the Mount Vernon Police Department at 397-2222.

By CHUCK MARTIN
News Staff Reporter

MOUNT VERNON — Chase Zolman, 15, and his friend, Justin Jenkins, 17, decided they were going to do a little mushroom hunting Monday after school and headed for nearby Wolf Run Park.

Starting near the “bark park,” the boys headed off the trails and were following a stream bed when they reached a bridge on one of the trails where it crossed the ditch. From the bridge, they could see the back of the Knox County Jail.

Jenkins said Chase looked under the bridge and it looked like something had been placed up on a support beam under the bridge.

“He poked at it and I could see what looked like a gun barrel, Jenkins said. “We called his parents and his Mom came over while his Dad called the sheriff’s office.”

Chase’s mother, Misty Zolman, said she went straight to where the boys had called from and watched a deputy retrieve the object, which was wrapped in two Walmart bags.

Mrs. Zolman said the deputy pulled out the gun, which he said was a Star .45 automatic. The gun was loaded. She said the deputy told them it was probably either used in a crime or was going to be used.

“It was a scary find,” she said. Luckily, the boys knew not to mess with it and called her.

“If someone else had found it, it might have been dangerous,” she said.

Sheriff Dave Shaffer said the gun was reported stolen from a northern Ohio county. Detectives have been in contact with law enforcement there to see if they have any suspects that may have a connection in the Knox County area.

Although Wolf Run Park is a popular place to hunt mushrooms, Justin said he and Chase are novices and haven’t succeeded in finding many. They were working along the stream bed because they thought that might be a likely place to find mushrooms.

Jenkins said the bridge is about four feet over the small stream bed and Chase decided to look under the bridge, then looked up and saw the bag.

Jenkins is a student at the Knox County Career Center and Zolman is a student at Mount Vernon High School.

Jenkins said he did find one mushroom Monday — while walking back to the parking lot with the deputy.