Hometown astronaut Col. Robert Springer talks space, confronted by conspiracy theorist:
MCS board member Renda Cline appointed to OSBA board of trustees:
A hometown hero’s talk at Ashland High School covered his highlights as a military fighter pilot in Vietnam to what it was like to use the bathroom in space. Col. Robert Springer’s speech, which was a part of the Ashland County Historical Society’s 2022 Spring Speaker Series, lasted over an hour on Thursday.
But as people left the high school’s Little Theater, something unexpected happened. An Ashland man who identified himself as an independent journalist named “Seven” approached Springer with some odd questions. It was a small disturbance that capped an otherwise “excellent evening,” according to Tom McNaull, the event’s co-sponsor.
Springer’s visit back to his hometown had been in the works for a little over two years. He flew into Ohio last week, arriving in Ashland for a tour of the city led by Mayor Matt Miller. His itinerary then included a visit to the Ashland County Historical Society building on Center Street.
Then, on Thursday, he met with Ashland High School advanced science juniors and seniors and dedicated the new science wing. On Friday, his plans included visiting Ashland University students and giving speeches to middle school students, as well as fourth and fifth graders from Taft Elementary.
Five-year-old William Kocher of Polk came to Thursday’s event at Ashland High School. Kocher, who said he wants to be an astronaut when he’s older, dressed for the occasion. In a full space suit, he approached Springer to shake his hand before his talk began.
73 year old Dave Hartsel of Ashland, also attended the event. Hartsel is a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps. He’s always been fond of astronomy and said it was fascinating hearing the stories from Springer. One of those stories involved Springer taking a photo of the sun setting over the earth during his first trip to space in 1989.
But “Seven” had his own thoughts about the space program. “People making extraordinary claims (about being in space) better bring some extraordinary evidence,” he said, moments after officials from the event notified the police of his unwanted presence.
Then, when asked by a reporter why he attended the event, the man said he wanted to ask Springer some questions about conspiracy theories surrounding the moon landing and the shape of the earth. Three Ashland police officers eventually arrested the man and escorted him off school grounds.
He was later identified as Mark Shire. He was charged with disorderly conduct, criminal trespassing and failure to disclose personal information.
Ashland’s Swineford became governor of Alaska
Next, some local history. Did you know that Ashland-native, Alfred Swineford, was a journalist and politician who served as the second Governor of the District of Alaska?
He trained as a printer and worked in Minnesota and Wisconsin before becoming the editor and publisher of the Mining Journal in Marquette, Michigan.
From this base he became active in politics and was elected Mayor of Marquette and to a term in the Michigan House of Representatives before his appointment as governor. He would later publish: Alaska: Its History, Climate and Natural Resources.
Renda Cline selected as a trustee to Ohio School Boards Association
Next, Mansfield City School board member Renda Cline was recently named to the Ohio School Boards Association board of trustees. Cline has been involved with the OSBA since the beginning of her tenure on the MCS board 11 years ago.
Her continued association with the OSBA has made her a leader among the organization, which provides support, advocacy, networking and training for school board members across the state.
In addition to her trustee position, Cline was also recently named to the OSBA executive committee, central regional executive committee and OSBA Black Caucus. She also received a training award from the OSBA’s Central Region Spring Conference.
The award serves as recognition of ongoing professional development through the association. Cline said her primary reason for being an OSBA member is the opportunities for training and learning best practices from others.
She hopes that knowledge can ultimately benefit Mansfield City Schools. One of her primary passions as both a school board member and OSBA leader is equity for students.
Timothy J. Mahek
Finally, we’d like to take a moment to remember Dr. Timothy J. Mahek. Born in Crestline in 1964, Tim graduated from Crestline High School and earned a degree in Biology from the University of Tampa and then his Professional degree from The Ohio State School of Dentistry.
For four years, he served in the U.S. Army, three years in Germany, and then one year in Ft. Knox, KY. He returned to Columbus and worked a couple years in Plaza Dental, before he returned home.
He worked with Lexington dentist Milt Shaffer, who treated Tim like a son. He then bought Milt’s practice in 2001, forging lasting relationships with generations of patients.
Known as the “Singing Dentist” with a lovely voice and a happy heart, Tim always had a song on his lips or was humming a recent worship tune. Tim was purposeful as a husband, as a father, as a dentist, and he pursued excellence in all he did. Tim was thorough and hardworking, compassionate and honest.
He will be remembered for his love for his family, his kindness, and his Christian faithfulness. Tim created a culture of worship in his home and dental practice: Tim was the same man on Monday as he was on Sunday.
He is survived by his wife, BJ, of 30 years, their children, a precious grandson, his parents, his sister and brother, his dental office staff, his best friend, and a large circle of extended family, friends and patients.