Local News

Dog abuser Baldwin loses appeal

LIMA — A man serving the longest prison sentence in Ohio history for animal abuse will remain behind bars after losing his appeal. The Third District Court of Appeals ruled on Monday against Steffen Baldwin, who is serving 15.5 years following his January 2025 conviction in Union County. The case was investigated by Campbell Police patrol officer Jim Conroy after a local couple filed a complaint alleging Baldwin had wrongfully euthanized their dog, Remi, after promising to rehabilitate the pit bull and have his “dangerous dog” designation removed. The former Union County humane ...

Youngstown teacher honored with Simeon Booker Award

YOUNGSTOWN — If you happen to be in Marc Ellis' classroom, you not only have ample opportunities to read and learn about key civil rights pioneers, you have the honor of moving two steps further: You get to see and meet the historical figures. "She has been an indispensable cornerstone to my classroom," Ellis, a Volney Rogers Elementary School third-grade teacher, said. He was referring to Penny Wells, the Mahoning Valley Sojourn to the Past organization's executive director, who has been the catalyst for civil rights icons from the 1950s and 1960s such as Minnijean Brown Trickey, ...

Professor: History behind current events promotes understanding

YOUNGSTOWN — A Youngstown State University Russian history professor said learning the history behind current events, such as the Russo-Ukrainian War, helps people understand those events by contextualizing them and providing insight into what led up to them. Brian Bonhomme gave a ...

On the record: Girard City Council

Girard WHAT: City council meeting Sept. 28 PRESENT: Reynold Paolone, Thomas Grumley, John Moliterno, James Clark, Tod Latell, Wes Steiner, Keith Schubert, Lily Martuccio and Mayor Mark Zuppo Council: * Heard from Zuppo about plans to dedicate a section of the viaduct to Ken David, a local Vietnam War veteran, as requested by the Trumbull County Veterans Service Commission. He said the section of the viaduct is above the CSX Railroad tracks. The other section of the viaduct is dedicated to slain police officer Justin Leo. * Heard from Grumley about the need for a full-time zoning ...

Boardman marching band marks centennial anniversary

Poland council agrees to close roads for holiday lighting event

POLAND - Poland Junior Women’s League member Emily Ciavarella asked Poland Village Council earlier this week to close several roads during the Lighting of the Green Dec. 5 at Village Hall. “We have carriage rides and want to use village roads,” she said. “For the safety of the children and the horses, we are asking to have a few roads closed to vehicle traffic.” The roads in question are Lee and Cortland streets. Ciavarella said the PJWL is planning the horse-drawn carriage rides and wants to ensure every child gets a ride. To do that, she said the rides need to be ...