Breaking News

Laurence M. Smith Jr. 1943-2026

POLAND — Laurence M. Smith Jr., of Youngstown, passed away on Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026, surrounded by family. He was 83. Known to many as “Rabbit,” he was an “Ohio Legend” of motorcycling. He published Northeast Ohio Motorcycle News and Handcrafted American Racing Motorcycles and ...

Carol J. Boggs 1939-2026

STRUTHERS — Carol Jean Boggs, 87, passed away on Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026, at Shepherd of the Valley in Boardman. She was born on Jan. 24, 1939, in Bluefield, W.Va., a daughter of the late Gilbert and Florence Dickens Boggs. She earned her bachelor's degree in nursing, where she was a member of Beta Sigma Phi and worked for many years at Southside Hospital as a registered nurse. After her retirement, she went back to school at Youngstown State University and earned a second bachelor's degree. She was a lovely, soft-spoken woman who always carried herself with grace and a certain sense ...

Bernard H. DeFazio 1954-2026

SHELBY TOWNSHIP — Bernard Howard DeFazio, 72, of Shelby Township, passed away Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026. Bernie was the first son in a family of nine siblings. He is survived by Barbara (Richard) Odendahl, Rosemary (Clifford) Stuehmer, John and Julie Butler, Joseph (Annette ...

Louis Firmstone 1940-2026

CAMPBELL — Louis Firmstone, a devoted husband, father, grandfather and family man, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026, with his children by his side. Louis was born on July 4, 1940, in Mount Pleasant, Pa. He graduated from Scottdale High School in 1958. On Dec. 1, 1960, ...

Jane M. Kanik 1957-2026

MESA, Ariz. — Jane M. Kanik, 69, died peacefully on Monday, June 29, 2026, in Mesa, Arizona. Jane was born on May 9, 1957, in Charleston, W.Va., and grew up in Austintown, Ohio. Jane graduated from Austintown Fitch High School in 1975 and then earned an associate degree in business from Youngstown State University. She moved to Mesa, Arizona, to join her sisters and their families in 2008. Jane was known for her smile, kindness and dedication to family. Jane loved to read and volunteered at the library. She enjoyed many of the activities in her community. She was a beloved ...

Martha June Barnes 1935-2026

HOWELL, Mich. — Martha June Barnes, 90, passed away Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2025, in Howell, Michigan. Affectionately known as June, she was born Oct. 9, 1935, in Youngstown, a daughter of the late Emery W. and Mary Litwin Barnes. She was raised on a 100-acre farm in Ellsworth and was a 1953 ...