Ohio
Ohio Catholic bishops warn against ‘unfounded gossip’ and ‘scapegoating’ of Haitian immigrants
Watch Springfield city manager refute viral immigrants claims
Bryan Heck, Springfield city manager, addressed the media and called into question statements about the growing Haitian immigrant population.
The Catholic Conference of Ohio, which represents bishops from diocesan groups across the state, published a letter Thursday asking for the public to treat Haitian immigrants in Springfield with respect and dignity, warning against “unfounded gossip” and “scapegoating.”
“Today, our nation is divided by partisanship and ideology, which blind us to the image of God in our neighbor, especially the unborn, the poor, and the stranger, the letter reads. “These negative sentiments are only exacerbated by gossip, which can spread quickly across social media with no concern for the truth or those involved.”
Bishops from Cincinnati, Columbus, Cleveland, Toledo, Steubenville, Youngstown, Parma and Canton signed the letter, released in anticipation of the World Day of Migrants and Refugees on Sept. 29. The Catholic Conference is an umbrella organization representing “the Church’s position before the Ohio General Assembly, various state departments, bureaus, agencies and other organizations.”
Haitian immigrants living in Springfield were thrust into the national spotlight earlier in September when prominent conservative figures, including former president Donald Trump and his running mate Sen. JD Vance, began spreading unfounded rumors that the immigrants were eating pets and wildlife.
Schools, businesses, and public buildings in Springfield have faced evacuations after receiving a flood of threats since the community gained the national spotlight, The Dispatch previously reported.
Against this backdrop, Ohio’s Catholic bishops asked people to recognize the immigrants’ “infinite dignity” and integrate the newcomers into Springfield’s social fabric.
“Like all people, these Haitians should be afforded the respect and dignity that are theirs by right and allowed the ability to contribute to the common good,” the religious leaders wrote.
Vance, who converted to Catholicism in adulthood, said he does not regret spreading the baseless claims because they brought attention to the issue of immigration.
“If I have to create stories so that the American media actually pays attention to the suffering of the American people then that’s what I’m going to do,” Vance told CNN’s “State of the Union” on Sunday, USA TODAY previously reported.
The bishops, citing a passage in scripture, called for the Catholic faithful and “all people of goodwill” not to perpetuate ill will based on unfounded gossip in their Thursday letter.
“Instead, we ask for prayers and support for all the people of Springfield as they integrate their new Haitian neighbors and build a better future together,” the bishops wrote.
Catholicism is one of the more popular religions in Haiti, with an estimated 35 percent of residents identifying as Catholic, according to the U.S. Department of State.
Brian Hickey, the executive director of the Catholic Conference of Ohio, released a statement alongside the letter, praising Gov. Mike DeWine, local officials, local organizations and the state’s Catholics for providing resources to Springfield.
“We are proud of Catholics throughout Ohio who give their time, talent, and treasure for their immigrant neighbors, recognizing that the Gospel of Jesus Christ transcends countries, cultures, and languages,” Hickey said in the statement.
NHart@dispatch.com
@NathanRHart
Piketon, Ohio (WSAZ) – Folks in southern Ohio are waking up to power outages and road closures.
Route 32 in Pike County is down to one westbound and one eastbound lane due to debris on the roadway.
Drivers are also dealing with tree limbs on roadways.
The Athens County 911 dispatcher told WSAZ that it’s not believed a tornado touched down, but there is storm damage.
The dispatcher said storm damage from flooding and trees being knocked down has affected US 50.
Power outages are being reported in Athens, Pike, Vinton, Scioto and Meigs Counties and even as far south as Boyd County, Ky.
If you’re in a tornado warning area, you’re urged to get to the lower part of your home.
Keep checking the WSAZ app for the latest.
Copyright 2026 WSAZ. All rights reserved.
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (MyValleyTributes) – Clarence Burley, II, affectionately known as “Lil Man,” entered eternal rest on Thursday, June 5, 2026, at the age of 60, at Summa Health Akron City Hospital in Akron, Ohio.
Born on May 22, 1966, in Youngstown, Ohio, Clarence was the beloved son of Clarence L. Burley and Jacqueline Wilkinson-Burley.
He attended Ursuline High School and graduated with the Class of 1984.
Clarence was a hardworking and dedicated man who spent many years employed at Classic Optical Corporation as a Lens and Frame Specialist. Known for his skill and precision, he was recognized as one of the top lens shapers during his tenure with the company. He also worked for Goodwill Industries, where his exceptional work ethic earned him recognition and awards for outstanding service.
A devoted fan of the Oakland Raiders, Clarence enjoyed football, boxing, roller skating, and bowling. In his younger years, he was also an accomplished swimmer. He loved life and cherished spending time with family and friends. Whether enjoying a cruise vacation, visiting the lake to admire the water, debating sports statistics from A to Z, or simply sharing laughter with loved ones, Clarence brought joy wherever he went.
Known for his impeccable style, Clarence was often dressed to perfection. He was especially proud of his many Cadillacs, but none more than his beloved Cadillac Seville, affectionately known as “the baby caddy.” He could often be found cruising through the city, listening to music and enjoying the ride. His infectious smile, strength, humor, and generous spirit will forever be remembered by those who knew and loved him.
In 1999, Clarence met the love of his life, the former Cathy Winphrie. Their friendship blossomed into a lasting bond, and they were united in holy matrimony in 2015. Together they shared a life filled with love, companionship, and cherished memories.
Clarence leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife, Cathy Burley; his children, Shannie (Meisha) Burley of Atlanta, Georgia; DeShawn Burley (fiancée Ziah) of Warren, Ohio; Eddie W. Matthews; and Montell Cochrane; his beloved grandchildren, Zaira, DeShawn, Jr., Deondra, Audrionna, Eddie, Jr., Quiara, Azel, Anyia, Marquel, Aiden, Adalese, Meadow, and Amatureas; five great-grandchildren; his mother-in-law, Eula Winphrie; brothers-in-law, James (Jamie) Winphrie and Timothy (Kori) Winphrie; sisters-in-law, Regina Winphrie and Azella Burley; niece Helleenia Winphrie; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, and dear friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence L. Burley and Jacqueline Wilkinson-Burley; his brother, Wesley Burley; and his grandmother, Carrie Davis.
Though Clarence’s earthly journey has ended, his legacy lives on through the lives he touched, the family he loved, and the countless memories he leaves behind. His strength, perseverance, laughter, and love will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know him.
“To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.”2 Corinthians 5:8
A homegoing celebration will be held 10:00 a.m. Saturday June 20, 2026 at Jerusalem Baptist Church , a visitation with the family will be 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. at the Church.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Gregory-Martin Funeral Home. For additional information, please call (330) 743-4098.
To send flowers or plant a memorial tree in memory, please visit our flower store.
WARREN, Ohio (WKBN) – A couple that was charged after investigators say they abandoned two dogs and a cat at an apartment in Warren entered guilty pleas in Warren Municipal Court this week.
Courtney Iser pleaded guilty to three counts of abandoning animals and two counts of cruelty to companion animals, and Isaiah Gilbert pleaded guilty to two counts of cruelty to companion animals. Sentencing is set for July 7.
The two were charged in May after the animals were found in unsafe and unhealthy conditions without food or water at an apartment on South Street SE. Police were called to the apartment on reports that the animals had been left without care. Iser was charged first, and Gilbert was charged a short time later.
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