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Ohio House OKs $250 million for local jail construction, renovations; bill heads to Senate

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Ohio House OKs 0 million for local jail construction, renovations; bill heads to Senate


State lawmakers want to earmark $250 million for local jail construction and renovations — an idea that county officials applaud.

If approved, it’ll be a massive surge in state money for local governments. Currently, there are 89 full-service jails across Ohio operated by county sheriffs and local police departments.

County jails need to increase mental health and drug addiction treatment capacity, add beds for incarcerated women and improve safety, according to the County Commissioners Association of Ohio. The association estimates that $2.2 billion is needed to pay for all the needed jail construction work.

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Since 2021, the DeWine administration has earmarked $101 million in state money to help counties renovate or replace jails. Several new jails will greatly expand bed capacities. In Gallia County, for example, $5.5 million in state money will help build a 120-bed facility, replacing an 11-bed lockup used since 1964.

So far 23 jails have received state money for jail renovations, expansions or replacements.

House Bill 2, which the Ohio House approved Wednesday, would earmark an additional $100 million for large county jail projects and $150 million for smaller county jail projects. The Ohio Senate will now consider the bill.

Grants would be based on financial need and an assessment of the need for more jail beds or renovations.

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Across Ohio, about 19,000 people are incarcerated in jails on any given day. The state prison system holds another 44,600 people.

Jails are not the same as prisons. They are temporary holding facilities for people who are just arrested, awaiting court appearances, held pretrial on bonds or serving short-term sentences.

American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio lobbyist Gary Daniels said while some jails need renovations, a building spree isn’t the right answer.

“The best way to safely reduce jail populations around Ohio is via thoughtful, comprehensive bail reform. Legislators rejected such legislation last session, opting to perpetuate this serious problem. This keeps our jails packed full of people otherwise free to go, but who cannot afford bail,” he said. “Now legislators double down by spending hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars to renovate and construct more jails. This ensures Ohioans will pay even more for our leaders’ stubborn refusal to enact meaningful reform measures.”

Laura Bischoff is a reporter for the USA TODAY Network Ohio Bureau, which serves the Columbus Dispatch, Cincinnati Enquirer, Akron Beacon Journal and 18 other affiliated news organizations across Ohio.

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Ohio

Storm’s path of power outages and road closures

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Storm’s path of power outages and road closures


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.

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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.

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Clarence Burley, II, Youngstown, Ohio

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Clarence Burley, II, Youngstown, Ohio


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.

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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.

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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.

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Couple charged in animal neglect case enter pleas

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Couple charged in animal neglect case enter pleas


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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