Ohio
Ohio State University law student crowned Miss Ohio, Grove City native places
Third time was the charm: New Miss Ohio is Olivia Fosson
Miss Ohio 2025 Olivia Fosston, 24, is an opera singer from Lawrence County, and a law student at Ohio State, who grew up on a Christmas tree farm.
A law student at Ohio State University will represent the Buckeye State in the Miss America competition after being crowned Miss Ohio 2025 on June 21.
Olivia Fosson, 24, of Kitts Hill, was first runner-up last year in the Miss Ohio competition. Now, the opera singer will receive a $10,000 scholarship and head to the Miss America competition in Orlando, Florida, in September.
The Miss Ohio competition was hosted in Mansfield from June 19-21 with 28 contestants from across the state.
While Fosson hails from southern Ohio, here are the central Ohio natives who placed or won awards.
Miss Portsmouth Brittney Putman, of Grove City, was third runner-up and took home a $3,500 scholarship. Her talent is dance and her community service initiative is “You’re Important Too: Advocating for Children and Families Affected by Substance Abuse.”
Miss Franklin County Reagan Petersen, of Gahanna, won a $500 scholarship from the Cheryl J. Oliveri Memorial Fund. Her talent is dance and her community service initiative is “Be the Match, Save a Life.”
Miss Greater Columbus Olivia Jarrell, of Columbus, won the Caroline Grace Williams Spirit Award, a $250 scholarship. Her talent is ballroom dance and her community service initiative is “The J.O.Y. Project.”
Miss Heart of Ohio Lexie Miller, of Newark, won the Laurel Lea Schaefer Award, a $500 scholarship. The prize is named for the Miss America winner of 1972, who came from Bexley.
Miller’s talent is singing and her community service initiative is “Take HEART.” Miller also won a nonfinalist talent award, a $500 scholarship.
Miss Central Ohio Caitlin Seifert, 26, was first runner-up, but she’s not from central Ohio. Seifert is from Niles in Trumbull County. Her talent is baton twirling and her community service initiative is “Turn a Key: Opening the Door to Volunteering.”
Mansfield News Journal reporter Lou Whitmire contributed to this report.
Reporter Jordan Laird can be reached at jlaird@dispatch.com. Follow her on X, Instagram and Bluesky at @LairdWrites.
Ohio
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.
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.
Ohio
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.
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.
Ohio
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.
-
Wyoming2 minutes ago250 Portraits self-portrait exhibition now on display throughout downtown Jackson
-
Crypto9 minutes agoCrypto’s Courtside Takeover: Digital Assets in Pro Tennis
-
Finance12 minutes agoConsumer confidence plunges among younger adults
-
Fitness17 minutes agoKylie Minogue, 58, shares how she stays fit without a strict exercise routine – ‘I don’t really work out’
-
Movie Reviews27 minutes agoMovie Review: ‘Leviticus’ makes a demon out of desire in an auspicious debut for Adrian Chiarella – Sentinel Colorado
-
World39 minutes agoVideo: A Small Election Could Change British Politics
-
News42 minutes agoInside Trump’s Touring Exhibition of American Heroes
-
Politics47 minutes agoVideo: Erika Kirk’s Message for Women at Turning Point USA