RICHLAND COUNTY — Three Republican candidates have filed to run for Ohio’s 5th District Court of Appeals, setting up a contest for the six-year judicial term.

The position carries a salary of $187,013 in 2026.

The candidates in the Republican primary include Licking County Municipal Court Judge Matthew George, Chief Legal Counsel to the Governor and Lieutenant Governor Matt Donahue, and attorney Jeff Furr.

Voters will choose one nominee in the Republican primary to advance to the general election.

Matthew George: Licking County judge emphasizes originalist judicial philosophy

Matthew George, 45, currently serves as a judge on the Licking County Municipal Court.

He earned a Bachelor of Arts from Ashland University in 2002 and a Juris Doctor from Washington and Lee University School of Law in 2007.

George said he believes a judge must interpret the Constitution and laws based on their plain meaning as understood at the time of adoption.

“Ohio needs judges who will faithfully apply the law, not rewrite it,” George added. “At every level of government, we have seen activist judges impose their own views instead of following the Constitution and statutes as written.

“When judges depart from that standard, they create uncertainty, inject personal preferences into the law and allow shifting political winds to dictate outcomes,” he said. “That is not justice, and it is not how our system of government was designed to work.”

Experience and judicial philosophy

He first ran for office in 2019, stating he wanted to ensure judges reflect values many Ohioans possess – faith, liberty, limited government and a proper understanding of the constitutional system. 

“Those principles continue to guide me today, and they are the reason I am running for the Court of Appeals,” he said. 

He added three things differentiate him from his opponents – experience, judicial philosophy and independence. 

George noted he is the only candidate who has served on the bench, with 18 years of judicial experience. 

“That means I have a proven record of applying the law fairly, treating people with respect and making tough decisions based on facts and the law, not outside pressure,” he said. 

He described himself as a consistent, proven conservative and an originalist, stating he has applied that philosophy throughout his career.

George added judges should not act as extensions of political offices.

“I have spent my career as an independent judge and magistrate,” he said. “I will continue to apply the law as written, without influence or agenda.”

“At the end of the day, this race comes down to proven experience, a consistent conservative record and true judicial independence,” he added. “Those are the qualities I bring to the bench.” 

Matt Donahue: Legal advisor highlights prosecutorial and appellate experience

Matt Donahue, 46, currently serves as Chief Legal Counsel to the Governor and Lieutenant Governor. Prior to those roles, he was the chief of the Special Prosecutions Section of the Ohio Attorney General’s Office.

He earned a Bachelor of Science cum laude from Bethany College and a Juris Doctor from the University of Dayton School of Law. He has not previously held elected office.

Donahue said he is running for the 5th District Court of Appeals because appellate courts play a critical but often under-recognized role in the justice system.

“It is critical to our state and country that the law is applied with consistently conservative legal principles in order to ensure that legal decisions are fair and just,” he said. 

Donahue cites legal experience

He pointed to his experience as a prosecutor and legal advisor as evidence of that commitment.

“I spent over a decade as a prosecutor handling the most difficult of cases at both the county and the Ohio Attorney General’s office,” he said. “I have a lot of experience in the court of appeals. As a special prosecutor, I was involved with criminal cases in every county in this 15-county district.”

Donahue said appellate experience is essential for the position, noting he has written, argued and participated in numerous appeals and original actions in Ohio’s Courts of Appeals and the Ohio Supreme Court.

He also cited his involvement in an original action at the Ohio Supreme Court seeking to require a three-judge panel to follow the law as written.

Donahue said he played a major role in the legal aspects of redistricting for years.

“While as judge I will always follow the law and be impartial. I have a record of conservative legal actions that are unmatched,” he said. “I advised on the Heartbeat bill and was in the room when it was signed. I advised on the signing of constitutional carry and stand-your-ground law.” 

He highlighted several professional recognitions, including the Ohio Division of Wildlife Award of Recognition (May 2011), the Attorney General’s Outstanding Achievement Award, Ohio Attorney General’s Office (2013), Meritorious Assistant Prosecutor, Ohio Prosecuting Attorneys Association (2010), among others. 

Donahue added his wife, Jill, began her television career at WMFD, and his father-in-law, Gene Del Greco, worked for the Richland County Engineer for many years.

He also noted one of his most prominent endorsements is from Jim Tressel.

Jeff Furr: Attorney emphasizes broad experience and appellate background

Jeff Furr, 65, is an attorney with more than 30 years of legal experience.

He has a Bachelor’s degree in Computer and Information Science from The Ohio State University College of Engineering, as well as a Master of Business Administration, a law degree with honors and a Master of Laws in Taxation, all from Capital University.

Furr previously served two terms on Johnstown City Council.

He said he is seeking the position to give back to the community.

“I have a diverse background with experience in law, technology, business and government which is needed for the Court of Appeals as it hears all types of cases,” Furr said. “My background, experience and education make me the perfect candidate for this office.”

Furr highlights military service and experience 

Furr said he is the only candidate with military experience, having served in the Ohio Army National Guard, and is a member of the American Legion. 

He described himself as a constitutional conservative who believes courts should interpret — not make — the law. He also emphasized his strong family values, noting he has a spouse, children, and grandchildren.

“I will work hard to make sure people have access to the court system,” he added.

Furr said he has more than 30 endorsements from elected officials within the 5th District.

He has argued before a court one level below the U.S. Supreme Court and is licensed to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court.

He also pointed to his private-sector experience, including more than a decade as a computer programmer, and noted he worked while attending law school and graduated with honors.

“I am not a career politician and will serve only one term,” he added. “I will work hard to make sure people have access to the court system.”

CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) – Hail slammed parts of Northeast Ohio Wednesday, with Cuyahoga County seeing two-inch hail for the first time in six years.

Homes in the Solon area were hit hard. Windows were busted out, siding was punctured, and roofs need repair.

Ricky Campopiano, Owner of Campo Roofing, said his phone started ringing when he opened for business, primarily from people in the Solon area.

“We had over 1,000 people call our office and ask for us to come out,” Campopiano said.

Roof damage widespread

Campopiano said the damage was severe across the area.

“Pretty much every roof that I looked at [Thursday] had damage that you could see from the ground. It was a no-brainer, it has to get replaced,” he said.

Many homeowners likely called their insurance companies Thursday. Campopiano said insurers sometimes push back on full replacements.

“A lot of the times companies don’t want to replace all of the shingles, they just want to replace a facet or two,” he said.

Under Ohio law, if new shingles don’t match the color or quality of the ones already on a roof, the insurance company may be required to replace more of the roof until it looks the way it did before the storm.

The next 24 hours for damaged homes could include a tarp covering the roof to stop further damage.

Campopiano said after protecting the home the process involves identifying damage and having insurance come out to make sure everyone is on the same page when it comes to method of repair.

With so many homes damaged across northeast Ohio, repairs could take months or even years, depending on how bad the damage is, Campopiano said.

Copyright 2026 WOIO. All rights reserved.

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (MyValleyTributes) – Joseph D. Schiavone, 85, Co-Owner and operator of Schiavone Funeral Home, passed away on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, surrounded by his family.

Joe was born on April 11, 1941, in Youngstown, to his parents Joseph Schiavone and Louise Massaro Schiavone.

A band member and 1959 graduate of Ursuline High School, Joe pursued higher education earnestly, earning an Associate Degree from Youngstown State University and completing his studies at the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science in 1962.

His professional journey began with a one-year apprenticeship at the Schiavone Funeral Home, followed by a year of dedicated service in Tiltonsville, Ohio, eventually returning to Youngstown where he continued his career with distinction.

Joe was known not only of his commitment to his work but also for his entrepreneurial spirit, particularly in his passionate pursuit of vintage automobiles. At the young age of sixteen, he built his first car, a 1932 Ford Coupe, igniting a lifelong enthusiasm for street rods, European classics, and unique American automobiles. His remarkable collection earned him various awards and recognition within the car enthusiast community. Joe was affectionately known as “Mr. Fix It” among family and friends, a testament to his skill and ability to solve most problems.

Joe enjoyed the simple things in life, such as working outside and woodworking, along with his love of “oldies” music. These hobbies complemented his personality, often times enriching the lives of those around him.

He was a nominee for the Brier Hill Man of the Year in 2026, a testament to his profound impact on and contributions to his community where he was a dedicated and contributing member of Saint Anthony of Padua Church.

Family was a central part of Joe’s life. He is survived by his two sons, Brian J. Schiavone (Thu T. Ngo) of Chicago, Illinois, and Edward J. Schiavone of Menlo Park, California; his daughter Elaina L. Schiavone of Youngstown; his three cherished granddaughters, Maleah K. Schiavone of Columbus, Liliana M. Schiavone of Youngstown, and Sophia L. Schiavone of Chicago, Illinois. He is also remembered fondly by his sister, Marie A. Lorubbio, his brother John D. Schiavone, both of Struthers, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He will be greatly missed and forever remembered.

Joe was preceded in death by his beloved parents, his devoted wife, JoAnn M. Colonna Schiavone, whom he married October 15, 1964 and died November 13, 2013, and his daughter Yvette M. Schiavone who died at a young age.

Those who knew Joe will remember his quirky sense of humor, his strength in character, his supportive nature, and his firm beliefs and faith that guided him through life’s challenges. His legacy is one of resilience, dedication, and deep love for both his family and his unique interests.

Gathering of family and friends will be held at Schiavone Funeral Home, 1842 Belmont Ave., Youngstown, Ohio 44504, on Friday, April 17, 2026, from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. and on Saturday, April 18, 2026, from 9:30-10:30 a.m., followed by A Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. in St. Anthony of Padua Church, 1125 Turin Street, Youngstown, Ohio 44510. Burial will be at Tod Homestead Cemetery, 2200 Belmont Ave., Youngstown, Ohio 44505 following mass.

Contributions made in Joe’s memory to the charity of your choice.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Joseph D. Schiavone, please visit our flower store.