Latest news with #SouthHighSchool
CTV News
25-06-2025
- Climate
- CTV News
‘I didn't realize it looks like fire when it hits': Old South residents recount lightning strike that damaged South C.I.
Lightning struck a London, Ont. school during a graduation ceremony. CTV's Sean Irvine reports on the damage and evacuation. A London educational landmark was hit by lightning during a graduation ceremony Tuesday evening. Thankfully, no one was hurt, but the building was damaged. In a moment of chance, the strike was captured on video. The posting on social media showed a bolt hitting a chimney located just to the west of the front entrance. Wednesday morning, it bore the scars. A large crack and crumbling masonry were among the visible damages. The bolt struck the iconic Old South landmark during an intense storm shortly after 6 p.m. 'I've never heard something so loud in my life,' commented Lenore Chesworth, who lives just down the street from the school. 'It sounded like something cutting through steel. You could almost feel the vibration of it, but it was really loud.' It was even louder for those inside. As it turned out, the high school was about to host an elementary school graduation. It was quickly called off and moved to another school. In the meantime, fire crews rushed to inspect South for damage. 'Roof inspection saw that a large section of that chimney had fallen through the roof of the building, landing on the third floor,' Platoon Chief Brent Shea told CTV News London. The discovery solidified the need to cancel exams for the day. Work crews arrived to inspect the chimney and the rest of the building on Wednesday morning. While time will repair the damage, the memory of the rare strike by Mother Nature will live on. 'I didn't realize it looks like fire when it hits, it's amazing,' said nearby resident Mallory Lavigne. 'It will be quite a memory for the graduates to share with their family and friends,' added Shea. And, as more than one passerby mentioned, it will be a story to tell that has ties to a blockbuster film connection. It also prominently featured a lightning strike on a classic building. 'It's kind of out of a movie. Kind of Back-to-the-Future,' expressed Chesworth.
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Thomas G. Jacobs, Boardman, Ohio
BOARDMAN, Ohio (MyValleyTributes) – Thomas Grant 'Tom' Jacobs, 79, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Tuesday, June 3, 2025. Born on August 25, 1945, in Youngstown, Ohio, Tom was the son of the late Clyde and Nancy (Evans) Jacobs. Find obituaries from your high school He was a 1963 graduate of South High School, he was a proud lifelong resident of the Mahoning Valley. Tom dedicated over 25 years of service as an investigator for the State of Ohio. Known for his integrity and professionalism, he brought dedication and care to his work. Deeply involved in his community, Tom was an active Mason and a member of numerous Masonic and affiliated organizations throughout the Tri-County area. He was a member of Leetonia Lodge #401 F&AM, Negley Lodge #565 F&AM, the Scottish Rite Valley of Youngstown, the York Rite Bodies, the Al Koran Shrine, the Youngstown Shrine Club and Aut Mori Grotto. He also enjoyed camaraderie and culture as a member of the Youngstown Saxon Club. Tom is survived by his loving wife of 32 years, the former Shirley Ann James, whom he married on October 16, 1993; two stepsons, Steven J. (Kimberly) Chester of King George, Virginia and Stuart John Chester of Warren, Ohio; his brother, John R. Jacobs of Cypress, Texas and several nephews. Family and friends may call on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, from 5:00 – 6:00 p.m., at Davis-Becker Funeral Home, 8536 Market Street in Boardman. The Negley Lodge #565 F&AM will conduct a Masonic service at 6:00 p.m., followed by a funeral service. Military Honors will be rendered on Thursday, July 3, 2025, at 12:15 p.m., at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery, 10175 Rawiga Road, Seville, Ohio. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that material tributes take the form of contributions to Angels for Animals, 4750 W. South Range Road, Canfield, OH 44406, in memory of Tom. Please visit to share memories and condolences with the family. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Thomas 'Tom' G. Jacobs, please visit our floral 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Donna Ruth Bezilla, Youngstown, Ohio
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (MyValleyTributes) – Donna Ruth Bezilla, 85, passed away peacefully on the evening of Thursday, June 5, 2025, surrounded by her family at the Hospice House in Poland, Ohio. She was born on August 6, 1939, in Youngstown, Ohio, to the late Erwin Behnke and Ruth (Jones) Bogan. Find obituaries from your high school Donna was a 1957 graduate of South High School. She went on to marry the love of her life, the late Stephen 'Buzz' Bezilla, on August 29, 1959, with whom she would spend 41 years before his passing in 2000. She worked at various restaurants in the area. Her love of Christmas led her to sell Christmas Around the World. She also was a member of the Saxon Club, enjoyed being a part of her card clubs but her number one joy in life was spending time with her family and being a loving wife and mother. Donna was endeared by all who knew her. She will be remembered and missed by her sons, Stephen Bezilla of Canfield and Daniel (Michael) Bezilla of Vienna. Donna was preceded in death by her husband, parents, brothers, Fred Behnke, Jim Behnke and Ted Behnke, whom she adored. With much appreciation the family would like to thank all the home health care aides for their continued contribution of kindness, compassion and labors of love towards our mother's care. Friends and family may call from 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., on Thursday, June 12, 2025, at Lane Family Funeral Homes, Austintown Chapel, with a service to follow from 12:30 – 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests making a donation to Meals on Wheels of the Mahoning Valley. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Donna, please visit our floral 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
30-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Cold case: Daughter remembers mom, found murdered and dumped almost 23 years ago
The video above is from the archives: A report on Oct. 7, 2002, on Annie Griffin's murder. YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) — To Annitra Griffin, her late mother's presence is so strong that she still speaks of her in the present tense. Her mother, Annie Griffin, she said, 'IS' full of energy, and 'IS' funny. Annie and Annitra had their issues, especially when Annitra moved to Columbus in the late 90s to escape the violence that was gripping Youngstown, but mother and daughter had been on the path toward healing for at least a year and a half before Annie went missing in September 2002. Annie's body was found Oct. 4, 2002, in several garbage bags at a site often used for dumping at Carson Street and Cantwell Avenue on the Sharon Line part of the East Side, a place where several bodies had been dumped during the 90s and the early part of the 2000s. Annie, who was 48 when she died, battled mental health and addiction issues stemming from toxic relationships. Still living in Columbus today, Annitra, 48, said their relationship was on the verge of being revived when Annie was killed. 'I was loving my mom again and she was loving who I was,' said Annitra, who still lives in Columbus and has five children of her own. Annie had four children, but Annitra was her only girl. She was a graduate of South High School, and Annie's mother, Willie Mae McGilvary, owned the former Willie Mae's Soul Kitchen at 1184 Hillman St., which has since been torn down. The restaurant had its own share of violence. According to Youngstown Vindicator files, Annitra's grandmother in 1990 shot a customer who stabbed an employee. The employee died of their wounds. And in 1990, a man was shot and killed there. According to The Vindicator, McGilvary had a son who was murdered in a shootout in 1973. Annie was a native South Sider, and her kids lived there also; Annitra graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School before she moved to Columbus. She said her brothers were getting in trouble, and the city, which saw an average of almost 50 homicides a year in the 1990s, was not safe, so when she got pregnant, she decided the right thing to do for her and her child was to move. 'I just didn't want my son in Youngstown,' she said. Annie was not pleased that her daughter was moving, and that set in motion a rift that was just beginning to be repaired when she was killed. Annie was last seen Sept. 17, 2002, by her boyfriend at the time. Annitra reported her missing. Her remains were found Oct. 4, 2002, but she was not identified until several days later. Dental records needed to be used because of the condition of her body. It was Annitra whom the police asked for permission to get her mother's dental records. She said even before she spoke on the phone, once she got the call, she knew the news would be bad. 'I already knew what it was,' she said. Annie's car was found the day after she was last seen on West Delason Avenue, a short distance from her home on East Philadelphia Avenue. As she went missing, family members took to the media, including WKBN, to plead for any more information as to where she might be. Police got a tip from city litter control workers about the strange bags dumped on the Sharon Line a few days after the family went on television, which is when Annie's remains were found. Coroner's investigators could never determine the cause of death because of the condition of her body. Annitra said the way her mother was dismembered was a slap in the face to her and her family. 'How can they disrespect her remains like that?' she asked. 'It's ridiculous. It's terrible.' Former Chief of Detectives Capt. Robert Kane told The Vindicator Annie's death was a first for him in his then 32 years on the job because of how her body was disposed of. 'It takes a very sick mind to desecrate a body,' Kane told the newspaper then. The case was so shocking that a year after her remains were found, police went to the media to ask the public for information. They never received enough to reopen the case. Annitra said she reached out to a reporter about the case now because the memories of her mother are still powerful, and she wants whoever took part in her murder to be prosecuted. 'I just feel like everyone forgot who she is or was,' Annitra said. Anyone with information on the 2002 murder of Annie Griffin can call the Youngstown Police Detective Bureau at 330-742-8911 or CrimeStoppers Youngstown at 330-746-CLUE. This story is part of a series of cold cases that WKBN is examining. Do you have a cold case that you'd like us to look into further? Annitra also spoke with WKBN in 2002 about the case. You can see that video from our archives below: Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
William Madison Jones, Sr., Youngstown, Ohio
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (MyValleyTributes) – William 'Billy' Madison Jones, Sr., of Youngstown, Ohio, departed this earth and gained his wings on Friday, May 2, 2025. A beloved husband, father and grandfather, Billy was a devoted veteran and craftsman who dedicated his life to service and family. He was born on June 13, 1953, in Youngstown to William and Mary-Helen (Houge) Jones. Find obituaries from your high school Throughout his life, he was known for his sarcastic humor, unwavering work ethic and deep love for storytelling, whether through his vast comic book collection or by reenacting historical battle scenes with his grandsons. He will be remembered for the warmth, strength and joy he brought to everyone around him. Billy grew up in Youngstown, Ohio, where he was instilled with a strong sense of responsibility by his mother. During his youth, Billy developed a love for history, adventure and passions that would stay with him throughout his life After graduating from South High School, Billy answered the call to serve his country. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and dedicated four years to the Corps, where he demonstrated honor, discipline and leadership. As a patriot, Billy's meritorious service to humanity and country in the armed services would continue beyond this enlistment. Billy then served in the United States Army for 16 more years as a skilled mechanic. In this role, Billy took great pride in maintaining and repairing essential equipment. His fellow servicemen remember him as dependable and dedicated, with a quick smile and a steady hand in every challenge. His military career took him across the globe, allowing him to travel with his family and expose them to diverse environments and cultures, including memorable postings in Japan and Germany. Billy served honorably during the Gulf War in Operation Desert Storm. His dedication to duty and his country was evident in every role he took on and his sense of responsibility and pride in service deeply shaped his life and the lives of those around him. Following his storied military career, Billy returned to Youngstown and was employed at KraftMaid, where he remained for 19 years. At KraftMaid, he was known as a diligent and friendly coworker. Billy took satisfaction in the quality of his work and was always willing to mentor younger employees. His steady presence and good humor brightened the workshop, making a lasting impression on those who worked alongside him. In his free time, Billy nurtured a lifelong passion for collecting comic books. He cherished these stories and characters, often using them to connect with others, especially his grandson. A natural storyteller, Billy would carefully recreate military battle scenes from his favorite books, building detailed models and sharing historical tales. Teaching and playing with his grandsons brought him immense joy. He loved passing along lessons about history, bravery and imagination, instilling in them a sense of wonder and a love for learning through play. Billy also was a champion for his beloved Cleveland Browns. Billy married his high school sweetheart, the former, Linda V. Deloche' and they enjoyed 53 years of marriage marked by love and partnership. They raised five children and built a warm, welcoming home rooted in love, discipline and deep family values. He is survived by his wife, Linda; children, Kimberly V., Catherine W. (Sirlen), Erica L. and William M., Jr., all of Youngstown, Ohio and Fanta A. of Greensboro, North Carolina and his six grandsons, Donavan, Maurice, Nazier, Kweli, Carter and Malachi, each of whom brought him endless joy and pride; siblings, Donald (Karen) Jones of Youngstown, Ohio, Diane M. Jones of Paris, France and Sherri L. Jones of Baltimore, Maryland; brother-in-law, Vincent C. Mack of Youngstown, Ohio and many nieces, nephews and cousins He was an endlessly proud husband and father, always supportive of his wife and his children. To Billy, family came above all else, he was happiest surrounded by loved ones, whether cheering at his grandsons' little league games or gathering around the table for dinner. He also found companionship and joy in his beloved pets, Leonidas and Spike, whose presence brought him daily comfort and laughter. His legacy lives on in the hearts of those who knew him, through the values he taught and the laughter he shared. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Elizabeth A. Jones; brother, Lowell Jones; brother-in-law, Ronald J. Deloche' and nephew, Jason L. Olds. Billy will be deeply missed and fondly remembered for his kind heart, his unwavering dedication to family and country and the light he brought into the lives of all who knew him. His memory will continue to inspire those he leaves behind. His life was a tapestry of service, sacrifice, wisdom and deep love. He leaves behind a family grounded by his examples, strong, kind and united. Though he has departed this earth, his spirit will remain in every shared memory, every lesson passed down and every moment of quiet strength his loved ones carry forward. As we gather to celebrate the life of William Madison Jones, Sr., let us reflect on the joyous moments he shared and the profound impact he had on all who knew him. May we find solace in each other and cherish his memory with the love and reverence he so deeply deserved. The Jones family will honor his memory with a public viewing on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at the Jaylex Event Center, 2110 Glenwood Avenue in Youngstown, at 10:00 a.m. A Celebration of Life Service, replete with military honors to celebrate William's life and achievements, will begin at 11:00 a.m., with Rev. Lewis W. Macklin II as the celebrant. At this time of intimate need and personal loss, the family of William 'Billy' Madison Jones, Sr., elected to entrust the Ministry of Comfort & Care, along with Transitional After-Care Arrangements to the J. E. Washington Funeral Services, 2234 Glenwood Avenue, Youngstown, OH. 330.782.8500. Send flowers to the service of William 'Billy' Madison Jones 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
