Latest news with #NortheastOhioans
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Yahoo
‘Bittersweet': Local highway dedicated to Marine killed at military base
PAINESVILLE TOWNSHIP, Ohio (WJW) – A heavily traveled stretch of highway in Lake County was dedicated on Thursday in honor of a local U.S. Marine who was killed in 2023. The lasting tribute is a testament to how the family of the young serviceman turned their shock and anger over the way he died into a quiet campaign for recognition of his service. Relatives said when Austin Schwenk, a 2022 graduate of Riverside High School in Painesville Township, enlisted in the Marine Corps, it was the realization of a lifelong dream as he followed in the footsteps of his hero, his father. Cutting through claims about possible Browns move to dome: I-Team But for Austin's family, the dream became a nightmare when they were notified by the USMC in October 2023 that the 19-year-old Lance Corporal had been shot to death by a fellow Marine in the barracks at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. It was the same Marine base where Austin was born in 2004. 'If you get lost in the war, that's one thing, but to have another Marine walk into your room and shoot you, uncalled for, uncalled for, never ever in a million years. The safest place in the world should have been at Camp Lejeune,' his grandmother, Virginia Gorg, said. Austin's family was overcome with grief when his remains were returned to the Greater Cleveland Area. They were touched by the way his hometown saluted their loved one during an emotional procession and at his funeral, but they said the heartbreaking pain remains. 'It's like a hole, we all have a piece of our life missing and we can never replace it,' his grandmother said. The Marine who killed him, Corporal Jesse Thomas Bopp, accepted a plea bargain and was sentenced to eight years in prison but never revealed why he took Austin's life. 'It would be nice to have that closure, that he would have to be forced to tell us why he did this, why he thought he could get away with it or whatever it was,' said Gorg. Schwenk's family decided to channel their anger and sadness and find a way to pay tribute to the 19-year-old. 'She's a miracle': Toddler bit twice by rattlesnake, received more than 30 vials of antivenom On Thursday, a stretch of Route 44 near the Route 20/Painesville exit, was dedicated by the state of Ohio as the Lance Corporal Austin B. Schwenk Memorial Highway. 'It's heartwarming and bittersweet all at the same time, It just means that we're thankful that he's being remembered for what he gave and he gave it all,' his grandmother said. The family said it is comforting to know that for generations to come, Northeast Ohioans will drive by the memorial sign and ask, 'Who was Austin Schwenk?' Austin's grandmother said she believes he would be proud of the permanent salute from his hometown. 'The reason it rained today was because he was sending tears from Heaven so we didn't have to cry, but that didn't work,' she said as a tear rolled down her cheek. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
29-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Sebastian's Playground opens in Solon, a tribute to boy who died from rare disease
SOLON, Ohio (WJW) – Dozens of families flocked to a brand new playground at Solon Community Park. It's a lasting tribute to a little boy who died of a rare disease three years ago. Sebastian's Playground is specially designed to accommodate children of all abilities, no matter what challenge they might face. 'I love that, I truly do. All kids should feel equal. No matter if you're totally 100% healthy or you're a healthy needs kids, you know, all kids just want to have fun,' said India Howard. Cavs win by 55 points to sweep Heat, heading to semifinals The playground is inspired by four-year-old Sebastian Botirius, who died in 2022 after a courageous battle with a rare genetic disorder, LRBA Deficiency. Sebastian loved to go to the park and his final wish was to visit a playground. It prompted his parents to launch a campaign to build a play area that everyone could enjoy. 'I don't want people to remember Sebastian as a four-year-old that died. I want them to remember him as a four-year-old that lived and he brought lots and lots of joy both during his life and after,' Sebastian's father, Kip Botirius, said. The family's dream of creating Sebastian's Playground became a reality because of the generosity of Northeast Ohioans who were touched by his story and donated more than $150,000 toward the project. Sebastian's parents and his brother Jackson cut the ribbon for the grand opening of the playground on Saturday. On Monday night, families enjoying the unique play area gave it the Solon 'seal of approval.' 'It's amazing. I mean, for someone who lived such a short life to inspire so many beautiful positive things,' said Sara Balkanyi. 'It's so heartfelt. It makes you feel good that they wanted something for other kids,' grandparent Teena Barnes said. Cedar Point opens this week: What's new this season? Three years after Sebastian's death, the playground that was born out of heartbreaking grief is now a source of great joy. 'I think he's smiling. I think Sebastian is smiling, he's happy,' said Howard. 'I can feel him when I'm here, I can see signs and I know he's just happy. He's just happy with all the joy and all the kids,' said Kip. Sebastian's family is hoping to eventually build similar playgrounds in other communities across Ohio and the country. Donations can be made at Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
26-04-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
2025 summer outlook: Humid start, late summer heat
CLEVELAND — After a rare winter of below-normal snowfall and colder-than-usual temperatures, Northeast Ohioans can expect a summer that feels like a tale of two seasons, according to FOX 8 Weather. Meteorologist Scott Sabol says the upcoming summer will feature an active storm track through Ohio and the southern Great Lakes. Click here for updates on Wayne Dawson The pattern is expected to bring frequent weather systems through the region, particularly through May and June. That means early summer will bring plenty of rain and humidity. 'We're looking at normal to slightly above normal rainfall in both June and July,' Sabol said. 'But it's not just about the rain — we're going to see a higher number of humid days compared to what we're used to.' Tomorrow's forecast details Despite the moisture, June isn't expected to be especially hot. 'Historically, Northeast Ohio averages around 14 days with temperatures hitting 90 degrees throughout the summer. Number of 90 degree days should be near that 20 year average.' But residents shouldn't get too comfortable. We're going to flip the script by mid-July. The summer will be backloaded with above normal temps/more heat from mid July and August versus the slower start in June. Good chance we will see a few 90 degree days into September. That's only happened ONCE in the last 6 years. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- Yahoo
St. Ignatius sends 6 students to Rome to witness funeral of Pope Francis
CLEVELAND (WJW) — The world continues to mourn the death of Pope Francis, including some Northeast Ohioans who are preparing to say goodbye in person. Six students from St. Ignatius High School are preparing to fly to Italy to witness the pope's funeral firsthand, a trip that was preplanned for another purpose and almost canceled. Cleveland man who went missing in 1980 identified as Cuyahoga County John Doe 'Originally, we were supposed to be going for the canonization of a young man from Milan, who himself was a graduate of a Jesuit high school,' Father Raymond Guiao said. 'But now, with everything that has happened, we will be there for the papal funeral on Saturday.' Guiao said the group — two sophomores, two juniors and two seniors — is honored to make the trip, despite the change in plans. 'We know that this will be a trip full of deep and meaningful memories,' Guiao said. Not only will this be a first-time experience for these six students, but they'll also witness history. Sandusky man arrested in ex-wife's 2001 cold case 'We're still going to get to see something pretty historical,' Senior student Noel Maddox said. 'A beloved pope just passed. We're going to be in Rome during the transition from one pope to the next. Obviously, I don't anticipate us knowing who the next pope will be during our time there. But it went from somewhat of a disappointment to an excitement where we could be part of history, which is pretty unique to me.' Maddox and junior student Danny Sweet said the trip is also a chance to deepen their faith. 'This trip means a lot to me,' Sweet said. 'It gives me a new insight into my faith and the church— how it functions and what it stands for. I think it's a really good learning experience for me.' Local man reports break-in, instead officers find $30K in drugs: DOJ 'I grew up a cradle Catholic,' Maddox said. 'I believe in the faith till the day I die. So, getting to be there with the world to celebrate his life — it means a lot. I'm really looking forward to it.'The students will be in Rome through the weekend and are scheduled to return Monday night. FOX 8 News hopes to check in with them at some point during their trip. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
02-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Cavaliers honoring teen hero who saved Cleveland family from burning home
CLEVELAND (WJW) – Video of Friday's rescue of a Cleveland family from their burning home by a 16-year-old boy has gone viral, and young Tyler Sowden is now being hailed far and wide as a hometown hero. The teen is very modest and unassuming, so all of the attention is a little overwhelming. The dramatic video showed Sowden carrying a ladder that he grabbed from his garage and running to a burning home in Cleveland's West Park neighborhood. Sowden climbed up and down the ladder to help rescue members of the family, two small children and their mother. Are you cereal!? The nostalgic new Hershey's Kisses flavor The video has inspired Northeast Ohioans and touched the hearts of people all over the country. 'I'm glad I could help. I was glad that I was there because it could have really gone wrong,' Sowden said. Many people are amazed by the way Sowden, a 10th grader at Old Brook High School in Old Brooklyn, climbed up and down the ladder so decisively before the house became fully engulfed in flames. It turns out he does construction work with his stepfather and he feels he was in that place, at that time, for a reason. 'I do a lot of work like that. I actually manned a ladder that morning and then I ended up going home,' he said. Sowden said he did not realize the impact of his actions until members of the family he saved asked to meet him. While there was a language barrier, he said their emotions spoke volumes. A 12-year-old boy, who jumped from a second-story window in the rear of the house, served as an interpreter and conveyed the family's gratitude. 'He was telling me how proud he was and how happy he was and the dad, I hugged him a couple of times and he gave a really heart-touching hug. It felt some type of way, I almost teared up,' said Sowden. New arguments filed to block Browns move to Brook Park The city of Cleveland is now planning a ceremony is honor him for his quick thinking and heroic actions. The rescue video also caught the attention of Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell, who spoke for many Northeast Ohioans on Tuesday. 'When you see something like that, you know, there's two different things. It's kind of you're there, you panic or you leave, or you kind of go out there and find a way to help and for it to be a 16-year-old kid to go out there and find a way to do the job of a firefighter until they actually showed up, that takes a lot of guts,' the NBA All-Star said. 'It takes a lot of heart. That takes a lot of self-respect and that's ultimately what being in the community is about, helping the next person that you see.' Sowden said the nod of approval from the Cavs star is a surreal experience for a 16-year-old. 'That's wild, that's crazy. It makes me feel good, it makes me feel proud of myself,' he said. The Cavs are now planning to honor Sowden before their home game on Sunday, and he will get a chance to meet some of his favorite players, including Mitchell. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
