Jail exceeds capacity by 50 inmates

July 1, 2026

WARREN — Trumbull County jail officials are working to establish a formal contract with Geauga County jail officials to house their inmates when the Trumbull jail is over capacity. Trumbull County Sheriff’s Office Major David Bobby on Tuesday told commissioners that Trumbull’s jail has the capacity to hold 308 inmates. It now houses 350. Geauga County is seeking $75 per day, per prisoner, plus any extraordinary medical costs. Last year, on June 30, the jail held 330 inmates. The jail held 240 prisoners on June 30, 2024. It held 220 prisoners on June 30, 2023. “So, from ...

Phantoms’ Malachi McKinnon hopeful for a ‘big step’

July 1, 2026

Going into last season, Youngstown Phantoms forward Malachi McKinnon was billed as one of the hot newcomers to watch. It’s safe to say McKinnon lived up to expectations, scoring 50 points (25 goals, 25 assists) in his first full USHL season and finishing fifth on the Phantoms in ...

Seizure order issued for couple accused of leaving dogs in car

July 1, 2026

LIBERTY — A Youngstown couple faces charges after being accused of leaving several dogs in a vehicle with its internal temperature reaching triple digits. Amy Mikulich, 27, and Desean Johnson, 30, pleaded not guilty to a charge of cruelty to companion animals in front of Girard Municipal Court Judge Jeffery Adler on Tuesday. According to a police report, officers were called to the Walmart in Liberty Plaza around 7 p.m. Monday for an animal complaint regarding three dogs locked in a vehicle, with the caller noting the dogs were going to die, and the police needed to get ...

Scrappers’ Mason Schmidt enjoying whirlwind year

July 1, 2026

NILES — In all likelihood, Mason Schmidt will hold the distinction of being the youngest player on the 2026 Mahoning Valley Scrappers’ complete roster. The Somerset, Wisconsin native, who turned 18 last month, may also very well hold the distinction of being with the Scrappers for a shorter length of time than any other player this summer. Such is the life of a teenager transitioning from high school to an uncertain future. Of course, in Schmidt’s case, the uncertainty comes with benefits. The way Schmidt sees things, the remainder of 2026 is a win-win scenario regardless ...

Scrappers hold off first-place Thunder, win 6-4

July 1, 2026

NILES — Just as the Mahoning Valley entered its first official heat wave of the summer, the Mahoning Valley Scrappers played host to the hottest team in the MLB Draft League. The Trenton Thunder, who have owned first place in the league standings since the start of the season, played the Scrappers on Tuesday in the first game of a brief two-game series at 717 Credit Union Field. The Scrappers at least temporarily cooled down Trenton with a 6-4 win. The Scrappers quieted the Thunder from the start. Ethan Lindor walked to start the bottom of the first inning. Lindor stole second, ...

LeBron James leaving Lakers after 8 years

July 1, 2026

LeBron James is leaving the Los Angeles Lakers, which means another decision awaits. A mere 16 years after his first famed “decision” — the one that saw him leave Cleveland for Miami — James is getting ready to change uniforms once again. He has told the Lakers that his eight-year run ...