Author: Maxwell

Robert P. “Bob” Milliken, 65, of North Lawrence, passed away Saturday, November 15, 2025. Born on July 29, 1960, to the late Orland and Esther (Arnold) Milliken, Bob was a lifelong resident of North Lawrence and a 1978 graduate of Tuslaw High School. He continued his education at Kent State University, earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice Studies in 1983.

Bob’s passion for sports was evident throughout his life. A devoted fan of Kent State basketball, he was a proud member of the Kowbell Krew and a season ticket holder who never missed a game. He was also a lifelong supporter of the Pittsburgh Steelers, often sharing his enthusiasm for the team with friends and family.

Travel and the arts were central to Bob’s life. He spent winters in his condo in Hawaii, enjoying the sun and culture, and he had a deep appreciation for theater and live performances. Bob was a season ticket holder at Playhouse Square and the Kent State Porthouse Theater, where he enjoyed a variety of productions, never missing a chance to see shows like Disco Inferno.

An entrepreneur at heart, Bob focused primarily on real estate and worked with numerous business partners throughout his career. His commitment to his community extended to service on several HOA boards, where he was known for his dedication and fairness. Additionally, he served as past president of the Stark DD Board, reflecting his commitment to civic engagement.

Bob was celebrated for his larger-than-life personality, boisterous voice, and unwavering honesty. Loyal and straightforward, he left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him. His legacy will continue through his charitable giving, business ventures, and the countless lives he touched through his generosity and friendship.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Randy and Ronald Milliken. He is survived by his cousins, David Hefling and Louann Hurley, and a wide circle of friends who cherished his friendship and guidance.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Chapel of the Cross Global Methodist Church, 14411 Orrville St. NW, North Lawrence, with burial at Newmans Creek Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. prior to the service at the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Kent State University Foundation-Athletics at https://flashes.givetokent.org/campaign/kent-state-athletics/c390897 to honor Bob’s lifelong dedication to Kent State athletics.

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) is mourning the sudden and tragic passing of Kelly Canavan, a respected and highly accomplished Assistant Commissioner. Canavan’s unexpected death has sent waves of grief throughout the organization, leaving colleagues, peers, and the wider public service community deeply saddened.

Kelly Canavan was widely recognized for her exceptional leadership, professionalism, and unwavering dedication to public service. Throughout her decades-long career at the ATO, she consistently demonstrated a commitment to excellence and integrity that earned her the respect and admiration of those around her. Her guidance and mentorship shaped the careers of countless staff members, fostering a culture of collaboration, fairness, and accountability.

Colleagues remember Kelly not only for her professional achievements but also for her generosity of spirit. She was known for her patience, approachability, and the genuine care she showed to her team. Many staff members have spoken of her willingness to offer support, share her expertise, and create opportunities for growth and development. Her presence within the ATO was a source of reassurance and inspiration, and her absence is profoundly felt across the organization.

“Kelly was a leader who led with both her head and her heart,” one colleague said. “Her dedication to the ATO and to public service was unmatched, and she always treated people with respect and compassion. She will be greatly missed, but her legacy will live on in the many people she has influenced.”

During her tenure, Canavan played a pivotal role in advancing key initiatives, shaping policies, and ensuring that the ATO continued to serve the Australian public with integrity and efficiency. Her work had a lasting impact, reflecting a career defined by commitment to excellence, ethical leadership, and public trust.

The ATO has expressed its condolences to Kelly’s family, friends, and loved ones, acknowledging the profound loss felt not only professionally but personally by all who knew her. Plans for memorials and tributes are expected to honor her contributions and celebrate a life dedicated to public service.

In a statement, the ATO said, “Kelly Canavan’s passing leaves a deep void in our organization. Her dedication, kindness, and leadership will continue to inspire future generations of public servants. We extend our heartfelt sympathies to her family and all those who were fortunate to work alongside her.”

Kelly Canavan’s legacy is one of service, mentorship, and an unwavering commitment to the public good. Her contributions to the Australian Taxation Office and the broader community will not be forgotten, and she will be remembered as a remarkable leader and a cherished colleague.

The Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ) has released the names of the individuals involved in a fatal police chase that occurred earlier this month, as authorities continue their investigation into the incident.

The pursuit began on the afternoon of November 5, around 1 p.m., when Officer Rhianna Carne attempted a routine traffic stop. The driver, identified as 57-year-old Steve Mecklenburg, allegedly refused to stop and fled at high speed. According to the DOJ, Mecklenburg’s vehicle swerved into oncoming traffic along Main Street, ultimately colliding with a commercial truck. Despite the efforts of first responders, Mecklenburg succumbed to his injuries shortly after the crash.

Officer Carne, who has two years of law enforcement experience, has been placed on administrative leave in accordance with standard departmental protocols. The DOJ emphasized that the leave is a routine measure during investigations involving police officers.

The investigation is being led by the DOJ’s Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) with assistance from several local agencies, including Niagara Rescue, the Niagara Fire Department, the Marinette County Sheriff’s Office, and the Wisconsin State Patrol. Officials have stated that their findings will be submitted to the Marinette County district attorney for review and determination of any potential legal actions.

In its public statement, the DOJ highlighted the collaborative effort of the agencies involved in ensuring a thorough and transparent investigation. The circumstances surrounding Mecklenburg’s decision to flee the traffic stop remain under scrutiny, and investigators are reviewing all available evidence, including witness accounts, traffic camera footage, and vehicle data.

The incident has raised concerns about high-speed pursuits and the risks they pose to both law enforcement personnel and the general public. DOJ officials noted that policy reviews and safety considerations are often part of such investigations, though no conclusions have been made regarding the actions of either party at this stage.

Community members and residents are being reminded that the investigation is ongoing and that premature conclusions should be avoided until all facts are established. The DOJ has reiterated its commitment to transparency and the impartial evaluation of all evidence in incidents involving law enforcement.

Steve Mecklenburg is mourned by family and friends, while Officer Carne continues to be supported through the administrative process as the investigation proceeds. Further updates will be provided as new information becomes available.

An investigation is ongoing after a Mountain Brook man was found fatally shot at his family’s hunting property in Talladega County over the weekend.

The Talladega County Coroner, Shaddix Murphy, identified the victim as 31-year-old Frank “Wesley” Davies IV, a longtime Mountain Brook resident. According to Murphy, Davies frequently spent time at the family’s second home located on Odena Road near Sylacauga.

Davies, whose family has been associated with the local business Little Hardware for generations, was discovered late Saturday night in the 1000 block of Odena Road North. The tragic discovery came after deputies were contacted by the mother of Davies’ child, who expressed concern after not hearing from him for several days.

Upon arriving at the property, deputies found Davies deceased with multiple gunshot wounds. Talladega County Sheriff’s Chief Deputy Josh Tubbs confirmed that the investigation is active but stressed that no arrests have been made at this time. “Our investigators have been working on it ever since, and we’ll continue to do so,” Tubbs said, emphasizing the commitment to thoroughly pursue leads and gather all available evidence.

Authorities have not released details regarding possible suspects or the circumstances leading up to the shooting. Investigators are examining the scene and speaking with potential witnesses as part of the ongoing inquiry. The motive for the shooting has not yet been determined.

Law enforcement officials are urging anyone with information related to the incident to come forward. Tips can be reported confidentially by contacting Talladega County investigators at 256-761-2141. Community members are encouraged to provide any information that may assist in solving the case and bringing justice for Davies and his family.

Davies’ death has sent shockwaves through the Mountain Brook community, where he was known both for his ties to the family business and his connections in the local area. Friends, neighbors, and family members have expressed their grief and called for anyone with knowledge of the shooting to cooperate with law enforcement.

Authorities continue to emphasize that the investigation is active and ongoing, and they are asking for patience as details are confirmed. The Talladega County Sheriff’s Office, along with the coroner’s office, remains committed to uncovering the full circumstances surrounding the tragic death of Frank “Wesley” Davies IV.

The family of Davies and the broader community are mourning the loss, as officials work diligently to provide answers and ensure justice is served.

The Thunder Bay community is deeply mourning the loss of Lainey Wilson, whose passing has left a void in the hearts of many. Lainey was a beloved member of the community, known for her kindness, warmth, and unwavering spirit. Her death has touched everyone who knew her, and her memory will be cherished for years to come.

Lainey Wilson was admired for her compassion and her ability to bring people together. Whether through her volunteer work, her involvement in local events, or her everyday interactions, she demonstrated a genuine care for others. Her positive attitude and generous nature made her a source of comfort and inspiration to many in Thunder Bay.

The circumstances surrounding her passing are still being shared, but the community’s focus is now on honoring her life and legacy. Friends and family remember Lainey as someone who always put others first, offering a helping hand and a listening ear whenever needed. Her infectious smile and uplifting presence made her a bright light in the community.

In the wake of her loss, residents are coming together to support her loved ones, sharing stories and memories that celebrate her life. Local memorial services are being organized to honor Lainey’s spirit and the positive impact she had on those around her.

This heartbreaking event serves as a reminder of the importance of community and the power of kindness. Lainey’s legacy of compassion and love will continue to inspire everyone who knew her. As Thunder Bay mourns her loss, many are reflecting on how she touched their lives and how her memory will live on through the acts of kindness she inspired.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Lainey Wilson’s family and friends during this difficult time. Her spirit will always remain in the hearts of those who loved her, and her memory will continue to bring comfort and strength to the community.

Marissa Paslick Gillett, a prominent figure in Connecticut’s public-service landscape, passed away on November 20, 2025. Her death marks the close of a chapter that left a lasting impression on the state’s regulatory environment, particularly through her work as chairwoman of the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA).

Gillett, known for her sharp intellect and unwavering commitment to public oversight, built a career rooted in the belief that regulated industries should remain accountable to the people they serve. During her tenure, she played a central role in shaping key policies that impacted millions of residents, ranging from energy-rate structures to grid-modernization initiatives. Her efforts often sparked robust debate, reflecting both the complexity of her work and the passion she brought to it.

While her career held many achievements, it was also marked by controversy. Questions surrounding internal administrative processes and the handling of certain regulatory decisions followed her during her years in leadership. These issues fueled ongoing discussions among lawmakers, consumer-advocacy groups, and industry stakeholders. Yet even amid disagreement, few doubted her dedication to the responsibilities of her position or the seriousness with which she approached matters that affected Connecticut households and businesses.

Outside of the regulatory realm, Gillett was respected by colleagues for her work ethic, professionalism, and willingness to engage directly with the public. She was known for her direct communication style, a quality that earned her both admiration and criticism but always underscored her belief in transparency.

Marissa Paslick Gillett leaves behind a legacy defined by service, complexity, and spirited public discourse. Her career impacted policy decisions that will continue to shape Connecticut for years to come. As the state reflects on her contributions, her passing reminds many of the profound influence public servants can have on the everyday lives of citizens.

She will be remembered for her commitment, her resilience, and the important conversations she brought to the forefront.

The Alexandria community is mourning the tragic death of 35-year-old Keisla Johnson, who died Wednesday night following a single-vehicle crash on Third Street. The accident occurred on November 19 around 8:35 p.m., prompting a swift response from the Alexandria Police Department and emergency medical personnel.

According to APD, officers were dispatched to the 5100 block of Third Street after reports came in of a vehicle that had veered off the roadway. When first responders arrived, they found Johnson’s vehicle heavily damaged after striking a tree. Officials say she had been traveling northbound in the right lane when, for reasons still unknown, the vehicle left the roadway and collided with the tree.

Johnson was transported to a nearby hospital where medical teams fought to save her. Despite their efforts, she later succumbed to her injuries. No one else was in the vehicle at the time, and no additional injuries or damages were reported.

Police noted that early observations do not indicate impairment as a contributing factor. As protocol, routine toxicology samples were collected and will be analyzed as the case proceeds. Investigators continue to work to determine what caused Johnson’s vehicle to leave the roadway that evening. Weather conditions, roadway factors, and potential mechanical issues are among the elements typically reviewed in crashes of this nature.

APD detectives are actively seeking information that may help piece together the moments leading up to the collision. The department is urging anyone who may have witnessed the crash or observed Johnson’s vehicle prior to the impact to come forward. Even small details, officials say, may help provide clarity as they work to understand the cause of the accident.

Community members who knew Johnson have begun sharing tributes on social media, describing her as a warm, loving individual whose loss will be deeply felt by family and friends. Though authorities have not released additional personal information, those close to her say her death marks a devastating blow to those who cherished her.

The stretch of Third Street where the crash occurred was temporarily closed while police conducted on-scene investigations, but the roadway later reopened to traffic. APD emphasized that the investigation is still ongoing and that no conclusions will be drawn until all evidence is reviewed.

Anyone with information related to the incident is encouraged to contact the Alexandria Police Detective Division at 318-441-6416, APD Dispatch at 318-441-6559, or email APDDetectives@cityofalex.com. Tips can be given confidentially.

As the investigation continues, the Alexandria community is left grieving the sudden loss of a young woman whose life was cut tragically short. Johnson’s loved ones are now leaning on one another as they navigate an unexpected and heartbreaking chapter.

The Sissonville community is grieving the heartbreaking loss of Wylie Wilkinson, a 17-year-old Sissonville High School student who died in a single-vehicle crash on Rocky Fork Road. The incident, which occurred earlier this week, has left classmates, teachers, family members, and residents grappling with the sudden tragedy of a young life gone far too soon.

Wylie was known throughout the school for his warm personality, dependable nature, and genuine kindness. Friends describe him as someone who was always willing to lend a hand, offer a smile, or brighten someone’s day with a simple joke. Teachers recall a hardworking and dedicated student who approached everything he did with quiet determination. Though only 17, Wylie had already made a meaningful impact on those around him—an impact now felt even more deeply in the wake of his passing.

As word of the crash spread through the close-knit Sissonville area, the community immediately began organizing acts of remembrance. One such gesture that has quickly taken hold is the request for students, staff, and residents to wear purple, a color chosen to honor Wylie’s memory. The movement has become a unifying symbol of support, allowing people of all ages to express their grief while also celebrating Wylie’s life.

Purple ribbons have begun appearing on mailboxes, school lockers, and storefront doors. Social media pages dedicated to supporting the Wilkinson family flood daily with photos of friends and strangers alike dressed in purple, sharing memories of Wylie or offering prayers and condolences. At Sissonville High School, teachers and counselors have been providing support to students struggling to cope, ensuring that no one feels alone during this difficult time.

Community members are also in the early stages of planning additional tributes, including a possible vigil and scholarship fund to honor Wylie’s life and the example he set for others. While details are still developing, the outpouring of support reflects just how deeply Wylie was loved and how profoundly his loss is felt.

For his family, the community’s kindness has been a source of comfort amid unbearable pain. Loved ones describe Wylie as a thoughtful son, a loyal friend, and someone who carried an unmistakably bright spirit. His presence filled rooms, and his absence now leaves a space that can never be replaced.

Though his life ended far too soon, those who knew Wylie say his legacy will continue—through the friendships he forged, the laughter he shared, and the kindness he offered so freely. The simple act of wearing purple has become more than a tribute; it is a reminder to cherish one another, to show compassion, and to live with the same sincerity that Wylie demonstrated every day.

As the Sissonville community moves forward, they do so with heavy hearts but also with gratitude for the 17 years they shared with a young man who made their world brighter. Wylie Wilkinson will not be forgotten.

The Tiffin community is reeling after police released new information about a devastating murder-suicide that claimed four lives on Wednesday evening. The Tiffin Police Department confirmed the identities of the victims and provided a more comprehensive understanding of what transpired in the moments leading up to the tragedy on Huss Street.

According to an updated press release issued Thursday by Chief David Pauly, officers were dispatched to the 100 block of Huss Street around 6:24 p.m. on November 19 following 911 calls reporting gunfire and screaming. When officers arrived, they discovered several individuals suffering from gunshot wounds both inside and outside the residence.

Investigators say the incident unfolded during a planned effort by a mother to remove her belongings from the home amid ongoing domestic difficulties. She had arranged for 29-year-old Dustin Willey, the father of her oldest child, to help her move out. Her husband, 42-year-old Ryan Eagon, was believed to be working out of town at the time.

The mother and Willey had been inside gathering her remaining items while her two children—ages seven years and seven months—waited near a vehicle outside. According to police, their plans changed abruptly when the mother heard her seven-year-old cry out. She and Willey went outside to check and immediately encountered Eagon in the driveway.

Based on physical evidence and eyewitness accounts, investigators believe Eagon began chasing Willey almost instantly. Police say he pushed past the mother and opened fire, striking Willey before turning the gun on the children. Both children were shot at close range. Eagon then returned his focus to Willey, firing additional shots before ultimately taking his own life.

Desperate to save her children, the mother carried them back inside the home as she called for help. First responders with Tiffin Fire and Rescue attempted lifesaving measures on all victims. Willey was transported to Tiffin Mercy Hospital, where he later died from his injuries. The infant and Eagon were pronounced dead at the scene. The seven-year-old was rushed to the hospital but did not survive.

Police confirmed that no officers discharged their weapons and no law enforcement personnel were injured. In compliance with Marsy’s Law, the mother’s identity is being withheld. Authorities urged the public and media to respect her privacy as she navigates profound trauma.

The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation and the Seneca County Coroner’s Office are assisting with the ongoing investigation. Autopsies are pending, and no further information regarding the children’s identities will be released.

Chief Pauly acknowledged the deep emotional toll the incident has taken—not only on the families directly involved but also on first responders, medical staff, local schools, and the community as a whole. Grief resources are being prepared for those affected.

Police say additional updates will be provided when appropriate as investigators continue working through one of the most tragic cases in Tiffin’s recent history.