Category: NEWS

  • Marsilles Mastin Obituary: 20-Year-Old Lorain Man Killed in Early Morning Shooting; Second Victim Hospitalized, No Arrests Made

    The Lorain, Ohio, community is mourning the loss of 20-year-old Marsilles Mastin, who was fatally shot in the early morning hours of Saturday, September 5, 2026, in the area of West 15th Street and Reid Avenue. The shooting, which also left a 34-year-old man wounded, has prompted an investigation by the Lorain Police Department, though no arrests have been made as of Monday afternoon. Mastin’s death has left his family, friends, and the broader Lorain community grappling with the sudden and tragic loss of a young man whose life was just beginning.

    According to a release from the Lorain Police Department, officers were dispatched to the scene at approximately 4:10 a.m. on Saturday following reports of shots fired in the area. Upon arrival, they discovered Mastin lying in the roadway with multiple gunshot wounds. Emergency medical personnel responded to the scene and transported him to Mercy Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. A second victim, a 34-year-old man, was also taken to Mercy Hospital by a private vehicle after suffering multiple gunshot wounds. Police have confirmed that he is in stable condition and is expected to survive his injuries.

    Investigators recovered numerous shell casings and other evidence from the roadway, and they have determined that the incident occurred entirely outside. Preliminary information suggests that there was a gathering in the street prior to the shooting, and police believe the incident was isolated, meaning there is no ongoing threat to the broader community. However, the lack of arrests has left many questions unanswered, and the Lorain Police Department is urging anyone with information to come forward.

    Mastin was a 20-year-old resident of Lorain, a city located along the shores of Lake Erie in northern Ohio. He was known to his family and friends as a kind, energetic, and ambitious young man with a bright future ahead of him. His family has been notified of his death, and they are now navigating the unimaginable pain of losing a son, brother, and friend. Those who knew him have described him as someone who was always smiling, someone who could light up a room with his presence and who was deeply loved by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

    The circumstances surrounding the shooting remain unclear, and investigators have not yet released information about a possible motive or the identity of any suspects. The Lorain Police Department is continuing to gather evidence, interview witnesses, and review any available surveillance footage from the area. They are also working to determine the sequence of events that led to the shooting and whether the two victims were targeted or caught in the crossfire.

    The location of the shooting, West 15th Street and Reid Avenue, is a residential area in Lorain that sees moderate traffic. The early morning hour of the incident suggests that the gathering in the street may have been a late-night social event, though police have not confirmed this. Neighbors have expressed shock and concern, with many describing the area as generally quiet and safe. The shooting has raised questions about public safety in the community, and residents are calling for increased police presence and community engagement to prevent future tragedies.

    The shooting is one of several violent incidents that have occurred in Lorain in recent months, and the community is grappling with the broader issue of gun violence. Local leaders and community organizations have called for action to address the root causes of violence, including poverty, lack of opportunity, and the prevalence of firearms. The Lorain Police Department has emphasized the importance of community cooperation in solving violent crimes, and they have encouraged residents to report any information they may have about the incident.

    The family of Marsilles Mastin has asked for privacy as they mourn their loss, and they have expressed their gratitude for the outpouring of support they have received from the community. A GoFundMe page has been established to help cover funeral expenses and to support Mastin’s family during this difficult time. The page has already received an outpouring of donations, reflecting the deep impact Mastin had on those around him.

    As the investigation continues, the Lorain Police Department is urging anyone with information about the shooting to contact them. The department can be reached at 440-204-2105, and anonymous tips can be submitted through Crime Stoppers. The community is also being encouraged to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activity to law enforcement.

    The loss of Marsilles Mastin is a tragedy that has deeply affected the Lorain community. At just 20 years old, he had his entire life ahead of him, and his death has left a void that cannot be filled. His family and friends will continue to honor his memory, and they will work to ensure that his life is remembered for the love and joy he brought to others.

    Rest in peace, Marsilles Mastin. You will be deeply missed, and your memory will never be forgotten. Condolences are extended to his family, his friends, and all who are mourning his passing. May his family find comfort in the love and support of their community, and may the investigation bring justice and closure to those who loved him.

  • Thomas “Tom” Claude Alley Obituary: Former Michigan State Representative, Educator, Outdoorsman and Devoted Grandfather Dies at 80

    Thomas “Tom” Claude Alley, a longtime educator, former Michigan State Representative, passionate outdoorsman, and devoted grandfather and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully on Monday, September 7, 2026, at Henry Ford Hospice Home in Jackson, Michigan, surrounded by his loving family. He was 80 years old. Alley, who lived in East Lansing at the time of his death, leaves behind a legacy of public service, dedication to Michigan’s natural resources, and a life lived with adventure, purpose, and deep love for his family.

    Born on February 19, 1946, in Bay County, Michigan, Tom spent his early years in the small community of Pinconning before making West Branch his longtime home. He was a proud graduate of West Branch High School, class of 1964, where he first developed the work ethic and community spirit that would define his life. He went on to attend Central Michigan University, earning a bachelor’s degree in 1968 and a master’s degree in journalism in 1975. His time at Central Michigan shaped his understanding of the importance of communication, education, and public service.

    Tom began his career as an English teacher, a role that suited his love for language, literature, and the power of storytelling. He taught at Pinconning High School and later at Ogemaw Heights High School, where he also advised school yearbooks and newspapers and coached football. His students remembered him as a passionate educator who cared deeply about their success both inside and outside the classroom. He had a gift for inspiring young people to think critically, express themselves clearly, and appreciate the world around them.

    His love for teaching and his commitment to his community naturally led him into public service. Tom became active in local and state politics during the 1970s, serving as chair of the Ogemaw County Democratic Party and as a delegate for Jimmy Carter at the 1976 Democratic National Convention. His involvement in grassroots politics and his ability to connect with people from all walks of life helped him build a reputation as a dedicated and effective leader.

    In 1978, Tom was elected to the Michigan House of Representatives, representing Northern Michigan for an extraordinary 20 years and 10 consecutive legislative sessions. During his tenure, he became known for his leadership in conservation, environmental protection, tourism, recreation, and Michigan’s outdoor heritage. He chaired key House committees in those areas, working tirelessly to protect the state’s natural resources and promote the industries that depend on them. His work earned him statewide recognition, including being named Michigan Environmental Legislator of the Year in 1990 and Legislative Conservationist of the Year in 1991. His colleagues on both sides of the aisle respected his integrity, his willingness to listen, and his ability to build consensus around complex issues.

    Tom concluded his legislative career in 1998 and made East Lansing his home the following year. Even in retirement, he remained engaged in the issues he cared about, staying informed and continuing to advocate for conservation and outdoor recreation. His love for Michigan never wavered, and he remained a vocal supporter of the state’s natural beauty and the importance of preserving it for future generations.

    Beyond his professional and political accomplishments, Tom was a man of great passion and adventure. He loved the outdoors, especially hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, and spending time at his family’s cabin in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. He had a special love for the Ogemaw Hills Snowmobile Club and the friendships and memories he made there. He also loved his Harley-Davidson, traveling extensively throughout the country on his motorcycle, embracing the freedom of the open road and the camaraderie of fellow riders. His adventurous spirit took him around the world, and he especially enjoyed returning to the Dominican Republic several times each year.

    Tom was also a photographer and writer with a lifelong appreciation for art. He had an eye for capturing the beauty of the natural world and a gift for telling stories through images and words. He was a dedicated fan of Central Michigan and Michigan State athletics, and he found great joy in the friendship and camaraderie of his friends at the Moose Lodge, where he spent many hours sharing stories and laughter with those he held dear.

    For all the titles Tom held during his life—teacher, representative, conservationist, traveler—some of the most important were the simplest: Dad, Grandpa, and Great-Grandpa. Tom is survived by his daughter-in-law, Stacy Alley; his grandchildren, Lisa Alley and Kevin Knight of West Branch, John and Taryn Alley of West Branch, and Justin Alley and Daniel Sawyer of Raleigh, North Carolina; and his great-grandchildren, Alayna Tiernan, Jaxon Hudson, Scarlett Hudson, Sawyer Alley, and Parker Alley. He is also survived by his two nieces, Pamela Seckinger of Cumming, Georgia, and Amy Mendenhall of Asheville, North Carolina, and his nephew James Clifton Alley of California.

    Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Evelyn “Ann” Alley; his former wife, Joyce (Gildner) Alley; his sons, Michael Thomas Alley and infant son Joseph Alley; and his brother, James “Jim” Alley. The loss of his sons was a profound sorrow in his life, and he carried their memory with him always. His family has expressed their gratitude for the love and support they have received during this difficult time.

    Visitation will be held at Steuernol & McLaren Funeral Home, 109 E. Houghton Ave, West Branch, MI 48661, on Friday, September 11, 2026, from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM, followed by a committal service at St. Joseph Cemetery at 2:30 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that contributions be made to the Ogemaw Hills Snowmobile Club, P.O. Box 681, Rose City, MI 48654, in memory of Tom’s love for the outdoors and the friendships he forged on the trails.

    Thomas “Tom” Claude Alley lived a life of purpose, passion, and service. He was a man who believed in the power of education, the importance of protecting the natural world, and the value of community. His legacy will live on through the policies he helped shape, the students he inspired, the landscapes he helped preserve, and the family he loved so deeply. Rest in peace, Tom. You will be deeply missed, but your memory will never be forgotten. Condolences are extended to his family, his friends, and all who are mourning his passing. May they find comfort in the knowledge that his life was one of meaning and lasting impact.

  • Constable John Mulryan Obituary: Chambers County Peace Officer and ‘Gentle Giant’ Dies at 68 After Courageous Battle with Cancer

    The Chambers County, Texas, community is mourning the loss of Constable John Mulryan, a beloved peace officer and devoted public servant who passed away on September 7, 2026, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Mulryan, who served the residents of Chambers County with distinction for many years, was remembered by colleagues, friends, and family as a gentle giant with a kind heart and an unwavering commitment to the community he loved. His death has left a profound void in the lives of all who knew him.

    Mulryan’s passing was announced by the Chambers County Sheriff’s Office in a statement that captured the deep sorrow felt by the law enforcement community and the broader public. In the statement, Sheriff Brian Hawthorne described Mulryan as more than a fellow peace officer. “He was a true servant,” Hawthorne said. “We will always remember his kind heart and the love he had for his community.” The statement also expressed gratitude to Mulryan’s family for the sacrifices they made, allowing him to devote so much of his life to serving others.

    Born in 1958, John Mulryan dedicated his life to public service. He served as a constable in Chambers County, a position that placed him at the heart of the community. His responsibilities included serving warrants, providing court security, and engaging with residents on a daily basis. But for those who knew him, his title was secondary to the person he was. He was known for his approachable demeanor, his willingness to listen, and his ability to de-escalate tense situations with calmness and compassion. He was a peacemaker in the truest sense of the word, and his presence brought reassurance to those he served.

    Colleagues and community members have shared an outpouring of tributes in the days following his death. Many described Mulryan as a “gentle giant,” a phrase that captures both his physical presence and his gentle spirit. He had a way of making people feel safe and valued, whether he was helping a resident with a legal matter, offering encouragement to a young person, or simply sharing a kind word with a neighbor. His ability to connect with people was one of his greatest strengths, and it allowed him to bridge divides and build trust in ways that few others could.

    Sheriff Hawthorne’s tribute to Mulryan included a verse from the Bible, Matthew 5:9: “Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.” The verse was a fitting tribute to a man whose life was defined by his commitment to peace, justice, and service. For Mulryan, serving as a peace officer was not just a job; it was a calling, one that he pursued with integrity, humility, and an unwavering sense of duty.

    Mulryan was also deeply involved in the Chambers County community beyond his official duties. He often participated in community events, visited schools, and offered mentorship to young people considering careers in law enforcement. He believed in the importance of building strong relationships between law enforcement and the communities they serve, and his efforts helped foster a sense of mutual respect and cooperation that extended far beyond his tenure as constable. He was known to attend church functions, neighborhood gatherings, and local events, always ready to lend a helping hand or offer encouragement.

    His battle with cancer was a private struggle, but one that he faced with courage and resilience. He continued to serve as long as his health allowed, and his dedication to his community remained unwavering even as his illness progressed. Those who knew him during this time have spoken of his determination to remain active and involved, and his strength in the face of adversity was an inspiration to all who witnessed it.

    His passing has been met with an outpouring of grief from across Chambers County and the broader law enforcement community. Tributes have poured in from colleagues, local officials, and residents, all of whom have expressed their admiration for a man who gave so much of himself to others. The Chambers County Sheriff’s Office has announced that flags will be flown at half-staff in his honor, and plans for a public memorial service are being finalized.

    Mulryan’s family has been at the forefront of the community’s thoughts and prayers. Sheriff Hawthorne’s statement acknowledged the sacrifices his family made so that he could serve the community, and he extended heartfelt condolences to them on behalf of the Sheriff’s Office. “We thank you for sharing him with us,” the statement read. “We will never forget the man he was, and we will forever be proud to call him our friend.”

    The loss of Constable John Mulryan is a devastating blow to the Chambers County community. He was a man who dedicated his life to the service of others, and his legacy will endure through the many lives he touched. His kindness, integrity, and humility set an example for all who knew him, and his memory will continue to inspire those who follow in his footsteps.

    As Chambers County comes together to mourn the loss of one of its finest, they will also celebrate the life of a man who embodied the values of service, compassion, and faith. Constable John Mulryan’s story is one of dedication, love, and the profound impact that one person can have on a community. Rest in peace, John Mulryan. You will be deeply missed, but your legacy will never be forgotten. Condolences are extended to his family, his friends, and all who are mourning his passing. May they find comfort in the knowledge that his life was one of meaning and purpose, and that his example will continue to guide and inspire the Chambers County community for generations to come.