Year in Review - February: Steward Health, Eastern Gateway College and Vienna troubles begin; SOBE issued permit by Ohio EPA
2024 has been a busy news year around the Mahoning and Shenago valleys.
From December 20 through New Year's Eve, 21 News will share a recap of one month per day of some of the interesting news events that happened in 2024. Here are some of the top stories from February.
February 1
Steward Health woes called out on Capitol Hill
The financial issues facing Steward Health were brought to the forefront during a hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. Congressman Lori Trahan of Massachusetts took the stand, saying the situation was part of a “dangerous private equity playbook.” See the full story here.
February 2
East Palestine makes cover of TIME magazine for special report on train derailment
A special report on East Palestine makes the cover of TIME magazine, one year after the Norfolk Southern toxic train derailment forever changed the town. See the full story here.
February 5
New Castle candy store closes after 79 years in business
Jameson’s Candy announced that it would close during the summer after nearly eight decades. See the full story here.
February 11
Body camera footage shows shooting of Youngstown officer
Body camera footage shows the moments that led up to the shooting of an unnamed Youngstown police officer. Two officers were attempting to make a traffic stop on W Ravenwood on February 9 when a suspect shot through the passenger side window. The officer was injured but recovered. See the full story here.
February 15
Ohio EPA issues permit to SOBE Thermal Energy Systems
The Ohio EPA issued an air permit to install and operate to SOBE Thermal Energy Systems in Youngstown. SOBE plans to build a pyrolysis plant in downtown. Youngstown Council President Tom Hetrick said he was deeply disappointed by the decision. See the full story here.
February 15
Brandon Crump found guilty in murder of Rowan Sweeney
Twenty-one-year-old Brandon Crump is found guilty of murder in the deadly Struthers home invasion that led to 4-year-old Rowan Sweeney’s death. Crump was accused of being the triggerman in the incident. See the full story here.
February 16
President Biden speaks on train derailment during visit to East Palestine
President Joe Biden traveled to East Palestine more than a year after the train derailment on February 3, 2023. President Biden reiterated his administration’s commitment to the village. “Herculean efforts were made in the year since this tragedy,” Biden said. “It’s absolutely amazing what this community’s rose to.” See the full story here.
February 22
Ohio Auditor Special Investigations Unit ‘looking into’ Vienna Township finances
The Auditor’s Office confirms it's looking into possible financial irregularities involving Vienna’s finances after a 21 News report on February 14 found that some employees weren’t paid on time. See the full story here.
February 23
Eastern Gateway Community College on pause, schools future is unclear
Eastern Gateway’s Board of Trustees announced they would suspend enrollment at the college. EGCC President John Crooks said the school did not have the money to stay open or pay faculty. A decision to dissolve the college would be made in March. See the full story here.
February 23
21 News launches The Outcue podcast
21 News launches The Outcue, a podcast giving a journalist’s perspective on top news stories. See the full story here.
February 26
Protection order issued after YCSD Dean of Students charged with domestic violence
Chivas Whipple, then Dean of Students and East High School basketball coach, is placed on leave and has a temporary protection order against him after slamming his daughter into a car, according to a police report. See the full story here.
February 29
SEC charges Lordstown Motors with misleading investors about Endurance orders
The SEC charges Lordstown Motors, saying they misled investors when claiming they had 100,000 nonbinding preorders for its Endurance truck. See the full story here.
