Year in Review - July: Realty demolition; Bernie Kosar health concerns; Mercer teen found dismembered; deadly plane crash
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 July.
July 1
Diocese reinstates Vienna priest accused of sexual abuse in 2018
The Catholic Diocese of Youngstown reinstated Father Denis Bouchard after an independent review board found no sufficient evidence to proceed with criminal action. See the full story here.
July 3
Timeline set for demolition of Realty Building
The demolition of the building is set for the second week of July with expectations that the building will be at least partially demolished by August 2. See the full story here.
July 3
Dismembered remains found at Shenango River Reservoir identified as missing Sharon teen; suspect arrested
The Mercer County Coroner identifies the dismembered remains found in the Shenango River Reservoir as 14-year-old Paul “Pauly” Likens, Jr., who was reported missing in June. DeShawn Watkins, 29, was arrested in connection to Likens’ murder. See the full story here.
July 6
Torch Club Bar and Grille in Youngstown demolished after fire
The Torch Club Bar and Grille on Salt Springs Road in Youngstown is demolished after a fire. The building was once the Club Merry Go Round, a stop for national acts like Ella Fitzgerald and Johnny Desmond. See the full story here.
July 9
Kosar needs liver transplant, diagnosed with early stages of Parkinson’s disease
Former Boardman and Cleveland Browns quarterback Bernie Kosar is placed on the liver transplant list and was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease by an independent NFL doctor. He suffered 80 broken bones and had 40 surgeries during his NFL career. See the full story here.
July 11
Warren approves use of Designated Outdoor Refreshment Areas
Warren council approves DORA areas for weekends and some holidays, creating space for adults to walk around with alcoholic drinks during designated times. See the full story here.
July 12
Demolition begins on Realty Building in downtown Youngstown
Crews begin to slowly demolish the blast damaged Realty Building more than a month after the deadly explosion. See the full story here.
July 14
FBI identifies suspect in assassination attempt on Donald Trump
An Associated Press report says the FBI identified 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania as the suspected gunman in the attempted assassination of Donald Trump in nearby Butler County. See the full story here.
July 15
Trump announces Ohio Senator JD Vance as VP Pick
Donald Trump announced first-term senator JD Vance as his running mate, choosing him over Doug Burgum and Marco Rubio. See the full story here.
July 18
Austintown Meijer takes shape along Mahoning Avenue
The former site of the original Austintown Middle School begins taking shape, years after the school’s demolition. See the full story here.
July 26
Pedestrian killed after being hit by car in Boardman identified as local musician
The man killed after being struck by a car is identified as 35-year-old Sean Baran. He was the organist at Boardman United Methodist Church and a music teacher. See the full story here.
July 30
City: Demolition contract permits company to take items from Realty Tower apartments
After concerns about theft cases at the Realty Building by demolition crews, the city clarifies that the demolition contract allows workers to remove any items they choose. Mayor Tito Brown later demanded crews to stop removing belongings from the building. See the full story here.
July 30
Plane engine lost power 50 miles before crashing at Youngstown Warren Airport, killing 3 on board
The NTSB finds that the plane’s engine lost power miles away from the Youngstown Warren Airport while traveling from Quebec to Columbus. See the full story here.
July 31
Watchdog Report: Can JobsOhio pour funding back into Youngstown?
A look at the JobsOhio funding structure and if the organization could help businesses in downtown Youngstown after the Realty Building explosion. See the full story here.
