Year in Review - September: Vienna, Bazetta financial issues; Warren cop found guilty of rape; Norfolk Southern CEO resigns
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 September:
September 4
Senators react to Steward CEO's refusal to appear at September 12 committee hearing
According to The Boston Globe, de la Torre said his testimony would be 'wholly inappropriate' at this time. See the full story here.
September 9
Report: Norfolk Southern's CEO under investigation for alleged 'inappropriate' work relationship
The man who became the face of Norfolk Southern Railroad after the fiery derailment and chemical spill in East Palestine is reportedly under investigation for an alleged inappropriate workplace relationship. See the full story here.
September 9
Vienna fire chief sets retirement for end of the month
Brannon announced that his last day during a Vienna council meeting on Sept. 9, and that even amid the economic turmoil, this is the best decision for the future of the township. See the full story here.
September 10
Stabbing inside Youngstown store leads to police involved shooting
Inside the doors of this Dollar General store on Belmont Avenue a shocking crime took place at around 5:00 p.m. when a person pulled out a knife and started stabbing. See the full story here.
September 12
Youngstown man found guilty of murdering 24-year-old, wounding toddler
A jury found 22-year-old Vashaud May guilty of charges of all charges against him including two counts of murder, three counts of attempted murder, three counts of felonious assault and having weapons while under disability. See the full story here.
September 17
Testimony begins in trial of fired Warren police officer accused of raping several women
Tuesday's testimony came from the first of several alleged victims of former Warren police officer Michael Edwards Jr., as well as another man who knew one of those victims who will be referred to only as Victim #1. See the full story here.
September 18
Exclusive: Nurse punched 20 times outside Warren hospital talks with 21 News
According to a police report, the incident happened in the parking lot of Trumbull Regional Medical Center shortly after 10:00 p.m. Sunday when the nurse's shift had ended. See the full story here.
September 20
Investigation reveals 'disturbing' behavior against minors from former St. Patrick church pastor
Investigation from the Diocese revealed a 'disturbing' pattern of behavior including serious boundary violations with minors, manipulation and abuse of power from Father Michael Swierz. See the full story here.
September 23
Jury finds former Warren police officer guilty of two rape counts, several other charges
The jury found Michael Edwards Jr. guilty on several counts of gross sexual imposition, sexual battery and two counts of rape, all with firearm specifications, as well as extortion, theft in office and dereliction of duty. See the full story here.
September 24
Lawrence County man sentenced to six to 12 years in prison for shooting, killing girlfriend
34-year-old Michael Work of Bessemer Borough was handed a sentence of six to 12 years in prison on a reduced charge of voluntary manslaughter. See the full story here.
September 25
WATCHDOG: What mayor travel brings back to cities in the Mahoning Valley
Some mayors travel more than others and some don't travel at all. But they all agree establishing connections helps them advocate funds for their city. See the full story here.
September 26
Judge approves $600 million settlement for residents near fiery East Palestine derailment
A federal judge has approved a $600 million class-action settlement involving last year's disastrous derailment in East Palestine, Ohio. See the full story here.
September 27
No timetable for missing Bazetta Township money as FBI investigates email scam
Bazetta Township officials blame a mistake by the county auditor's office. See the full story here.
September 30
Vienna Township begins paying some extremely late bills
In Vienna township tickets paid by speeding drivers are expected to generate around $80,000 by the end of the year. That dollar figure is an estimate based on townships of similar sizes. See the full story here.
