Year in Review - October: Newton Falls reinstates police chief; potential sale of Southern Park Mall; Ellsworth explosion
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 in October.
October 3
Newton Falls council moves toward reinstating Police Chief Fixler to full-time
The move to make him full-time after bringing him back part-time follows a ruling by a judge that he was removed from office incorrectly and should be reinstated in 2022. See the full story here.
October 3
Mixed reaction from local leaders on potential sale of the Southern Park Mall
Kohan Retail Investment Group is not the ideal candidate some local leaders would like to see purchasing the Southern Park Mall from it's owner Washington Prime. See the full story here.
October 3
Mistrial declared in trial of former Youngstown City Schools Dean of Students
The reason for the mistrial was that a motion was filed stating that no witness could give an opinion during testimony. During a Liberty Township police officer's testimony, he had accidentally violated this rule. See the full story here.
October 4
PennDOT, crews celebrate early reopening of Route 318 Bridge in West Middlesex
The replacement of the bridge that carries Route 318 over I-376 in West Middlesex was originally set to wrap up in November. However, it was able to reopen a month ahead of schedule. See the full story here.
October 5
Ellsworth house explosion damages neighboring home by shattering windows
"I had just finished breakfast, sitting at my dining room table that faces the west, and the explosion blew me out of my chair and onto the ground and I heard all the glass in my house start to break," said Tracey Beardsley. See the full story here.
October 7
Chase Bank employee suing gas company, Realty Building owners for injuries sustained from explosion
The suit states that the employee had suffered permanent injuries as a result of the explosion. Attorneys also say the employee's wife suffered loss of courtship due to those injuries. See the full story here.
October 9
Mercer pizzeria collecting donations for Hurricane Helene victims
"Our entire lobby is full," said Makayla Shannon, Owner of Fox's Pizza Den in Mercer. "It's been overwhelming, in a good way." See the full story here.
October 11
Man found guilty of kidnapping, murdering 3 Youngstown men
Court employees told 21 News the jury found 59-year-old Elias Gudino guilty on all charges against him Friday afternoon. See the full story here.
October 18
Valley men plead 'not guilty' to murdering Warren mail carrier
24-year-old Kaprise Sledge of Warren and 44-year-old Thomas Sledge of Youngstown were charged for the shooting death of mail carrier Jonte Davis back in March of 2024. See the full story here.
October 25
Ohio 'heartbeat bill' permanently blocked by county judge
One of the lead attorneys on the case told 21 news the decision will not stop efforts to limit abortion rights in Ohio. See the full story here.
October 30
East Palestine school board approves new teacher's contract
Teachers in the East Palestine School District are working under a new contract. See the full story here.
