SALEM - A Columbiana County judge has ruled in favor of a confectionery store in Salem that was damaged in 2024.

According to court records, Judge Megan Bickerton granted a motion filed by Heggy's Alliance and Salem Gen 3 asking for a default judgment against contracting company Veteran's Energy and Construction Services, LLC.

According to the filing, the ruling was made after the company failed to file a response to the claims laid out in the suit.

The lawsuit was filed in January of 2026 in connection with the demolition of the Schory Building on East State Street in Salem back in November of 2024.

The suit stated that when Veteran's Energy and Construction Services demolished the building, it caused damage to the Heggy's Confectionery store nearby when a portion of the Schory Building's wall toppled over and damaged the Heggy's building, as well as an outdoor freezer.

Another neighboring business, BB Rooners Food and Spirits, also reported damage to its back patio stemming from the demolition.

Heggy's stated that the contracting company did offer to repair the building and freezer, but the replacement freezer had flawed electrical work, so Heggy's contracted with another company to repair it.

RELATED COVERAGE: