2024 has been a busy news year around the Mahoning and Shenago valleys.

Beginning today 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, including new local leaders from communities to Youngstown State University, how the people from around the nation began following the Brittany Watts story in Trumbull County, FBI raids of local health care offices and the Youngstown City School District and more.

January 1

Mark Zuppo sworn in as new mayor of Girard

Mark Zuppo is sworn in as the new mayor of Girard after defeating incumbent Jim Melfi in the March 2023 primary. Zuppo’s tenure marked a new era for Girard, ending Melfi’s 24-year run. See the full story here.

 


January 9

Girard schools’ treasurer secures raise for grant success, state auditors to examine its legality

A unique line in Girard City Schools treasurer Mark Bello’s contract is brought into question. The clause allowed him to keep 2.5% of every state or federal grant the district received. The State of Ohio hadn’t approved the clause, meaning the method was in question. Bello would resign on June 7, 2024. See the full story here.

 

January 11

Nearly 100 rally in support of mom who suffered miscarriage; grand jury declines to indict

Roughly 100 people joined together to support 34-year-old Brittany Watts, a woman who was charged with abuse of a corpse after suffering a miscarriage at home. A Trumbull County grand jury returned a no-bill for Watts. Her story gained national attention, leading to her being invited to attend President Joe Biden’s State of the Union address in March. See the full story here.

 

January 12

Mother of murdered Youngstown teen files lawsuit against city, officers over son’s death

The mother of murdered Youngstown teenager Landon Lockhart, LaJena Solomon, sued the City of Youngstown and two YPD officers, alleging that they failed to investigate his disappearance promptly. Lockhart went missing on November 21, 2021, and his body was found on January 13, 2022. See the full story here.

 

January 16

Sheriff says Salem man had been living with dead wife for years

The Columbiana County Sheriff’s Office was investigating the death of 70-year-old Robert Rea when they found the body of his wife Peggy, who died six years prior. Her body was well-preserved, having been wrapped in a blanket and surrounded by herbs. The couple’s son told police his father had been living inside the trailer with his wife’s body. See the full story here.

Photo of the camper on the Rea's property in Salem Twp. in Columbiana County
Photo of the camper on the Rea's property in Salem Twp. in Columbiana County Columbiana Co. Sheriff's Office

 

January 17

FBI investigating multiple QUICKmed locations, Youngstown City Schools

FBI agents searched QUICKmed Urgent Care in Liberty, QUICKmed Corporate and a home on Trails Edge Drive in Liberty. The FBI confirmed that they were also investigating the Youngstown City School District. See the full story here.

 

January 19

Barnes steps down as Youngstown State’s women’s basketball head coach

John Barnes stepped down as head coach of the YSU women’s basketball team after 10 seasons after being on leave to focus on personal family matters. He won 170 games during his tenure. See the full story here.

January 21

Campbell City Council passes ordinance to crack down on animal abuse, neglect

City Council passed an ordinance cracking down on homeowners who chronically abuse or neglect their animals. The ordinance added stricter guidelines for outdoor enclosures and tethering. See the full story here.

  Campbell Mayor Facebook

 

January 22

Bill Johnson resigns from Congress, begins serving as YSU President

Former congressman Bill Johnson resigned and stepped into his new role as President of YSU. Johnson began his tenure on January 22. His first day was met with protests as students walked out of class and gathered outside of Tod Hall to protest his presidency and the closed search process used to hire him. See the full story here.

 

Congressman Johnson takes questions from reporters during a press conference announcing his formal acceptance as YSU's 10th President.
Congressman Johnson takes questions from reporters during a press conference announcing his formal acceptance as YSU's 10th President.  

 

January 26

Hometown Journal closes after 96 years

The Hometown Journal began printing in 1928 and published its last edition on February 1, 2024. It covered the Campbell, Coitsville, Lowellville, Poland and Struthers communities. See the full story here.

Image caption
Image caption  

 

January 30

Fired Warren police officer accused of rape, burglary pleads not guilty on all counts

Charges of rape and burglary are filed against Michael Edwards Jr., accusing him of committing the crimes while on duty. He was found guilty on counts of gross sexual imposition, rape and other charges in September. He was sentenced to 34-39 years in prison. See the full story here.

Michael Edwards Jr.
Michael Edwards Jr.  

 

January 31

Salem Bureau of Motor Vehicles not closing

The Salem Bureau of Motor Vehicles was set to close on June 29, but an outpouring of support from community members led to 2,500 signatures on a change.org petition. The bidding process was opened for a new deputy registrar. The facility See the full story here.