FBI Searches QuickMed, YCSD; Johnson Says Goodbye
The Federal Bureau of Investigation on Wednesday searched the QuickMed Urgent Care clinic in Liberty Township, its corporate offices, the Youngstown City School District and other locations.
Lena Esmail, QuickMed’s CEO, said agents requested access to documents related to Covid-19. In March 2023, WFMJ-TV 21 published an investigation on former Youngstown City Schools CEO Justin Jennings’ decision to purchase 120,000 Covid-19 rapid tests worth more than $3.6 million from QuickMed when the state was offering the tests to school districts at no cost.
The FBI in Youngstown and Cleveland established a tip line to seek information “about any individuals, vendors, or contractors” who may have received payments from Youngstown City Schools, the law enforcement agency said in a press release Thursday.
Meanwhile, U.S. Rep. Bill Johnson delivered his farewell speech to Congress on Thursday. He will begin his term as the 10th president of Youngstown State University on Monday.
In an open letter to Gov. Mike DeWine this week, former YSU President Les Cochran called for the removal of YSU trustees, citing concerns about university accreditation, the presidential search process and the search firm. That was followed by Jennifer Pintar, interim provost at YSU, issuing a statement saying the accreditation of the university is not at risk.
Despite all the tumult surrounding the selection of YSU’s next president, former Trustee Bruce R. Beeghly wrote in a commentary this week that there are factors that “transcend the recent turmoil and warrant our continued support for YSU.”
Here’s a look at those stories and other top stories this week from BusinessJournalDaily.com:
QuickMed Says FBI Requested Covid Documents
QuickMed Urgent Care said it is cooperating with federal agents and continues to deliver service at all of its locations following an FBI search Wednesday of the health company’s Liberty Township clinic, its corporate offices, the Youngstown City School District and other locations.
Agents have requested access to documents related to Covid-19, Lena Esmail, QuickMed’s CEO, said in a statement. READ
Former YSU President Calls on DeWine to Remove Trustees
In an open letter to Gov. Mike DeWine, the fifth president of Youngstown State University calls for the removal of YSU trustees.
Les Cochran, in his second opinion piece opposing the trustees’ selection of Bill Johnson as YSU’s 10th president, cites concerns about university accreditation, the presidential search process and the search firm. READ
New Developments Underway in North Lima
Construction of a new Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores along state Route 7 is moving along at a rapid clip, while other abandoned properties in this section of southern Mahoning County show signs of potential reuse.
Contractors on Jan. 12 were busy working on the new Love’s project, an approximately $15 million travel plaza that Beaver Township officials have been anticipating for years. READ
28 Eastern Gateway Employees Will Lose Jobs as Part of Plan
Twenty-eight Eastern Gateway Community College employees will lose their jobs as part of the financial recovery plan for the college.
The reduction in force includes 10 hourly support employees and 18 salaried staff. Those affected have already been notified, and a college spokesman said there are no plans for additional staff reductions. READ
Port Authority Enters $1.9M Grant Agreement with JobsOhio
The Western Reserve Port Authority’s board of directors approved entering into a $1.9 million grant agreement with JobsOhio to reimburse the port authority for acquisition of oil and gas wells and rights at the industrial site it sold to Kimberly-Clark Corp. late last month.
BDM Steel donated approximately 1,000 acres to the port authority in late 2021. The WRPA board sold 560 acres to the paper products company for just over $9.9 million during a Dec. 28 special meeting. READ
Other Top Stories
YSU Accreditation ‘Not at Risk,’ Interim Provost Says
Guest Commentary: Continue Support for YSU
Johnson Delivers Farewell Speech to Congress
Work Begins to Replace Columbiana Football Stadium
CEO: Norfolk Southern in East Palestine for the Long Haul
Berner Celebrates Another ‘Step Toward Sustainability’
Oil, Gas Production Projected to Drop Across Utica, Marcellus
Comedy That Ages Well: ‘Funny Women’ Tour Coming to Warren
New Owner, Location Ideal for Store Fixture Business
Guest Conductor Loh Will Lead Youngstown Symphony
Banks Step Up with Inclusive Programs
Medici Museum to Again Show Riffe Gallery Exhibition
Company Seeks Expansion at Warren Commerce Park
Red Wanting Blue Readies Next Album
Foxconn, Supervisor Honored by Military Support Group
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Come to the Cabaret
New Castle Manufacturer Goes Green with Solar
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