Storm is gone; destruction remains

YOUNGSTOWN — It was clear right away that this was no ordinary thunderstorm.

It ripped through the Mahoning Valley on June 8, leaving a Beaver Township man dead and 80,000 without power.

It hit the local tree population hard.

Fellows Riverside Gardens in Mill Creek Park lost 30 trees, said horticulturist Keith Kaiser.

Youngstown State University lost 60, said President David Sweet.

About 300 have been removed from roads and sidewalks in Youngstown, said Sean McKinney, the city’s buildings and grounds commissioner.

Five weeks later, a clearer picture of the destruction is in place — in part because much of that destruction remains.

It turns out, the damage was far more than anyone anticipated, said Walter Duzzny, director of the county’s Emergency Management and Communications.

For the complete story, see Thursday's Vindicator and Vindy.com.