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đŁ Steel Valley Scoop | Local News
Steel Valley's Local News & Events for the Week of April. 13 - April. 19, 2025
Good Morning Youngstown!
We hope youâre ready for a wonderful Easter weekend! Weâre super excited to spend time with family and friends this weekend to celebrate. Donât worry if you havenât planned anything yet, weâve got you covered! Weâre really hoping this Ohio weather brings us some sunshine so we can get outside and enjoy the fresh air while weâre at it. Enjoy reading this weekâs Steel Valley Scoop!
The Scoop To Keep You In The Loop!
YSU Womenâs Bowling Wins First-Ever National Championship
Kennywood Opens With New Rides
Events going on this weekend
Letâs dive in.
Steel Valley Spotlight
YSU Womenâs Bowling Wins First-Ever National Championship
On April 12, 2025, Youngstown State Universityâs womenâs bowling team rolled their way into the history books, clinching their first-ever NCAA national championship and bringing a wave of pride to Penguin Nation. In a sport where every pin counts, the team showed grit, focus, and unshakable teamwork on their way to the top. This victory marks a major milestone not just for the program, but for YSU athletics as a wholeâproving that champions can rise from the heart of Youngstown.
Economist Predicts Bright Future for Mahoning Valley Economy
At the Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamberâs annual meeting on April 10 at Waypoint 4180 in Canfield, economist and Warren native Dr. Gary Wagner delivered a surprisingly upbeat forecast for the Mahoning Valleyâs economic future. Praising the regionâs strong work ethic and deep manufacturing roots, Wagner emphasized the importance of attracting and keeping talent to fuel long-term growth. He pointed to partnerships between local businesses and institutions like Youngstown State University as key to unlocking innovation and opportunityâdrawing comparisons to success stories in places like Austin, Texas. With the right mix of education, investment, and community development, Wagner believes the Valley is positioned for a strong and sustainable comeback.
Boardman High School Senior Wins American Vision Award
Gina Misel, a senior at Boardman High School, won an American Vision Award and a Gold Key at the national Scholastic Art Awards for her 24-by-31-inch mixed-media piece, As the Stars Align, depicting the summer phase of life with acrylic paint, paper, gel pen, metallic powder, and string. A dedicated AP art student and National Art Honor Society member, sheâs earned multiple awards and volunteers in her community. Her teacher, Kate Burnside, praises her talent, and Gina will study Interdisciplinary Studio Art at Youngstown State University. Her work will be shown at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the 2025 Scholastic Art Awards Ceremony at Carnegie Hall on June 11.
Business Brief
Kennywood Opens with New Rides and Longest Season Yet
Kennywood Park officially kicked off its 127th season on Saturday, April 12, 2025, marking the earliest opening since 1931 and launching what the park is calling its longest season ever, running through January 4, 2026. The opening coincided with Pittsburghâs â412 Day,â and guests were welcomed back with new attractions, revamped rides, and festive spring events.
One of the biggest changes this year is the debut of Kennywood Junction, a steel-town-themed area that replaced Thomas Town, featuring five reimagined rides, a gift shop, and a new celebration space. The Eggcellent Easter Celebration also got underway, offering over 150 oversized Easter eggs, giant chocolate bunnies, themed photo ops, and brunch with Pittsburgh-inspired dishes. The Steel Curtain coaster, freshly upgraded, is set to reopen soon. With season passes up to 50% offâand perks like free guest tickets and VIP parkingâKennywoodâs new season is off to a thrilling start and promises fun for months to come.
White House Fruit Farm
White House Fruit Farm, nestled in Canfield, Ohio, is a beloved family-run destination thatâs been thriving since 1815. Operated by the Hull family across generations, this 200-acre farm is renowned for its vibrant market housed in a charming 1881 barn, offering fresh produce, homemade apple cider, and their famous blueberry donuts. From pick-your-own strawberries and apples to seasonal events like the Tulip Experience and Fall Harvest Weekends, itâs a year-round hub of agritourism that draws visitors with its scenic beauty and community spirit.
Beyond the market, the farm hosts family-friendly activities, including a 5K run through blooming orchards and kidsâ fun runs, with proceeds often supporting local veterans. With over 20 apple varieties, a deli boasting 80+ meats and cheeses, and specialty items like fudge and jams, White House Fruit Farm blends tradition with innovation, making it a cherished Northeast Ohio gem.
Whatâs the Biggest Issue Facing the Youngstown Area? |
Still Looking For A Fish Fry? We Have You Covered!
We have had an amazing response to our fish fry list so far. If you havenât been to one yet make sure you check out our handpicked list of the best local spots serving up crispy, golden fish this Friday. From hidden gems to hometown favorites, weâve got your Lenten dining covered! Click here.
Charity Spotlight
Double the Love: Meet Blake & Jake from All About the Pawz
Since 2017, All About the Pawz in Austintown has been quietly doing something extraordinaryârescuing and rehoming thousands of dogs across state lines, one life at a time. Run entirely by volunteers, this small but mighty rescue uses every donation and dollar raised to provide food, medical care, and shelter to dogs (and the occasional cat) in need. While their physical shelter holds just 10 dogs, most of their rescues thrive in foster homes, where they wait for their second chance. Volunteers are the heart of the operation, showing up every dayârain or shineâfor morning, afternoon, and evening shifts to feed, walk, and care for these animals. Itâs a labor of love, and for many, it becomes a lifelong commitment.
Right now, two big-hearted goofballs named Blake and Jake are hoping for just thatâa lifelong commitment from a family who can love them both. These 2-year-old lab mixes, rescued from Memphis in October, are full of personality, love their toys, and are happiest when theyâre together. At around 70 pounds each, theyâre big boys with even bigger heartsâand theyâre still waiting for the perfect family to take them home as a bonded pair. If youâve got the space and the heart for double the fun, Blake and Jake might just be your perfect match.
Weekend Planner
Thursday, April. 17th
đ¨ Spring Sip & Paint | Penguin City Brewing Company | 6:00 PM
đ§ T'ai Chi Basics for Beginners | Fellows Riverside Gardens | April 17, 12:00 PM
đˇ Thirsty Thursday & Trivia Night | L'uva Bella Winery | 5:30 PM
Friday, April. 18th
đ° Easter Bunny At Southern Park Mall | 7401 Market Street | 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
𦢠Swan Lake | DeYor Performing Arts Center | 7:00 PM
đĽ Firefall | Ward Beecher Planetarium | 8:00 PM
Saturday, April. 19th
đ° Easter Egg Hunt & Family Fun | Grace Church | 1:00 PM
đĽ Breakfast with the Easter Bunny | Piccadilly Parlour Victorian Tea Room | 9:00-11:00 AM
đ Super Toy Events | Canfield Fairgrounds | 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Sunday, April. 20th
đ§ââď¸ Yoga Basics Course | Fellows Riverside Gardens | 9:15 AM - 10:30 AM
đ Easter Buffet | Waypoint 4180 | 11:00 AM
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