📣 Youngstown News & Events For This Week

Steel Valley's Local News & Events for the Week of May. 11 - May. 17, 2025

Good Morning Youngstown!

We hope you’ve had a nice start to your week so far. Maybe we can make it better with this edition of the Steel Valley Scoop! There’s always so much to look forward to, but this week is another doozy. So, grab yourself a nice cup of joe and let’s get into it!

The Scoop To Keep You In The Loop!

  • Youngstown to Merge Chaney and East in Major School Shakeup

  • Boardman’s Movies 8: Low Prices, Big Memories

  • Events going on this weekend

Let’s dive in.

Steel Valley Spotlight

Youngstown to Merge Chaney and East in Major School Shakeup

The Youngstown City School District announced on May 10 that Chaney High School will merge into East High School starting in the 2026–27 school year, a major move aimed at addressing declining enrollment and better using district resources. East High will serve as the city’s only traditional high school, while middle school students from both East and Chaney will be combined at the current East Middle School building. Officials say the merger will allow for expanded academic and career-tech opportunities, including more access to programs at Choffin Career and Technical Center. A public meeting on May 27 will gather community input on the new school’s name and identity.

Farmers Bank Unveils $9M HQ Expansion in Canfield

Farmers National Bank just marked a major milestone in Canfield with the unveiling of a $9 million headquarters expansion, signaling both confidence in the local economy and long-term investment in the Mahoning Valley. The newly completed addition features state-of-the-art office spaces, collaborative work areas, and room to grow—literally, as the bank plans to add new jobs as part of this expansion. The move not only strengthens Farmers’ presence in the region but also reinforces its role as a key economic player in Canfield’s ongoing development. With over a century of service behind them, this project proves that Farmers isn’t just growing—they’re rooted and rising in the heart of the Valley.

Troopers launch ‘Click It or Ticket’ in Trumbull County

With Memorial Day and the summer driving season approaching, Trumbull County law enforcement is intensifying seat belt enforcement to save lives. The Ohio State Highway Patrol, along with state, county, and local agencies, is running the “Click It or Ticket” campaign through June 2. In Ohio, not wearing a seat belt is a secondary offense, so police can’t stop drivers solely for this, but the consequences of non-compliance are stark: 30 fatalities in 2024 across seven counties involved unbuckled victims, and 19 fatal crashes have already occurred this year, with seat belt use dropping nearly one percent. Sheriff Mike Wilson and Lt. David Zatvarnicky emphasize the campaign’s focus on safety, not just issuing tickets, urging drivers to buckle up to ensure they get home safely.

Business Brief

Boardman’s Movies 8: Low Prices, Big Memories

For anyone who grew up in the Mahoning Valley, Movies 8 in Boardman holds a special place in their heart—and I’m definitely one of them. It was the go-to spot for affordable movie nights, whether you were catching a flick with family or sneaking off with friends. With low ticket prices and concessions that didn’t empty your wallet, it made going to the movies feel like a weekly tradition, not an occasional treat. Even today, Movies 8 continues to deliver that same experience, showing newer releases just a few weeks after their big theater run, making it a perfect option for budget-conscious movie lovers who still want that big screen magic.

What really blew my mind recently was a post they shared on Facebook—a concession menu from eight years ago, and the prices were almost identical to what they charge now. In a world where everything seems to cost double what it used to, Movies 8 has somehow held the line, still serving up buttery popcorn and cold drinks at prices that feel like a time capsule. It’s rare to find a place that stays true to its roots while still keeping up with the times, but Movies 8 has managed to do both—and that’s why it’s still a gem in Boardman.

Pine Lakes Golf Club

Pine Lakes Golf Club, established in 1926, is a privately owned 18-hole public golf course located in Hubbard. Spanning 234 acres of scenic, rolling terrain, this newly renovated course offers a challenging yet enjoyable experience for golfers of all skill levels, with a par of 71, a length of 6,142 yards, and a slope rating of 115. Featuring Bent Grass greens and Bluegrass fairways, the course is complemented by the region’s only PGA-approved practice facility, including target greens, a sand bunker, and year-round heated tees. With a 4.5-star Golf Digest rating, Pine Lakes also offers stay-and-play packages with nearby accommodations like Julia’s AAA 4-Diamond Bed and Breakfast, making it a premier golfing destination.

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Charity Spotlight

Izzy Is Ready for a Home—Help Her Find the Love She Deserves

Meet Izzy, a 4-year-old sweetheart who’s patiently waiting for her forever family through the Healthy Hearts and Paws Project. Her foster family can’t say enough good things about her—housebroken, gentle, quiet, and content to chew on her toys instead of your shoes. Izzy gets along well with other dogs, has spent time around barn cats and horses, and adores people of all kinds. She’s strong on a leash, but she’s working hard with her foster mom to improve, proving just how eager she is to be the best girl she can be.

Izzy is more than ready to leave her foster home behind and finally settle into the life she deserves—one filled with love, routine, and a family to call her own. If you’ve been thinking about adopting, now’s the time to step up and meet this amazing dog. And if you can’t adopt, consider donating to the Healthy Hearts and Paws Project, the all-volunteer rescue that gave Izzy her second chance. Your support helps dogs like her find safety, healing, and hopefully, a home.

Weekend Planner

Thursday, May 15th

đŸŽ€ Youngstown Press Club Lunch | 151 West Wood St. Youngstown 12:00 PM

đŸș Thirsty Thursday | L’uva Bella Bistro | 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM

Friday, May 16th

đŸŸ Champagne Guest Party | Fred Astaire Dance Studios – Youngstown | 7:00 PM  

🎭 Rodgers & Hammerstein's Oklahoma! | The Youngstown Playhouse | 7:30 PM

Saturday, May 17th

🎭 Snow White and the Dancing Dwarfs | Ford Family Recital Hall | 3:00 PM

đŸš¶â€âžĄïž Walking Together for Alzheimer | Canfield Fairgrounds | 8:30 AM

Sunday, May 18th

đŸŽŒ Mission: LoveMusic – Dr. Stephen L. Gage Legacy Project | Stambaugh Auditorium | 3:00 PM

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