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Steel Valley's Local News & Events for the Week of Mar. 23 - Mar 30, 2025

Good Morning Youngstown!

Hope you’ve had an awesome start to your week, and if you haven’t, that’s what we’re here for. There’s actually so many things to be excited about and we’re happy to keep you in the loop. If we were able to brighten your day in anyway or if we gave you something to look forward to, make sure you let us know by replying back to this email. We love reading all the replies.

Don’t forget to pour yourself a nice big cup of coffee, and enjoy this week’s scoop!

The Scoop To Keep You In The Loop!

  • $2.5M Grant for Local Fire Departments

  • City Subs in Hubbard

  • Events going on this weekend

Let’s dive in.

Steel Valley Spotlight

Brightspeed to Expand High-Speed Internet Across Trumbull County

Brightspeed is making a major push to close the digital gap in Trumbull County, committing $1.5 million to expand its high-speed internet service to nearly 2,400 additional homes and businesses. With an estimated 19% of county residents lacking access to reliable internet, this project is set to make a significant impact—especially in rural and underserved areas. The expansion will bring fiber-optic connectivity, offering faster, more stable service for work, school, streaming, and more. As the county continues to grow, this investment positions Trumbull for a more connected and competitive future.

$2.5M Grant for Local Fire Departments

Trumbull County commissioners approved a $2 million transfer from the emergency reserve fund to cover departmental budget shortfalls and prevent layoffs. Rising costs have strained local budgets, and this move ensures essential services continue without disruption. While the funding provides temporary relief, officials are exploring long-term solutions to maintain financial stability.

Youngstown Road Runners Club Mill Creek Distance Classic

Mill Creek MetroParks in Youngstown will host a Half Marathon and 5-Mile Run on Sunday, organized by the Youngstown Road Runners Club. To ensure safety, several roads and facilities, including Bears Den Road, West Park Drive, and Wick Recreation Area, will be closed to vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. Limited access will be available to Ford Nature Center via Volney Road and to Lily Pond and Birch Hill Cabin via McCollum Road.

Business Brief

Sespe Burger: Smash Burger Perfection in Boardman

If you’re craving a burger that hits every time, Sespe Burger in Boardman is where it’s at. Inspired by In-N-Out, they serve up crispy, juicy smash burgers with fresh toppings and melty cheese that never miss. I stopped in this past Saturday and ordered the double cheeseburger—and it was as mouthwatering as ever. The flavor, the texture, the consistent quality—it’s what keeps people coming back.

Add in a June’s Lemonade for the perfect combo, and you’ve got a meal worth repeating. With a new second location in Columbiana, Sespe is spreading its California-inspired charm across the Valley. Same great menu, same rock-solid quality—just more places to get your fix.

City Subs in Hubbard

Family owned sub-shop, City Subs, has your sandwich fix covered. With fresh, made-to-order hoagies, you will not be disappointed. Never walk away hungry from another lunch spot again, go check them out in downtown Hubbard for massive and delicious subs that make Subway’s footlongs look tiny. Did I mention they are family owned and operated? This is my favorite part of the experience, I always walk out of there with a big smile on my face.

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The Ultimate Youngstown Fish Fry Guide

Love a good fish fry during Lent? Click here to get our handpicked list of the best local spots serving up crispy, golden fish this Friday. From hidden gems to hometown favorites, we’ve got your Lenten dining covered!

Charity Spotlight

Rowan Sweeney Memorial Foundation Hosts 5th Annual Breakfast with the Easter Bunny

The Rowan Sweeney Memorial Foundation is inviting families to celebrate the season at its 5th Annual Breakfast with the Easter Bunny on Saturday, March 29, at Waypoint 4180 in Canfield. Guests can choose from two time slots—9:00–10:15 AM or 10:45–12:00 PM—and enjoy a buffet-style breakfast featuring scrambled eggs, potatoes, fruit, and a chef’s choice of pancakes or French toast. Children can enjoy Easter crafts, take unlimited photos with the Easter Bunny, and participate in a festive Easter egg hunt, where they’ll find candy, special prizes, and Texas Roadhouse kids meal vouchers. A basket raffle will also be held with goodies like gift cards, wine, Girl Scout cookies, and more. Tickets are $15 and available online.

This family-friendly event supports a powerful mission. The Rowan Sweeney Memorial Foundation was created to honor Rowan Sweeney, a joyful 4-year-old boy whose life was tragically cut short in Struthers, Ohio, on September 21, 2020. The foundation’s goal is to build an all-inclusive playground in Rowan’s memory—one where children of all abilities can play side by side. Focused on bringing accessible play to the entire Mahoning Valley, the foundation continues to be a source of healing, hope, and community connection.

Weekend Planner

Thursday, Mar. 27th

🎭 Gianni Russo: The Godfather Experience | DeYor Performing Arts Center | 7:30 PM

🏒 Youngstown Phantoms vs. Fargo Force | Covelli Centre | 7:05 PM

Friday, Mar. 28th

🎭 The Lightning Thief Musical | Youngstown Playhouse | 7:30 PM

🎸 (Live Music) Placid State Live | Westside Bowl | 8:00 PM

đź§  Trivia Night – Paladin Brewing | 6520 Mahoning Ave. | 6:00 PM - 9:30 PM

Saturday, Mar. 29th

đź’Ť Wedding Rewind 2025 | Drakes Landing Banquet Center | 6:00 PM

🎶 Stayin Alive - Bee Gees Tribute | 160 E. Market St. Warren | 8:00 PM

🕰️ Ohio Vintage Fest | Metroplex Expo Center | 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Sunday, March. 30th

🎳 Full Spectrum Bowling for Visibility & Open Mic | Westside Bowl | 3:30 PM

🎨 Brunch & Paint | Penguin City Brewing Company | 11 AM - 1:30 PM

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