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📣 Youngstown's Latest Scoop & Things To Do
Steel Valley's Local News & Events for the Week of September 21 - September 27, 2025
Good Morning Youngstown!
We hope you enjoyed the nice weather while it lasted. This week Mother Nature is finally watering our grass! As exciting as that is, we’ve got more excitement to look forward to. The sunshine this weekend will be accompanied by a variety of fun things to do, including hay rides, haunted mazes, and even a John Mayer concert! So, pour yourself a nice big cup of coffee and teleport to this weekend by reading this week’s edition of the Steel Valley Scoop!
The Scoop To Keep You In The Loop!
20 Cats Rescued from Youngstown Home
Belleria Is a Gameday Must
Events going on this weekend
Let’s dive in.
Steel Valley Spotlight
20 Cats Rescued from Youngstown Home and Looking for Love
Animal Charity of Ohio just rescued 20 cats from a heartbreaking hoarding situation in Youngstown, and now these furry survivors are getting their first taste of safety and care. Pulled from filthy conditions, many of them were underweight, covered in fleas, and battling infections. But with clean beds, full bellies, and gentle hands nursing them back to health, these cats are starting to come back to life. While the shelter is working overtime to meet their needs, they can’t do it alone. If you've been thinking about adding a new companion to your home or just want to help out, now’s the perfect time to foster, adopt, or drop off a few extra supplies. Every little bit goes a long way when you’re helping animals start over.
Ursuline Football Players Ask Court to Return Eligibility
Ursuline High School football players seeking transfers to play elsewhere this season have asked a Mahoning County Court judge for an injunction to overturn the Ohio High School Athletic Association's (OHSAA) ineligibility ruling, issued after the school's 2025 program was canceled due to hazing and Title IX lawsuits. Attorneys Frank Cassese and Brian Kopp of BetrasKopp LLC, representing six uninvolved players, requested temporary and permanent injunctions against OHSAA Executive Director Douglas Ute, calling the situation unprecedented and arguing the students did nothing wrong, face irreparable harm, and aren't "shopping around" but fleeing an institution mired in legal troubles from administrative failures. They expect a quick ruling.
Motivational Speaker Visits Youngstown School
This week, students in Youngstown are being visited by renowned motivational speaker Willie Spears, who kicked off his tour at Chaney Middle School on Monday with a discussion on making positive life choices. A multifaceted professional serving as a football coach, author, teacher, and licensed minister, Spears excels at engaging young audiences through his passionate, energetic, and humorous style, tailoring his messages to meet each school's specific needs. During his session, he emphasized the importance of respectful communication, urging students to behave appropriately and treat everyone on campus as they would want others to treat their grandmother, highlighting how this fosters empathy, discourages bullying, and promotes universal respect since no one would scream at or disrespect an elder. Having spoken at 258 schools nationwide last year, Spears will remain in the Valley throughout the week, with upcoming visits to East Middle School and Sharpsville in Pennsylvania.
Business Brief
Belleria Is a Gameday Must
When it comes to Youngstown staples, Belleria stands tall with its rich Italian roots, unforgettable flavors, and community-first spirit. With locations across the Valley including Boardman, Austintown, Struthers, and more, Belleria has become a go-to for families and friends who crave hearty comfort food and crave-worthy pizza. From classic pepperoni pies to saucy meatball hoagies, this local favorite never disappoints. And don’t sleep on their wings, they are crispy, saucy, and packed with flavor, they’re some of the best in town.
Every Saturday and Sunday during football season, my family and friends gather for kickoff, and the food lineup is always the same: Belleria pizza, wings, and whatever else we’re craving from the menu. It’s tradition. One of our personal favorites is their blush sauce, a blend of red and Alfredo that’s downright addictive. My wife loves it over pasta, and I’ll take it any day on their meatball sliders. With so many menu options and that unbeatable neighborhood feel, Belleria is more than just a restaurant, it’s part of the Youngstown gameday experience.
Fresh Grounds Coffeehouse & Cafe
If you ever find yourself out in Greenville Pennsylvania, there’s a hidden gem of a coffee shop. Fresh Grounds Coffeehouse & Cafe in Greenville, PA has some of the best coffee I’ve ever tried. The cozy atmosphere with its inviting fireplace makes it the perfect spot to unwind. Their coffee selections are top-notch—freshly brewed and full of flavor—and the friendly staff always make you feel right at home. Highly recommend for a relaxing caffeine fix!
🏈 Do You Prefer Watching College Football or the NFL? |
Charity Spotlight
Nelly Is the Sunshine You’ve Been Missing
Looking to add some pure joy to your life? Meet Nelly, a 6-month-old pup bursting with energy, love, and irresistible charm. She’s all zoomies and tail wags, the kind of dog who turns every moment into a little celebration. Whether she’s chasing a toy, exploring something new, or showing off her goofy side, Nelly is always up for fun. She’s not just adorable, she’s your future best friend, personal trainer, and daily dose of happiness all rolled into one.
If you think Nelly might be your perfect match, come meet her in person at Animal Charity of Ohio’s adoption event on Saturday, September 27th, from 12PM to 4PM. The event features a special adoption promotion to help more animals find loving homes. While same-day adoptions aren’t offered, you’ll have the chance to connect with Nelly and other wonderful pets, then apply online to bring one home. Don’t miss this opportunity to meet the four-legged light of your life.
Weekend Planner
Thursday, September 25th
🍷 Wine & Cider Event – Maze Craze │ Maze Craze, New Springfield │ 6:00 PM
🍺 Oktoberfest Chef’s Table | L’uva Bella Winery & Bistro | 6:00 PM
🧘♀️ Yoga in the Gardens | Fellows Riverside Gardens | 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Friday, September 26th
🎤 John Mayer (Friday Night Headliner) │ The Youngstown Foundation Amp, Wean Park │ 7:30 PM
🪐 The Sun: Our Living Star | Ward Beecher Planetarium | 8:00 PM
🕺 Country Line Dance Nights | Penguin City Brewing Company | 9:00 PM
Saturday, September 27th
🕯️ Haunted Mill? In the Dark of the Night │ Lanterman’s Mill (Mill Creek Park) │ 6:30 PM
🍽️ Oktoberfest Chef’s Table │ L’uva Bella Winery & Bistro, Lowellville │ 6:00 PM
🏍️ Hogtober Fest | Youngstown Harley-Davidson | 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday, September 28th
🎪 Boardman Rotary Oktoberfest │ Boardman Township Park, Boardman │ 9:00 AM
🍁 Fall Weekends | Molnar Farms | 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
⚽️ YSU Women’s Soccer | Farmers National Bank Field – YSU | 1:00 PM
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