Good Morning Youngstown!

Welcome back to another edition of the Steel Valley Scoop! We’re glad to bring you this week’s festivities in the Youngstown area. There is so much to get into as we approach back-to-school time, so let’s not waste anymore time and get right into it. Pour yourself up a nice, big cup of coffee as you read this one, and make sure to respond back to this email with anything we can improve on.

The Scoop To Keep You In The Loop!

• Sales Tax Holiday Now Through August 14

• The Best Wings in the World Might Be in Hubbard

• Events going on this weekend

Let’s dive in.

Steel Valley Spotlight

Youngstown, It’s Time to Shop Smart: Sales Tax Holiday Now Through August 14

If you're in the Youngstown area and looking to save some serious cash, now’s the time to shop. Ohio’s expanded Sales Tax Holiday runs from August 1 through August 14, giving you a rare two-week chance to skip state and local sales tax on clothing, school supplies, and even some electronics. This isn’t just for families sending kids back to school—anyone can take advantage of the savings. Whether you’re grabbing a new laptop, stocking up on notebooks, or finally replacing that worn-out pair of sneakers, this is one of the best times all year to buy. It’s a win for shoppers and a boost for local retailers who depend on strong August sales.

Local Intern Day Event Emphasizes Talent Retention

In the Mahoning Valley, the focus has shifted from attracting outside talent to retaining local young professionals, highlighted by the Regional Chamber's Intern Day event that brought together 70 college interns like Maggie Byers, who is interning at the Youngstown Business Incubator. The gathering aimed to connect interns with peers, community leaders, and career opportunities to encourage them to stay and build the area, as emphasized by organizers like Brenda Linert and Steven Weeden, who stress the region's potential and the need to prevent talent from leaving for other parts of Ohio or beyond. Byers, a local graduate attending YSU, draws from her family's experience of leaving for education but returning to raise a family, advocating for giving back to the community with skills and ideas, while understanding why some depart but urging them to come back and contribute to improvement.

YSU Museum Awarded $12.6K Grant by Ohio Arts Council

Youngstown State University's John J. McDonough Museum of Art, part of the Cliffe College of Creative Arts, has been awarded a $12,640 sustainability grant from the Ohio Arts Council for the 2026 fiscal year to bolster both new and ongoing programs, including its Emerging Artist series that fosters opportunities for up-and-coming visual and performance artists as the museum marks its 34th year. This funding is among 965 grants approved by the council's board last week, amounting to more than $23 million in total support for Ohio's artists, nonprofits, cultural organizations, schools, and public arts initiatives. Sourced from the state's 2026-27 operating budget—which features a historic high of over $53 million allocated to the OAC over two years—these grants span areas like operational aid, project funding, arts education, and programming.

Business Brief

The Best Wings in the World Might Be in Hubbard

If you're from the Valley and haven’t made your way to Wings Express Reloaded in Hubbard yet, it’s time to change that. This place isn’t just a wing joint, it’s a local staple with a family-style vibe that keeps people coming back. Walk in on any given night and odds are you’ll bump into someone you know. The staff is warm, friendly, and always on their game. Michelle behind the bar knows her regulars, and by the time I walk in after golf league, she’s already putting in my usual: a dozen bourbon blue wings, a side of crispy fries, and a pineapple High Noon.

The wings here are legendary, and I say that with full hometown bias. Bourbon blue is the go-to, but if you’re trying something new, don’t sleep on the house sauce, awesomesauce, dank, or garlic parmesan. Every flavor brings the heat in its own way. And when the weather’s nice, that back patio is the perfect spot to soak up summer with friends, cold drinks, and great food. Wings Express doesn’t just serve up incredible wings. It delivers the kind of atmosphere that reminds you why you love living here.

Reserve Run Golf Course

Reserve Run Golf Course in Boardman, Ohio, is a hidden gem for golfers seeking a beautifully maintained public course with stunning scenery and challenging yet forgiving holes. The fairways, tee boxes, and greens are impeccably groomed, reflecting the pride the staff takes in upkeep, making every round a delight. Designed by renowned architect Barry Serafin, it offers a perfect mix of par 3s and longer holes that keep things exciting, paired with friendly service and excellent on-site dining at Another Round Bar and Grille. Highly recommended for both locals and visitors looking for top-value golf in the Youngstown area!

Charity Spotlight

This Sweet Girl Survived the Cold and Just Wants a Home

Monroe spent the first years of her life outside, likely chained up and forgotten, until she was rescued during a brutal cold snap. She’s only two and a half years old but already knows what it’s like to be let down. Today, she’s safe at the shelter, but with more than 170 dogs around her, it’s not the peaceful, loving environment she needs to truly thrive. Monroe is quiet at first, but once she opens up, you’ll meet a total goofball who loves cuddles, gives great kisses, and wants nothing more than someone to trust.

She’s dog friendly, kid testable, and full of love just waiting to be shared. Monroe is still building confidence and learning how to simply be a dog, but she’s ready to blossom in the right home. What she needs is a calm, understanding family who sees her for who she is and who she can become. If you’ve got a little patience and a lot of love, Monroe is ready to meet you. Let’s help her trade the noise of the shelter for the peace of a real home.

Weekend Planner

Thursday, August 7th

🎸 Music in the Park – The Rick Ward Band │ Mauthe Park, Struthers │ 6:00 PM

📖 Trivia Night with Gregg @ Noble Creature │ Noble Creature Wild Ales & Lagers, Youngstown │ 7:00 PM

🎨 Arts and Crafts in the Phelps Street Gateway | Phelps Street Gateway | 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Friday, August 8th

🍻 OH WOW! On Tap – Science & Brewers Night │ OH WOW! Children’s Center │ 6:00 PM

🎪 Paranormal Cirque III │ Southern Park Mall │ 7:30 PM

🚘 Amazing History Race | Tyler History Center | 5:00 PM - 7:30 PM

Saturday, August 9th

🌲 Shaker Woods Festival – Crafts in the Woods (Day 1) │ Shaker Woods, Canfield │ 9:00 AM

🎤 330 Leo Show @ Westside Bowl │ Youngstown │ 8:00 PM

🌮 Food Truck Festival | Hollywood Gaming Mahoning Valley Race Course | 2:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Sunday, August 10th

🎷 Jazz in the Park – Wick Park Pop-Up Series │ Wick Park │ 5:30 PM

🔮 Psychic Fireside Read | Halliday’s Winery | 7:00 PM

👨🏻‍🏫 Summer Lecture Series | Butler Art | 2:00 PM

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