Good morning, Youngstown.

In December, naturalist Emily Greve led 15 local bird watchers at Birch Hill Cabin in Mill Creek Park to record annual counts for Cornell University & the Audubon Society.

The Great Backyard Bird Count will take place on Feb. 15 at George L. Fordyce Park.

Sleep in Heavenly Peace delivered more than 24 beds with a mattress, pillow and bedding to local children during the holiday season, with over 50 volunteers from churches, schools and community groups helping to load vehicles in Warren.

Operation Search & Help will launch its first Coffee Tour on Jan.

16 in Austintown, offering free coffee and details on support for families facing medical costs; additional events are planned at nine local coffee shops across the Valley.

Business leaders noted strong momentum in Mahoning Valley after 2025's influx of investments including a planned innovation hub in Youngstown, data centers near Lordstown and contributions by a Fortune 500 and global steel firm; they anticipate further industrial growth in 2026.

Yalcars announced it will open a new Salem location at 152 Continental Dr. The regional pre-owned dealership will offer vehicle sales, a service center, car wash and EV charging stations in a space that has been empty since Donnell Ford closed in September 2023.

Fans of craft beer will enjoy the Rotary Club of Youngstown's Eighth Annual Groundhog Craft Beerfest at Stambaugh Auditorium on Saturday, Jan.

31; the event offers two tasting sessions (1–4 p.m. and 5–8 p.m.), live music, food, mocktails, and a chocolate bar, with ticket proceeds benefiting local non-profits.

In 2025, strong economic investments such as Kimberly-Clark’s $800 million facility and a $30 million Amazon warehouse boosted job creation in the Valley, signaling promising momentum.

New projects including a Youngstown Innovation Hub and aviation center will spur additional growth as officials highlight steady cooperation between public and private sectors.

After a strong 2025, Mahoning Valley’s business scene is set to flourish in 2026 with projects like Kimberly-Clark’s $800 million facility, a new Amazon warehouse, and Mercy Health’s emergency center—each promising new jobs and growth as local leaders highlight increased collaboration and infrastructure development.

Lake Erie remains a top fishing spot as DNR surveys show last year's walleye hatch was the sixth largest in 38 years, with many hatchlings projected to reach legal size by spring 2027.

Northeast Ohio residents can donate live Christmas trees for wildlife habitat improvements until Jan. 31.

Local birdwatchers join monthly sessions at Ford Nature Center and local parks—led by Mill Creek MetroParks educator Emily Greve—to record species.

The Great Backyard Bird Count will be held on Feb. 15 at George L. Fordyce Park in Beaver Township, inviting community participation.

The Cardinal Joint Fire District in Canfield swore in firefighter/paramedic Sam Kanagy as a full-timer earlier this week — he had served as a part-timer and the board also promoted Dave Hess to lieutenant.

Donations helped create the Mahoning Valley First Responder Wellness Center which now hosts training, mental health services and a boxing match on Friday, Jan.

23 where a police officer faces a firefighter — the center will add a gym and recreation area later this year to further support first responders.

Lakeview middle schooler Emelia Gedra, 12, was named TOPSoccer Buddy in Ohio for 2025.

She volunteers with the Mahoning Valley program, helping special-needs athletes during practices and games while balancing school, band, writing, and chess club.

The Penguins lost their third straight Horizon League game against Oakland and will face Northern Kentucky on Sunday and Purdue Fort Wayne on Wednesday.

Coach Ethan Faulkner said the team must fix turnovers and rebounding issues to return to winning form (despite growing pains).

Des Moines Buccaneers vs Youngstown Phantoms

7:05-8:35 p.m. — Covelli Centre — Watch live on FloHockey — Catch the thrilling ice hockey match as the Buccaneers take on the Phantoms.

Tropidelic Concert

7:30-9:30 p.m. — Westside Bowl — Tickets starting at $76 — Experience the vibrant energy of Tropidelic's live reggae and electronic fusion.

Charlie Boy, Ferro, Ryan Concert

7-11 p.m. — Westside Bowl — Cost info not provided — Enjoy a lively concert featuring Ferro who brings melodic tunes to life.

Underground Entertainment Awards

5-11 p.m. — Westside Bowl — Cost info not specified — Celebrate the creative talents and influential voices of Youngstown's entertainment community with special performances.

Empress Eyes Live with Brake Fluid and Outrun Infinity

8-11 p.m. — Westside Bowl — Free entry — Enjoy a night filled with captivating performances from local bands Empress Eyes, Brake Fluid, and Outrun Infinity.

Intro to Epoxy & Overlays Training

9 AM – 5 PM — Epoxy Depot Youngstown — $895 — Learn epoxy techniques from seasoned expert Garrett Barnes at this comprehensive training event.