Good morning, Youngstown.

Austintown Township Park playground expansion enters its final phase today as the playground is closed until the work is finished—trustees say the project will take one to two weeks and add features for toddlers and children with special needs.

Kids in Youngstown are learning new ways to handle grief as Choffin Career & Technical Center starts its Celebration of Life B Strong this week.

Today the program uses hands-on activities—poetry, painting and music—for students to set goals and build supportive skills.

At Monday's Howland Board of Education meeting, Superintendent Kevin Spicher explained that local funding faces challenges from school choice and voucher programs — he noted that while most students attend public schools, local tax funds can shift when students choose other districts. Board members asked about legal issues, and officials plan to work on securing funds for public schools in the coming steps — emphasizing the need for a fair balance in education funding.

At Tuesday's board meeting, Youngstown City School District officials said lower student enrollment and recent changes in transportation, including ending high school buses, may have reduced state funding.

They will review expenses and state budget changes carefully—no major cuts are planned now.

At Monday’s meeting, Boardman Township trustees Larry Moliterno and Tom Costello appointed assistant prosecutor Steve Yacovone as the new trustee, completing the board after he replaced Brad Calhoun who had filled in following the retirement of fiscal officer William Leicht.

Yacovone took an informal oath on Monday and was properly sworn in Tuesday by Judge Joseph Houser (he lives in Boardman with his wife Kate and their two children and will run in November to keep his seat).

Rehabilitation work on Market Street Bridge in Youngstown will start on April 14 and block the northbound lanes on the east side, forcing drivers to use one lane in each direction.

BG Trucking and Construction Company will lead the project, which is set to cost $3,723,104 and finish in 240 calendar days—updates will follow.

The Cardinal Joint Fire District displayed two new ambulances during Monday's meeting at Fire Station 2 in Canfield.

Fire Chief Don Hutchison and Capt. Rob Tieche led the tours—while the board honored former member Joe Paloski, approved a $369,000 payment per vehicle and hired firefighter paramedic Pete Oberacker to strengthen the team.

City officials in Girard announced that speed camera ticket processing fees will increase from $10 to $20 per ticket effective April 1st—affecting Girard, Liberty and Vienna townships while talks with state representatives continue.

The fire department will cover a six-month absence of a firefighter on National Guard duty by considering a full-time hire to reduce upcoming overtime.

Music Bingo Night

6-10 p.m. | Paladin Brewing | Cash prizes | Enjoy a lively game of Music Bingo with DJ Michael Chuirazzi playing snippets of your favorite songs.

Ohio Vintage Fest

1-6 p.m. — Metroplex Expo Center — $5 — Explore over 50 vendors showcasing vintage clothing, home goods, vinyl records, and collectibles.

RUN (330) 5K Race

10 AM – 12 PM — 755 Boardman-Canfield Rd — Registration Fee — Compete in a lively 5K road race in Youngstown, Ohio.

Mustard Mountain Moving Company Live

8-11 p.m. — Westside Bowl — No Refunds — Enjoy a night of live music with Mustard Mountain Moving Company, Shortt Stories, and One Eye Daddys.

Title of Show

7:30 p.m. — Youngstown State University — Tickets required — Experience the Tony-nominated musical '[title of show]' that delights with its infectious charm and unique storytelling.

Marjorie Hartman Family Foundation Pet Clinic

10 AM – 2 PM — Youngstown State University — Free exams, low-cost vaccinations — Ensure your pets receive quality care with free wellness checks and affordable vaccines.

Hair Supply at Riser Tavern

7-11 p.m. — Riser Tavern & Grill — Enjoy great food and top-notch entertainment at this local favorite.

We Need You to Survive: Youth Safety Workshop

10 AM – 2 PM — McGuffey Centre — Free brunch — Youth ages 8-18 can learn essential life skills from mental wellness to internet safety in a fun and supportive environment.

Harlem Globetrotters Show

3-7 p.m. — Covelli Centre — Tickets available — Experience the thrills of basketball, comedy, and magic with the iconic Harlem Globetrotters.

Kindermusik Class for Toddlers

Recurring Class — Apr 18 – Apr 24 — Valley Little Melodies — Cost info not specified — A fun, engaging music class that promotes creativity and cognitive development in toddlers.