Good morning, Youngstown.

Rural King opened its first Valley location on Thursday at 2485 Parkman Road in the Trumbull Plaza—store hours are 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. and a soft opening ceremony was held at 10 a.m. The store will hold its grand opening on May 16 with deals and giveaways to welcome community support.

Youngstown firefighter Adaris Bellamy is on unpaid leave today—he was charged with two counts of aggravated menacing after an April 7 incident in which he allegedly pulled a rifle at the fire station.

Kimberly-Clark Corp. will invest $800 million in a new diversified manufacturing plant on 560 acres of former RG Steel property in Howland and Warren townships to create a 500-job facility in the Mahoning Valley.

Local economic groups will maintain oversight of construction and infrastructure needs—ensuring a shared vision for the project’s success—while the plant is expected to open in less than three years.

A manufacturing plant in Howland that makes copper wiring will close this summer, resulting in 63 job losses as work is outsourced, the union said in a website letter.

Local President Joseph Ferradino said meetings with company officials will be scheduled over the next few weeks to discuss support measures—though the closure decision had been planned since August 2022.

Students from Youngstown City Schools were honored Tuesday at the YWCA for art and poetry entries that emphasize nonviolence during Nonviolence Week—one work by Julia Madera, a Rayen Early College senior, recalled a gun held to her mother's head that inspired her piece 'Put Down the Guns'. The entries will appear on notecards sold for $15 a box and highlight the community's call for peace.

Mahoning County Commissioners will vote Thursday on a resolution to allocate $464,000 from opioid settlement funds to support the Mahoning Valley First Responder Wellness Center on Raupp Avenue in Boardman Township—this center will offer mental health support and wellness services for emergency personnel and is expected to open in October.

Poland’s top five batters powered the Bulldogs to a 10-0 league win over Niles by driving in eight runs with key hits from Joe Zuccaro, Tyson Tarajack and Dylan Kelty.

Owen McKenzie threw six innings and allowed one hit—he struck out 11 as the Bulldogs now stand at 12-2 and will host Hubbard on Thursday.

Harding senior sprinter Alexis Rodgers earned Student Athlete of the Week for excelling in track and four sports, overcoming a full ACL tear last season—she now leads the student council and holds a 4.149 GPA while planning to race in the 200m and 400m events.

The Right TurnClyde Experience Live

8-11 p.m. — Westside Bowl — No Refunds — Enjoy a night of classic hits with Pittsburgh's The Right TurnClyde Experience and Against The Wind.

Mother's Day Buffet

11 a.m.-4 p.m. — Waypoint 4180 — Call for reservations — Celebrate Mother’s Day with an exclusive menu and great ambiance.

STOMP

7:30 p.m. — Edward W Powers Auditorium — Ticket information available — Experience a dynamic performance where everyday objects become extraordinary instruments in a rhythmic celebration.

Klokwerk E's Anubis Album Release Tour

8-9:30 p.m. — Westside Bowl — $20 ($25 DOS) — Celebrate the release of Anubis with live performances from multiple artists including Klokwerk E and more.

Maple Mania Festival

11 AM – 4 PM — Trek Coffee House — Free entry — Enjoy a sweet day filled with maple-themed treats, local vendors, and maple syrup education.

J. Newman Levy Speaker Series: Jewish Composers

5-7 p.m. — Youngstown State University — Free entry — Explore the contributions of Jewish composers in a captivating discussion led by a local expert.

Mitch and Cindy’s Bluegrass Festival

1 PM - 10 PM — Trumbull County Fairgrounds — Various prices — Enjoy a three-day celebration of bluegrass music with bands from across the USA, camping, and food trucks for all ages.

Riley Green Concert

7:00-8:30 p.m. — Youngstown Foundation Amphitheatre — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a night with Rolling Stone-lauded country singer-songwriter Riley Green on his North American tour.

Mix 98.9 Time Warp Prom

6-11 p.m. — Canfield Fairgrounds — Tickets required — Experience the Valley's biggest annual 80's & 90's themed costume party with dinner buffet and live music.

Lita Ford Concert

7:30-11:30 p.m. — Youngstown Foundation Amphitheatre — Cost TBD — Rock out with the iconic hard rock singer and guitarist known for her 1980s hits.