Good morning, Youngstown.

The 9th Annual Veterans Appreciation Luncheon honored local veterans yesterday (Oct.

1) with a program featuring recognition of service and community dedication. The event marked the ninth year of this annual celebration supporting our veterans.

AT&T call center at 8089 South Avenue (Boardman) will close in late November after 16 years, and employees can choose to work remotely or at a new location, with severance benefits for those who decline the offers.

Downtown business owners met recently to address misleading social media claims about downtown safety and to call for better street lighting and increased police patrol—while stressing their financial and mental sacrifices and maintaining an open dialogue with Mayor McDowell’s office.

Trumbull County Metroparks finished final restoration work on Leavittsburg Dam by removing it last year and completing riverbank enhancements this week at Canoe City in Warren Township.

Funding came from the Ohio EPA, ODNR & local partners, and the work improved natural river flow and wildlife habitat.

Trumbull County Metroparks board members will meet with commissioners soon to request extra funding for park operations and projects like hiring a second staff member for bike trail maintenance, a log cabin restoration in Braceville, and upgrades along the new trail connecting Niles and Warren.

At board meetings in Howland, Braceville and Southington, officials approved key decisions; Howland disposed of outdated school items and revised staff contracts, Braceville set road projects and hired a volunteer firefighter, and Southington adopted a school weapons policy while planning a junior high D.C. trip and honoring a relay team.

City Council will vote Wednesday on a $350,000 sale of the former Bottom Dollar store at 2649 Glenwood Ave to Potential Development, which plans to transform it into an elementary campus for students with autism.

Renovations will begin in January 2027 to ready the building for classes by August 2027.

The Mahoning Valley Housing Summit held Wednesday at Eastwood Event Centre in Niles gathered community leaders, developers, and professionals to explore solutions for the region's housing shortage.

The Chamber will host a Public Policy Conference on Oct. 19 at Stambaugh Auditorium to further discuss policies to support the housing market.

Arm wrestlers competed in Brookfield’s Fall Brawl on Wednesday evening, drawing competitors from Ohio and beyond as a 13-year-old beat a 30-year-old, said promoter Tom Connelly.

The organizers will hold another contest on Nov. 15 at the Harley Davidson Shop in Austintown.

Local arm wrestlers showcased their strength at a competition on Oct.

1 at a downtown venue where timed rounds tested their power. Organizers say winners will be announced soon.