Good morning, Youngstown.

The Western Reserve Transit Authority in Youngstown has opened nominations for its fifth annual Holiday Lights Award to honor local non-profits that brighten Mahoning Valley communities.

Nomination forms are due by October 19 and winners will be announced on October 27 at a special dinner at the B&O Station Banquet Hall—award details include regional ad campaigns and a chance for one non-profit to be named non-profit of the year.

A former eatery in Canfield will be demolished this week to make way for a new Dairy Queen drive-thru owned by Ray and Chrissy Smith—who also run another Dairy Queen store nearby.

The new location is expected to open in spring while the existing Village Green Dairy Queen remains open.

The family-owned Dairy Queen in Lisbon is closing after 47 years as owners Gary Leininger (68) and his father (91) will serve their final cone at the end of October since they are not ready to update to the new drive-thru model.

A new owner is expected to open a Dairy Queen at a different location while the future of the current building remains uncertain.

The Butler Institute of American Art in Youngstown celebrates national heritage by adding two donated artworks by Mateo Blanco to its permanent collection—Presidential Flag, which features gold and platinum leaf in tribute to his friendship with President Bush, and Yellow Flag, a bold digital work from his celebrated Flags series. The museum, known as the first dedicated solely to American art, makes these additions to honor American symbols.

YSU art students are working on a modular community mural project at the Butler Institute of American Art, where they paint separate primed Masonite panels.

The finished work—measuring 25 feet wide—is designed to be rearranged for different displays.

A mural of YSU’s long-time mascot Pete the Penguin now adorns the Gallagher Building downtown, greeting visitors with its 35-foot height—visible to motorists on West Commerce Street.

Artist Patrick McGlone is still adding red and white paint—having received approval from the city design review committee—to complete the work.

Yesterday, Ohio State Highway Patrol Trooper Jared Paine visited The Rich Center for Autism in Youngstown and read books to students while explaining his work in keeping the community safe.

His visit gave students a chance to learn about different careers—highlighting real-life examples of public service.

Soap dispensers designed by ninth-grader Mars Bustard have been installed at LaBrae Schools after she won a national contest with her Wash Your Wings design—SC Johnson Professional installed the units and the school received a $1,000 donation.

Art teacher Katie Kistler encouraged students to enter the contest.

At Tuesday night's Boardman Township Trustees meeting, veteran officers — Officer Glen Riddle with 29 years and Sgt. Charles Hillman with 35 years — were honored with proclamations for decades of dedicated service.

The Ohio Department of Commerce’s Division of Real Estate and Professional Licensing awarded $12,400 in grants to six nonprofit cemeteries in Mahoning Valley for cleaning, repair and preservation projects—Oakdale and Lowellville Cemeteries each received $2,500 while three cemeteries in Trumbull County were also funded. The grants come from the Fiscal Year 2025 Cemetery Grant Fund and support essential maintenance work—helping these cemeteries complete projects that might otherwise remain undone.

After more than 200 days of inactivity, Insight Health System reopened its Insight Hospital — Medical Center Trumbull as announced Tuesday morning.

The facility now offers 24/7 emergency care along with inpatient and outpatient services.

Danceland in Concert

7-9:30 p.m. — Westside Bowl — Free parking — Psychedelic Americana vibes take over the night with Danceland and Ke'Von & The Vybes.

US National Under 17 Team vs. Youngstown Phantoms

6:05-9:05 p.m. — Covelli Centre — Ticket info available — Experience thrilling USHL hockey action on First Responders Night.

Green Bay Gamblers vs Youngstown Phantoms

4:05-5:35 p.m. — Covelli Centre — Stream available — Catch the thrilling matchup on FloHockey between these two competitive teams.

Kal-El Concert

7-9:30 p.m. — Westside Bowl — $22.50 — Experience fuzzed-out intergalactic stonerrock with Kal-El and friends.

Seniors & Caregivers Expo 2025

10 AM – 2 PM — Austintown Senior Center — Free entry — Discover essential resources and enjoy door prizes tailored for seniors and caregivers.

Homecoming Alumni Halloween Bash

6-10 p.m. — McGuffey Centre — Free entry — Reunite with friends in your best costume for a spooky alumni Halloween celebration.

Reaper On Red and Chew Concert

7-9:30 p.m. — Westside Bowl — Free entry — Experience a blend of human-meets-machine music with Reaper On Red and Chew.

Warren Epilepsy Support Group

6-8 p.m. — Maggiano Holly J MD — Free entry — Connect with others who understand epilepsy and share management strategies in a supportive environment.

Halloween with DJ Puff

10:00 p.m. – 11:59 p.m. — Penguin City Brewing Company — Prizes for costume contest — Youngstown’s greatest Halloween party is back bigger than ever with special guest Ben Basta.

Øutlier Concert Featuring Bo's Garage & Sludge

8-11 p.m. — Westside Bowl — $11.88 — Enjoy an electrifying night of music with Øutlier and special guests Bo's Garage and Sludge.