Good morning, Youngstown.

The annual Festival of Trees at Mill Creek MetroParks’ Fellows Riverside Gardens features 90 decorated trees by local nonprofits and runs 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and until 7 p.m. on weekends until Jan.

4 (closed Dec. 24-25 and Jan. 1).

The Youngstown Board of Education formed a committee to improve bus transportation as part of a two-phase reconfiguration plan starting in the 2026-27 school year.

The board plans to address driver shortages by offering $24 per hour training and hiring bus aides to return students to school buses.

Austintown trustees rezoned three parcels along South Four Mile Run Road on Monday to stop repeated problems linked to the closed Zodiac Lounge & Grill.

ALCO must now circulate a petition within 30 days for voters to decide if any exceptions to the new rule will be allowed.

County officials remind single men that the warming station at the Community Corrections Association facility on Market St in Youngstown operates daily from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. through March 31, 2026 and requires registration from 7 to 9 p.m. for up to 12 guests + no entry after 9.

Mercy Health-Youngstown and Lifepoint Behavioral Health opened a new mental health hospital on Belmont Avenue in Liberty with a ribbon cutting held Tuesday.

The 61,900 sqft facility houses 72 beds and will start accepting patients in early January (serving those with depression, psychosis and other behavioral needs).

Local football stars were honored Tuesday when the All-Ohio teams were announced, with Girard’s AJ Pearson named Division V Offensive Player of the Year and Cardinal Mooney’s Frank Colaprete recognized as a top coach.

Other athletes received first, second and third team and honorable mention distinctions at the awards event.

After finishing the season 8-5 following a loss to Yale in the FCS playoffs, YSU Penguins began their offseason with strong offensive play under new coordinator Mike Yurcich and quarterback Beau Brungard (defensive changes are expected as players enter the transfer portal starting Jan. 2).

On Monday, the first batch of All-State football teams was announced for Division VI and VII; local McDonald players including quarterback Kyle Puckett, running back Drew Zajack (first team) and offensive lineman Amari Carayol (second team) were honored among numerous regional athletes.

Area football season ended last weekend with seven state champions crowned as local teams fought hard in state semifinals.

McDonald celebrated its 100th year with a 10-0 regular season and regional title, while other schools prepare for changes ahead in the 2026 season.

Western Reserve won a home league game in Berlin Center against McDonald on Monday with a 72-43 finish.

Kylee Ramsey led with 24 points as the Blue Devils remain undefeated while McDonald dropped to 1-2.

Mistletoe Mingle for Singles

5-8 p.m. — Penguin City Brewing Company — Bring a donation for the Humane Society for extra chances to win prizes — Mix and mingle with other singles under the mistletoe for a night of fun and connection.

Omaha Lancers vs Youngstown Phantoms

6:05-7:35 p.m. — Covelli Centre — Watch the Omaha Lancers take on the Youngstown Phantoms in an exciting hockey matchup.

Green Thumb: Paint, Plant & Sip

6-9 p.m. — Smash-On Party Center — Cost not specified — Unwind with a creative evening of painting pots and enjoying smooth vibes with friends.

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.