STRUTHERS — Motorists who travel on Elm and Center streets soon will notice a smoother ride and improved aesthetics.

“It should be done within a few weeks,” Bob Benson, the city’s safety service director, said, referring to road resurfacing work that began Aug. 21.

Information about the project was among the items presented in Mayor Catherine Cercone Miller’s report during a recent city council meeting.

Shelly & Sands Inc., with an office in North Jackson, was hired for the project, estimated at $894,385, that will entail resurfacing all of Center Street as well as the portion of Elm Street between Fifth and Terrace streets, Benson noted.

Funds for the work, which also will include sidewalk improvements and tree removal, are from the Ohio Department of Transportation’s Statewide Transportation Improvement Program, he said.

After the session, Cercone Miller noted that $25,000 from the city’s general fund budget was set aside as a grant for small business facade improvements.

Of 19 businesses outside of the downtown corridor that applied, six were selected: Spectrochemical Testing Inc., Kitt’s Heating & A/C Co., Cigs for Less LLC, Youngstown Die Development Inc., Nemenz IGA and Kurtz Tool & Die Co. Of the $25,000 distributed, four of the businesses each received $5,000 and two each were awarded $2,500, the mayor noted.

The businesses can use the funds for new front doors, windows and signage “to make their appearances look better,” Cercone Miller said. She added that the six businesses are scattered throughout the city; downtown buildings are ineligible for this grant because they are eligible for Community Improvement Corporation dollars, the mayor continued.

Also, Sleep in Heavenly Peace is set to host its third annual Build-a-Bed day beginning at 8 a.m. Sept. 30 at the Struthers Street garage behind city hall, 6 Elm St.

Beds will be assembled for children up to age 17 in Mahoning County, city Councilwoman Megan Pingley, who is spearheading the event, said. Work will not entail heavy labor and lifting, so anyone of any age can volunteer to sand the wood and perform other light-duty work, she noted.

Those who wish to sponsor a bed for $250 are asked to call Pingley at 330-503-7822.

Sleep in Heavenly Peace is a nationwide volunteer organization committed to building, assembling and delivering high-quality bunk beds to children and families in need, according to its website.

About 50 Struthers volunteers took part in last year’s effort, Cercone Miller said.

In addition, Christ Our Savior Parish, 764 Fifth St., is preparing to host the fifth annual Oktoberfest 5 to 11 p.m. Sept. 29 and 30 at St. Nicholas Great Hall. The event will have no cover charge, Cercone Miller said.