News

Hubbard officials learn about redistricting

Local News September 22, 2026

HUBBARD — League of Women Voters representatives emphasized the importance of transparency and reaching a state of equal representation in their presentation about redistricting to Hubbard residents Monday night. City officials heard from Lisa Kohler and Trevor Martin of the League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan, grassroots organization founded in 1920 by leaders of the women’s suffrage movement to empower all citizens to participate in democracy. Kohler said they were there to speak with residents and officials to talk about malapportionment and redrawing wards so Hubbard’s ...

Bid for city water project comes in under estimate

Local News September 22, 2026

YOUNGSTOWN — The apparent low bid for a major pump station addition that distributes Youngstown water to most of Austintown and Canfield townships came in about $1.2 million below the city’s estimate. Marucci & Gaffney Excavating Co. of Youngstown, which frequently does work for the city, submitted the apparent low bid of $7,749,054 for the work. The next lowest apparent bid came from A.P. O’Horo of Liberty at $8,921,645. There were three other bids — ranging from $9,608,518.20 to $10,231,310. The city’s estimate was about $8.9 million, said Water Commissioner Harry L. ...

McDonald chiefs express need for safety forces levy

Local News September 22, 2026

McDONALD — The police and fire chiefs of McDonald expressed the need for passage of a 4.5-mill safety forces levy on the November ballot. The chiefs also noted if a business locates at the former McDonald Steel property, it will mean additional taxes for the village, which will help the safety forces. Village council has placed a 4.5-mill, five-year levy on the ballot to generate $310,000 for funding police, fire and emergency medical service. The levy will cover costs for day-to-day operations of each department, equipment and wages. Police Chief Ryan Ronghi told residents at a ...

Gas prices keep climbing as crude oil remains high

Business News September 22, 2026

Gas prices are 33 cents higher in Northeast Ohio this week at $4.555 per gallon, according to AAA East Central’s Gas Price Report released Monday. The national average for a gallon of regular gasoline is up 16 cents from last week at $4.47 and more than one dollar higher than it was a year ago. In Northeast Ohio, the average a year ago was $3.077. Crude oil remains high, averaging $100 per barrel amid continued volatility in the Strait of Hormuz. Gas prices are back to what they were earlier this year during the spring, and the national average is inching closer to this year’s ...

Fundraising fun at Youngstown Oktoberfest

Local News September 21, 2026

YOUNGSTOWN — For about 20 years, Denise Seman has run a Mineral Ridge-based business called Crafty Shop of Horrors, but it’s likely those on the autism spectrum who pay her shop a visit found many more halcyon items than horrifying ones. “It’s good to support the autism society. ... ...

Rain doesn’t damper spirits at Buddy Walk

Local News September 21, 2026

NILES — The rain didn’t dampen the spirits or the dedication as thousands of participants gathered Sunday afternoon to show support to those with Down syndrome at the 19th annual Buddy Walk at 7 17 Credit Union Field at Eastwood. Wearing bright purple shirts and holding umbrellas, team members walked around the exterior of the field and complex as cheerleaders and others cheered them on at the Buddy Walk, which is the region’s largest Down syndrome advocacy and awareness event. Debbie Williams, director of operations for the Down Syndrome Association of the Valley, said the ...