BY JOHN A. DARNELL JR.
      associate editor
      In 2025, the Boardman Township Board of Trustees failed to place a 2.5-mill renewal operating levy on the ballot that if approved would have generated some $1.97 million a year for the township’s general fund.
      Speaking at a Boardman Civic Association informational election forum last week, Jeff Barone, a member of the Friends of Boardman Police & Fire Levy Committee, told those in attendance without passage of a 2.75-mill levy in this November’s general elections, Boardman Township will face projected budget deficits in 2027 and 2028, suggesting failure of the levy will not allow Boardman Township to maintain its current level of police and fire department services.
      The 2.75-mill issue is needed because of the failure of local government to seek the 2.5 mill issue ...Read More >>

     BY JOHN A. DARNELL JR.
      associate editor
      With annual appropriations for the July 1, 2026 - June 20, 2027 fiscal year set at $76.092 million, the Boardman Local School District will have a $4.647 million current expenses levy on the November general election ballot that if approved will cost taxpayers $130 for every $100,000 of property valuation.
      Addressing a Boardman Civic Association informational forum held last week at Boardman Park, the district’s superintendent opened his remarks noting “Let me be clear...This is a renewal, not new money. You will not be paying more than you’re already paying.
      “This fixed-sum levy renews a measure originally passed in 2012,” Chris Neifer said, adding if approved, the levy will costs property owners in the school district 36-cents a day for every $100,000 of p...Read More >>

     The Youngstown State defense forced three turnovers that led to 17 points, and the offense posted 502 total yards as the #11-ranked Penguins knocked #8 South Dakota, 47-28, last Saturday afternoon at Stambaugh Stadium before some 8900 fans.
      Youngstown State improved to 3-2 overall and 1-1 in the Missouri Valley Football Conference while the Coyotes dipped to 3-2 overall and 0-1 in the MVFC.
      With the win, YSU moved up to #8 in the State FCS football ratings and South Dakota dropped to #16.
      Youngstown State’s defense recorded a pair of interceptions, recovered a fumble, posted two sacks and allowed just 332 yards in total offense. Graydon Rollins led the Penguins with a career-high 17 tackles while Cam Smith had five tackles and an interception.
      The Penguins rushed for 343 yards led by Beau Brungard’s 170...Read More >>