WARREN, Ohio – Benjamin Hoover, owner and operator of Franky’s Pizza and Delicatessen, won fifth place for his Sicilian-style spicy pepperoni pizza at the 2025 International Pizza Expo in Las Vegas.

Hoover also won 13th place for his specialty sandwich, the Countach.

The expo took place March 24-26 and drew 260 competitors from the United States, Italy, Mexico and Japan for the best pizza and sandwiches. 

Franky’s Pizza opened at 125 Scott St. NE in downtown Warren in October.

Hoover’s spicy pepperoni pizza features his house made Italian chili crunch oil, tomato sauce, capicola and pepperoni.

The Countach includes basil pesto with a breaded chicken cutlet, prosciutto di Parma, fresh mozzarella and roasted red peppers.

Both items are on the menu and available every day.

Franky’s Pizza and Delicatessen is part of the family-owned Monday Dinner Project, which includes Cockeye BBQ and Cockeye Creamery.

Earth Day Event at Art on Park 

WARREN, Ohio – Arcadia on Park, an Earth Day themed art event featuring works by more than 20 local artists, will open today at Art on Park, 180 N. Park Ave., downtown.

The free event will feature music by Crash the Great. It is free to attend.

Featured artists include: James Shuttic, Ed Hallahan, Jacki Mountan, Jeffrey Puccini, Nef M., Ani Mastrey, Pete Vouvounas, Jacqueline Vouvounas, Lynne Provance, Steven Bush, Jersee Hogue, Amber Howard, Apryle Elizabeth, Daniel Hardy, Jeremy Seabolt, Kathryn Infante, Deborah Dockstader, Bonnie Loomis, Rachel E. Hathhorn, Carmen Denno and Cheryl Eddie Deibel.

Scrappers Home Opener Will Be Margaritaville

NILES, Ohio – The Mahoning Valley Scrappers will celebrate their opening game June 4 with Margaritaville Night.

The players will wear a Margaritaville specialty team jersey, with a jersey auction benefitting Habitat for Humanity Mahoning Valley.

A Margaritaville Scrappers Hawaiian shirt will be given away to the first 1,000 adult fans. Gates will open at 5 p.m. The evening will kick off with a pregame performance by The Suns of Beaches Band. First pitch is at 7:05 p.m. A Margaritaville themed fireworks show will follow the game. 

A special package is available for $24 that includes a guaranteed Margaritaville Scrappers Hawaiian Shirt (adult size), a game ticket and $10 loaded value for concessions or merchandise. Click HERE or call the box office at 330 505 0000.

Auditions for Millennial’s ‘Dreamcoat’ 

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Auditions for adults (age 15 and older) for Millennial Theatre Company’s production of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 5 and 6 at the Youngstown Playhouse’s downtown theater, 220 W. Boardman St.

Auditions for youths (ages 7 to 14) will take place in the same location from 2-3:30 p.m. April 6.

All roles are open.

Auditionees should be prepared to do some light moving and a cold reading from the script. A headshot and résumé are encouraged but not required.

The show is being directed by Joe Asente, with music direction by Megan Miller and choreography by Danielle Mentzer.

It will be performed July 11-13 and 18-20 at the Youngstown Playhouse. Rehearsals will begin in mid-May and will run from 6-9:30 p.m. Monday-Friday. For information, email millennialtheatrecompany@gmail.com. 

Monthly Square Dance at Scope Center

NILES, Ohio – The Friendly Squares’ monthly square dance will take place from 7:30-10 p.m. April 12 at the Niles Scope Center, 14 E. State St.

Gene Hammond will be the caller, and Frankie Hammond will cue the line dances. Admission is $7.