Human Interest

PART 2: Top Stories of 2020

In following previous years’ tradition, EllwoodCity.org brings the 2020 calendar year to a close with the top 10 most popular stories of the year. Today is our second part of our 2-part series featuring the top stories of 2020.  The year was certainly one not soon to be forgotten with the raging COVID-19 pandemic gripping the world, and trickling down to the local level with many obstacles faced by Ellwoodians. We would like to thank all of our readers for contributing to our 1.5 MILLION plus page views this year. If you missed Part 1, please click here to view…


PART 1: Top Stories of 2020

In following previous years’ tradition, EllwoodCity.org brings the 2020 calendar year to a close with the top 10 most popular stories of the year. Today is first part of our 2-part series featuring the top stories of 2020.  The year was certainly one not soon to be forgotten with the raging COVID-19 pandemic gripping the world, and trickling down to the local level with many obstacles faced by Ellwoodians. We would like to thank all of our readers for contributing to our 1.5 MILLION plus page views this year. Be sure to check back on Tuesday for Part 2 of…


Christ Presbyterian Hosting Third Thursday Community Meal

Christ Presbyterian Church will be hosting its Third Thursday Community Meal tonight at 4 p.m. and will serve the community until the food runs out. The church welcomes anyone who feels like they need a home-cooked meal. There is no requirement or proof of need. The church has been hosting this monthly meal since the first one in September. According to Michelle Sutton, deacon at the church, the community gathering has been a success serving on average 120 people per month. She said although the meals have to be distributed as take out only in the church’s parking lot, because…


2021 Detour Planned For Route-288 Near Zelienople Airport

No worries for those last minute shoppers heading to Cranberry Township via Route-288 thru Zelienople. The realignment project of State Route 288 near the Zelienople Municipal Airport will not be causing a detour to impact traffic until beginning May 2021 according to PennDOT spokesperson Steve Cowan. “The detour is anticipated to begin in mid-May and last most of the construction season,” said Cowan. “The end date has not been determined because the schedule has not be finalized yet.  The design consultant thinks they will have additional info on the schedule at some point next week.” The construction is part of…


Armstrong Cable Offering ‘Zoom With Santa’

Armstrong Cable is offering the opportunity to ‘Zoom With Santa’ this holiday season. This one of a kind event will take place from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Monday, December 14th as Santa Claus will be doing virtual 1-on-1 sessions with children. Each session will last 3 minutes and the overall event will host 40-50 children over the 3 hour period. “Many places weren’t able to host Santa and give the children an opportunity to see him. I remember that Christmas Spirit/Magic of meeting Santa each year growing up and how important it was to tell him I’ve been…


Chamber Hosting Virtual Ugly Sweater 5K Fun Run

If you’ve always dreamed of doing a 5K but felt intimidated, this is your time. The Ellwood City Area Chamber of Commerce is holding its first-ever Ugly Sweater 5K Fun Run virtually. Participants can run, walk, swim, treadmill, or bike from the location of their choice. It’s freedom and fun at your own pace. And to top off the fun, all participants will receive a long-sleeve tech shirt, finisher medal and swag bag. Ellwood City Area Chamber of Commerce Director Dale Thompson said the Chamber is excited to be able to have this fun event virtually and safely. According to…


Chamber of Commerce Hosting Reindeer Route

Don’t miss your chance to take a ride on the Reindeer Route. With Covid-19 cases rising, the Ellwood City Area Chamber of Commerce was tasked to think outside of the box as how to continue the celebration of Christmas. After a brainstorming session, the Reindeer Route was the answer. Families will be able to travel through town enjoying lights, decorations, and several beloved blow up characters all from the safety of their own vehicle. Join the police led procession Saturday, December 5, at 5:30 p.m. on Glen Avenue. Dale Thompson, director of the Ellwood City Area Chamber of Commerce, said…


AHA Training, American Red Cross and Emergency Response Training Now Available in Ellwood City

Since 2017, Star of Life Training has been offering First Aid, CPR, or Emergency Response Training for employers and individuals. Now there is a location right in the heart of Ellwood City. Located at 315 Fifth Street, Star of Life Training is an American Red Cross Training Partner, American Safety and Health Institute training center and Emergency Medical Response trainer for the Pennsylvania Department of Health.  Star of Life Training is also partnered with Babcock Health Education Services out of Florida and is an American Heart Association Training Center. Owners Robert and Heather Kratz, who live in Franklin Township, with…


First Local Meadery to Open in Ellwood City

If you want to partake in the drink of the Norse Gods, you might want to stop into Fitzgibbon Meadery at 536 Lawrence Avenue. You also can stop in if you just enjoy a delicious mead or country wine in general. The locally owned and sourced meadery will be opening its doors on November 28. There will something for every palate ranging from dry to sweet in a variety of flavors. Owners Eric and Misa McAnallen look forward to introducing their community to their homemade meads. “As Ellwood City’s only Meadery, we’ve taken it upon ourselves to introduce our corner…


Council Approves Military Banners Project

Ellwood City Borough Council voted to authorize implementation of the Ellwood City Military Banners project. The project will be led by Gabrielle Gretch. Gretch, a Riverside graduate who plans to attend UPMC Shadyside School of Nursing in January, said she was inspired to take on this project during her internship. “I did my scholarship on Leslie Sabo Jr. for the Historical society and shortly after was driving with my mom in Butler and asked why we didn’t have these in Ellwood,” she said. “I hope this will achieve great things and one day many streets in Ellwood will be filled…