Human Interest

Ellwood City Mayor Named Vice President Of Statewide Association

Ellwood City’s mayor Anthony Court was recently named Vice President of the Association of Mayors of the Boroughs of Pennsylvania (AMBP). Court, 61, who has served as mayor for 13 years said he is proud to have been chosen for the role. He was raised in Ellwood City with his three sisters Luisa, Angela, and Margherita. He takes his job as Mayor personally and plans to continue that in his state-wide position. “I am honored,” Court said. “Especially since it is voted on by my peers from across the state.” He will serve two years in the vice president role…


Holy Redeemer Cancels Annual Bazaar

Love those Holy Redeemer Pepperoni Puffs? Unfortunately, this year fans are going to have to rely on the Festival to get their fix. Holy Redeemer announced over the weekend that they are canceling their beloved bazaar this year. Citing a lack of attendance and financial success, Fr Mark Thomas announced in a letter that the decision was not made without consideration. “As you can imagine, planning for future events must begin very early to insure success,” Thomas said. “Over the last months, the parish staff, pastoral council, finance council and various committees have come together to prayerfully plan our future…


Governor Wolf Appoints Council President to Advisory Committee

Ellwood City Council President Judith Dici was recently appointed to Governor Wolf’s Local Government Advisory Committee (LGAC). The Local Government Advisory Committee (LGAC) provides municipalities, legislators and the business community an opportunity to have an open dialogue to discuss the impact legislation is having on local governments as well as creates a forum to communicate and converse about the needs and challenges facing local governments throughout Pennsylvania. Dici will represent Ellwood City and 957 other boroughs until 2023. Out of a handful of borough officials, Dici was chosen by Wolf to serve on the committee. The Local Government Advisory Committee…


Ellwood City Meals on Wheels Speeding Ahead

Juicy meatloaf, mashed potatoes, and corn: Can you smell what Ellwood City Area Meals on Wheels has cooking? Monday’s April 1 reopening of the beloved program was also its 45th anniversary. With a new dedicated headquarters and cook, Terri Crespo, Meals on Wheels board member, said the program is completely back in business and ready to serve those in need. Monday’s inaugural delivery came after about a month’s delay in service. “We’ve gotten so many compliments about how good the food was and how glad residents were that we are back in business,” Crespo said. “Everything went wonderful, and better…


“Dog Gone” Bar & Restaurant Grand Opening

On Friday, March 15, Ellwood City Mayor, Borough Council Members, and an Ellwood Chamber representative attended the Grand Opening for the newest Ellwood City business, “Dog Gone” Bar and Restaurant. Dog Gone, located at 225 1st Street, features an outstanding menu that includes lamb chops and fish sandwiches as well as meatball sandwiches.  The owner Tim O’Brien and Mayor Court have been longtime friends and Court expressed how proud he is of both O’Brien and Hiler and wishes them both luck and success on this new adventure. DogGone will be open Monday-Thursday from 3pm-12 and Friday-Saturday from 3pm-2am. For those…


BC3 Is The State’s No. 1 Community College

(Butler, PA) Butler County Community College has been ranked as the No. 1 community college in Pennsylvania by Schools.com for a third time in a row, a recognition that validates the college’s continued excellence on its main campus in Butler Township and at its five additional locations, said Dr. Nick Neupauer, BC3’s president. “What is remarkable about this is that the bar has been set so high, and yet for a third consecutive ranking, we have achieved that No. 1 status,” Neupauer said. “It’s not just a single variable that resulted in this ranking.” Schools.com, a Foster City, Calif., organization,…


PART 2: Q&A With Two Of The Leads

“Pickles and pigs, pigs and pickles, who cares about that silly old state fair anyhow?” – character Margy Frank from the 1945 musical State Fair. This year beginning on Thursday, March 14 to Sunday, Riverside High School will be putting their own twist on the 1945 musical State Fair. The show will begin at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, with a 2:00 p.m matinee on Sunday. This year Riverside high school will be putting on the musical State Fair. For reserved tickets call or text the musical hotline at 724-312-5845 or email for tickets at musicaltickets@riverside.k12.pa.us. Tickets can also…


PART 1: Riverside Musical ‘State Fair’ Dress Rehersal Photo Gallery

“Pickles and pigs, pigs and pickles, who cares about that silly old state fair anyhow?” – character Margy Frank from the 1945 musical State Fair. This year beginning on Thursday, March 14 to Sunday, Riverside High School will be putting their own twist on the 1945 musical State Fair. The show will begin at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, with a 2:00 p.m matinee on Sunday. This year Riverside high school will be putting on the musical State Fair. For reserved tickets call or text the musical hotline at 724-312-5845 or email for tickets at musicaltickets@riverside.k12.pa.us. Tickets can also…


VIDEO: Official Donnie Iris Day Celebration

“As of February 28, 2019 at 3:00 p.m., every 28th of February shall be known as Donnie Iris Day here in the small town of Ellwood City,” Ellwood City Mayor Tony Court proclaimed as part of the presentation during the Ellwood City Historical Society birthday party event on Thursday recognizing the local rock star. Donnie Iris is mostly known for his time in the popular 1970s band the “Jaggerz” or his gold record for writing and singing the No. 1 song “The Rapper.” Iris originally learned to sing from his mother and other popular singers like Tony Bennett and Marvin…


Young Neurofibromatosis Survivor Fights, Fundraises For Others

LenaRose isn’t just your typical little girl … she’s a unicorn. She’s THAT girl. She’s the one who is unique, spirited, and giving. Facing a battle that is little known about, LenaRose takes her Neurofibromatosis in stride as she continues to dance her way through life with confidence (She just made the competition team this year). LenaRose has dealt with numerous eye issues since she was born. In 2016, she had surgery to have some scar tissue removed and the doctor recognized that her retina was bigger than it should be. That specialist suggested having LenaRose tested for Neurofibromatosis in…