Local News

BC3 To Begin Spring Semester With Remote, Online Formats for 3 Weeks

(Butler, PA) All Butler County Community College credit courses opening the spring 2021 semester will be delivered by remote or online instruction through Feb. 8 as a precaution with regard to possible changing transmission levels of COVID-19 during the traditional flu season. BC3’s 15-week Session 1 begins Jan. 19. After three weeks, Session 1 courses will transition to their scheduled format. Scheduled formats include face-to-face, blended and hybrid, or the continuation of remote or online instruction. The college’s spring semester also features a 10-week Session 2 and three consecutive five-week Fast Track sessions, each of which will be held fully…


Riverside Staff Member Tests Positive For COVID-19

In a letter circulated by the Riverside Beaver County School District on Monday, October 12, 2020, the district was notified that a staff member at Riverside Elementary School has tested positive for COVID-19. “It is important for students and staff to self-screen for COVID-19 symptoms every day,” said Superintendent, Bret Trotta in an email on Wednesday. “If you are symptomatic or have been in close contact with a positive case, we ask that they stay home and contact our school nurse. We sincerely appreciate the support of our school community as we continue to work to provide a safe educational…


Free Senior Outreach Event on Protecting Yourself From Fraud & Scams

PITTSBURGH – On October 15, 2020, at 10:00 a.m., the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Pittsburgh Division are holding a virtual town hall event focused on protecting seniors from financial fraud and potential scams during the COVID-19 pandemic, U.S. Attorney Scott W. Brady announced. One of the best ways to protect yourself or a loved one from financial fraud is to remain informed. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, the SEC, and the FBI have partnered to raise awareness and educate seniors in Pennsylvania…


Zelienople Airport Construction Project to Address Safety

The Zelienople Airport and the road surrounding it, are under construction, but not for the reasons that some area residents speculate. Theories and rumors would have drivers believe that the runway is being expanded for FedEx and UPS type planes for their nearby fulfillment centers, but Airport Manager, David Holman said that’s simply not true. “It’s complete rumor mill about FedEx or UPS using the airport,” Holman said. “The project is for obstruction removal in the approach surface of the airport.  It does shift the runway further north, although the overall length is only 67 feet longer.  It’s a safety…


BC3 Project Pink to Help Fight Breast Cancer

(Butler, PA) Butler County Community College, whose students, staff and guests have raised nearly $20,000 to benefit breast cancer research since 2010, is hosting the sale of pink ribbons and the collection of financial donations this month to assist a nonprofit organization that raises awareness and funds for the treatment of the disease. BC3’s social awareness club is directing BC3’s 2020 Project Pink during breast cancer awareness month. Proceeds will benefit the Side-Out Foundation, a Virginia charity that raises funds through mainly volleyball-related events. Since BC3’s volleyball program held its first Dig Pink game in 2010, members of the BC3…


New Business: Insurance Consultant Finds Success in Follow-up

Does shopping for insurance leave you frustrated, confused, unsure? Matthew Hrycko of Insurance Benefits of Pennsylvania says there is no need to feel that way. Hrycko recently opened an office at 716 Lawrence Ave and is now accepting appointments for consultation. Hrycko has been providing health life and employee benefits consulting services consulting services to the community for more than 10 years, and he says what sets him apart as an agent is customer service and follow up. You will always be able to speak to him personally. Part of that coverage that is an added benefit to consulting with…


Ellwood City Public Library Activities For Week of October 12

The Ellwood City Area Public Library offers a variety of weekly activities. Information is available by calling the library at 724-758-6458. PLEASE NOTE, WE’RE OPEN The Library will be open by appointment only. Call the library to set up an appointment to browse for books or use a computer. Anything printed must be paid for with exact change or check. We will not be making copies at this time. Newspapers and magazines will not be available. Limitations for patrons are 10 books and three, either books on CD or DVD’s, per person. It is mandatory that everyone wear a mask at…


2020 Graduate Seeks to Recognize Area Veterans with Military Banners

Gabrielle Gretch is on a mission to recognize local veterans. Gretch a 2020 Riverside graduate plans to present a plan of action to install military banners on the streets of Ellwood City at Monday night’s council meeting. I would love for as many people as possible to come to the meeting to support the idea,” she said. “Especially if you’re interested in buying a banner.” Gretch, 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…


ECASD Board Approves Phase Two Reopening Plan

The Ellwood City Area School District’s Board of Directors voted to move ahead with a Phase Two Reopening Plan proposed by Acting Superintendent Wes Shipley. The 5-4 vote will allow administrators to limit choices for families when it comes to choosing in school learning, a hybrid model, or a full cyber option. Directors Barbara Wilson, Matt Morella, Erica Gray, Jennifer Tomon, and Gary Rozanski supported the following plan proposed by Shipley during an Oct 5 Committee of the Whole Meeting: On Nov 2 families will have three options—full five day in school instruction, three day in school instruction, and Ecava….


Ellwood City Man Facing Child Sex Charges

The New Castle City Police Department has filed criminal charges against three individuals after an investigation into the dissemination of photographs of children. In September, the NCPD was contacted through CHILDLINE in reference to possible photographs being disseminated of two juvenile females (between ages of 11 &13). Detectives learned through the investigation that the mother of the juveniles did take numerous nude pictures and send them to a male in Ellwood City identified as David BATES (60). The investigation showed that in some cases BATES did pay the mother of the juveniles for the pictures. NCPD detectives did interview the…