Coach Rak’s Free Basketball Camp Continues to Make a Difference

More than 40 local children spent part of their summer on the basketball court thanks to the third annual Coach Rak Free Youth Basketball Camp. Open to boys and girls ages 6–12, this year’s camp welcomed 40 young athletes—25 boys and 15 girls—for five days of basketball fundamentals, skill development, teamwork, and fun. Whether campers were picking up a basketball for the first time or sharpening their skills, each child was encouraged to learn, improve, and enjoy the game. The camp was made possible through the support of an outstanding group of volunteer coaches and mentors, including Coach Campman, Coach…


Franklin Township Board of Supervisors Shares Update On Hereford Manor Lake Property

The Franklin Township Board of Supervisors has shared an update on our efforts to acquire and preserve the Hereford Manor Lake property. According to the township, it currently has an agreement with the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission to purchase approximately 392 acres of the Hereford Manor property for $470,400. Thanks to the generosity of residents, local businesses, and surrounding communities, the township has received over $39,806.29 in donations. The township is also extremely grateful to the Beaver County Sportsman’s Conservation League for committing $100,000 toward the project. Along with the $300,000 grant previously secured by the Township, the board…


Ellwood City Takes Major Step Toward Restoring Local Hospital Services

Since January 2020, the Borough of Ellwood City and the surrounding communities have been without a hospital—an absence that has created significant challenges for residents who rely on timely, accessible emergency care. When Jeff Foley assumed the role of Borough Manager in late April 2026, he made the restoration of local healthcare services his first priority. Immediately upon taking office, Foley contacted the offices of Rep. Mike Kelly and Rep. Aaron Bernstine to seek federal and state support. Through multiple meetings and ongoing discussions, momentum began to build. Foley then asked Nick Genova to form a Citizen Committee composed of…


Real Estate Transfers For July 2026

The sun shines vibrantly in July bringing warmer, summer-like temperatures. The summer season offers great weather and had area residents on the move and getting in to and out of real estate in July. The median sale price of a home in Lawrence County was $209,000 over the last 3 months, up 49.6% since the same period last year. According to Redfin.com, the Ellwood City housing market remains somewhat competitive. The median sale price of a home in Ellwood City was $174,000 over the last 3 months, up 19.9% since the same period last year. The median sale price per…


Mayor Court Leads PA State Mayor’s Association Roundtable

The Pennsylvania State Mayors’ Association recently hosted a four-member Borough Mayors Roundtable in Harrisburg. This collaborative forum brought together selected borough leaders to discuss issues affecting their communities, share ideas, and coordinate efforts on matters of mutual concern. The roundtable was led by Ellwood City Mayor Anthony J. Court, who served as Chairman. Mayor Court has served as Chairman for the past two years, providing leadership and guidance on issues impacting borough governments throughout Pennsylvania. In his role as Chairman, Mayor Court selected the participating mayors, assembling a group of municipal leaders dedicated to improving services, strengthening intergovernmental relationships, and…


ECASD Board of Directors Appoints Joyce Cirelli to Fill Vacant Board Seat

The Ellwood City Area School District’s Board of Directors voted unanimously to appoint Joyce Cirelli to fill the vacant seat on the board during Monday night’s agenda meeting. Cirelli’s appointment follows the July 31, 2026, resignation from the board of former Board Director Kevin Boariu. Cirelli was one of four potential replacements that were publicly interviewed during Monday night’s meeting. Joyce Cirelli Cirelli said she has more than 30 years of experience in Education in healthcare and played an integral part in moving schools at Heritage Valley Health System to the Community College of Beaver County. “I created five academies…


Divine Grace Parish Family Festival Set For This Weekend

Divine Grace Parish will host its annual Family Festival from Friday, Aug. 7 through Sunday, Aug. 9, 2026, at its Saint Ferdinand Church location in Cranberry Township, PA. This fun-filled community event is open to the public, with upwards of 20,000 people expected to visit. The festival, which has been held at Saint Ferdinand for more than 60 years, is vital to raising funds for parish ministries and outreach, and for building community, according to Fr. Jim Wehner, pastor. Divine Grace Parish again offers carnival rides and games, in addition to a wide range of entertainment and activities. Festival goers…


Ellwood Area Family Center Hosting Summer Basketball Clinic Next Week

The Ellwood Area Family Center will be hosting a youth basketball clinic for Ages 8-11 beginning next Monday. The basketball sessions will be held at the Ellwood Area Family Center on the North Side of Ellwood City on Monday evenings beginning on Monday, August 10th. The clinic will run four five consecutive days from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. Coach Bob Rak will be leading the clinic. The cost for the program is $25.00 per applicant and players are asked to bring their own ball. Due to the availability of time slots and facility size, there will be a cut-off…