Part 2: Top 10 Stories of 2018

In following previous years’ tradition, EllwoodCity.org brings the calendar to a close with the top 10 most popular stories of the year. Today is Part 2 in a 2-part series featuring the top stories of 2018. We would like to thank all of our readers for contributing to our one-million-plus page views this year. Be sure to click here for Part 1 if you haven’t already read it.

The EllwoodCity.org staff wishes everyone a safe and happy 2019!

Koppel Bridge Construction Continues

The historic Koppel Bridge, one of the most used bridges for Ellwoodians, is finally going to be replaced with a modern steel bridge as part of the $27.58 million Route 351 Koppel Bridge replacement project.

Additionally, earlier in December, traffic will begin to be stopped on the bridge. Traffic stoppages of 15 minutes or less will occur weekdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the Koppel Bridge through Tuesday, January 15. Crews from Brayman Construction will conduct steel erection for the new bridge from the existing structure.

An approximate three-month closure with detour will occur in the summer of 2019.

REMINDER: Town Hall Meeting Scheduled For Tonight

Back in early November,  Ellwood City residents had finally had their chance to ask their looming questions about the recent happenings and what the future entails for the Ellwood City Medical Center. The meeting had been requested at the previous Town Hall meeting, due to the rising concerns regarding the numerous layoffs that reduced the Medical Centers work force almost by fifty-percent, the cuts to programs and departments, and the recent issues with the last three payrolls.

VIDEO: Back Home With Stephen Johns

The 26-year-old Dallas Star and Wampum native Stephen Johns takes his viewers on a tour of his hometown in this published video made available on NHL.com presented by Kia. The 6’4″ 221-pound defenseman finished with 15 points and a plus-10 rating in 75 games last season for the Dallas Stars. Johns played four seasons at Notre Dame, scoring 15 goals and 57 points in 164 games, and led the team to the 2013 Central Collegiate Hockey Association Tournament title.

Group Discusses House Bill 2030 at Town Hall Meeting

A group of concerned residents in Ellwood City met for a Town Hall meeting back early on in May of this year at the Municipal Building, to present facts about House Bill 2030. The meeting primarily focused on what would happen if HB 2030 did pass and how it would affect the community and jobs within it. Ellwood City transfers $1.45 million yearly from the electric fund to the general fund.

House Bill 2030, which modifies the Ellwood City borough electric department, ultimately passed in a 106-89 vote, but Ellwood Council hired lobbyist to oppose. By August, Ellwood City council met more than half of the seven suggestions and would still consider more changes to Ellwood City Electric

Riverside “Shrek – The Musical” Q&A with Lead Cast

The Riverside High School Theater had presented the hilarious comedy musical, SHREK – THE MUSICAL back in the first week in March in the high school auditorium. There had been a cast of over sixty from the high school and middle school. They all came out to participate in the production directed by Brent Rodgers.