PART 1: Top Stories of 2021

In following previous years’ tradition, EllwoodCity.org brings the 2021 calendar year to a close with the Top 10 most popular stories of the year.

Today is the first part of our two-part series featuring the top news stories of the year based on analytics and social media reach. This year has been unforgettable to say the least, we as a community have faced the good, the bad, and the ugly this year but managed to come out on top of it all.

We would like to thank our valued readership that helped generated nearly 2 MILLION page views this calendar year and our local businesses who support our website and help it stay free of charge.

The EllwoodCity.org staff wishes everyone a safe and healthy 2022!

#10 – THE ELLWOOD CITY FESTIVAL POSTPONED AGAIN

With things starting to back to normal in the summer, there was a small glimmer of hope that people in the community were hanging onto, the annual Ellwood City Festival. After being cancelled in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, everyone around the town was hoping this year could be different. But sadly, the Ellwood City Arts, Crafts, Foods, and Entertainment Festival Committee made the choice to cancel for the second year in a row. But luckily, Eric Rayner, event coordinator and chairman of the EC Fireworks Committee, decided put on the 2021 Band Bash as a replacement so people had something event wise to look forward to in the summer. 

#9 – TRASH TALK

Trash quickly became the topic of conversation around town this past year. The Borough Council held a couple meetings to discuss the best way for residents garbage to be taken care of as well as a poll for the residents to vote on how they would like their trash collected and the cost of it all. A bid was finally awarded to Valley Waste with an anticipated July start date and residents were given a few options for the collection of their waste and dates were presented for yard waste pickup.

#8 – HOMETOWN BOXER WINS GOLDEN GLOVES CHAMPIONSHIP

Five years ago Devon Siegfried stepped into the boxing ring at the Ellwood City Police Boxing Club, little did he know how that moment would change his life. Now living in North Hills, Pittsburgh as a full police officer, Siegfried was a Lincoln High School graduate and grew up in Ellwood City. Siegfried has only been boxing since 2016 but has been able to rack up a few wins along the way. Siegfried has won the 2016 sub-novice Golden Glove champion in western-PA; 2019 western PA novice Golden Glove runner-up; and 2021 open-class PA State Golden Glove Champion—his proudest moment. Siegfried will be continuing his boxing career, he will be competing the Golden Gloves again in 2022 and will turn professional in late 2022.

#7 STEPHEN JOHNS RETIREMENT & CROSS COUNTRY TRIP

Wampum native, Stephen Johns decided his time in the NHL had come to end after six seasons in Dallas. After a post on social media stating his retirement and how mental health had an impact on his life and career, he decided he want to do something to show his support in the matter. Johns decided to take a roller blade trip across the country in hopes to inspire those dealing mental health issues of their own. The 6′ 4″ 225 lb defense man made his NHL debut with the Dallas Stars in March 2016 and ends his career with 33 points in 167 career games.

#6 – NOTABLE POLICE REPORTS

Whether the reports came from the police blotter or from its own detailed report, police action remains in the top 10 on this list. There was a shooting that took place on Mercer Road earlier in June this year. A New Castle woman was indicted on multiple drug counts back in April. A former New Castle Anesthesiologist was sentenced for unlawfully prescribing and distributing controlled substances earlier in August. The execution of two search warrants by Special Investigations Unit New Castle took place in May that lead to a very large drug bust. A Beaver County drug dealer was convicted back in late January where he plead guilty to a federal cocaine trafficking charge. As you can see, the police had their hands full this past year helping to keep our community safe from any sort of danger.