Recent Stories

Articles by EllwoodCity.org Staff

July 22, 2026

Neighborhood North: Museum of Play To “Flip The Switch” On New Interactive Solar System

On Wednesday, July 29th, Beaver Falls Mayor Kenya Johns will join Neighborhood North Museum of Play (NNMOP) to flip the switch on their new interactive solar demonstration system, which was facilitated through the Rural Innovation through Solar Empowerment (RISE) partnership between nonprofits RiverWise and the PA Solar Center to inspire Beaver-County entities to explore solar energy. RISE was a two-year project awarded by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Energizing Rural Communities Prize. The project was funded by the Environmental Mitigation Community Fund and the system was designed and installed by AYA Instruments, a Pittsburgh-based company. Neighborhood North’s solar installation is…

July 21, 2026

VOTE! Local 3-year-old Vying for Hasbro “Toddler of the Year”

Katie Kinney is a spunky, self-proclaimed silly goose who makes everyone laugh with her faces/reactions. Now the 3-year-old is vying for Hasbro’s “Toddler of the Year” award. The winner will bring their main character energy to a national ad campaign, take home $25,000, and lead the 2026 Hollywood Christmas Parade viewed by millions of families across the country. She has made it through all the preliminary rounds and is in the finalist rounds according to her mother, Rachel Kinney. “She is sweet and confident.” According to her Hasbro profile page, the family would use the grand prize winnings to get…

July 20, 2026

Mayor Court Announces 5th Beautification Winner of 2026

Congratulations to Tim and Susan Aquino of Johnston Drive on being selected as our 5th Beautification Award winner! “Their property stands out for its meticulous care, vibrant landscaping, and welcoming curb appeal,” said Mayor Anthony J. Court in a statement. “The Aquinos have created a space that enhances the beauty of the entire neighborhood.” Mayor Court presented the award to the Aquinos, who received a commemorative yard sign to proudly display along with a gift certificate to a local restaurant. “Thank you, Tim and Susan, for your pride in homeownership and for contributing so positively to our community’s appearance.” One…

July 20, 2026

HITCHED: Late Spring & Summer Lovin’

Nature is at its most beautiful in April and May, while summer’s long, warm days are at their height by the end of June. May jumped from the fourth most popular wedding month to the number-two spot in 2026 according to TheKnot.com, showing a significant increase in late-spring weddings for couples. The Knot data shows 14% of couples now marry in May. Check out the HITCHED REPROT for the months of May and June 2026: www.ellwoodcity.org/hitched-and-unhitched/

July 18, 2026

Ellwood City Public Library Activities For Week Of July 20th

The Ellwood City Area Public Library offers a variety of weekly activities. Information is available by calling the library at 724-758-6458. HOURS Hours are Monday 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m., Friday 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. and Saturday 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Please remember no one is available to take your calls unless it is in the hours listed above. BOOK SALE COLLECTION: We are now taking donations for the book sale in October. We do not take text books, readers digest condensed books, magazines, encyclopedias or VHS tapes. Activities…

July 16, 2026

Code Red Air Quality Alert Issued For Area

Wildfire smoke from Canada and Minnesota has moved into the region Thursday and air quality is quickly degrading according to NWS Pittsburgh. The smoke has resulted in a Code Red air quality alert to be issued for Pittsburgh and its surrounding areas. The alert has been issued through 12:00 AM midnight Friday. Forecasts show continued poor air quality into the weekend and recommendations to limit outdoor activity. People with heart or lung disease, older adults, children and teens – take any of these steps to reduce your exposure: Choose less strenuous activities (like walking instead of running) so you don’t…

July 16, 2026

Fifth County School Approves LCCTC Budget

Union Area joined Laurel and Ellwood City in voting unanimously to approve the third proposed Lawrence County Career and Technical Center budget. Union Area’s 7-0 vote came Wednesday while Laurel and Ellwood City each voted 7-0 during their respective meetings on July 8th. Shenango voted 8-1 in approval on Monday and Mohawk voted 8-0 in approval on Tuesday of this week. The votes tally the required minimum out of the 72 individual board members needed to approve the budget before it can be adopted. Union also makes the minimum fifth of the eight county schools required to approve the budget….

July 15, 2026

Ellwood City Library ‘Once Upon a Wine Walk’ Scheduled For August 8th

The 4th Annual Ellwood City Library Wine Walk will take place Saturday, August 8th. ‘Once Upon a Wine Walk’ will begin at the library and navigate Lawrence Avenue to Fitzgibbon Meadery. Delight yourself in local fine wines, craft beers, and spirits paired with your favorite restaurants and food vendors. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you stroll through downtown Ellwood City on Saturday, August 8th from 4:30 – 7:30 pm. After enjoying an evening of sampling, take home some of your favorite bottles. Tickets are $25.00 with discounts available. This 21+ event will take place rain or shine. The first 300…

July 13, 2026

PHOTOS: Union Pacific’s Big Boy No. 4014

The world’s largest and only operating steam locomotive, the Union Pacific Big Boy No 4014, passed through the area Sunday morning on its massive cross-country tour. Built in 1941 to conquer steep mountain grades, this 1.2-million-pound behemoth passed directly through parts of western Pennsylvania on its coast-to-coast trip to celebrate the nation’s 250th birthday. The tour includes a Fourth of July celebration in Philadelphia, major display events in eight cities and more than 50 whistle-stops in 10 states, including stops for the first time in Indiana, Ohio, New York and Pennsylvania.    

July 13, 2026

Bernstine, Brown Vote Against General Appropriations Bill

Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Butler/Lawrence) and Rep. Marla Brown (R-Lawrence) each voted against the General Appropriations bill for the 2026-27 fiscal year. Bernstine: Budget Relies on Accounting Tricks Instead of Fiscal Responsibility HARRISBURG – Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Butler/Lawrence) voted against the General Appropriations bill for the 2026-27 fiscal year. The measure passed the House and now heads to Gov. Josh Shapiro for his signature. Bernstine issued the following statement: “This budget relies on the same type of accounting tricks Bernie Madoff used to make the numbers look better than reality. Delaying payments and shifting costs into the future does not reduce…