Articles by EllwoodCity.org Staff

PHOTOS: Relay for Life in Downtown Ellwood

Ellwood City has never seen so purple in it’s life – the Relay for Life event which took place on Saturday, June 10, was a success according to Relay for Life member, Jackie Kline. “We had a good turn out and lot’s of support from the local community, I think overall the event was a success and we hope it’ll get even bigger in the years to come.” This was the first Relay for Life that took place in downtown Ellwood, in previous years the event was hosted at Helling Stadium. Several streets were blocked off for the event, which…


Borough Offices Closed in Observance of Flag Day

Flag Day is an annual event that commemorates the adoption of the flag of the United States, which happened on June 14, 1777, by resolution of the Second Continental Congress. Though Flag Day is observed nationwide, it is not a federal holiday. Pennsylvania is the only state to establish June 14 as a state holiday for Flag Day. Borough Offices will be closed today, June 14th in observance of Flag Day. The federal buildings, including the post office, should remain open as normal.  


PHOTOS: Chalk The Town Event

Along with Relay For Life moving to downtown Ellwood City, an idea formed about doing a sidewalk chalk art contest.  Team North Sewickley Walkers took the challenge on putting together this first time event.  As Saturday June 10, 2017 dawned relayers awoke to thunder and rain, upon arriving downtown Lawrence avenue our sidewalk area was wet.  We hope it will dry by noon or the chalk may not write on the squares, thank goodness it dried.  The young artist started to register at noon and went right away to work creating their works of art each with a bag of…


Missing Woman’s Body Found in Neshannock Township

According to several sources, a body found in Neshannock Township has been identified as a missing Butler County woman. After being reported missing since Thursday of last week, the body of 26-year-old Melissa “Missy” Barto was found along Old Pulaski Road by a farmer, around 7 p.m. Monday night. The body of the young mother had been burnt, and state police officer Lt. Eric Hermick described the scene as “horrific.” Prior to discovering the body, state police arrested Barto’s 21-year-old boyfriend, Ishemer D. Ramsey, on Sunday with charges of committing homicide after pulling him over in Connoquenessing Township. When police pulled…


School Board Approves Tax Increase

During yesterday’s school board meeting the Ellwood City Area School Board unanimously voted to adopt the proposed 2017-18 budget at 16.74 millage, which includes a 0.18 mill tax increase. This is the first tax increase imposed by the district since 2013 and the extra funds will be used to finance renovations at Lincoln including the third-floor walkway and science wing. A $1.2 million transfer from the district’s reserve fund is also included in the budget. An owner of a $64,000 property, Ellwood’s median property value, can expect to see an increase on their school property tax bill from $1,059.84 to…


Criminal Mischief Leaves Several Cars Damaged on Park Ave.

The Ellwood City Police Department warns of criminal mischief complaints they have been receiving lately. Over a half dozen residents on Park Avenue have reported damage to their cars during the night of 6/6 into the early morning hours of 6/7. Cars parked along the avenue, including a 2017 Chevy Traverse, 2015 Ford Escape, 2014 Dodge Journey, 2014 Chevy Cruze, and several others parked along the avenue, were scratched/keyed with a sharp object causing a variation of damages on each car. While some cars only had scratches on the passenger side doors, others were scratched from the front, side, and…


The New Castle Playhouse Presents Fool for Love

The New Castle Playhouse presents Sam Shepard’s adult play, Fool for Love. Opening night is tonight at 7:30 and complimentary wine and cheese will be served to opening night ticket holders. More information on the official flyer below:


Ellwood City Area Public Library Activities for Week of June 12, 2017

Activities taking place at the Ellwood City Area Public Library include the following: Monday, June 12, at 10:00 a.m. — “Coloring for Adults,” a weekly program that is free and open to the public. “Coloring for Adults” is a new concept in helping to reduce the stresses of everyday life. Everyone is welcome, so call the library for more information. This program will move to Monday mornings at 10:00 a.m. starting on June 12 through August 9 because of Summer Reading Program activities. Call the library at 724-758-6458 for more information. Monday, June 12, at 6:30 p.m. – Classics Book…


New Castle Man Accused of Housing Missing 13-Year-Old

According to the criminal complaint, Travis Wade Betker of New Castle will be facing a felony charge of interfering with custody of children, and misdemeanor charges of corruption of minors, obstructing administration of law or other governmental function, and disorderly conduct, following an incident that happened on May 1, 2017. Betker allowed a 13 year-old female to stay at his residence after he had knowledge that she was reported to the police as a missing person. On April 30 around 7:45a.m., officers took a report of a missing/runaway teen who had left the residence during the night. The reporting parent…


Youth Development Center in Shenango Sold to Islamic Consulting Firm

After laying abandoned for several years, the 145-acre state-owned property housing the former Youth Development Center in Shenango Township has been sold to a Newark, New Jersey based Islamic consulting firm called HIRA. Out of three total bids on the property, HIRA was the highest and now the public is curious to know what the potential business plans on doing with the space. HIRA’s official website – which contains many grammatical errors throughout – does not provide much information about the firm other than their main goal is to “offer services to the Islamic Schools who are not getting the…