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February 19, 2025

Quilts and the Underground Railroad Discussed at ECAHS Feb. Meeting

More than 50 members and guests of the Ellwood City Area Historical Society were treated to a presentation of how quilts were used as guidance by the underground railroad. The presentation was given by the Reverend Jim Swanson to a crowd gathered at the meeting of the Ellwood City Area Historical Society on Tuesday, February 11th. According to Swanson, quilts were utilized to send messages and provide directions to runaway slaves before and during the civil war. The messages were based on the designs of the quilt. The pattern could convey advice for a runaway slave to remember. An example…

February 18, 2025

Bernstine Introduces Legislation to Create Two-Tiered Concealed Carry System, Supporting Constitutional Carry Rights

HARRISBURG – Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Butler/Lawrence) has introduced legislation designed to enhance the concealed carry process for firearm owners in Pennsylvania. House Bill 454 would create a two-tiered system to streamline firearm carrying laws, ensuring greater protection of citizens’ Second Amendment rights while balancing public safety. “Pennsylvanians have the fundamental right to protect themselves and their families, and this legislation is a step toward ensuring that right is respected,” said Bernstine. “Law-abiding citizens who follow the rules should not face undue obstacles when it comes to exercising their constitutional rights. The proposed two-tiered system provides more freedom, more choice and…

February 7, 2025

NOTICE: ECASD Board of School Directors Rescheduled To February 10th

Notice is hereby given that, due to weather concerns, the February 13, 2025 regular meeting of the Ellwood City Area School District Board of School Directors is cancelled and rescheduled and combined with the February 10, 2025 “Committee of the Whole” meeting at 7:00 p.m. in the Board Room at Lincoln High School, 501 Crescent Avenue, Ellwood City, PA 16117. The purpose of the meeting is to consider and take action on the Agenda items published: On the District’s website (www.ecasdk12.org) At the Board Room At the District’s administrative offices and to consider and take action on any other lawful…

February 5, 2025

Lake Forest Gardens, Sturges Orchard To Receive Agriculture Innovation Grants

HARRISBURG – Sen. Elder Vogel, Jr. (R-47) announced this week the approval of three state grants to improve agricultural innovation in Beaver County. Vogel said the following Agriculture Innovation Grants are being awarded by the state Department of Agriculture: Lake Forest Gardens of Fombell will receive $24,600 for automating tree-grading and sizing. Tiny Seed Farm of Rochester will receive $75,000 for the development of an integrated, sustainable farm-to-sale innovation plan. Sturges Orchard of Fombell will receive $18,775 to install pasteurizer and filter systems for improved cider production quality. “It was very important to fund these grants in the state budget,…

January 31, 2025

Lincoln Jr/Sr. High School Identified For Targeted Support and Improvement (TSI)

According to information made available the by the district, Lincoln Jr/Sr. High School was identified for Targeted Support and Improvement (TSI) due to challenges in proficiency and growth on standardized assessments, Career and College Readiness, and Attendance. “Over the past year, our entire school community has worked with focus and dedication to improve in these areas, and we are proud to announce that we have met the challenge,” says Director of Educational Programs, Dr. Amy Anderson. Thanks to the hard work of LHS students, teachers, staff, and families, the school has not been re-designated for TSI for this coming school…

January 30, 2025

2025 Historical Society Scholarships Submission Details Announced

The EllwoodCity Area Historical Society will award four (4) fifteen hundred dollar ($1,500.00) scholarships this year. All graduating seniors living in the Ellwood City Area School District or the Riverside School District are eligible. Applications and requirements may be obtained from either high school Guidance Counselor, or from the Ellwood City Area Historical Society. The History Center at 310 5th Street is open Monday through Thursday from 10 am until 2 pm. Scholarship competitors may make appointments to use the History Center’s research facilities by calling 724-752-2021. There will be two (2) $1500.00 Robert and Janice Barensfeld Scholarships awarded and…

January 30, 2025

Armstrong Expands Advanced Fiber Network to Connect Over 200 Homes and Businesses in Portersville and Ellwood City

Portersville, PA — Armstrong, a leader in broadband technology, announces its plans to enhance its next-generation Advanced Fiber Network. Slated for launch in 2025, Armstrong will provide symmetrical speeds and expand technology to over 200 homes and businesses in Portersville and Ellwood City, PA. “The introduction of Advanced Fiber Network technology marks a transformative upgrade for delivering a heightened standard of broadband internet connectivity,” Armstrong’s Vice President of Technology and Engineering Eric Svenson stated. “This technology is engineered to provide unparalleled multi-gigabit speed, reliability, ultra-low latency, and robust capacity to meet today’s connectivity demands and prepare our communities for a…

January 29, 2025

Bernstine Named Chairman of Subcommittee on Railroads

HARRISBURG – Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Butler/Lawrence) has been appointed by House Republican Transportation Committee Chairman Kerry Benninghoff (R-Centre/Mifflin) to serve as chairman of the Subcommittee on Railroads for the 2025-26 Legislative Session. Bernstine represents a district affected by recent rail incidents, specifically the Norfolk Southern train derailments in East Palestine, OH, and New Castle. “The safety and well-being of our communities is a top priority, and these recent derailments have underscored the need for strong oversight and enhanced safety standards,” said Bernstine. “As subcommittee chairman, I will work to ensure Pennsylvania’s railroads operate safely, with a focus on the safety…

January 27, 2025

NOTICE: Franklin Township Seeking Applications For Sewer Authority Position

Franklin Township Municipal Authority is seeking applications for a full-time office manager to oversee all administrative and clerical duties. Candidates should have outstanding communication and organizational skills. Proficiency with QuickBooks is favorable but not required. Salary will be commensurate with experience/abilities. Please send resume, including work experience and salary expectations to ftmamgr@zoominternet.net or mail/deliver to the Authority office at 700 Harmony Fisher Ave, Ellwood City, PA 16117. Situated 40 miles Northwest of Pittsburgh, Franklin Township is located in the very Northeast top of Beaver County with a population of 3,882 spread across 17.81 Square Miles. View more online, www.franklintwpbeavercopa.gov

January 17, 2025

$1.2 Million in Funding for Lawrence County Social Services to Combat Housing Crisis, Says Brown

LAWRENCE COUNTY – Rep. Marla Brown (R-Lawrence) today announced Lawrence County Social Services Inc., a local nonprofit organization, has been awarded $1.2 million in funding through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED). This grant will support a regional project aimed at alleviating the housing crisis in western Pennsylvania, providing vital assistance to more than 600 households through emergency shelter, homelessness prevention, rapid rehousing and street outreach services. “This funding represents a critical step forward in addressing the urgent housing needs of families and individuals in Lawrence County and surrounding areas,” said Brown. “By investing in the tools…