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October 29, 2025

October 2025 Designated Italian American History and Culture Month in PA

NEW CASTLE – The House of Representatives today overwhelmingly approved House Resolution 353, sponsored by Rep. Marla Brown (R-Lawrence). The measure designates October 2025 as Italian and Italian American History and Culture Month in Pennsylvania. Brown, who is an Italian American and longtime resident of New Castle, said the resolution is deeply personal and celebrates the history, culture and contributions of Italian Americans across the Commonwealth. “New Castle is home to one of the most vibrant Italian American communities in the country,” said Brown. “More than one in four residents here trace their roots to Italy, and their cultural legacy…

October 28, 2025

The Toxic Avenger: The Musical Delivers Love, Slime, and B-Movie Charm

By Bri Scala It’s a tale as old as time: boy meets girl, boy gets thrown into a vat of toxic sludge, boy emerges as a disfigured mutant hellbent on avenging the planet—and New Jersey, of course. Produced by Troma Entertainment in 1984, Lloyd Kaufman’s The Toxic Avenger didn’t attract mainstream appeal upon its initial release. It was too low-budget, goofy, and a bit too gory for your average filmgoer. But over time, through late-night reruns and VHS rentals, the film eventually found a cult following amongst those who like their heroes grotesque and their love stories with a side…

October 12, 2025

Municipal Woman’s Club Hosts Dueling Pianos Fundraiser for Gazebo Project

The Municipal Woman’s Club is hosting an evening of music and fun at their Dueling Pianos Fundraiser to support the maintenance and upkeep of the Ellwood City Gazebo. The event will feature the high-energy entertainment of Piano Fiasco and takes place on Saturday, November 15th, from 7 to 9 PM at the North Sewickley Township Fire Hall located at 887 Mercer Rd., Route 65, in Beaver Falls, PA. Doors will open at 6 PM. Tickets are $30 and include the show and light refreshments. Guests are welcome to BYOB, there will be non-alcoholic drinks available for purchase. There will also…

October 10, 2025

Bernstine Applauds Launch of RowAmerica Pittsburgh at Lake Arthur

BUTLER – Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Butler/Lawrence) today announced the upcoming launch of RowAmerica Pittsburgh, a state-of-the-art rowing facility scheduled to open in spring 2026 at Lake Arthur in Moraine State Park. This project is made possible through the support of entrepreneur and philanthropist Howard Winklevoss, whose passion for youth development and rowing excellence is bringing new opportunities and investment to the region. To mark the announcement, a press conference will be held on Friday, Oct. 10, at 4 p.m., at the Bear Run Boat Ramp on Bear Run Road in Portersville, the future site of RowAmerica Pittsburgh. “I am proud…

October 9, 2025

Monastery Sister To Speak To Historical Society On Monday

Nestled in the hills of Wayne Township is a peaceful place of prayer and service. The Orthodox Monastery of the Transfiguration is a monastery for women under the auspices of the Orthodox Church in America. It was founded in 1967 by Mother Alexandra (the former Princess Ileana of Romania) whose dream was to provide a place where American Orthodox women from all ethnic backgrounds could come to live the monastic life and benefit from a liturgical cycle in English. Since that time, Mother Alexandra’s vision has been fulfilled. The nuns, many of whom are converts to Orthodoxy, as well as…

October 3, 2025

Attorney General Charges Ellwood City Officer With Assault

Attorney General Dave Sunday announced on Friday that a former Lawrence County police officer has been charged with assault, official oppression and related offenses regarding a June incident at a Sheetz store. Robert Magnifico, then a sergeant with the Ellwood City Police Department, pushed a 19-year-old man, denied the man of his rights, then filed a report about the incident that was not an accurate version of what took place. Magnifico is charged with misdemeanor counts of simple assault, official oppression, tampering with public records, and unsworn falsification to authorities. (He retired last month.) On June 6, 2025, Magnifico was…

September 30, 2025

Arise Puts Up Bows and Signs in Ellwood City to Honor Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Throughout October, Arise is recognizing Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) by placing purple bows and awareness signs across Ellwood City. These visible reminders symbolize hope, healing, and a united stand against domestic violence. Domestic violence affects individuals and families in every community. By placing bows and signs around town, Arise hopes to spark conversations, spread awareness, and let survivors know they are not alone. “Domestic Violence Awareness Month is about more than education—it’s about creating a community where survivors feel supported and seen,” said Grace Schmarewski, Education & Outreach Coordinator at Arise. “The purple bows remind us that domestic violence…

September 30, 2025

15th Annual Ellwood City Oktoberfest Is Saturday

The 15th Annual Oktoberfest will be held on Saturday October 4th from 12pm to 5pm in Ewing Park Rain or Shine. $30 presell or $35 at the door. Conceived by Wolves Club member Matt Walley in 2010, the Annual Ellwood City Oktoberfest turns 15 years old this year. It started out as a fundraiser for the club with games, local brewers, craft beers and food. Donnie Iris, member of the 1970s band Jaggerz made an appearance in 2011 with samples of his beer King Cool Light. The event benefitted the Library, Christmas in the Park and Wolves Club Scholarships. In…

September 26, 2025

Women’s Network of Ellwood City To Host Upcoming Fundraisers

Women’s Network of Ellwood City is made up of professional women from Ellwood City and the surrounding area who’s common goal is to gain education and entertainment throughout the year and to raise funds for the less fortunate of the area. Upcoming events will be the Ellwood City Fall Fest and car cruise sponsored by The Ellwood City Chamber of Commerce this Saturday, September 27th from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. where the group will be selling Amish hand pies. Their big fundraiser of the year will be November 19th at Shakespeare’s Restaurant beginning at 6:00 p.m. It will be…

September 25, 2025

Hartman Intermediate Honored As A PA Blue Ribbon School

The Ellwood City Area School District is honored and excited to share truly wonderful news: Hartman Intermediate School has been recognized as a 2025 Pennsylvania Blue Ribbon School by the Pennsylvania Department of Education! This achievement reflects the dedication and collaboration of our entire community. Hartman is one of only thirteen schools across the Commonwealth selected for this distinction. Hartman was selected for closing achievement gaps. “I am incredibly proud of our students, staff, and community for earning this Blue Ribbon recognition. Coming out of the challenges of COVID, we came together with resilience and determination to support one another…