Articles by Tracey Ferguson

July 31, 2026

A Legacy of Helping Hands: Carpenter’s Project Marks 25 Years of Service

For five days in July, hammers rang, paintbrushes swept, and neighbors came together with a shared purpose as the Carpenter’s Project celebrated its 25th consecutive year of transforming homes—and lives—across the Ellwood City area. From July 13-17, the volunteer-driven mission once again provided free exterior home repairs for local homeowners in need, continuing a quarter-century tradition of compassion, service, and community pride. “The whole community teams up to help others,” said Director Steven Miller. “The crews persisted through the heat and smoke from the wildfires. It was a really smooth year.” Typically, planning begins in April with volunteers and homeowner…

July 23, 2026

ECASD Board of Directors Reject Suggested Amendment to LCCTC Supplemental Articles of Agreement by Neighboring District

The Ellwood City Area School District’s Board of Directors voted to reject a request from a neighboring district to make an amendment to the 1966 Supplemental Articles of Agreement of the Lawrence County Career and Technology Center. Director Jean Biehls was the lone “yes” vote. Ultimately the request for amendment, suggested by Sherry Patton, Mohawk School District’s Board President and LCCTC Joint Operating Committee Representative, would force Ellwood City School District to give up a seat on the LCCTC Executive Committee. The current articles give New Castle four representatives, Ellwood City two representatives, and the other six districts have one…

July 22, 2026

Ellwood City Borough Council Hears Community Concerns

Ellwood City Borough Council held its regular meeting on Monday. Borough Resident Peri Malcolm, who has attended council meetings numerous times to report incidents of speeding cars at the intersection of 4th and Crescent Avenues, announced that she has officially resigned her position as crossing guard. According to Malcolm, her resignation of the position was due to what she believed was “disrespect the crossing guards get from the borough and school board.” She used her public comment time to bring up another situation in her neighborhood that she feels could be dangerous. Malcolm said the bend at 9th Street and Border…

July 14, 2026

Riverside Alumni to Hit the New Castle Playhouse Stage in Footloose

For many performers, the stage is where passion, creativity, and confidence come to life. For several alumni of Riverside School District, that passion has led them back into the spotlight as cast members of Footloose, the high-energy musical based on the beloved 1984 film. Filled with unforgettable songs, dynamic choreography, and a story about standing up for what you believe in, Footloose continues to captivate audiences decades after its debut. Set in the small town of Bomont, Footloose follows teenager Ren McCormack as he adjusts to a community where dancing has been outlawed. As Ren challenges long-held traditions and inspires…

July 1, 2026

Pure Gold Brings Timeless Hits and Unmatched Energy to the Ellwood City Festival

When Pure Gold takes the stage at Sunday, July 5, at 6 p.m. at the Ellwood City Arts, Crafts, Food & Entertainment Festival, audiences can expect much more than a concert. They can expect a full-scale entertainment experience built on decades of musical excellence, crowd interaction, and nonstop energy. Pure Gold Showband delivers a fully choreographed, high-energy performance packed with the songs you know and love. Every show is designed to get audiences singing, dancing, and completely engaged from start to finish. With five lead vocalists, a full horn section, and a powerhouse rhythm section, this is live entertainment at…

June 30, 2026

Ellwood City Festival to Feature The Jaggerz: Six Decades of Harmony, Soul, and Western Pennsylvania Pride

For 60 years, The Jaggerz have been a staple of the Western Pennsylvania music scene, blending R&B, soul, rock, and Top 40 favorites into a sound that has endured across generations, and they will take the stage on Saturday, July 4, at 8 p.m. at the Ellwood City Arts, Crafts, Foods, and Entertainment Festival. Since forming in 1965, the band has recorded four albums and 11 singles, building a legacy that stretches from local clubs in the tri-state area to national chart success with their signature hit, “The Rapper.” The story of The Jaggerz began when musicians from three different…

June 29, 2026

Suns of Beaches To Bring the Ultimate Tropical Party to Ellwood Festival

No passport. No plane ticket. No worries … will be needed when the Suns of Beaches take to the Festival Stage on Friday, July 3, at 8 p.m. at the Ellwood City Arts, Crafts, Foods, and Entertainment Festival. The high-energy Jimmy Buffett tribute band transforms every performance into a tropical getaway. Complete with steel drums, island favorites, beach-themed originals and plenty of audience participation, the group has built a reputation for delivering what they call more than a concert—it’s a beach party. According to drummer Ben Sakmar, while Jimmy Buffett’s music forms the heart of every show, the band offers…

June 24, 2026

More Than a Festival: Why the Ellwood City Arts, Crafts, Food & Entertainment Festival Needs Community Support

Every summer, Ewing Park transforms into the heart of Ellwood City as thousands gather for one of the region’s most cherished traditions—the Ellwood City Arts, Crafts, Food & Entertainment Festival. Now entering its 44th year, the festival continues to showcase the creativity, talent, and community spirit that have defined Ellwood City for generations. Scheduled for July 3-5, 2026, the three-day event brings together artisans, crafters, food vendors, entertainers, musicians, community organizations, and families for a celebration that has become synonymous with the Fourth of July holiday weekend. The marquee highlight of the Festival has always been the finale … the…

June 16, 2026

Ellwood City Borough Council Approves Police Drone Purchase

Ellwood City Borough Council approved a quote from Steel City Drones in the amount of $13,152 for the purchase of a drone for the Police Department (contingent upon union ratification of the policy) during Monday’s regular meeting. According to Sargeant Michael McBride, the drone will provide thermal images and will aid police and first responders during police calls and during any type of “disaster” event. Officer Robert Bird will be officially trained at Steel City Drones on how to use the drone, but McBride said it can be piloted by any officer as long as it is flown under 400…

June 10, 2026

ECASD Board of Directors Table Vote on Budget; Pass Tax Increase

Although the Ellwood City Area School District’s Board of Directors voted unanimously (with Director Jennifer Tomon absent) to table a motion to approve the General Fund Budget (view it here) for the 2026-27 fiscal year in the amount of $36,941,103.00, they did approve a tax increase. The tax resolution sets the tax rates for the 2026-27 fiscal year to include the ACT 679 $5 per capita tax, the ACT 511 $10 per capita tax (a shared tax by municipalities), property tax millage at 22.0800 mills, Earned Income Tax at .5%, Realty Transfer Tax at .5% and the Occupational Privilege/Local Service…

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