Recent Stories

Articles by Tracey Ferguson

December 28, 2022

PART 2: Boys Winter Sports Q&A – Lincoln High School and Riverside High School

Winter sports have arrived in Ellwood City. Basketball and swimming are among the most popular sports among the boys for students at both Lincoln High School and Riverside High School. We are doing our Winter Q&A a little different this year and shaking it up with Boys vs. Girls Sports. We caught up with the athletes of those teams to see what they are doing to prepare for the upcoming rivalries, to offer some perspective on the season ahead and their plans for the future. This is part two of a two-part series featuring area senior student winter sports. Our…

December 27, 2022

PART 1: Girls Winter Sports Q&A – Lincoln High School and Riverside High School

Winter sports have arrived in Ellwood City. Basketball is the most popular sport among the girls for students at both Lincoln High School and Riverside High School. We are doing our Winter Q&A a little different this year and shaking it up with Boys vs. Girls Sports. We caught up with the athletes of those teams to see what they are doing to prepare for the upcoming rivalries, to offer some perspective on the season ahead and their plans for the future. This is part one of a two-part series featuring area senior student winter sports. Our Boys Winter Sports…

December 27, 2022

Johnny’s Pizza’s New Owners Hoping to Bring Back the Nostalgia

The old school meatballs are back! And the deep fried pepperoni puffs featured at the Ellwood City Arts, Crafts, and Food Festival and so loved by the townsfolk of Ellwood City can now be devoured year round. Johnny’s Pizza is now under new ownership and even though some things are changing—the shop is getting a pickup window—many other things are staying the same. Owners Joe and Randi DeSanzo and Mike and Lori Jeannette want to bring back the nostalgia of the original Johnny’s. “Our ultimate goal is to restore the Johnny’s standards,” Mike said referring to the Johnny’s that it…

December 26, 2022

Project Linus to Bring Warmth, Comfort to Those in Need

Warmth is vital to a happy healthy life, and Project Linus brings that warmth and comfort to those in need. Lawrence County now has its own Project Linus Chapter led by Josalyn DiFrischia. Project Linus is a non-profit organization that is run by volunteers that make homemade blankets for children. They are delivered to Emergency Rooms, Outreach Programs, Fire Stations, Women’s Shelters or any child in need of a blanket. Not only is the new Lawrence County Chapter looking for blanket donations, volunteers are also needed. If you are wondering how to become a volunteer (also known as blanketeers), making…

December 21, 2022

The Time Brewpub Opens in Former Walnut Ridge School

It’s “The Time” to try something new. The Time Brewpub, at 600 Mount Vernon Dr, Ellwood City, has opened its doors for beers, booze, food, and friends. Owner Tony Joseph has been looking forward to this for 8 years now. His dream finally became reality on his December 7 grand opening. “I’m overwhelmed with how many people have come out so far,” Joseph said. “I couldn’t be happier with how it turned out for our first opening week.” Joseph said like with any business there are learning curves and growing pains, but the kitchen and staff have come full circle…

December 20, 2022

David Allen Attends Last Meeting As Ellwood City Borough Manager; Council Welcomes Kevin Swogger

David Allen attended his last Ellwood City Borough Council Meeting as Borough Manager Monday night. During his four years serving the community, he fought for the sale of the Ellwood City Medical Center following years of controversy following its closing. He also had to manage the city during the pandemic. Council members expressed thanks to Allen and wished him well in his next chapter. Allen hinted that he will still be “around” in a consulting capacity and still involved in community projects. The borough welcomed Kevin Swogger who will replace Allen in the New Year. Swogger, a Lincoln High School…

December 9, 2022

Ellwood City Sheetz Store to Host Grand Opening

Sheetz will host a Grand Opening Event at the new Ellwood City location on Thursday, Dec, 22 from 9-11 a.m. The company will celebrate the opening of Store #763. In July, Sheetz Public Relations Manager, Nicholas Ruffner, told Ellwoodcity.org that the construction of the store at the intersection of Fountain Avenue and Fifth Street was on track with a tentative opening time frame of late December 2022. And he was accurate with his tentative time frame. They were building up excitement for the event on their Facebook page in an official event, “We will cut the ribbon for our newest…

December 9, 2022

Ellwood City School District’s Board of Directors Names New President, Vice President

The Ellwood City Area School District’s Board of Directors held it’s combined voting and reorganization meeting Thursday night. During the reorganization meeting, Kathy McCommons was named board president, with support from Directors Norman Boots, Renee Pitrelli, Jennifer Tomon, and Kathy Tillia. Jean Biehls was also nominated with support of Directors Erica Gray, Claire Fauzey, and Gary Rozanski. Biehls had served as board president previously. McCommons said she is excited to take on the role as board president and thanked Biehls for her service. She said a main goal of hers will be transparent, clear communication. “I will make sure everyone…

December 8, 2022

Local Girls Hosting ‘Hugs for Pap’ Holiday Blanket Drive for Club Hope

Two Ellwood City girls know two things for sure this holiday season … they miss their “pap” and want to help those with cancer. Maura (9), and Ella (5) Fauzey are teaming up with Club Hope Foundation for a “Hugs for Pap” Blanket drive in honor of their Grandfather, Tony Celli, who died in April of pancreatic cancer. Claire Fauzey, the girls’ mother, said they came up with idea. She said they have been struggling with the grief of the loss of their beloved “pap” and this is a way for them to honor him and help other warriors struggling…

December 1, 2022

Local Residents Hosting Vendor and Craft Show to Benefit Club Hope

After feeling an amazing amount of love and support during her Lymphoma diagnosis in March, Betty Phillippi wanted to give back. So she along with her granddaughter Jessica Schiavoni are hosting a craft and vendor show to help Club Hope. “Club Hope was so good to me this past year,” Phillippi said. “They were just really great and supportive.” The Christmas Hope Vendor & Craft Show will be held on December 3 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Wayne Township Firehall, 5153 Ellwood Road, Ellwood City. There will be pepperoni rolls, cookies, water, and coffee for sale. In…