Articles by Tracey Ferguson

Borough Council Votes to Amend Rates and Charges on Utility Bills

Ellwood City Borough Council voted to amend the Electric Ordinance, specifically the schedule of rates and charges to be effective with the January 1, 2025 usage and reflected on the February 2025 utility bill and to establish a stabilized Purchase Power Adjustment (PPA) for the 2025 electric usage as $0.008/kwh sold. The move came following a significant rise in PJM (Pennsylvania-New Jersey-Maryland interconnection) capacity prices. PJM is a regional transmission organization (RTO) that coordinates the movement of wholesale electricity in all or parts of 13 states and the District of Columbia. Consumers, including Ellwood Electric customers will see a surge in rates…


ECASD Board of Directors Elect Officers, Learn about Innovative Readiness Training (IRT) program

The Ellwood City Area School District’s Board of Directors held its election of officers for 2025 during Thursday’s combined meeting. Jennifer Tomon will again serve as board president for 2025. She was nominated by Director Jean Biehls and had unanimous support from the board. She was the only candidate nominated. Jean Biehls will again serve as board vice president for 2025. She was nominated by Director Kevin Boariu and like Tomon received unanimous support. The board also announced and approved meeting dates for 2025. Air Force Col. Nicole S. Hurley and U.S. Air Force Capt. Heather Edsall spoke about the…


Zoning Board to Consider Exemption For Proposed Girls Softball Field

As Ewing Park residents continue to oppose a girls softball field at the Ewing Park School property, the school district will make a special exemption request to implement the facility to the zoning hearing board during a 10 a.m. meeting on Dec 4. The meeting will be held at the borough building. Current zoning allows for a park or playground but not a sports field. The district hopes to win the appeal and get one step closer to the softball complex they have planned. The Ellwood City Area School District’s Board of Directors unanimously approved a plan to commit to…


Mayor Court to Give Wolverines Football Team Proclamation

Mayor Anthony Court gave high praise to this year’s Ellwood City Wolverines football team. During the Ellwood City Borough Council meeting, Court said, “I want to recognize the Ellwood City football team for an amazing season.” Court said he would like to give the team a proclamation. Council as a whole agreed on the proclamation, and also acknowledged the Wolverine’s historic season. The unbeaten Wolverines season came to an end Friday night when they were defeated by South Park 28-7 in the WPIAL Class 2A semifinals at North Allegheny High School. Following an early advantage the Wolverines were sidelined by…


ECASD Superintendent Dr. Wesley Shipley Reflects on 35 Years in Education

Dr. Wesley Shipley began his 35-year career in education as a fifth-grade teacher and worked his way up to superintendent of the Ellwood City Area School District. Shipley will retire on June 30, 2025. The Ellwood City Area School District’s Board of Directors reluctantly passed a motion to accept his retirement during the November 14 regular meeting. Shipley said serving the district and students has been a pleasure. He said Ellwood stands out among his best years in education. “This has been the most fulfilling position that I’ve ever had,” he said. “I’ll mostly miss the people. The entire community…


Innovative Readiness Training (IRT) Program To Add Free Veterinary Care During July Training in Ellwood City

During Ellwood City’s Borough Council meeting, Borough Manager Kevin Swogger announced that the Innovative Readiness Training (IRT) program set to setup training in Ellwood City in July will add veterinary care to its lineup of free medical services. IRT is a Department of Defense (DoD) military training opportunity, exclusive to the United States and its territories, that delivers joint training opportunities to increase deployment readiness. Simultaneously, IRT provides key services (health care, construction, transportation, and cybersecurity) with lasting benefits for communities. Swogger said the group visited the city—one of many visits they will make before July—and the group plans to…


ECASD Board of Directors Approve Retirement of District Superintendent

The Ellwood City Area School District’s Board of Directors reluctantly passed a motion to accept the retirement of District Superintendent Dr. Wesley Shipley during Thursday evening’s regular meeting. As the motion was made, there wasn’t an easy second. Board President Jennifer Tomon said she is happy for Shipley but sad for the district. Shipley will continue to serve as superintendent until June 30, 2025. Shipley said serving the district and students has been a pleasure. During his 35 years in education, he said he has held roles at numerous districts, but Ellwood stands out. “This has been the most fulfilling…


Be Sure to Cast Your Vote in the General Election on November 5th

The General Election is tomorrow, Tuesday, November 5, 2024. You can find your assigned polling place by checking the location listed at the bottom of your registration status page. Polls will be open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day. If you are a first-time voter or are voting at a new polling place, here are helpful tips to learn how to get ready. And be sure to arrange for transportation to your polling place in advance. View the Lawrence County polling locations HERE. View the Beaver County polling locations HERE. About the General Election According to the official website of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania,…


Local Pig Teaching Community That #kindnessisking; Family Seeking Veterinarian for Specialized Treatment

He’s a gentle giant and a king of kindness. He most definitely gets the kindness part from his human dads. Hampton Hamilton Pigglesworth, a four-year-old, 900-pound Yorkshire mix pig, lives a pampered life with his devoted Dads on Chapel Drive in North Sewickley Township. This massive yet gentle pet has captured the hearts of many through his social media presence—with over 15,000 followers and friends from all over the world—where videos show him lounging around the house, playing king of his farm’s hill, greeting visitors, and proving that even pigs can make affectionate and loyal companions. And his dads John…


T & M Celebrates Business, Family Milestones With Opening of New Location

They say it’s all because two people fell in love … It began in Ellwood City in 1991 when Tim and Mary (the T & M in T & M Hardware) Post bought their first hardware store on their wedding anniversary to pursue their dreams of owning their own business and to do what they were meant to do—serve their community as hardware retailers. And on October 23 three anniversaries culminated for the Post family as they Celebrated the 33rd anniversary of the opening of the Ellwood location, Tim and Mary’s wedding anniversary, and the opening of the newest T…