Articles by Tracey Ferguson

2026 Spring Sports Q&A: Riverside Athletes

The start of spring sports is upon us, so we took the opportunity catch up with the athletes of the Riverside sports teams to see what they are doing to prepare for the upcoming rivalries and to offer some perspective on the season ahead and their plans for the future.   Logan Young Sport? Baseball Grade? 12 How many years have you have played? 12 What are you most looking forward to in the upcoming season? Spending one last year with my teammates. How do you hope to improve this year? I hope to improve by taking more walks and…


Marine Corps League Det 788 Seeking Members

The members of a local Marine Corps League Detachment share a bond forged not only through military service, but through a continued commitment to community, country, and one another. Victoria Malcolm, Ellwood City resident and veteran, is hoping to help grow the local chapter, Marine Corps League Det 788, turn its focus toward the future, and ensure that its mission endures for generations to come. Even though she joined in October 2025 this detachment started in 1991. “It’s kind of like the American Legion but only for Marines,” Malcolm said. All marines in Lawrence County are welcome to join and…


Business

Ellwood City Welcomes Growing Flooring Business

A new chapter in local business is unfolding as Ellks Floor Coverings added its second location to Lawrence Avenue, bringing a mix of experience, personal service, and community focus to the area. Owned by Kyle Ellks, the company has steadily grown from its roots in flooring and home improvement into a full-service retail and installation operation. Now, with expansion into Ellwood City, Ellks is aiming to build lasting relationships while offering homeowners and businesses a trusted local option. “I started in the flooring and home improvement field in 2017 and officially built Ellks Floor Coverings into a full retail and…


Council Recognizes Quick Action by Police; Approves Two-Year Employment Agreement With New Borough Manager

Mayor Anthony Court recognized the Ellwood City Police Department for taking quick action during recent incidents in the borough during Monday’s Regular meeting of Borough Council. Court announced that the police department worked in conjunction with other law enforcement agents to apprehend suspects in a “drive by shooting” as well as suspects in thefts from the former Ellwood City hospital building. “Both incidents were solved in a timely and professional manner by the police department,” Court said. “The police department is working night and day to reduce crime and keep our community safe.” Council voted to hire Trent Young as…


Lincoln Jr/Sr High School Visual Arts Teacher Nominee for ‘America’s Favorite Teacher’

Let’s get out the vote … For Amanda Hatkevich, Lincoln Jr/Sr High School visual arts teacher to be named “America’s Favorite Teacher.” Vote here! (Be sure to cast your vote by April 23) At stake is not only the title, but $25,000 that Hatkevich says she will use part of to help educate the future. “I would invest in diverse art materials, digital tools, and photography equipment,” she said. “Funds would support classroom upgrades like storage, equipment, and outdoor seating for open-air creating. I would also fund visiting artists, field trips to museums, and student exhibitions to connect learning to…


ECASD Board of Directors Consider Employee Furlough

The Ellwood City Area School District’s Board of Directors considered a move to study the staffing needs of the district for a possible employee furlough during Monday night’s combined meeting of the board. Ultimately the motion was defeated in a 4/4 vote. “No” votes came from Board President Kathy Galbreath, Board Vice President Norman Boots, and Board Directors Kathy Tillia and Nick Mancini. “Yes” votes came from Board Directors Jean Biehls, Claire Fauzey, Erica Gray, and Kevin Boariu. Board Director Jennifer Tomon was not present at the meeting. The consideration came to the table as the district is facing a…


PART THREE: Lincoln High School’s Production of Little Shop of Horrors A Bloody Delight

“Suddenly, Seymour…” something extraordinary is blooming on the LHS stage this spring! Lincoln Jr./Sr. High School students will present the wildly entertaining musical Little Shop of Horrors on March 27, 28, and 29 in the Lincoln High School Auditorium. A talented cast and crew of students from grades 7–12 have been hard at work bringing this exciting production to life. Under the direction of Alexis Reisinger, students have dedicated countless hours to rehearsals, choreography, and technical preparation to create a production that blends humor, heart, and a touch of dark comedy. Today’s review is part three in a three-part series about Little Shop…


PART TWO: Lincoln High School’s Production of Little Shop of Horrors Cast Q&A

“Suddenly, Seymour…” something extraordinary is blooming on the LHS stage this spring! Lincoln Jr./Sr. High School students will present the wildly entertaining musical Little Shop of Horrors on March 27, 28, and 29 in the Lincoln High School Auditorium. A talented cast and crew of students from grades 7–12 have been hard at work bringing this exciting production to life. Under the direction of Alexis Reisinger, students have dedicated countless hours to rehearsals, choreography, and technical preparation to create a production that blends humor, heart, and a touch of dark comedy. We caught up with some of the leads in the show for…


PART ONE: Lincoln High School’s Production of Little Shop of Horrors Cast Q&A

“Suddenly, Seymour…” something extraordinary is blooming on the LHS stage this spring! Lincoln Jr./Sr. High School students will present the wildly entertaining musical Little Shop of Horrors on March 27, 28, and 29 in the Lincoln High School Auditorium. A talented cast and crew of students from grades 7–12 have been hard at work bringing this exciting production to life. Under the direction of Alexis Reisinger, students have dedicated countless hours to rehearsals, choreography, and technical preparation to create a production that blends humor, heart, and a touch of dark comedy. We caught up with some of the leads in the show for…


PART THREE: Riverside High School’s Production of Frozen Is Truly a Heartwarming Tale

The Riverside High School Theater will present the musical, Frozen March 19-22 in the high school auditorium. A cast and crew of over 80 students from the school district will participate in the production directed by Brent Rodgers.  This is the 63rd anniversary of theatre at Riverside. Full of magic, humor, and a stunning musical score, Frozen is a powerful tale of sisterhood, acceptance, and finding the real meaning of true love. Today’s review is part three in a three-part series about Frozen. Previous stories featured cast Q&As. It’s not surprising that the cast and crew of Riverside’s Frozen is bringing the heat ……