Recent Stories

Articles by Tracey Ferguson

April 19, 2022

Ellwood City Borough Council Awards Commendations, Hires Police Officers

The Ellwood City Borough Council awarded two commendations during its regular meeting Monday night. The first commendation was given by Ellwood City Mayor Anthony Court and Ellwood City Police Sgt. Michael McBride to Darrell Hunt, a street department employee, who was integral in helping the police department solve a recent criminal case. He witnessed the criminal activity and reported it to police. Court said Hunt’s swift actions led to an arrest of the suspects involved. Ellwood City Police officer Joshua Sipe was also recognized for going above and beyond in his duties. On March 29, Sipe saw borough resident Anthony…

April 11, 2022

North Side Primary School Gets “Chill Room” for Social Emotional Regulation

Ellwood City Area School District’s North Side Primary School now has a place where students can “chill.” More than a hangout, the Chill Room has a specific purpose for promoting positive social emotional awareness. Debbie Wiech, the district’s k-2 school counselor and k-12 community liaison, said the room is meant to help students regulate emotions. The room is part of the district’s cognitive behavioral plan and goes along with the district’s positive action curriculum. “We are teaching kids how to regulate emotions,” Wiech said. “To be able to get out of their heads and work through what they are feeling.”…

April 8, 2022

ECASD Board of Directors Approves Helling Stadium Project

The Ellwood City Area School District’s Board of Directors awarded the Helling Stadium project to Fred L. Burns, Inc., Shippenville, Pa, at an overall cost of $2,562,405. The major portion of that project will be the installation of Astro Turf at a cost of $2,420,000, which includes removal of dirt, addition of drainage, and labor. In addition to the Astro Turf, the track will be resurfaced with a long-lasting synthetic material at a cost of $64,150 and $7,380 for the school colors to be added. Electrical work, including wiring to the poles, work on the timeclock and other electrical work…

April 7, 2022

2022 Spring Sports Q&A – Riverside

This is part two of a two part series featuring area seniors in spring sports. The start of spring sports is upon us, so we took the opportunity catch up with the athletes of those 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. VIEW PART 1 – Ellwood City Spring Sports Q&A Riverside Track Jenna Hayson Grade: 12 Events: 4x800m relay, 400, 800, 4x400m relay How many years have you been in Track? 4 What do you feel is your…

April 6, 2022

2022 Spring Sports Q&A – Ellwood City

This is part one of a two part series featuring area seniors in spring sports. The start of spring sports is upon us, so we took the opportunity catch up with the athletes of those 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. VIEW PART 2 – Riverside Spring Sports Q&A EC Baseball Ashton Wilson Grade? 12 How many years have you been in Baseball?  I’ve been playing baseball for 10 years What do you feel is your biggest strength in Baseball? My…

April 5, 2022

Barry’s Ice Cream to Open April 7

For the Barrys, ice cream is a passion that has been all in the family for three generations. Barry’s Ice Cream at 105 Line Ave., Ellwood City opened its doors in April of 1993, and since then the family has been serving up yummy, creamy treats. Barry’s will open this year on April 7 with new management at the helm, although “new” they are actually “old” employees and family members who have grown up in the business. Sisters Kassie Klyde and Marissa Cragle both live in Fombell and went to Riverside High School, but their home growing up was basically…

April 4, 2022

American Idol’s Morgan Gruber to Perform at Koehler

Ellwood City Band Bash will host “An Evening with Morgan Gruber” at Koehler Brewery Pub on April 9. Along with Gruber, local bands The Leftovers, Mac ‘n Nat, and Rover will play. Cost is $10 at the door. Concert goers will have a chance to meet Gruber, get an autograph, and buy Morgan branded gear. Bands will start at 4:30. Minors Under 21 must be accompanied by a Parent or Legal Guardian. “All the money raise will go directly to the fireworks and to Morgan such a great way to support both causes,” said Event Organizer Eric Rayner. “I’m super…

March 23, 2022

Matilda: Cast Q&A

Note: This is the first in a two-part series featuring Riverside’s production of Matilda. Yesterday’s article featured a summary of the show. [Read Part 1] Matilda will grace the stage on Thursday March 24 at 7:30 p.m.; Friday March 25 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday March 26 at 7:30 p.m.; and will cap off with a matinee on Sunday March 27 at 2 p.m. Liz Frazer Part in Musical: Matilda Wormwood Current Grade: 11 Been in musicals/plays since: I’ve been in musicals since my freshman year, so I have been in a total of 2 musicals! Previous leads/musicals you’ve been in: I was the understudy of Lori Beth…

March 22, 2022

Ellwood City Borough Hiring Summer Employees, Community Outreach Coordinator

Ellwood City Borough is hiring. Jobs available include summer employment for park manager; parks, playground and concession stand coordinator; playground instructors; and concession stand employees. The borough is also looking to add a part-time Community Outreach Coordinator to the staff. Borough Manager David Allen said the position will pay $14 an hour and will include tasks such as website coordination, social media posting and engagement, community outreach with local events and groups, and grantwriting. Motions passed: A motion to approve the Minutes of the Regular Meeting held 2/21/22, as submitted. A motion to approve the Pre-Paid Voucher List dated 3/15/22,…

March 22, 2022

Riverside Beaver County School District to Present Matilda

Note: This is the first in a two-part series featuring Riverside’s production of Matilda. Tomorrow’s article will feature four of the musical’s leads. It’s the ultimate girl boss production. She packs wit, a library of knowledge, and psychokinetic powers. And, although she’s just a little girl, Matilda is extraordinary. The Riverside Beaver County School District will celebrate its 59th anniversary of theatre with the landmark show Matilda March 24-27 in the high school auditorium. A cast and crew of over 100 students from the school district will participate in the production directed by Brent Rodgers and produced by Vaughn Hudspath….