Recent Stories

Articles by Tracey Ferguson

February 25, 2022

Tamburitzans to Perform in Ellwood City; Tickets Available

The Tamburitzans are set to perform their Symbols – The Awakening performance in Ellwood City. Through music, song, and dance Symbols: The Awakening showcases beauty and brilliance of traditions from around the globe. Woven as a tapestry of Croatian, Georgian, Nordic, Serbian, Polish, Italian and Bulgarian cultures, audiences will be transported to folk celebrations through intricate choreography, mesmerizing music, and unique voices. America’s longest running live stage production, the Tamburitzans have entertained and delighted audiences of all ages for over eight decades. Dedicated to perpetuating international cultural heritage, the ensemble delivers a high caliber multi-media showcase. This season’s ensemble features…

February 24, 2022

Ellwood City Area School District to Stage Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory

Next up on stage at Lincoln High School is Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory is a musical based on the 1971 American musical fantasy film starring Gene Wilder. It is an adaptation of the 1964 novel Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl. The film tells the story of a poor child named Charlie Bucket who, after finding a Golden Ticket in a chocolate bar, visits Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory along with four other children, Augustus Gloop, Violet Beauregarde, Veruca Salt and Mike Teavee. When these four children get to the factory, we see how spoiled and demanding they truly are….

February 21, 2022

Council Approves New Server for Police Department

Ellwood City Borough Council approved the quote for a Microsoft SQL Server (license & software) for the police department. The $7,254.74 quote approval will allow the police department to upgrade their server, which houses vital information regarding arrests, etc. According to Officer Josh Sipe, the current server dates to 2013. He said it is slow and poses an issue when it comes to safely storing important information that is required by the state. Sipe said there is a possibility that the old system could cause a loss of information which could cause legal issues. The department also announced a renewed…

February 21, 2022

PA 529 Hosts Free America Saves Week Webinars

As part of America Saves Week, February 21 through February 25, the PA 529 College and Career Savings Program is again partnering with financial experts to offer free webinars. Session topics include financial aid, banking security, and a session all about Treasury’s savings programs, including Keystone Scholars. According to Stacy Garrity, State Treasurer you can contribute any portion of your Pennsylvania state income tax refund into a PA 529 account. The America Saves Week webinar schedule is below, and session descriptions and registration information can be found at pa529.com. Register today! Tuesday, February 22 – Noon (EST) – PA Treasury Savings Programs…

February 15, 2022

ECASD Board of Directors Enacts Policy for Booster Organizations

The Ellwood City Area School District’s Board of Directors voted to enact policy 915 Parent/Guardian Booster/Support Organizations Thursday evening. Policy 915 is as follows: The Board recognizes the need for and the role of parent/guardian or community-based booster organizations to support the District’s academic, athletic and extracurricular activities. The Board also desires that all parent/guardian and booster organizations work together cooperatively for the best interests of students. Authority It is the responsibility of the Superintendent and the Board to recognize school-related organizations and to approve their activities. The Board shall encourage the development of a Parent Teacher Organization or similar group…

February 14, 2022

ECASD Board of Directors Hires Track Coaches

The Ellwood City Area School District’s Board of Directors hired Alan Marsh and Nathan Brown to serve as co-head varsity track coaches during its February 10 meeting. Historically, the track team had one head coach and four assistant coaches. Because of the hiring of co-head coaches, the team will have only three assistants this year, according to ECASD Superintendent Dr. Wesley Shipley. Volleyball The board also voted to classify Middle School Volleyball as a sport and an eighth grade coach and seventh grade coach fall under the guise of the Head Volleyball Coach and under the pay matrix with all…

January 28, 2022

Shades of Bronze: New Business Helping Ellwood City to Beat the Winter Blues

Does winter have you missing the sunshine and feeling a little pale? Head over to Shades of Bronze at 605 Lawrence Ave. Joellen Cirelli opened the doors to her tanning salon and boutique on October 10, 2021. She joins a long list of young entrepreneurs who are working to revitalize the town. Joellen was just 22 when she became a businesswoman. “Ellwood City is such a small and great town filled with such good people and I wanted to keep the town booming so decided to start my dream and open a tanning salon,” she said. Cirelli is a hometown…

January 25, 2022

Power Sports Performance Offers Specialized Programs for Physical Activity

Did you know … there’s a sports facility in Ellwood City that caters to clients with special needs? Power Sports Performance, located at 310 1st Street (lower level), is an all-inclusive gym experience that offers yoga classes, adult fitness, no impact workout/resistance band, Sports Specific training, youth recreational classes, homeschool fitness program, sensory rooms, and gross motor gym time. Their specialty, however, is providing specific programs that are tailored to those clients that need a little bit of extra attention. “Seeing our clients with special needs learn to regulate their sensory needs, attention level, as well as improve positive peer…

January 18, 2022

Borough Approves Liquor License Transfer to El Canelo IX, LLC; Mayor Names New K9 Officer

Ellwood City Borough Council voted to approve the intermunicipal transfer of restaurant liquor license #R-17325 to El Canelo IX, LLC. El Canelo opened in Ellwood City at 1226 Lawrence Ave in October and has been serving Mexican food in Lawrence County since 2001. The manager of the restaurant, Antonio Porras, said at a January 10 council meeting that the license will be a great addition to help serve delicious beverages at the Ellwood City location. Porras said the transfer follows a decision to temporarily close the West State Street location because a lack of staffing. In other council news: Mayor…

January 18, 2022

Ellwood City Winter Wine and Brew Fest to be Held in March

The Annual Ellwood City Winter Wine and Brew Fest has been postponed until March. The event will take place from 1 to 4 p.m. on March 26 at the Sons of Italy at 808 Lawrence Ave. It was  originally scheduled for Jan. 29. The event is an annual favorite and proceeds benefit Ellwood City Revitalization. The cost is $25 per person in advance and $30 per person at the door. The event will be catered, and a cash bar will be available. Purchase tickets at the Ellwood City Area Chamber of Commerce at 806 Lawrence Ave., DeCaria’s on 5th at…