Recent Stories

Articles by Tracey Ferguson

December 1, 2021

Hometown Boxer Wins Pennsylvania State Golden Gloves Championship

In 2016 there was a pivotal moment for Devon Siegfried. It was the moment he stepped inside the boxing ring at the Ellwood City Police Boxing Club. “A high school classmate and close friend of mine, Rosie Morales brought me down to the gym in Ellwood City,” Siegfried said. “He introduced me and Coach Jack Maine who took me under his wing and began coaching me.” Now, Siegfried is the Pennsylvania State Golden Gloves Champion—won by unanimous decision recently after knocking his opponent to the canvas after a powerful body shot. Although he lives in the North Hills of Pittsburgh…

November 30, 2021

Ellwood City Municipal Woman’s Club to Host Craft/Vendor Show

It’s a first for the Ellwood City Municipal Woman’s Club. First Annual Craft/Vendor Show that is. The group will be hosting the event on Saturday, December 4, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Wayne Township Fire Hall. The objective of the club is to develop the educational, civic, and social interests of its members and to advance the welfare of the community. Funds raised from the show will help benefit the club’s efforts to provide two annual scholarships. Phyllis Conway, chairwoman of the club’s ways and means committee, said the club provides a $1,000 scholarship to a Riverside…

November 15, 2021

Ellwood City Council Approves Street Vacations to Make Way for Sheetz Store

Ellwood City Borough Council voted to approve the vacation of Locust Way from Fountain Avenue to Glen Avenue and Fountain Avenue from 5th Street to Locust Way during Monday’s regular meeting. The only “No” vote came from Councilman Jim Barry. Councilwoman Judith Dici was absent from the meeting. During a public hearing of the Ellwood City Borough Council on November 8, officials representing Sheetz presented plans for the proposed store. The 6,070 square foot store, as presented, would be anchored between Glen Avenue, Fountain Avenue, 5th Street, and Locust Way—across the street from McDonald’s. According to Ryan Wotus, attorney with…

November 12, 2021

ECASD: Mask Requirement to Continue

Although Governor Tom Wolf announced a possible end to the mask mandate in schools, the filing of an appeal has forced the Ellwood City Area School District to stay the course and require masks to be worn. During Thursday evening’s board of directors meeting, Superintendent Wesley Shipley said that appeal locked the mandate back in place. “Until January 17 the mask mandate will stay in place,” he said. Solicitor Jennifer Dambeck said for now, until any formal official end of the mandate the school is advised to comply. “We are in a waiting pattern once again,” she said. Governor Tom…

November 11, 2021

Saxon Club to Host Steel City Comedy Tour; Public Welcome

Ready to laugh until your ribs hurt? Look no further than the Ellwood City Saxon’s Club’s Comedy Night featuring The Steel City Comedy Tour. And you don’t have to be a member to attend as the side splitter is open to the public. The event will be held on Saturday, November 13th, at the club on 901 Millview Street. Doors open at 7:30 p.m., and the show starts at 9:00 p.m. Tickets are $10 pre-sale (see bartender) and $15 at the door. Must be 21 to attend. Bob Karenbauer, president of the Saxon’s entertainment committee, said the event is sure…

November 10, 2021

Blood Drive to Honor the Life of Enon Valley Man

The annual Richard Hogue Replenishment Blood Drive will be held this week. Hogue, who was 28, was murdered on November 16, 2013. At the time of his death, he resided in Enon Valley, worked for Nick Mars Construction as a carpenter, and was a member of the Ellwood City Eagles Club. His mother, Debbie Murdock, described Richard as a hard-working, blue collar man who was raised with values. She said he lived to love and help others and had a heart of gold. According to Murdock, he was always there for family, friends, and neighbors. Above all though, Murdock said,…

November 10, 2021

EC Lions, Wolves, Rotary to host Meet and Greet Event

Many of you think of delicious festival food when you hear the names Rotary Club and Wolves Club—yes, the delectable lamb dinners and sausage sandwiches are definitely memorable—but these clubs along with the local Ellwood City Lions Club do so much more than just tempt our tastebuds. And the community will have the opportunity to learn about the clubs and their service opportunities and camaraderie during an upcoming meet and greet hosted by the Ellwood City Lions Club. On November 11 from 6 to 8 p.m., club leaders and members will be available at Vinny’s Restaurant for questions and to…

November 9, 2021

Sheetz Presents Plans for New Store

During a public hearing of the Ellwood City Borough Council Monday evening, officials representing Sheetz presented plans for a proposed store. The 6,070 square foot store, as presented, would be anchored between Glen Avenue, Fountain Avenue, 5th Street, and Locust Way—across the street from McDonald’s. According to Ryan Wotus, attorney with Goldberg, Kamin & Garvin, LLP, the properties to be vacated in that area are currently under agreement with RBG Development. David Mastrostephano, manager of Sheetz engineering permit, said 14 properties are being developed. He also discussed plans to make a portion of Glen Avenue two way as well as…

November 9, 2021

Parents Demand Change for Football Program

A group of parents urged the Ellwood City Area School District’s Board of Directors to consider naming a new head coach for the football program. The parents place the blame for three seasons in a row with a losing streak to current head coach Joe Lamenza. The main complaint expressed was a lack of inspiration and encouragement. The parents claim that the environment of losing has had a severe impact on the mental health of the players and that it is preventing future generations of players from wanting to play. Lamenza, a 1996 graduate of Lincoln High School, was named…

November 9, 2021

ECASD: Nationwide Shortages Impact School Lunches

If you have noticed empty shelves at the grocery store, you are not alone and the trend is starting to impact local school districts. During the most recent meeting of Ellwood City Area School District’s Board of Directors, Superintendent Wesley Shipley reported that the district is only receiving 60 percent of its normal inventory. He said items in shortage include trays and cutlery as well as food in general. According to Shipley, the district serves portions that are larger than the national average but have had to cutback because of the pandemic. In order to address the shortage, he said…