Articles by Tracey Ferguson

BlastZone Fun Park (Formerly Stop n Sock) Renamed, Reimagined, Revamped with Technology

BlastZone Fun Park, formerly Stop n Sock, is “swinging” forward with technology that takes family-friendly recreation to a whole new level. There have been a lot of upgrades made to the property at 100 Wise’s Grove Rd in New Brighton. Changes that are certain to catch your eye. Be sure to stop by this weekend for the last round of Halloween Festivites including the Haunted Maze and Zombie Shoot (featured later in the article). Ryan Errett, co-owner, said although he realizes that people will always know the location and will probably always call it Stop n Sock, BlastZone Fun Park…


Franklin Township to Get ALDI, Tractor Supply stores

If you haven’t heard … Franklin Township is getting an ALDI and a Tractor Supply. “At this time, Tractor Supply can confirm its plans to open a store in Ellwood City,” said Tricia Glenn an account executive for FINN Partners on behalf of Tractor Supply. “While currently in the permitting phase, if all moves on schedule, construction could start as early as the end of 2024. While subject to change based on the construction timeline, if construction starts this year, the store could open in Summer 2025.” ALDI has refused to comment, but Lloyd Myers of the Franklin Township Planning…


ECASD to Get Weapon Detection System

The Ellwood City Area School District will be getting a very smart weapon detection system. During Thursday’s regular meeting of Ellwood City Area School District’s Board of Directors, Director and Chair of the Board’s Security Committee Claire Fauzey announced that she was “Pleased to share that the hard work and collaboration of Mr. Sovich (high school principal) and Officer Brian Speer over the last several months, the district has been able to purchase a weapon detection system that will be put into place at LHS. With much investigation of safety concerns and reviews of this device with other schools, we…


Turner-Hyde Funeral & Cremation Services Marks Five Years with New Owners

Adam C. and Angela S. Hyde are celebrating 5 years of owning Turner-Hyde Funeral & Cremation Services. Adam says the once “Turner Funeral Home” has undergone many changes in those 5 years and he is proud to say that seeking services with Turner-Hyde is an entirely new experience and those who call are treated like we would like to be treated, just like family “We provide services that the likes of Ellwood City has never seen,” Adam said. “And we have a lot of passion.” Adam and Angela have been married for 20 years and have two children, Hannah, 17…


Columbia Gas Meter Move Out Program to Begin Work in Ellwood City

Ellwood City will be the focus of the Columbia Gas Meter Move Out Program. Columbia Gas implemented the Meter Move Out Program to comply with a requirement from The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission to locate all gas meters and regulators outside and above ground. Learn more about the program here. Carla Parkes, senior public affairs specialist with Columbia Gas, said the program will impact commercial and residential properties within Ellwood City. Parkes said residents in the borough will start to receive 30-day notification letters from Columbia Gas alerting them to the program. “Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania is making a significant investment…


Ellwood City Fall Sports Q&A 2024: Part 3

This is part three of a three part series featuring area athletes in fall 2024 sports. [VIEW PART TWO] [VIEW PART ONE] The start of fall 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. Ellwood City Athletes Arianna Salvucci Sport? Tennis Grade? 12 How many years have you have participated? This is my third year playing tennis. What do you feel is your biggest strength?…


Riverside Fall Sports Q&A 2024: Part 2

This is part two of a three part series featuring area athletes in fall 2024 sports. [VIEW PART ONE] The start of fall 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. Riverside Athletes DeLana Fox Sport? Volleyball Grade? Senior How many years have you have participated? I have participated 4 years What do you feel is your biggest strength? I think my biggest strength is…


Columbia Gas Official Announces Meter Move Out Program at Borough Council Meeting

The Ellwood City Borough Council welcomed visitors from Columbia Gas who were in attendance to announce the Meter Move Out Program. Columbia Gas implemented the Meter Move Out Program to comply with a requirement from The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission to locate all gas meters and regulators outside and above ground. Learn more about the program here. Carla Parkes, senior public affairs specialist with Columbia Gas, said the program will impact commercial and residential properties within Ellwood City. Parkes said residents in the borough will start to receive letters from Columbia Gas alerting them to the program. Council President Brad…


Riverside Fall Sports Q&A 2024: Part 1

This is part one of a three part series featuring area athletes in fall 2024 sports. The start of fall 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. Riverside Athletes Zachary Hare Sport? Football Grade? 12 How many years have you have participated? 6 What do you feel is your biggest strength? Catching What is your favorite part of it? Scoring Touchdowns and Headtopping Who…


ECASD Officials, Board of Directors Face Scrutiny From Concerned Parents Following School Shooting Threat

Concerned and angry parents flooded the Hartman Intermediate School Cafeteria Thursday night for the Ellwood City Area School District’s Board of Directors regular meeting following a school shooting threat that occurred on Tuesday (see story here). Their overall demand was for answers about what was going to be done about the situation to make students safe and to end their fear of going to school. District Superintendent Dr. Wesley Shipley confirmed that there was a verbal threat made by a student on Tuesday during a lunch period. He said other students were quick to inform district staff about the threat….