Recent Stories

Articles by Tracey Ferguson

December 3, 2020

ECASD to Remain Full Virtual Until January 11

Students in the Ellwood City Area School District will not be returning to the school buildings any time before January 11. The District’s Board of Directors voted Thursday evening unanimously to continue virtual learning up to that date. The board and administrators will revisit Covid-19 numbers and community spread during the board’s January 7 meeting. Until then, Acting Superintendent Dr. Wesley Shipley will work with administrators, teachers, and staff to develop a hybrid plan in the hopes for partial return to classes on January 11. Shipley said he believes that is the best way to proceed for the safety and…

December 3, 2020

Chamber Hosting Virtual Ugly Sweater 5K Fun Run

If you’ve always dreamed of doing a 5K but felt intimidated, this is your time. The Ellwood City Area Chamber of Commerce is holding its first-ever Ugly Sweater 5K Fun Run virtually. Participants can run, walk, swim, treadmill, or bike from the location of their choice. It’s freedom and fun at your own pace. And to top off the fun, all participants will receive a long-sleeve tech shirt, finisher medal and swag bag. Ellwood City Area Chamber of Commerce Director Dale Thompson said the Chamber is excited to be able to have this fun event virtually and safely. According to…

December 2, 2020

Chamber of Commerce Hosting Reindeer Route

Don’t miss your chance to take a ride on the Reindeer Route. With Covid-19 cases rising, the Ellwood City Area Chamber of Commerce was tasked to think outside of the box as how to continue the celebration of Christmas. After a brainstorming session, the Reindeer Route was the answer. Families will be able to travel through town enjoying lights, decorations, and several beloved blow up characters all from the safety of their own vehicle. Join the police led procession Saturday, December 5, at 5:30 p.m. on Glen Avenue. Dale Thompson, director of the Ellwood City Area Chamber of Commerce, said…

November 19, 2020

AHA Training, American Red Cross and Emergency Response Training Now Available in Ellwood City

Since 2017, Star of Life Training has been offering First Aid, CPR, or Emergency Response Training for employers and individuals. Now there is a location right in the heart of Ellwood City. Located at 315 Fifth Street, Star of Life Training is an American Red Cross Training Partner, American Safety and Health Institute training center and Emergency Medical Response trainer for the Pennsylvania Department of Health.  Star of Life Training is also partnered with Babcock Health Education Services out of Florida and is an American Heart Association Training Center. Owners Robert and Heather Kratz, who live in Franklin Township, with…

November 18, 2020

First Local Meadery to Open in Ellwood City

If you want to partake in the drink of the Norse Gods, you might want to stop into Fitzgibbon Meadery at 536 Lawrence Avenue. You also can stop in if you just enjoy a delicious mead or country wine in general. The locally owned and sourced meadery will be opening its doors on November 28. There will something for every palate ranging from dry to sweet in a variety of flavors. Owners Eric and Misa McAnallen look forward to introducing their community to their homemade meads. “As Ellwood City’s only Meadery, we’ve taken it upon ourselves to introduce our corner…

November 17, 2020

Council Approves Military Banners Project

Ellwood City Borough Council voted to authorize implementation of the Ellwood City Military Banners project. The project will be led by Gabrielle Gretch. Gretch, a Riverside graduate who plans to attend UPMC Shadyside School of Nursing in January, said she was inspired to take on this project during her internship. “I did my scholarship on Leslie Sabo Jr. for the Historical society and shortly after was driving with my mom in Butler and asked why we didn’t have these in Ellwood,” she said. “I hope this will achieve great things and one day many streets in Ellwood will be filled…

November 16, 2020

Ellwood City Borough Council to Meet Tonight: Agenda

Ellwood City Borough Council will host its regular meeting tonight at 6 p.m. in the borough building’s auditorium. Council will give commendations to the following sports teams: the Ellwood City Girls Volleyball Team, the Ellwood City Varsity Boys Cross Country Team, and the Ellwood City Boys Golf Team. Council will also consider the following motions: Pre-Paid Voucher List dated 11/12/20 and List of Vouchers to be Paid dated 11/12/20: A motion to approve the Pre-Paid Voucher List dated 11/12/20, in the amount of $130,878.07, and the List of Vouchers to be Paid dated 11/12/20, in the amount of $191,605.98. New Sewer…

November 12, 2020

Ellwood City School District to Remain Virtual; Winter Sports to Begin

Students will not be returning to the school buildings for classes in the Ellwood City Area School District before November 30. During Thursday night’s board of directors meeting, Superintendent Dr. Wesley Shipley said he has been keeping a close eye on community spread. “The numbers I’ve been keeping based on data shows we have more cases this week than last,” he said. However, the school will move forward with winter sports including boys and girl’s basketball and varsity wrestling. The board approved hiring of winter coaches. Practices for those sports will begin on Monday with adherence to WPIAL and PIAA…

November 2, 2020

ECASD Transitions to Full-Remote Learning

Ellwood City Area School District has transitioned to full-remote learning beginning Tuesday, November 3. In a short statement made available on the district social media account Monday afternoon, the school made the initial announcement. @ec_high will be starting full remote learning on Tuesday, November 3! Students are required to join a google meet at the beginning of every class period according to the one hour delay schedule! #EC_Proud #ec_lincoln @ecdotorg @ECLedger @NewCastleNews — EC Lincoln High (@ec_high) November 2, 2020 In an email to Ellwoodcity.org on Monday afternoon, District Superintendent Dr. Wesley Shipley said, “The county data has us in…

October 30, 2020

Memorial Cornhole Tournament to Honor Elek Brown

The Elek Brown Memorial Cornhole Tournament will be held Sunday, November 8 in celebration of his life and to raise money for his family. Elek was a 5-year-old boy who loved numbers, Mario, painting, Legos, and cooking. His life was cut short on Saturday, October 17, 2020, when he unexpectedly died of cardiac arrest at his Franklin Township residence. He was a student at North Sewickley Church Pre-School and was loved and cherished by his parents James A. and Shannon Kay Higgins Brown. The tournament in his honor will be an outdoors, family friendly event held at Vinny’s, 620 Beaver…