Articles by Tracey Ferguson

ECASD to Assess Community Spread of Covid-19; Schools Not Closing Doors Yet

Ellwood City Area School District will access the community spread regarding Covid-19 on November 2nd to decide whether to keep schools open or transition to full-remote learning. In a letter issued Wednesday by District Superintendent Dr. Wesley Shipley, administrators announced a plan in moving education forward during the pandemic following meetings with the Pennsylvania Department of Health, Department of Education and Lawrence County Commissioners. “This past Monday our county moved into the substantial range of community spread,” Shipley said. “The Department of Health and Department of Education both recommend that we move to full-remote learning if our county is in the…


Fall Band Bash to Benefit 2021 Fireworks Display

Have you been itching to get out and enjoy a concert? Look no further than Ellwood City and the 1st Annual Ellwood City Fall Band Bash. Eric Rayner, organizer of the event, said he is thrilled to be able to have such an exciting fundraiser. “I think this event comes at a perfect time for a lot of people,” Rayner said. “2020 has been rough for everyone. With the pandemic causing most things to be canceled, and the non-stop election stuff, I think we all need something.” Beginning at Noon on November 7th at William Rodgers Memorial Park in Ellport,…


Ellwood City Borough Council to Meet Tonight: Agenda

Council is set to vote on a motion to authorize Gabrielle Gretch to move forward with the Ellwood City Military Banner project. 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 with…


Zelienople Airport Construction Project to Address Safety

The Zelienople Airport and the road surrounding it, are under construction, but not for the reasons that some area residents speculate. Theories and rumors would have drivers believe that the runway is being expanded for FedEx and UPS type planes for their nearby fulfillment centers, but Airport Manager, David Holman said that’s simply not true. “It’s complete rumor mill about FedEx or UPS using the airport,” Holman said. “The project is for obstruction removal in the approach surface of the airport.  It does shift the runway further north, although the overall length is only 67 feet longer.  It’s a safety…


New Business: Insurance Consultant Finds Success in Follow-up

Does shopping for insurance leave you frustrated, confused, unsure? Matthew Hrycko of Insurance Benefits of Pennsylvania says there is no need to feel that way. Hrycko recently opened an office at 716 Lawrence Ave and is now accepting appointments for consultation. Hrycko has been providing health life and employee benefits consulting services consulting services to the community for more than 10 years, and he says what sets him apart as an agent is customer service and follow up. You will always be able to speak to him personally. Part of that coverage that is an added benefit to consulting with…


Hudson Qualifies For PIAA Golf Championships

Ellwood City’s Joey Hudson shot a round of 83 at the par-70 Allegheny Country Club Thursday afternoon to finish 11th overall in the WPIAL boys golf championships, helping qualify for the state championships later this month. “My round at Allegheny was a roller coaster as I had many ups and downs throughout,” Hudson said. “The playing conditions at the course were tough as the winds were very high and the greens were lightning quick. I had only played one time at the course before the WPIAL finals.” Despite the challenges, Hudson nailed the most vital shot to his success—the tee…


2020 Graduate Seeks to Recognize Area Veterans with Military Banners

Gabrielle Gretch is on a mission to recognize local veterans. Gretch a 2020 Riverside graduate plans to present a plan of action to install military banners on the streets of Ellwood City at Monday night’s council meeting. I would love for as many people as possible to come to the meeting to support the idea,” she said. “Especially if you’re interested in buying a banner.” Gretch, 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…


ECASD Board Approves Phase Two Reopening Plan

The Ellwood City Area School District’s Board of Directors voted to move ahead with a Phase Two Reopening Plan proposed by Acting Superintendent Wes Shipley. The 5-4 vote will allow administrators to limit choices for families when it comes to choosing in school learning, a hybrid model, or a full cyber option. Directors Barbara Wilson, Matt Morella, Erica Gray, Jennifer Tomon, and Gary Rozanski supported the following plan proposed by Shipley during an Oct 5 Committee of the Whole Meeting: On Nov 2 families will have three options—full five day in school instruction, three day in school instruction, and Ecava….


Trucks of the Hollow hosting ‘Truck or Treat’

NOTE: This is part three of a series featuring Spooktacular Events in Lawrence County Cars, costumes, and candy. Join Trucks of the Hollow for their first annual “Truck or Treat.” Vehicles of all shapes and sizes are encouraged to join the lineup on Saturday, October 17 at 355 North Tower Road Fombell, PA 16123. Event organizer Kaytlin Wright said she hopes to see a big crowd of vehicles and participants. “We were inspired to do this Trunk or Treat since a lot of the Halloween-themed events in the area aimed at the kiddos were cancelled due to the pandemic,” Wright…


Fearscapes Haunted Attraction: An Immersive Escape

NOTE: This is part two of a series featuring Spooktacular Events in Lawrence County Need a good scare? You don’t have to go far. Fearscapes Haunted Attraction is right here in Ellwood City. Not only are they hosting their revamped walk through attraction, but they have also added an escape room. Escape room and attraction combined are a wicked mix science and the paranormal gone mad. According to Fearscapes website, deep within the Fearscapes facility, A mysterious and toxic chemical used to contain entities of unknown origin has been released. Reports show it may have been caused by equipment malfunction….