Recent Stories

Articles by Tracey Ferguson

December 20, 2021

Council Takes Step to Recoup Funds Owed by Former Medical Center

Ellwood City Borough Council unanimously approved a resolution to collect $450,000 in delinquent utility bills and taxes owed by the former Ellwood City Medical Center. Pelorus Equity Group Inc. is the current owner of that debt. “This is a good step forward toward resolution with this property,” said Borough Manager David Allen. Allen explained that this is simply the first step in the process to regain the delinquent funds. The next step, he said is Federal Court. This step by the borough follows an October 29, 2021 Ellwood City Area School District Board of Directors vote to accept a delinquent…

December 17, 2021

Council to Consider Sheetz Store, Liquor License for El Canelo

Ellwood City Borough Council will consider approving a request by Sheetz, Inc. to have a Sheetz convenience store with self-serve sale of motor fuels at 5th Street/Glen Avenue during its regular meeting on Monday, December 20, at 6 p.m. 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 on November 15. The only “No” vote at that time came from Councilman Jim Barry. Councilwoman Judith Dici was absent from the November meeting. During a public hearing of the Ellwood City Borough Council…

December 10, 2021

Biehls, Rozanski to Lead ECASD Board; Pitrelli Appointed to Vacant Seat

The Ellwood City Area School District’s Board of Directors held its reorganization and regular voting meeting Thursday night. Current Board President Jean Biehls was again named president in a unanimous vote as was Board Vice President Gary Rozanski. They will lead the board in 2022. Kathy McCommons and Norman Boots were relected and will continue their efforts along with Claire Fauzy and newcomer Kathy Tillia. The four directors were sworn in by Biehls. The Ellwood City Area School District’s Board of Directors appointed Claire Fauzy during the August 5, 2021 committee/voting meeting to fill the position left vacant after the…

December 9, 2021

ECASD Announces Plans for Flexible Instruction Days (FIDs)

Ellwood City Area School District recently released a letter to families announcing Flexible Instruction Days (FIDs). FIDs allow the district to conduct remote learning when the weather prohibits safe travel to in person learning at the school facilities. According to Superintendent Dr. Wesley Shipley, the district has been approved to use up to five FIDS during inclement weather conditions. When weather prohibits the safe transportation of students, the District may announce that school is “CLOSED-Flexible Instruction Day.” “This means that schools will operate remotely as we learned to do during the pandemic closures,” Shipley said. “When an FID is called,…

December 8, 2021

ECASD to Move to Remote Learning for Three Days

Ellwood City Area School will temporarily move to remote learning for the three days leading up to the Christmas Break. The days include Dec. 20, 21, and 22. Teachers and Instructional aides will work remotely with students for a full day on Monday and Tuesday and a half-day on Wednesday. “This is an effort to reduce exposure to COVID prior to the holidays,” said Superintendent Dr. Wesley Shipley. He said although the case number is low, the decision was based on many factors including: The district currently has over 70 students out on quarantine due to community contacts—this would provide…

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…