Recent Stories

Articles by Tracey Ferguson

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…

November 3, 2021

M@C Discount, Local Online Auction, Offers Deeply Discounted Merchandise

Going once, going twice, SOLD! M@C Discount is an online bidding platform where users from the Pittsburgh and surrounding areas can place bids and the highest bidder wins. The newest location at 6800 Big Beaver Boulevard, Rt 18, Beaver Falls opened in July and has been helping bidders find deals since the doors opened. The concept is pretty simple. Big box retailers like Walmart, Amazon, Kohl’s, Lowes, and others receive tons of returns and overstock other items. There has to be a place for these items to go. Look no further than M@C Discount. At M@C Discount, everyday consumers can…

October 26, 2021

Don’t Throw Summer Plants Away: Donate Them

Charlene Hall is on a mission to save the “summer” plants. Hall, 34, a local mom of two, wants to take any plants you no longer want off of your hands. She said many residents believe that once the summer is over, the plants used to beatify outdoor landscapes need to be thrown away. Hall said that is rarely the case. “People go out in spring and buy big pots of arrangements and don’t really know about each individual plant that is in there,” she said. Those pots full of plants just might contain a couple that can be repotted…

October 19, 2021

Local Hope Warrior Named ‘Woman of Courage’

Some define a woman of courage as a mother, others someone who helps their community, others a leader or teacher, others a survivor. Cara Atkinson is all of the above. The lifelong Ellwood City resident was recently named the recipient of the Pink Pamper’s Woman of Courage award. “Woman of Courage” is an award bestowed upon a cancer survivor who has made a huge contribution to the Western Pennsylvania Cancer Community. Atkinson said before even attending the event where she received the award, she felt like she had already won. I found out I was nominated by a lady who…

October 18, 2021

Council to Consider Street Vacations

Ellwood City Borough Council voted Monday night to advertise an ordinance vacating Locust Way from Fountain Avenue to Glen Avenue and Fountain Avenue from 5th Street to Locust Way. There has been speculation for months that Sheetz has its eye on that location in Ellwood City. Borough officials said they cannot and will not speak on behalf of Sheetz, Inc. or whether Sheetz is planning a location in the borough, but Borough Manager David Allen said the company has been researching that area. A public hearing regarding the street vacations will be held on November 8 at 5:45 p.m. According…

October 18, 2021

Two-Day Live Music Festival, Halloween Fun to Take Over Ellport

Live local music, a Halloween theme, events for kids, and some spooky fun for adults … you don’t want to miss the Ellwood City Band Bash. Local Resident Eric Rayner is back at it again raising money for the annual summer fireworks show while providing entertainment for the community. On October 22-23 ten musical acts will entertain the crowd at Robert E Rodgers Memorial Park in Ellport. “This is our best lineup yet,” Rayner said. EVENT LINE-UP: Friday October 22 (Gates Open at 4 p.m.) 4-4:45- Zakk Bissell 5-6 Eric Oliver 6:30-7:30 The Zoo 8-10 The Middle Room Saturday October…