Articles by Tracey Ferguson

December 16, 2025

EC Borough Council Passes Budget; Recognizes Young Hero

Ellwood City Borough Council voted to adopt an ordinance to establish the real property tax rate at 11.75 mills for the year 2026 and also voted to pass a resolution adopting a 2026 budget. Councilman James Barry and Councilman James Johnson both voted “No” to the real property tax rate and the resolution to adopt the 2026 budget. Councilman George Celli voted “No” to adopt a 2026 budget. Council had to pass both motions in time for the end of year deadline, however, both votes will likely be revisited once the budget is reopened in 2026 when newly elected Councilman…

December 10, 2025

NEW Business: Meet the Heart Behind Rosies Daycare Center

There’s a good chance you’ve heard the buzz about Rosies Daycare Center—the warm, cheerful new space tucked inside a lovingly repurposed old school building at 603 Bridge Street in Ellwood City. And behind every color-splashed craft wall, every happy preschool circle time, and every laugh from the group of kids, you’ll find one very determined, very passionate hometown woman: Mackenzie Annarumo. Mackenzie, who grew up just down the road in Fombell, now lives two doors down from her childhood home. With her husband of four years (together for ten!) and their preteen son, she’s turned her love of community into…

December 9, 2025

New Little Free Library Brings Big Community Spirit to Ellport

A new chapter is opening—literally—in Ellport, with the debut of the borough’s very own Little Free Library, a charming, book-filled box ready to spark curiosity, conversation, and community connection. The beautifully painted library, perched at Ellport Playground Park (Sheeler Field area), is hard to miss. Painted blue and white with the iconic Free Little Library tag with the words “Take a Book, Leave a Book” proudly displayed, it looks like something straight out of a storybook itself. To have a Little Free Library in Ellport was an idea that Dawna Poole, Ellport resident, felt strongly should be brought to life….

December 9, 2025

Borough Manager Completes The Certified Borough Officials Program

Ellwood City’s Borough Manager, Kevin Swogger, recently completed The Certified Borough Officials Program. I feel the training and courses I have completed help me to be a better leader/manager for the community and the Borough,” Swogger said. “The classes range from on-line to in classroom and cover a wide range of areas such as administrative, management, planning, zoning, and code enforcement to name a few. It also includes Annual Conferences and Newly Elected Municipal Officials (NEMO) Boot Camp.” The Certified Borough Officials (CBO) designation is a voluntary, educational achievement program for borough officials. It is designed to promote continuing education for…

December 5, 2025

ECASD Board of Directors Reorganizes, Welcomes Newcomer, Announces Meeting 2026 Dates

The Ellwood City Area School District’s Board of Directors held its election of officers for 2026 during Thursday’s combined meeting. The meeting began with swearing in re-elected and newly elected board members including: Norman Boots, Claire Fauzey, Kathy Galbreath, Nick Mancini, and Kathy Tillia. Galbreath will serve as board president for 2026. She was nominated by Boots and received votes from Boots, Director Kevin Boariu, Tillia, and Mancini. Board President for 2025, Jennifer Tomon, was also nominated by Director Jean Biehls and received votes from Biehls, Director Erica Gray, and Fauzey. Boots will serve as board vice president for 2026….

November 17, 2025

Council Establishes Stop Intersection on College Street at First Avenue

Ellwood City Borough Council voted 4-2 to establish a stop intersection on College Street at First Avenue (northbound and southbound). “No” votes came from Councilman George Celli and Councilwoman Jan Williams. Councilman Caleb Cragle was absent from the meeting. Before the vote, Borough Resident Robert Dibuono asked council to vote down the stop intersection. He said forcing traffic to stop there would impact the ability for some vehicles to get a running start to make it up the hill in the winter and might also be difficult for vehicles to stop at the bottom of the hill. Dibuono typically travels…

November 15, 2025

ECASD Board of Directors Vote to Fund North Side, Hartman Capital Improvements

The Ellwood City Area School District’s Board of Directors voted 5-3 to Adopt a Resolution, as prepared by Bond Counsel, authorizing the issuance of General Obligation Bonds, in an amount not to exceed $11,905,000, for capital improvements to the School District’s educational facilities (View a copy of the study here). Directors Kathy Galbreath, Kathy Tillia, and Kevin Boariu voted “No” on the motion. Director Norman Boots was absent from the meeting. Before the vote, district resident Lynn Jones spoke out against the resolution citing a concern for a raise in taxes. She said that residents cannot afford yearly increases to…

November 5, 2025

Nov 4 Municipal Election Results: Lawrence County

Unofficial results from today’s (Nov 4, 2025) Municipal Election have been posted. According to Lawrence County’s website, there were 25,423 ballots cast in Lawrence County. Of those, 5,646 were mail in votes. The total voter turnout was 44.38%. Click here for full unofficial results. Ellwood City Borough Council welcomes back 3 incumbents and one newcomer (vote total next to candidate): Newcomer, JOSEPH D MANCINI (Dem/Rep) 1,204 (with an additional 20 votes in the one Beaver County precinct) MICHELE LAMENZA (Dem/Rep) 1,017 (with an additional 14 votes in the one Beaver County precinct) BRAD OVIAL (Rep) 897 (with an additional 8…

October 31, 2025

Ellwood City Boxer Jordan Carr: Building Dreams One Round At A Time

At just 24 years old, Ellwood City’s Jordan Carr is a young man with a humble attitude, a relentless work ethic, and a knockout dream. By day, he’s juggling a full schedule—working in construction and apprenticing at a local barbershop—but when the gloves go on, he’s all business in the boxing ring. He’ll take his signature dedication and focus into the ring tomorrow, Saturday, November 1, at the Steel Standing Fight (promoted by Hazard Pay Fight Co.) from 7 to 11 p.m. at AHN Montour Sports Complex in Coraopolis. “I am so excited to be able to live out my…

October 30, 2025

Faith in the School Day: Local Program Offers Released Time Bible Classes

Kids Quest has quietly become a vibrant hub of support, enrichment, and faith for elementary students in Ellwood City. Far more than just religious education, Kids Quest bridges academics, recreation, and spiritual formation across generations. “This is an effort involving many churches and families in our district,” said founding board member Sean Brubaker. Over the past few years, its programs have grown, its volunteers rallied, and its impact begun to ripple across neighborhoods—providing a space where children feel valued, supported, and encouraged to grow. “We have been around for five years now and have had as many as 80 students enrolled…

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