Recent Stories

Articles by Tracey Ferguson

June 25, 2021

‘Operation Adopt a Block’ Seeking Volunteers for June 26 Cleanup

Operation Adopt a Block will be in full force tomorrow as local leaders, officials, and residents gather to clean up Ellwood City. Justin Neupauer, owner of Alborn Tire Sales and leader of the event, said he is expecting about 50 volunteers but more are always welcome. “I am always shocked by the response of people who are willing to take time out of their day to volunteer,” he said. Neupauer will be joined by co-organizers Councilman Caleb Cragle, Councilman Rob Brough, Councilwoman Judith Dici, Mayor Anthony Court, Matt Morabito of Morabito Mowing, and Eric Rayner of the festival committee. Members…

June 24, 2021

Ellwood City Area School District Students to Begin Fall Classes Mask-Free

Following more than a year of ups and downs, uncertainty, masks and social distancing, Ellwood City Area School District plans to begin the 2021-2022 school year on a normal note. During Thursday’s Special Meeting of the Ellwood City Area School District’s Board of Directors, District Superintendent Dr. Wesley Shipley announced that the district’s ARP ESSER Health and Safety plan will not include masks for back to school. He said that his administration believes that learning is a social activity and as such requires students to interact without masks or social distancing. “We have every plan to open full-time, mask-free, and…

June 22, 2021

Ellwood City Council Urges Residents to Obey Traffic Signs, Property Ordinances

The resounding message provided by Ellwood City Borough Council on Monday was urgency from officials to follow the rules and the laws and to take pride in their city. Mayor Anthony Court warned residents that speeding and stop sign violations will result in citations. “This is the warning,” he said. Councilman Rob Brough addressed blight and said that violations of ordinances regarding yard waste and lawn maintenance will be enforced. Specific requirements can be viewed by clicking here. Borough Manager David Allen said because of incidents of vandalism, cameras will be installed in Ewing Park for monitoring. He also provided…

June 11, 2021

Dan Parson Named Northside Primary School’s Principal

The Ellwood City Area School District’s Board of Directors voted Thursday night to officially hire Dan Parson as Northside Primary School’s Principal at a salary of $88,000. All board members voted yes with Directors Jennifer Tomon and Kathleen McCommons absent from the vote. Parson was named interim principal during an August 4, 2020 special meeting of the board, where directors accepted the early retirement of then principal Christine Gibbons. Before his official appointment, Parson discussed some of the initiatives, activities, and plans for Northside. He said plans are being made to transition the school’s library into a Student Learning Center….

May 7, 2021

Part Three: 2021 Primary Election Candidate Q&A

This is the third in a three-part series featuring a Q&A with the candidates for Ellwood City Borough Council and Ellwood City Area School District’s Board of Directors. Today’s Q&A features Ellwood City Area School District’s Board of Directors candidates Barbara Wilson and Claire Fauzey. Yesterday’s Q&A featured candidates Kathleen McCommons, Renee Pitrelli, and Kathy Tillia. (Candidates Norman Boots, JoEllen Eichler, and Kathy Pansera did not participate).  Primary Elections are just around the corner. Residents will be able to place their votes on May 18. To find your polling location, click here. To learn more about the voting process and how…

May 6, 2021

Part Two: 2021 Primary Election Candidate Q&A

This is the second in a three-part series featuring a Q&A with the candidates for Ellwood City Borough Council and Ellwood City Area School District’s Board of Directors. Today’s Q&A features Ellwood City Area School District’s Board of Directors candidates Kathleen McCommons, Renee Pitrelli, and Kathy Tillia. Tomorrow’s Q&A will  feature school director candidates: Barbara Wilson and Claire Fauzey (Candidates Norman Boots, JoEllen Eichler, and Kathy Pansera did not participate). Primary Elections are just around the corner. Residents will be able to place their votes on May 18. To find your polling location, click here. To learn more about the voting…

May 5, 2021

Part One: 2021 Primary Election Candidate Q&A

This is the first in a three-part series featuring a Q&A with the candidates for Ellwood City Borough Council and Ellwood City Area School District’s Board of Directors. Today’s Q&A features Ellwood City Borough Council candidates Jan Williams, Brad Ovial, and Jim Barry (Michele Lamenza did not participate). Tomorrow’s Q&A will feature school director candidates. Primary Elections are just around the corner. Residents will be able to place their votes on May 18. To find your polling location, click here. To learn more about the voting process and how to cast your vote, click here. Take a moment to get to…

April 29, 2021

Riverside School District ‘Happy Days’ Cast Q&A

Starting this weekend, The Riverside Beaver County School District will present its 2021 musical comedy – “HAPPY DAYS – The Musical” We caught up with two of the leads for a Q&A session and also a special message to the Riverside actors from original cast member Donnie Most who played Ralph on the TV series (video at the end of the story): Haylee Anderson Part in Musical? Pinky Tuscadero Current Grade? 12th Previous leads/musicals you’ve been in? I’ve been in seussical, drowsy chaperone, shrek, state fair, and last year I was the supporting lead, Hedy, in How to Succeed in…

April 20, 2021

Borough Awards Waste Removal Bid

Ellwood City Borough Council awarded the bid for collection of refuse, recycling, and yard waste to Valley Waste during Monday’s meeting. Borough Manager David Allen said garbage has been on the top of his priority list since he arrived in his position at the borough a little more than two years ago. He said the new program provides the most options possible for smooth, efficient, and cost friendly removal of waste. “We negotiated fantastic pricing to hit all needs and concerns of the citizens,” he said. The new program will offer residents the choice of containers as well as a…

April 19, 2021

Ellwood City Borough Council to Meet Tonight

Ellwood City Borough Council will meet in person tonight, April 19, at 5:30 for a special meeting where council will consider the Intermunicipal transfer of liquor license (Barry Quick Mart, LLC). Another special meeting will be held at 5:45 for the consideration of a Conditional Use Request (EFN Ellwood Property, LLC). The regular council meeting will follow at 6 p.m. On the agenda: A motion to approve the Pre-Paid Voucher List dated 4/13/21, in the amount of $416,469.38, and the List of Vouchers to be Paid dated 4/15/21, in the amount of $485,212.42. A motion to approve the Departmental Reports,…