Recent Stories

Articles by Tracey Ferguson

December 21, 2020

Ellwood City Borough Council to Meet Tonight: Agenda

Ellwood City Council will meet tonight at 6 p.m. via Zoom (dial in: 1 (301) 715-8592, :meeting ID 99653235342 #, Passcode 070664). Motions on the agenda include: A motion to approve the Pre-Paid Voucher List dated 12/15/20, in the amount of $493,154.63, and the List of Vouchers to be Paid dated 12/15/20, in the amount of $495,003.93. A motion to approve the Departmental Reports, as submitted. A motion to adopt an Ordinance, as submitted, establishing the real property tax rate at 8.75 mills for the year 2021. A motion to adopt an ordinance, as submitted, approving the editing and inclusion…

December 18, 2020

ECASD Board of Directors Officially Hires Superintendent

During a “Special Board Meeting” conducted at 5 p.m. on Friday, December 18, the Ellwood City Area School District’s Board of Directors voted to hire Interim Superintendent Dr. Wesley Shipley. The special meeting was announced on Monday. His five-year contract adds up to more than $1 million. Directors Jennifer Tomon and Erica Gray were the lone “No” votes. Tomon said her vote was because of budgetary reasons. “This compensation package, that averages over $212,000 year, sets a dangerous precedent,” Tomon said. “This board is saddling the public with this expense. The same people who were left unemployed when the Medical…

December 17, 2020

Christ Presbyterian Hosting Third Thursday Community Meal

Christ Presbyterian Church will be hosting its Third Thursday Community Meal tonight at 4 p.m. and will serve the community until the food runs out. The church welcomes anyone who feels like they need a home-cooked meal. There is no requirement or proof of need. The church has been hosting this monthly meal since the first one in September. According to Michelle Sutton, deacon at the church, the community gathering has been a success serving on average 120 people per month. She said although the meals have to be distributed as take out only in the church’s parking lot, because…

December 16, 2020

Santa Claus Is Coming To Ellport

Do you still need to give Santa your wishlist? Are you worried that you won’t get to see Santa this Christmas season? There’s no need to shout, cry, or pout because Santa Claus is coming to Ellport. Joseph A. Tomon, Jr. Funeral Home & Crematory is hosting a drive-through visit with Santa at its 97 Grim Avenue facility. “We knew our portico would make a great outdoor spot for a Santa visit, and The Big Guy agreed,” said Jennifer Tomon. “We are so excited he’s making a stop in Ellport this year. Santa is looking forward to seeing everyone.” Rain…

December 3, 2020

ECASD Board Names New President, Changes to 2021 Meeting Schedule

Ellwood City School District’s Board of Directors held their reorganization meeting Thursday evening where Director Jean Biehls was named president and Director Gary Rozanski was named vice president. Biehls and Rozanski were the only directors nominated for their positions and both nominations were opposed by Director Jennifer Tomon. Director Erica Gray was not in attendance. Biehls said she will make committee appointments in the next couple weeks. The board also established a plan for the meeting schedule for 2021 and announced that meetings will be held on the 1st and 2nd Thursdays of the month. Because of the Covid-19 pandemic,…

December 3, 2020

ECASD to Remain Full Virtual Until January 11

Students in the Ellwood City Area School District will not be returning to the school buildings any time before January 11. The District’s Board of Directors voted Thursday evening unanimously to continue virtual learning up to that date. The board and administrators will revisit Covid-19 numbers and community spread during the board’s January 7 meeting. Until then, Acting Superintendent Dr. Wesley Shipley will work with administrators, teachers, and staff to develop a hybrid plan in the hopes for partial return to classes on January 11. Shipley said he believes that is the best way to proceed for the safety and…

December 3, 2020

Chamber Hosting Virtual Ugly Sweater 5K Fun Run

If you’ve always dreamed of doing a 5K but felt intimidated, this is your time. The Ellwood City Area Chamber of Commerce is holding its first-ever Ugly Sweater 5K Fun Run virtually. Participants can run, walk, swim, treadmill, or bike from the location of their choice. It’s freedom and fun at your own pace. And to top off the fun, all participants will receive a long-sleeve tech shirt, finisher medal and swag bag. Ellwood City Area Chamber of Commerce Director Dale Thompson said the Chamber is excited to be able to have this fun event virtually and safely. According to…

December 2, 2020

Chamber of Commerce Hosting Reindeer Route

Don’t miss your chance to take a ride on the Reindeer Route. With Covid-19 cases rising, the Ellwood City Area Chamber of Commerce was tasked to think outside of the box as how to continue the celebration of Christmas. After a brainstorming session, the Reindeer Route was the answer. Families will be able to travel through town enjoying lights, decorations, and several beloved blow up characters all from the safety of their own vehicle. Join the police led procession Saturday, December 5, at 5:30 p.m. on Glen Avenue. Dale Thompson, director of the Ellwood City Area Chamber of Commerce, said…

November 19, 2020

AHA Training, American Red Cross and Emergency Response Training Now Available in Ellwood City

Since 2017, Star of Life Training has been offering First Aid, CPR, or Emergency Response Training for employers and individuals. Now there is a location right in the heart of Ellwood City. Located at 315 Fifth Street, Star of Life Training is an American Red Cross Training Partner, American Safety and Health Institute training center and Emergency Medical Response trainer for the Pennsylvania Department of Health.  Star of Life Training is also partnered with Babcock Health Education Services out of Florida and is an American Heart Association Training Center. Owners Robert and Heather Kratz, who live in Franklin Township, with…

November 18, 2020

First Local Meadery to Open in Ellwood City

If you want to partake in the drink of the Norse Gods, you might want to stop into Fitzgibbon Meadery at 536 Lawrence Avenue. You also can stop in if you just enjoy a delicious mead or country wine in general. The locally owned and sourced meadery will be opening its doors on November 28. There will something for every palate ranging from dry to sweet in a variety of flavors. Owners Eric and Misa McAnallen look forward to introducing their community to their homemade meads. “As Ellwood City’s only Meadery, we’ve taken it upon ourselves to introduce our corner…