Recent Stories

Articles by Tracey Ferguson

August 18, 2020

Borough Council Accepts Coronavirus Funding

Ellwood City Borough Council voted to accept $80,052.28 in Coronavirus Relief Monies during its Regular meeting on Monday. The funding comes with numerous restrictions for use of which the county and borough officials are researching. “There are tons of restrictions,” said Borough Manager David Allen. Some needs, according to Allen, the funds could be used for include Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and assistance for local first responders who were unable to work because of the virus. Mayor Anthony Court’s Report The mayor thanked Council for hiring police officers. He said there was a great need due to understaffing. “It’s a…

August 17, 2020

EC Borough Council to Meet Tonight

The Ellwood City Borough Council will hold its meeting tonight at 6 p.m. in the auditorium of the Borough Building. The meeting has accommodations to be awarded as well as resolutions and other business. The borough will look to adopt a resolution to approve the Coronavirus Relief Fund Recipient Agreement from Lawrence County. Council will also discuss a proposal for an annual clean-up program and field requests. A public hearing and special council meeting are also scheduled for August 24th to discuss zoning on Mt. Vernon Drive. To view the agenda, Click Here.

August 11, 2020

ECASD Board to Consider Virtual Broadcasts for Sports Spectators

Ellwood City Area School District’s sports could be virtual for spectators come Fall. The board is set to consider a proposal that would include a $2,000 cost to stream home games. “It is a great way to get our sports out there,” said Interim Superintendent Wes Shipley. With the continuation of Covid-19, state mandated restrictions and regulations will cause a new look to the upcoming sports seasons. This plan to stream the games for spectators will enable parents to still see the kids play via video and will leave room for the most participation by students as cheerleaders and the…

July 24, 2020

ECASD New Board Director Has Determined Focus on Education

Matt Morella is back and has his sights set on education. Morella is no stranger to the Ellwood City Area School District Board of Directors as he has served on the board before. He is also invested in the community. Morella grew up in Ellwood City alongside his brother and sister before spreading his wings to earn a BA in Political Science from the University of Pittsburgh and is currently preparing for the Bar Exam after earning a Juris Doctor (JD) from Pitt’s School of Law. Morella joined the board on July 3 when he replaced former Director Leroy Cortez,…

July 23, 2020

Word Alive Church To Host Free Drive-In Movie

Looking for a fun Friday night family activity? Head over to Word Alive Church tomorrow night (July 24) for a free drive-in movie night. “Word Alive is putting this event on to give a safe fun event for the community during the pandemic,” said Word Alive Church Pastor Matthew Reynolds. “We will also offer free popcorn and snacks (handed out in prepackaged bags). It starts at 9 p.m. and is a fun event for the whole family.” The drive-in is open to the community and will be held in the church parking lot. Viewers can use their FM radio to…

July 21, 2020

Mayor Urges Community to Slow Down; Council Hires Part-Time Officer

During Monday’s Borough Council Meeting, Mayor Anthony Court had one message for the community: Slow down and obey traffic signs. Court warned that if he continues to receive complaints about speeding and other traffic violations, police will setup points of surveillance and tickets will be issued. “Gotta slow down,” Court said. “It’s that simple.” He said numerous complaints have been made about violations on Sunset Boulevard and Perry Street as well as other areas in the borough. In other news, council decided to reject bids for the 2020 Paving Program. Borough Manager David Allen said bids came in 30 percent…

July 17, 2020

ECASD: Mancini Out, Shipley In As Interim Superintendent

In a special meeting Friday night, the Ellwood City Area School District’s Board of Directors accepted the resignation of Superintendent Joseph Mancini (effective September 22, 2020), voted to put him on administrative leave with pay until that date, and replaced him with Interim Superintendent Dr. Wes Shipley. Board President Renee Pitrelli; Board Vice President Gary Rozanski; and Directors Barbara Wilson, Matt Morella, Jean Biehls, Norman Boots, and Kathleen McCommons supported the moves. Directors Jennifer Tomon and Erica Gray dissented. Tomon publicly questioned Pitrelli regarding the appointment of Wesley as interim superintendent. “When did the board direct you to do so?”…

July 17, 2020

Ellwood City Borough Council to Meet Monday

Ellwood City Borough Council will hold its regular monthly meeting on Monday at 6 p.m. in the auditorium of the building. The following is the meeting agenda: 4:30pm – EXECUTIVE SESSION (Police Contract Negotiations) 5:45pm – 2019 Audit presentation (Mark Turnley, CPA) AGENDA/MOTION SHEET I. OPENING EXERCISES: A) Call to Order B) Roll Call C) Invocation – Norina Owens, Women of Faith International D) Pledge of Allegiance E) Visitors F) Communications II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Regular Meeting 6/17/20 A motion would be in order to approve the Minutes of the Regular Meeting held 6/17/20, as submitted. III. APPROVAL OF VOUCHERS:…

July 14, 2020

ECASD Planning Multiple Options for Back to School

Back to School this year could look quite different for the Ellwood City Area School District. Due to Covid-19, going back isn’t just as simple as going back. With state mandates and guidelines changing weekly, if not daily, administrators and educators in the district are working to develop multiple plans for multiple scenarios. The district’s pandemic task force and its subcommittees have been meeting regularly to make sure that students can return safely. “In late June, we were hoping for a full reopening,” said ECASD’s Superintendent Joseph Mancini at a recent board of directors meeting. Mancini said that hope changed…

July 14, 2020

ECASD Board Passes SEIU Contract

Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 32BJ workers in the Ellwood City Area School Disrict now have a contract. The School Board unanimously approved a 6-year contract, which will secure all the jobs of the district cafeteria, custodial, maintenance, secretary/clerks and instructional and personal aides. According to Thomas Breth, legal counsel for the district, terms under the new contract, which is retroactive to 2017, all employees will remain employees. Workers agreed to a wage freeze. In addition, new hires will be subject to the elimination of one paid holiday, a reduction in starting wage, employee-only healthcare coverage, and a longer…