Recent Stories

Articles by Tracey Ferguson

July 13, 2020

Happy Tails Pet Hotel and Daycare Open to the ‘Pup-lic’

Five star accommodations aren’t just for humans! Happy Tails Pet Hotel and Daycare will offer resort-ish style services that will leave your dogs, cats, bunnies, guinea pigs, birds, and exotic pets feeling posh and pampered. Madelyn Duncan, the facilities owner, has fur fabulous plans for the hotel. Paws have been her passion for as long as she can remember. “I grew up with many pets and around various types of farms,” she said. “I always wanted to work with animals, but I didn’t know in what capacity that would be. I am glad I have figured this dream out and…

July 10, 2020

ECASD Board Announces Elimination of Principal

*Note: This story was updated at 3 p.m. on July 10 to reflect the announcement of a resolution to suspend employment of a principal at Ellwood City Area School District. Citing a substantial decline in student enrollment of 15 percent during the 2015-2016 through 2019-2020 school years in the Lincoln High School, grades 7-12 building, the Ellwood City Area School District’s Board of Directors passed a resolution to suspend the employment of Nadia Engel, assistant principal at Lincoln High School. The resolution, received via email today, also states that the Board reserves the right to authorize and direct such other…

June 30, 2020

ECASD Board Votes to ‘Remove’ Principal, Hire Three Teachers

The Ellwood City Area School District Board of Directors has voted to “restructure” the administration to eliminate the position of one principal and hire three teachers (2nd, 3rd, 5th grades). In a last minute motion, before tabling a vote on the $30 million budget, Director Jean Biehls made the motion to remove the principal. Biehls was joined with yes votes from Board President Renee Pitrelli and Directors Barbara Wilson, Kathleen McCommons, and Norman Boots. Directors Jennifer Tomon, Erica Gray, and Gary Rozanski voted “no.” The same three directors voted “no” to the hiring of the three teachers. This motion and…

June 26, 2020

Local Man Works to Save Fireworks Again

For the second year in a row, Eric Rayner has fought to save the fireworks display. And he will get his wish. Council voted on June 17 to have the 2020 fireworks. Last year, the concern was a lack of funding. This year, the fireworks are fully funded but when the Annual Ellwood City Arts, Crafts, Food and Entertainment Festival was canceled for 2020, Rayner decided he did not want that to include a cancellation of the fireworks. The fireworks will begin at 9:30 p.m. July 3 at Steifel Park. He said the location was chosen for visibility. “I’m hoping…

June 25, 2020

Unity Rally to be Held In Ellwood City’s Community Plaza

A Unity Rally will be held on Sunday June 28 from 1 to 4 p.m. in the Community Plaza in Ellwood City. The event will feature a line-up of speakers. Organizers said the event is non-partisan and all are welcome and encouraged to attend and raise awareness of and show support for the Black Lives Matter and current Civil Rights Movement sweeping across our nation. In addition to speakers, NAACP and Lawrence County Action will have tables with information, and there will be a voter registration available as well. “I am proud to be part of this event and to…

June 18, 2020

Boutique Shopping Now Available on Fifth Street

Looking for a unique boutique shopping experience? Guess what? You don’t have to leave Ellwood City. Just head over to AOE Boutique at 213 Fifth Street for the store’s Grand Opening on June 20. Brittany Linko, owner, said the boutique will feature casual collections, snacks, shoes, and accessories. She said she could not pass up the cozy little spot she found for her business right in the heart of Ellwood City. “I found a gorgeous storefront with great bones on 5th St. for rent, and I knew it was just the right place for me,” said AOE Boutique Owner Brittany…

June 9, 2020

BLM Supporter Demands Borough Officials Break the Silence

A Black Lives Matter supporter and Ellwood City resident attended Monday’s Borough Council meeting to demand action in support of the movement. “I need action,” said Mary Maine. “I need this town to step up.” She said she is disappointed that the town’s leadership did not attend the protests and said they have failed to recognize the movement. She said she wants borough officials to break the silence. She also expressed the same disappointment in the local media who she said failed to cover the protests that were held downtown. “To be silent is to be complacent,” she said. Maine…

June 1, 2020

Lincoln Class of 2020 Parade Set For Tuesday; Community Participation Encouraged

June 2 will be a big day for Lincoln’s class of 2020. Not only will the graduates be featured in a graduate parade, but they will in fact get to have one last moment together in their caps and gowns thanks to the county moving to the green phase. Lincoln Principal Kirk Lape said before the parade, seniors will gather in the auditorium for the traditional “tassle turn.” At that time the graduates will turn their tassles from right to left signifying their accomplishment. Lape said this activity will be filmed and edited into the commencement ceremony film. Senior Class…

May 28, 2020

Lincoln High School Top Four And Graduating Class Of 2020

The Lincoln High School graduating class of 2020 will receive their diplomas Thursday May 28th and Friday May 29th at the Sgt. Leslie H. Sabo Memorial Auditorium. Lincoln High School is graduating 78 students. William Bubb is an Honorary Lincoln Military Graduate.  The following students will serve in the military upon graduation: Alexander Sablan – United States Air Force and Jolene Smith – United States Air Force. High Honor Graduates Hannah Keally PARENTS/GUARDIAN: Katie and Frank Keally CAREER PLANS: Fashion Designer NAME OF COLLEGE/SCHOOL YOU PLAN TO ATTEND: Kent State University ACTIVITIES AT SCHOOL/CHURCH/COMMUNITY: NHS (president) Peer Leadership Art Club…

May 27, 2020

ECASD Board of Directors Passes Proposed Budget; Changes Likely

The Ellwood City Area School District’s Board of Directors passed a proposed general fund budget of $30,472,335 for the fiscal year 2020-2021 in a 5-4 vote. Voting “No,” Director Barbara Wilson said she has numerous questions regarding the budget. Her main concern is how the board can possibly pass a budget that forecasts a $3 million defecit. Wilson wasn’t alone in her dissent. Directors Jean Biehls, Leroy Cortez, and Kathy McCommons joined her in rejecting the budget. Board President Renee Pitrelli and Directors Jennifer Tomon, Erica Gray, Norman Boots, and Gary Rozanski voted to pass the budget. The proposed budget…