Recent Stories

Articles by Tracey Ferguson

May 1, 2024

Ewing Park to Get ADA-Compliant Update: New Facility to Feature Adult Changing Table

There are some major conveniences that we take for granted. Like going out for the day and not having to worry about finding a restroom that is easily usable. We don’t always think about the struggles that others endure … we simply don’t even think about it. Councilwoman Jan Williams thought about it. She thought about the individuals that frequent Ewing Park that need special facilities with features that again most of us never think of. Williams is on a mission to bring a specialized facility to Ewing Park, specifically a facility that offers an adult changing table. Her idea…

May 1, 2024

The Riverside Hall of Fame: Karl Florie Built Powerhouse Team and Family of Football Players

NOTE: This is the first in a three-part series featuring The Riverside Hall of Fame’s first class, all coaches. The inductees will be honored at the First Annual Hall of Fame banquet at Shakespeare’s Restaurant this Saturday, May 4th, from 6 to 10 p.m. Attendees will celebrate the esteemed inagural class of: Dan Oliastro, Karl Florie, and Royann Winfield. Karl Florie, wasn’t the school board’s first choice to coach Riverside’s football program, but it came to pass that he was he was the right choice. Although his first season produced zero wins, he went on to build a program that became a powerhouse in…

April 17, 2024

Ellwood Area Family Center offering FREE Pickleball Clinics for Pickleball Month

John DiBuono has a passion for pickleball. So much so that he is instructing some pickleball clinics at the Ellwood Area Family Center, 311 College Street, Ellwood City,  just in time for April’s National Pickleball Month. Although pickleball has picked up recently in popularity, it has been around for decades. 2024 marks the 59th anniversary of pickleball. It was invented in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, a short ferry ride from Seattle, by three enterprising dads – Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum. It evolved from the original handmade equipment and simple rules into a popular sport throughout North America and…

April 17, 2024

Ellwood City Borough Council Approves Two Year Agreement with Valley Waste Service

During Monday night’s Ellwood City Borough Council meeting, Council approved a two-year option agreement with Valley Waste Service to provide for refuse, recycling & yard waste collection. The new contract expiration date will be June 30, 2026. Borough Manager Kevin Swogger said the first year there will be no increase, and the second option year will come with a four percent increase. Monthly costs are as follows July 1, 2024-June 30, 2025: 95 gallon, $17.96; 35 gallon: $14.95; and Yellow Bags, $25 per roll and for July 1, 2025-June 30, 2026: 95 gallon, $18.39; 35 gallon, $15.53; and Yellow Bags,…

April 12, 2024

ECASD’s Board of Directors Tables Motion to Dissolve the District’s Soccer Program

The Ellwood City Area School District’s Board of Directors voted to table a motion to dissolve the District Soccer program during their regular meeting Thursday night. The consideration was originally on the agenda after interest in the program seemed to dwindle when a Google Document for sign up wasn’t completed by enough students to develop enough of a roster to hold practices or maintain a consistent team. Board Director Jean Biehls made the motion to table it until next month to give the students a chance to ramp up recruitment efforts, and the rest of the board unanimously agreed. During…

April 12, 2024

PART THREE: Lincoln High School’s Schoolhouse Rock Live! Is A High Energy, Nostalgic Gem

Lincoln High School will present the musical, Schoolhouse Rock Live! starting tonight, April 12, 2024 in the high school auditorium, at 501 Crescent Avenue, Ellwood City (information about the show and how to get tickets can be found at the end of this article). I got a sneak peak at the show, and you don’t want to miss it! Under the direction of Rick Hudson, this musical is based on the 1970s cartoon. Check out an interview with Director Rick Hudson, here. Schoolhouse Rock Live! is a high energy, education of sorts that includes music, comedy, and a truly golden…

April 11, 2024

PART TWO: Lincoln High School’s Schoolhouse Rock Live! Cast Q&A

Lincoln High School will present the musical, Schoolhouse Rock Live! on April 12-14 in the high school auditorium, at 501 Crescent Avenue, Ellwood City (information about the show and how to get tickets can be found at the end of this article). The production features a cast and crew of high school students and is directed by Rick Hudson. We caught up with some of the leads in the show for a cast Q&A. Today’s Q&A is part two in a three-part series about Schoolhouse Rock Live!  Featured tomorrow will be part three, a review of the show and gallery…

April 10, 2024

PART ONE: Lincoln High School’s Schoolhouse Rock Live! Cast Q&A

Lincoln High School will present the musical, Schoolhouse Rock Live! on April 12-14 in the high school auditorium, at 501 Crescent Avenue, Ellwood City (information about the show and how to get tickets can be found at the end of this article). The production features a cast and crew of high school students and is directed by Rick Hudson. We caught up with some of the leads in the show for a cast Q&A. Today’s Q&A is part one in a three-part series about Schoolhouse Rock Live!  Featured tomorrow will be PART TWO, and part three will be a review…

April 9, 2024

Ellwood City Borough Council: Per Capita Letter, Application Sent in Error

When residents opened their electric bills this week, they also received a letter and a Per Capita Tax Exemption Application, but borough officials said both the letter and application should be discarded. Borough Council President Brad Ovial said the letter and form were sent in error. “Disregard the letter and application. It was a mistake that will be corrected and sent out next month,” he said. According to Ovial, residents should throw away the additional items received this week, but do need to fill out the form that will be received next month. In addition, there is no per capita…

April 8, 2024

Ready to Vote in the Primary Election on April 23?

The primary election is Tuesday, April 23, 2024. You can either vote in person or vote by mail. Voting in person If you plan to vote in person on Election Day, you can find your assigned polling place by checking the location listed at the bottom of your registration status page. Polls will be open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day. If you are a first-time voter or are voting at a new polling place, here are helpful tips to learn how to get ready. And be sure to arrange for transportation to your polling place in advance. View the Lawrence County polling…