Recent Stories

Articles by Tracey Ferguson

March 27, 2020

Borough Council Extends State of Emergency For Ellwood City

During a special Friday afternoon meeting, the Ellwood City Borough Council extended its State of Emergency in response to the ongoing novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) global pandemic. By law a declaration of a local state of emergency may not extend past seven days unless approved by the governing body of the borough  or municipality. The original announcement was made available by the Borough and Mayor Anthony Court last Friday. Social distancing has been encouraged within the borough and the special meeting was held via conference call on Friday. The declaration went into effect at 12:01 am on Saturday, March…

March 20, 2020

50 Flavors: Katie’s Korner Ice Cream Shop to Open in North Sewickley Township

Bubble Gum, Chocolate Chip, Grape, Oreo, Reese’s … Oh, my! Is your mouth watering yet? If not, it will be soon while making the trip to Katie’s Korner for homemade ice cream. Soon being May when owner of the franchise’s North Sewickley Township location hopes to open the doors. “We plan on opening in May,” said owner Gary Hummel. “We are excited to give local young people an opportunity for employment.” Hummel also said he is looking forward to running an energetic business with a friendly crew that will be a meeting place for friends and families to gather and…

March 19, 2020

Ellwood City Area Chamber of Commerce Creates Business Updates Page in Wake of Coronavirus

In uncertain times, communities must come together to support one another and the local businesses. The Ellwood City Area Chamber of Commerce has taken the opportunity to create a Facebook page in support of local businesses to post updates during the Coronavirus pandemic. “Ellwood City Area Business Updates” is a place where businesses and the community can come together online to post hours, specials, and ways to help. “I wanted to create a group separate from the Chamber page where businesses, whether they are chamber members or not, could post updates for the community,” said Ellwood City Area Chamber of…

March 18, 2020

ECASD, RHS Release COVID-19 School Closure Information: Food Services

*Press Release from Ellwood City Area School District The Ellwood City Area School District will be providing meals to any child 18 and under. Breakfast will be from 8 to 9 a.m. and Lunch will be from 11:30-12:30. The locations for meal pick up are as follows: North Side Primary Perry Lower Intermediate Lincoln/Harman Any child 18 and under is eligible for free meals regardless of district, free, reduced or paid status.  Any child can go to any location – they do not have to go to the school they attend.  The child or children must be present to get…

March 18, 2020

Borough Officials Address Coronavirus

With 96 confirmed cases of Coronavirus in the state of Pennsylvania as of March17, 2020—one announced in Beaver County—Ellwood City residents were taking to Facebook to suggest use of the Ellwood City Medical Center (ECMC) as an option for treatment and testing. During Monday night’s Borough Council Meeting, Ellwood City Mayor Anthony Court said he has received numerous calls this week asking if the ECMC will be a post for virus testing and treatment. Court said that scenario is not a possibility. “We don’t own the hospital,” he said. Court said that in order for that to happen, a trustee…

March 16, 2020

Ellwood City Police Department Boxing Club Seeking Donations to Keep Mentoring Program Going

The Ellwood City Police Department Boxing Club packs a one-two punch. One, they mentor area youth and two, they provide an outlet for fitness. Located in the basement of the borough building, the gym has a ring, punching bags, and nostalgic newspaper clippings and posters papering the walls and telling a rich and interesting story of the organization’s history. The ECPD Boxing Club has been working with youth for decades and the coaches have generational ties to the group. Jack Maine Jr. has been part of the organization since the 70s when he was throwing punches in the ring. Now…

March 13, 2020

Ellwood City School Administrators Continue to Monitor, Discuss Coronavirus Situation

During the Ellwood City School District Director’s meeting Thursday evening, Superintendent Joseph Mancini said the administrators continue to monitor the Coronavirus situation but that a lot of questions remain unanswered at this point. Mancini said administrators met Thursday morning and despite discussion, plenty of questions remain regarding the logistics of continuation of services—such as health services and school lunches—are concerned should school need to close long-term. The district implemented an Act 80 day for Monday, March 16, to allow staff to prepare for any upcoming changes or mandates. They also were planning to attend a webinar this morning that was…

March 13, 2020

Ellwood City Area School Directors Pass Amended Kindergarten Admission Policy

The Ellwood City Area School Directors approved Policy 201 Admission of Students during the Thursday night voting meeting. The policy was amended for early admission to kindergarten. The amended section regarding early admission to kindergarten now states: Physical, social and emotional maturity must be adequate to function satisfactorily in the Ellwood City Area School District’s kindergarten program. Criteria for early entrance includes the following: The child must turn five years old by September 15 of the school year of enrollment. The child seeking early entrance must have completed two years of preschool experience. A written letter of request from the…

March 12, 2020

Borough Announces 2020 Yard Waste Pickup Dates

The Ellwood City Borough has announced pickup dates for the borough issued yard waste bin collections. Yard waste bins are collected on specified weeks throughout the calendar years. Dates are also provided on borough utility bills. The nine pickup dates for 2020 are as follows: Week of May 11 Week of June 8 Week of July 6 Week of August 17 Week of September 14 Week of October 12 Week of October 26 Week of November 9 Week of November 23 Per the Borough’s website regarding yard waste pickup procedures: “Green borough yard waste bins are also available for residents to…

March 11, 2020

Ellwood City Area School District Superintendent Addresses Coronavirus

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is the hottest topic in the world today. Ellwood City Area School District Superintendent Joseph Mancini said the district is having discussions regarding the disease, but that no major moves or changes have been made as of yet to address the situation. He said district administrators are staying on top of the reports, discussing, and researching the disease’s reach on a daily basis. He said the district is taking the stance right now of “don’t panic, but prepare.” “There has been increased cleaning of high touch areas,” he said during the Ellwood City Area School District’s Board…