Recent Stories

Articles by Tracey Ferguson

July 2, 2025

PART TWO: Ellwood City Arts, Crafts, Food & Entertainment Festival Series: The Eldorado Band Brings Rockin’ Country to Ellwood City Festival

In our annual series spotlighting the annual Ellwood City Arts, Crafts, Food & Entertainment Festival, we look at a series of subjects, people, and entertainers who will help the festival make its mark this 4th of July holiday season. VIEW PART ONE PART TWO: Ellwood City Arts, Crafts, Food & Entertainment Festival Series: The Eldorado Band Brings Rockin’ Country to Ellwood City Festival As the sun sets over Ewing Park this Fourth of July weekend, the air will be filled with the electrifying sounds of The Eldorado Band, Pittsburgh’s premier rockin’ country band. Known for their dynamic performances and a blend…

July 1, 2025

PART ONE: Ellwood City Arts, Crafts, Food & Entertainment Festival Series: Morgan Gruber: From Fombell to American Idol to the Festival Stage

In our annual series spotlighting the annual Ellwood City Arts, Crafts, Food & Entertainment Festival, we look at a series of subjects, people, and entertainers who will help the festival make its mark this 4th of July holiday season. PART ONE: Ellwood City Arts, Crafts, Food & Entertainment Festival Series: Morgan Gruber: From Fombell to American Idol to the Festival Stage Morgan Gruber, a rising country music star from Fombell, Pennsylvania, is set to captivate audiences at the Ellwood City Arts, Crafts, Food & Entertainment Festival on Saturday, July 5, from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Known for her heartfelt lyrics…

June 27, 2025

ECASD Board of Directors Takes Action for Upcoming School Year; Bids Farewell to Superintendent

The Ellwood City Area School District’s Board of Directors took action on a long lineup of business in preparation for the upcoming school year and bid farewell to Superintendent Dr. Wesley Shipley during Thursday’s voting meeting. Shipley in attendance at his last meeting before Dr. Amy Anderson takes over as superintendent said his time at Ellwood is a time he will treasure and miss. “It was by far the best five years of my administrative career.” Shipley said working with the administrators and staff at ECASD was truly a pleasure and feels that they all accomplished a lot together. He…

June 27, 2025

Tractor Supply Nearing Opening in Ellwood City

The wait is nearly over for local farmers, pet enthusiasts, and DIY aficionados: Tractor Supply Company will officially open its doors in Ellwood City soon. “We are excited to share we’re getting close to opening! Currently, the grand opening is scheduled for early July,” according to Tricia Glenn an account executive for FINN Partners on behalf of Tractor Supply. The new Ellwood City location, right beside the Dollar General in Franklin Plaza, will bring Tractor Supply’s signature blend of practical products and community spirit to the area. Customers can explore aisles stocked with everything from pet food and gardening tools to…

June 19, 2025

Evans Monumental Gifts Seeks Vendors and Sponsors for 3rd Annual Carnival in Ellwood City

On Saturday, August 16, from noon to 6 p.m., Ewing Park will be bustling with the festivities of Evan’s Monumental Gifts’ 3rd Annual Carnival. This family-friendly event aims to raise funds to support grieving families in Western Pennsylvania by providing headstones for children who have passed away. Kiara Bollinger, founder of Evan’s Monumental Gifts, said the carnival will be the place to be. “There will be a lot do to,” she said. “It will be a really nice event!” According to Bollinger the day will be filled with entertainment for all ages, including games, bounce houses, a petting zoo, live performances,…

June 18, 2025

Court of Common Pleas of Lawrence County Judge Denies Ellwood City Area School District’s Appeal Regarding Softball Field

The Ellwood City Area School District’s appeal of the Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law and Adjudication of the Zoning Hearing Board of the Borough of Ellwood City relating to a proposed softball field in Ewing Park was denied in the Court of Common Pleas of Lawrence County. Judge John Hodge decided that the district is precluded from constructing the proposed project at that location “as it failed to comply with the Ellwood City Borough Zoning Ordinance” affirming the January 17, 2025, decision of the Ellwood City governing body. Read the findings here. The Zoning Hearing Board of the Borough of…

June 18, 2025

Ellwood City Borough Council Takes Action on Budget, Announces Community Programs

In addition to handing down discipline for an officer in the Ellwood City Police Department, Ellwood City Borough Council took action on budget items and borough leaders gave updates on projects, community initiatives during Monday’s regular meeting. Mayor Anthony Court congratulated the Riverside Baseball team on its recent championship win. Court said that he along with a couple school board members were planning a parade for the team, but because of a time issue Franklin Township Fire Department wanted the parade to be put on hold. “It wasn’t from the Mayor’s Office. Want to make sure that’s understood because there…

June 16, 2025

Ellwood City Police Officer Demoted, Suspended, Ordered to Attend Anger Management Classes Following Gas Station Altercation

Ellwood City Borough Council on Monday evening handed down the disciplinary action for a police officer involved in an altercation at the Sheetz in Ellwood City that was captured on video and posted all over social media and the Internet. Council voted unanimously to demote Sergeant Robert Magnifico to patrolman, ordered him to take classes in de-escalation and anger management (approved by Mayor Anthony Court), and suspended him for ten days without pay. Magnifico has been on administrative leave with pay since June 13 and through today, according to Borough Solicitor, Ryan Long. Prior to the vote on the disciplinary…

June 13, 2025

Riverside Sports Hall of Fame to Host 1st Annual Renee’s Run & Walk in Honor of Beloved Community Member

On Saturday, June 28, Ewing Park will be the site of the inaugural Renee’s Run & Walk, a 5K event dedicated to celebrating the life and legacy of Renee Lynn Giles, a cherished member of the Ellwood City community who passed away from uterine sarcoma in 2024. Renee was known for her unwavering support of the Riverside baseball program, her dedication to volunteer work, and her vibrant spirit that touched everyone she met.  Her commitment to kindness, generosity, and team spirit left an indelible mark on those around her. The event will raise money for the Renee Giles Memorial Scholarship…

June 12, 2025

Excitement Builds as ALDI Opens Its First Location in Ellwood City; Grocer Announces Opening Date

A wave of anticipation is sweeping through Ellwood City as discount grocer ALDI prepares to open its first local store at 230 Route 288. Known for its commitment to high-quality products at unbeatable prices, ALDI is poised to change the way residents shop for groceries. The location in Franklin Township has a tentative opening date of Thursday, June 26. “We are excited to confirm that our first store in Ellwood City is expected to open on Thursday, June 26,” said Kevin Ely, regional vice president for ALDI. “At the Grand Opening, we will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony and offer the…