Recent Stories

Articles by Tracey Ferguson

October 11, 2019

EC School Directors Table Conflict of Interest Policy

During the October 10 voting meeting the Ellwood City Area School Directors voted to table the policy and refer it to the policy committee. The proposed policy was introduced during the Board’s Monday Night agenda meeting, at which time District Solicitor John DeCaro, said the change could force board members to choose between maintaining their board position or maintaining their participation in leadership roles in other organizations such as boosters, clubs, and PTO. It was met with strong opposition from Board Directors Barabara Wilson, Kathleen McCommons, and Renee Pitrelli, who viewed the proposal as a target aimed at certain board…

October 9, 2019

School Lunch Debt Continues Rise Into Thousands Prompting Consideration Of Collection Agency

Because the school lunch debt is continuing to rise, the Ellwood City Area School Board will vote on Thursday whether to hire an outside agency to collect that debt. Richard Zarone, district business manager, said the debt has reached $3,600 already for the year. He said there would be no cost to hire an agency as it would paid by the fees incurred by the debtor. He said the four-tier process would include two warning letters, one certified warning letter, and then the matter would be turned over to the collection agency. This proposed solution follows a good gesture in…

October 8, 2019

Policy Change Proposal Causes Pushback At EC School Board Meeting

A suggested change to the Ellwood City Area School Board’s conflict of interest policy has some board members crying foul. The board is set to vote Thursday on whether to accept the proposed changes introduced during the Board’s Monday Night agenda meeting, at which time District Solicitor John DeCaro, said the policy change could force board members to choose between maintaining their board position or maintaining their participation in leadership roles in other organizations such as boosters, clubs, and PTO. This proposed change in policy came upon the heels of a suggestion by Board Member Erica Gray and was written…

September 24, 2019

From Cop to Creative: Koppel Police Chief Finds Outlet in Woodworking

When he’s not protecting and serving the community of Koppel, Police Chief Matt Smock finds himself sawing and designing works of art. Smock, 40, said although being a police officer is always something he has wanted to do and has been a rewarding career for the past 8 years, there isn’t as much creativity on the job as he craves. That creativity is released in his woodwork. “It’s the custom work that really gets me into woodworking,” said Smock, who owns .308 Carpentry. Smock, who was a fitter/welder for 12 years before entering the police academy, said that experience has…

September 16, 2019

Ellwood City’s Fearscapes Haunted Attraction a Menacing Maze

Need a little fear in your life? You don’t have to leave Ellwood City to find it. FearScapes Haunted Attraction located in the old Snyder Factory, 1503 Brentwood Avenue, has plenty of fright up its sleeve. A concept straight out of nightmares and brought to reality by FearScapes owner, John Guerrini, the attraction features “twists, turns, thrills, and chills” all caged up in a fifty room escape maze. Hideous and ghastly creatures will taunt you as you take a walk through the menacing maze. This concept is a combination effort. He credits his wife Veronica with the sinister scenes, eerie…

September 13, 2019

Ellwood City School Board Approves Soccer Funding

The Ellwood City School Board voted unanimously Thursday to approve funding of no more than $4,300 to the boys and girls teams for transportation and referee costs. Before the vote, during the visitors comment portion, numerous soccer supporters spoke on behalf of the teams. Jerry Hermann, visitor, told the board saying no is saying no to a dedicated group of kids. “Be encouragers, not discouragers,” Hermann said. Jean Biehls, visitor, encouraged the board to “open their minds” and look at funds dedicated to other athletics. “We need to let them know that they are just as important,” Biehls said. Lisa…

September 13, 2019

Riverside Fall Sport Senior Q&A: Part 2

School is back in full swing and so are high school sports! Two sports in general are back on the field: Soccer and Football. Senior athletes in both sports offered perspectives on the season ahead and their plans for the future. This is part two of a two part series featuring Riverside High School seniors in fall sports. [VIEW PART 1] Soccer: Maggie Hardin How many years have you been playing soccer? I’ve been playing soccer for 15 years What is your favorite part of soccer? My favorite part of soccer is being with my team and being successful with them and…

September 12, 2019

Riverside Fall Sport Senior Q&A: Part 1

School is back in full swing and so are high school sports! The coaches and leaders are ready to dive into a successful season. I know the students that I have in the band program are a great group of kids who continue to work very hard towards a successful season,” said David Withrow, Director, Riverside Panther Marching Band. “I know the same could be said about the football team and cheerleaders, as well as all the other activities that go on at Riverside. The district is full of great kids from great families. It’s as simple as that.” Withrow…

September 12, 2019

Ellwood City School Board to Vote on Soccer Program Funding

The soccer debate continues within the Ellwood City School Board. During the board’s September 9 agenda meeting, board continued the back and forth discussion regarding whether or not funding should be provided to the boys and girls soccer club. Three players from the boys “club” were in attendance. One player Levi Smith spoke on behalf of the team. He assured the board that the team is dedicated to the season as well as growing the roster through recruiting efforts. He said moving forward the boys team should have no problem maintaining a roster as there are only two graduating seniors…

September 11, 2019

Council Urges Residents to Report Issues

Borough council urges all residents to report any safety concerns or unsightly conditions that require borough attention to the borough code enforcement officer or building officials. During Monday’s Borough Council meeting, President Judith Dici said she has noticed many residents airing complaints on social media, a venue that isn’t always monitored by council members or borough officials. She said the only sure way to have complaints addressed is to report them directly to the borough. “If we don’t know, we can’t do anything about it,” she said. Residents can report conditions that require the attention of the Borough Code Enforcement…