Recent Stories

Articles by Tracey Ferguson

July 17, 2025

Memorial Bricks from Ellwood City Hospital Get New Home in Ewing Park

144 bricks … not just bricks, but bricks that memorialized the loved ones of Ellwood City Residents were moved from the Ellwood City Hospital site to a new permanent home in Ewing Park. Ellwood City Mayor Anthony J. Court led the initiative to remove the memorial bricks from the former Ellwood City Hospital site. Thanks to his leadership and coordination with Borough Manager Kevin Swogger and the public works department, the bricks were successfully and efficiently moved to their new home in Ewing Park. Mayor Anthony J. Court was approached by several concerned residents regarding the memorial bricks displayed at…

July 14, 2025

ECASD Board of Directors Votes to Not Appeal Findings of Court of Common Pleas Regarding Softball Field

The Ellwood City Area School District will not appeal the findings of the Court of Common Pleas denying a proposed softball field in the Ewing Park School location. The ECASD Board of Directors voted on a motion to approve the Notice of Appeal filed in Case No. 70012 of 2025 MD in the Court of Common Pleas of Lawrence County during the July 14 Combined meeting of the board. The motion failed following “No” votes from Kevin Boariu; Kathy Galbreath; Kathy Tillia; and Norman Boots. “Yes” votes were cast by Jennifer Tomon, board president; Jean Biehls, board vice president; Dr….

July 11, 2025

It’s Electrifyin’: Grease to Grace the New Castle Playhouse Stage

It’s Greased Lightnin’ at the New Castle Playhouse as local talent presents “Grease,” July 11 – 20 on the main stage. Directed by Amee Boughter, a stellar cast will bring your favorite characters to life on Thursdays, Fridays, & Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. “Grease is more than just a musical—it’s a cultural phenomenon that has stood the test of time, and it’s an absolute blast to bring it to life,” says director and choreographer Amee Boughter. “It’s fun, it’s fast, and it’s filled with heart. At its core, Grease is about identity, friendship, and the…

July 3, 2025

PART THREE: Ellwood City Arts, Crafts, Food & Entertainment Festival Series: Twice As Nice: Bringing Dance Party Vibes 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 TWO | VIEW PART ONE PART THREE: Ellwood City Arts, Crafts, Food & Entertainment Festival Series: Twice As Nice: Bringing Dance Party Vibes to Ellwood City Festival Get ready to dance, groove, and sing along as Twice As Nice, the high-energy dance band from Wheeling, West Virginia, takes the stage at the 43rd Annual Ellwood City Arts, Crafts, Food…

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…