Recent Stories

Articles by Tracey Ferguson

March 6, 2025

Meals on Wheels Looking for Volunteer Drivers

Every day, local volunteers hit the road to deliver hot, nutritious meals to seniors and individuals with disabilities for the Meals on Wheels program, but the demand for these life-sustaining deliveries is outpacing the number of drivers available. With Meals on Wheels programs struggling to find enough drivers, the need for compassionate individuals to step up has never been greater. The program, which serves approximately 38 local folks in need of meals, is looking for drivers. Terri Crespo, Meals on Wheels board member, said the commitment is minimal. A driver only needs to be available once every three weeks for…

March 5, 2025

New Castle Playhouse to Feature Memphis the Musical

The New Castle Playhouse will feature Memphis March 7th, 8th, 13th, 14th, 15th at 7:30 p.m. and the 9th and 16th at 2 p.m. in the Augustine Auditorium. Memphis, a pulse-pounding, heart-stirring musical that brings the electrifying sounds of 1950s rock ‘n’ roll to life — explodes onto the stage, telling the story of a young DJ’s fight to break racial barriers and the powerful singer who captures his heart. With a soundtrack of unforgettable tunes, high-energy choreography, and a message of love, ambition, and social change, Memphis is a celebration of the music that shaped a generation and the…

March 3, 2025

Ellwood City Area Public Library Book Sale to Honor Former Director Veronica Pacella

Veronica Pacella created a legacy of love for literacy, and the Ellwood City Area Public Library will honor that legacy with a book sale in her name. Veronica’s Legacy Book Sale will be held March 6th,7th, and 8th during regular library hours. Upon her death, Veronica gifted the library more than 1,000 books from her personal collection. Books will be sold for the following prices: Hardcover $3; Paperback $2; and DVDs $1 Heather Baker, the library’s current director and friend of Veronica, said Veronica was an amazing friend, librarian, and person. She was very positive,” Baker said. “She enjoyed politics…

February 25, 2025

NEW Local Meyers RV Location Offers Sales/Service for Major RV Brands

Meyers RV has officially opened its doors at 1580 PA-65 in Ellwood City, promising to become the go-to destination for outdoor enthusiasts in the multi-state area and looking to rev up the local camping and travel scene. Offering a wide selection of recreational vehicles including major brands like Jayco, Alliance, Forest River, Rockwood, Keystone, Starcraft and more, the dealership aims to provide expert knowledge and unparalleled customer service to both first-time buyers and seasoned adventurers. The Ellwood City Meyers location is one of 15 in the multi-state area and according to John Park, Pittsburgh area manager, the company has big…

February 24, 2025

Athletes Invited To 1st Annual Carter Huzinec Memorial Powerlifting Meet & Strongman Event for Traumatic Brain Injury, Awareness & Support

In a moving tribute to a life cut short, athletes from across the community will gather for the 1st Annual Carter Huzinec Memorial Powerlifting Meet and Strongman Event for Traumatic Brain Injury and Awareness & Support, honoring the memory of a young man whose passion for fitness and love for life left an indelible mark on everyone who knew him. The event will be held at 10 a.m. on March 22 at the New Beaver Borough VFD, 898 Wampum New Galilee Road, in Wampum and is presented by Wampum Fitness and Carter4LifeCompany 501(c)(3). Competitors and spectators are welcome. The deadline…

February 20, 2025

Residents at Risk of Losing Trash Service Because of Delinquent Bills

During Ellwood City Borough Council’s Regular Meeting, Ellwood City’s Borough Manager Kevin Swogger said that some residents are at risk to have their trash service ended because of delinquent bills. Swogger said that residents are still responsible for paying their trash bill in the winter months, and unlike with electric accounts that get a grace period during cold winter months, trash bills that are four months delinquent will see an end to service. “If you are not paying your trash bill and are over four months delinquent, you need to pay your bill,” he said. According to Swogger, residents can…

February 11, 2025

ECASD Board of Directors Authorizes Appeal for Proposed Softball Field

The Ellwood City Area School District’s Board of Directors voted to appeal the Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law and Adjudication of the Zoning Hearing Board of the Borough of Ellwood City relating to the proposed softball field during Monday’s regular meeting. All board members in attendance voted yes to support the appeal, and director Norman Boots was absent from the meeting. Director Kevin Boariu said he supports the appeal because he does not want the property to sit vacant and that he does not believe that the District should be in the business of owning unused property. Chris Voltz,…

February 10, 2025

Patty’s Crafty Corner Features Homemade Gifts, Home Decor

Looking for that perfect handmade gift? Why not shop local? Why not shop at Patty’s Crafty Corner? Patty’s Crafty Corner opened at the 201 5th Street location the day after Thanksgiving and has since been filling up the space with locally made gifts and goods. “We have home décor and gift items that are all handmade,” said Patty Miller, owner of the shop. Some of the items available include: bowl cozies, baby blankets, mermaid quilts, baby blankets, wooden crafts, ceramics, flower arrangements, soaps and lotions, dog treats, tumblers and tumbler accessories, wooden candle holders, jewelry, beaded bracelets and pens, wire…

February 7, 2025

Club Hope Gets New Home in Shelby Bar Building

Club Hope has a new home. The foundation recently purchased the Shelby Bar building at 26 Fountain Avenue. “We are blessed more than we ever thought possible for the support our warriors and our foundation continue to receive,” said Founder Kara Atkinson. “This building will open up so many opportunities for what we can do to bring HOPE to our warriors and families!” Atkinson said the move will be beneficial for the Foundation. “We were thinking about it looking for a permanent location but were never actively looking. Renting is just renting, and we wanted to use the support given…

January 23, 2025

Ellwood City Borough Council Approves Numerous Upcoming Annual Events

Ellwood City Borough Council passed motions to approve numerous upcoming annual events that will be held on Borough property including Wander Ellwood, Dog Days of Summer, The Ellwood City Arts, Crafts & Foods Festival, and many others (please see motions passed below for details) during the January 21 Regular Meeting. Council also received an update on the Wampum Pump Station Project. Borough Manager Kevin Swogger announced that the Wampum Avenue Pump Station Project is about 93 percent completed. The Borough had announced the start of the project in October of 2023 in an effort to improve the infrastructure in the…