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July 17, 2026

Calling All Local Talent: The 4th Annual “New Wilmington’s Got Talent” Competition Returns!

Get ready for an unforgettable night as the 4th Annual New Wilmington’s Got Talent competition returns to the heart of New Wilmington! This highly anticipated event invites local youth (ages 21 and under) to showcase their musical talents, comedic chops, and unique skills on stage. Whether you’re a solo artist, a duo, or part of a group, we want to see what you’ve got! Join us on Sunday, August 23, from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM at the Admiral Robert Shumaker Borough Park Amphitheater for an evening brimming with excitement, community spirit, and of course, incredible performances. This free, family-friendly…

July 17, 2026

McGuire Memorial To Host 6th Annual Wine Tasting Event

McGuire Memorial is set to host its most popular event in September. The 6th Annual Wine Tasting to benefit McGuire Memorial will be held on Saturday, September 19th at Old Economy Village among their beautiful gardens, fragrant grape arbors and historic landmarks and buildings. One of our passport stops will take you back in time as you visit original wine cellar casks taller than most buildings; and interactive harmonist activities and entertainment will be a highlight of your evening. Enjoy a fabulous charcuterie display, appetizer samples, DELICIOUS WINES, desserts, a coffee bar, entertainment, and more. As always, our basket raffle…

July 16, 2026

Code Red Air Quality Alert Issued For Area

Wildfire smoke from Canada and Minnesota has moved into the region Thursday and air quality is quickly degrading according to NWS Pittsburgh. The smoke has resulted in a Code Red air quality alert to be issued for Pittsburgh and its surrounding areas. The alert has been issued through 12:00 AM midnight Friday. Forecasts show continued poor air quality into the weekend and recommendations to limit outdoor activity. People with heart or lung disease, older adults, children and teens – take any of these steps to reduce your exposure: Choose less strenuous activities (like walking instead of running) so you don’t…

July 16, 2026

Fifth County School Approves LCCTC Budget

Union Area joined Laurel and Ellwood City in voting unanimously to approve the third proposed Lawrence County Career and Technical Center budget. Union Area’s 7-0 vote came Wednesday while Laurel and Ellwood City each voted 7-0 during their respective meetings on July 8th. Shenango voted 8-1 in approval on Monday and Mohawk voted 8-0 in approval on Tuesday of this week. The votes tally the required minimum out of the 72 individual board members needed to approve the budget before it can be adopted. Union also makes the minimum fifth of the eight county schools required to approve the budget….

July 15, 2026

Ellwood City Library ‘Once Upon a Wine Walk’ Scheduled For August 8th

The 4th Annual Ellwood City Library Wine Walk will take place Saturday, August 8th. ‘Once Upon a Wine Walk’ will begin at the library and navigate Lawrence Avenue to Fitzgibbon Meadery. Delight yourself in local fine wines, craft beers, and spirits paired with your favorite restaurants and food vendors. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you stroll through downtown Ellwood City on Saturday, August 8th from 4:30 – 7:30 pm. After enjoying an evening of sampling, take home some of your favorite bottles. Tickets are $25.00 with discounts available. This 21+ event will take place rain or shine. The first 300…

July 14, 2026

Riverside Alumni to Hit the New Castle Playhouse Stage in Footloose

For many performers, the stage is where passion, creativity, and confidence come to life. For several alumni of Riverside School District, that passion has led them back into the spotlight as cast members of Footloose, the high-energy musical based on the beloved 1984 film. Filled with unforgettable songs, dynamic choreography, and a story about standing up for what you believe in, Footloose continues to captivate audiences decades after its debut. Set in the small town of Bomont, Footloose follows teenager Ren McCormack as he adjusts to a community where dancing has been outlawed. As Ren challenges long-held traditions and inspires…

July 14, 2026

Red Hot Restaurant Announces New Seasonings Line

Ellwood City-based Red Hot Restaurant, a community staple since 1970, announced Red Hot Blends, a line of seasonings inspired by the restaurant’s flavors. The current product line includes the signature chili blend, thick-cut chili barbecue, sweet tooth and more. They are available at Dave’s Hometown Shop ‘n Save and the 7-Eleven in Ellwood City, The Meat Guyz in Union Township and Milk House Meats in Beaver Falls. More locations will be announced in the future. Owner Niki Katsadas said the product line was thought of by her father and founder, John Katsadas. “My dad asked me to do this just…

July 14, 2026

EMERGENCY SHORTAGE: Donors needed now to stop alarming drop in Red Cross blood supply

The American Red Cross is declaring an emergency blood shortage as the blood supply fell nearly 25% in June. Blood donors are urgently needed to give now to help ensure patients receive lifesaving medical care without delay. The shortage is especially serious for platelets and types O positive and B negative blood. A steep decline in blood donations since the end of May has created a growing gap between supply and patient need. Currently, Red Cross distributions to hospitals are nearly 3,500 units higher per week than expected at a time when hospitals often see higher demand for blood products during the height of trauma season. On top…

July 13, 2026

PHOTOS: Union Pacific’s Big Boy No. 4014

The world’s largest and only operating steam locomotive, the Union Pacific Big Boy No 4014, passed through the area Sunday morning on its massive cross-country tour. Built in 1941 to conquer steep mountain grades, this 1.2-million-pound behemoth passed directly through parts of western Pennsylvania on its coast-to-coast trip to celebrate the nation’s 250th birthday. The tour includes a Fourth of July celebration in Philadelphia, major display events in eight cities and more than 50 whistle-stops in 10 states, including stops for the first time in Indiana, Ohio, New York and Pennsylvania.    

July 13, 2026

Bernstine, Brown Vote Against General Appropriations Bill

Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Butler/Lawrence) and Rep. Marla Brown (R-Lawrence) each voted against the General Appropriations bill for the 2026-27 fiscal year. Bernstine: Budget Relies on Accounting Tricks Instead of Fiscal Responsibility HARRISBURG – Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Butler/Lawrence) voted against the General Appropriations bill for the 2026-27 fiscal year. The measure passed the House and now heads to Gov. Josh Shapiro for his signature. Bernstine issued the following statement: “This budget relies on the same type of accounting tricks Bernie Madoff used to make the numbers look better than reality. Delaying payments and shifting costs into the future does not reduce…