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March 19, 2018

Ellwood Historical Society Monthly Meeting Recap

The Ellwood City Area Historical Society monthly membership meeting was held last Monday, March 12, 2018. Guy Prestia, a World War II Veteran led the Pledge to the American flag. Those in attendance were reminded of the annual Robert and Janice Barensfeld Scholarships.  Two (2) $1500.00 scholarships will be awarded at the May meeting.  Graduating students from Lincoln High and Riverside High Schools are eligible.  Applications may be obtained from the Guidance Counselors of the schools.  The scholarships have been awarded through the Historical Society since the year 1999. W.Ryan Kegel was introduced  as the speaker for the evening.  Ryan spoke…

March 16, 2018

Letter to the Editor – Council’s Decision to Save Money Will Have Opposite Effect

As is often the case with government, the recent decision by Ellwood City Borough Council to recoup costs from local non-profits is likely to have the exact opposite effect from what is desired. These actions are being taken in the name of fiscal responsibility, but the reality is that the Borough gets much more benefit from these groups than what it contributes. If the Borough were to put a bid out to hire a contractor to clean up the waterways, how much do you think it would cost? What about hiring bands to play at the plaza downtown or paying…

March 16, 2018

Chamber of Commerce, Other Organizations Urge Council to Reconsider Charging Events

The Ellwood City Chamber of Commerce took issue with council’s decision to charge nonprofits recoup fees for events held in the borough. At Monday’s Ellwood City Borough Council agenda meeting, chamber President Ray Santillo urged council to reconsider. Santillo argued that events such as Relay for Life and the Concert Series promote a healthy local economy and urged council to compromise and solve problems amicably while marketing the community positively. He also pointed out that chamber members pay dues, and the chamber helps with funding events, such as providing electric panels for the downtown car cruise. Santillo praised the quantity…

March 15, 2018

PHOTO: Eagle Scout Commendation Presented Monday

At the Borough Council meeting on Monday, members of council along with Mayor Court presented a “Commendation” to a local Eagle Scout. Christopher Brandt achieved his Eagle Scout Award – Troop 806. “Amazing accomplishment and dedication for a terrific guy. Congrats again my friend — You’re Awesome!” In photo with Mayor Court and Chris are his proud Parents Tim & Sally Brandt. Also pictured are Council President, Judy Dici, Councilman Rob Brough and Councilwoman Lisa Corey Guerrera.

March 15, 2018

Visitor Requests Council to Resign for Alleged Violation of Freedom of Speech

At the Ellwood City Borough Council agenda meeting, Dawn Santagata requested that the entire council resign due to alleged violations of the First Amendment’s right to freedom of speech. In a prepared statement, Santagata asserted her freedom of speech was violated when her comments were deleted from a Facebook page titled Ellwood City Council – Rob Brough and Lisa Guerrera. The two council members use the page to post information on council topics. Santaga cited a 2017 court case, Davison vs. Loudon County Board of Supervisors, in which a federal court determined a public official couldn’t delete dissenting viewpoints from…

March 14, 2018

Lincoln Students Participate in National Student Walkout

At 10 .m. today, Lincoln High School students gathered outside to participate in a nation-wide protest against gun violence in schools. The Lincoln High School administration supported students’ right to protest, and the Ellwood City Police Department provided three officers for security. According to Principal Kirk Lape, the demonstration proceeded without issue. Although there was no exact count, he said a “significant amount” of students participated. Students gathered around the miniature State of Liberty statue for 17 minutes, one minute for each victim of Florida school shooting. Today marks the one month anniversary of the tragic.

March 14, 2018

NOTICE: Recycling In Plastic Bags No Longer Accepted

According to a press release made available Tuesday afternoon, and effective immediately, Valley Waste will no longer accept recycling in plastic bags. Recycling must be placed loose in carts or bins. Please do not put plastic bags in your home recycling bin. The Valley Waste Recycling Center is meant to sort cans, bottles, paper and cardboard. It is not meant to sort plastic bags. Plastic bags are among the greatest headaches for recyclers. They slow down systems, drive up costs and hurt the quality of materials. It is not that used plastic bags cannot be recycled into new materials, they…

March 14, 2018

Ellwood Resident Criticizes Borough for Failure to Comply with Right to Know Law

At Monday’s Ellwood City Borough Council meeting, visitor Dave McQuade criticized council for a slow response to his Right to Know Requests, for its decision to charge events recoup fees and for statements made on social media. McQuade filed two requests on the weekend of March 2 and said the borough had yet to respond. By state law, an agency has five business days to respond in writing.  The first request was for the current procedures for holding events in the borough. The second request was for the police contract. The requests were in response to council’s decision in February to…

March 14, 2018

Wampum’s Wine & Beer Festival Set For March 24

The Wampum Area Revitalization Committee will hold a Wine & Beer Festival from 4:00pm to 7:00pm on March 24th at the Wampum Gymnasium, located at 372 Main Street. Regional craft beer and wine makers will be present to offer tastings and products. Food and appetizers will be provided by the Lawrence County Career and Technology Center ( LCCTC) Restaurant Trade Program direct by Jennifer Price. Live music will be performed by Frankie ‘The One-Man Band”. Proceeds go to funding revitalization projects in the Wampum area. Tickets are $20.00 in advance or $25.00 at the door. Tickets are available at Ferrante…

March 13, 2018

Ellwood City Organizations Dismayed by Council Decision to Charge Events Recoup Fees

“I’ve been a volunteer since I was 19, and I’m choked up by what I’m seeing,” visitor Stephanie Muntean said to council during yesterday’s Ellwood City Borough Council agenda meeting. “As taxpayers, I want to have events, not bare streets. We pay taxes, give us something back.” Muntean’s comments echoed those of over half a dozen speakers and over 50 visitors, all protesting a decision by council to charge organizations for the costs of events held in the borough. In February’s meeting, council voted 5-2 to deny a request by the Ellwood City Relay for Life to hold their event…