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November 23, 2015

Annual Municipal Woman’s Club Christmas House Tour

The Ellwood City Municipal Woman’s Club 29th annual Christmas House Tour runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5. Five houses in Ellwood and the surrounding area are featured. The tour, a holiday tradition, gives the community the opportunity to see different styles of homes and decorations. In addition, several local businesses will offer discounts for the tour. This year, the tour is in conjunction with several other fabulous community Christmas events, including the parade, “Light Up Night” and the opening of Christmas in the Park. Homes 2015 House Tour Ryan and Amanda Venezie- 651 Crabapple Lane Bob…

November 23, 2015

Corona D’Italia November Meeting

Corona D’Italia Lodge #807 held their monthly meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 11 at 5 p.m. at Pizza Joe’s Restaurant. The session began with an invocation by Trustee Patty Regna recognizing Veteran’s Day and honoring all living and deceased military personnel and all families. A pizza luncheon was served by Trustee Pudue LaCava and members Jackie Perno and Mary Jane Folino. President Clemmy Sirimarco conducted the business session that followed. Treasuer Louise Vitullo presented the financial reports. She noted that a donation was made to the Holiday Parade committee continuing the lodge’s intent to support local endeavors. Orator Valerie Valentino presented…

November 20, 2015

Christmas Tree Erected in Community Plaza

This colossal tree is the newest addition to the Ellwood City Community Plaza on Lawrence Avenue. It stands 29 feet tall and weights over 800 pounds. The tree was erected this morning as the start to a series of Christmas and holiday-themed events taking place in the coming weeks. Once decorated, the tree will have over 7500 lights. There is more to come next week regarding the tree, Light Up Night, the parade and more. Correction: Three tree will have over 7500 lights, which is a tad more exciting than 750.  

November 20, 2015

Local Author’s Major Publishing Debut Now in Print

Local Author Nancy Wallace has reached a frequently-aspired but seldom obtained pinnacle of achievement: publication of a novel by a major publishing house. Yesterday, her fantasy novel “Among Wolves” was released in print in the U.K. by HarperVoyager, the fantasy branch of Harper Collins. The book is available for purchase in the U.S. online. The e-book has been available since early summer. Wallace, the children’s director at the Ellwood City Area Public Library, has possibly been this area’s most prolific author, with over a dozen published children’s books. So why did someone who mostly works with children end up writing…

November 20, 2015

Rotary Club October Meeting

The Rotary Club of Ellwood City holds their weekly meetings on Thursdays at 6 p.m. at the Connequenessing Country Club. In Late October the guest speaker was Lenore Bazzichi who is one of the founding members of the Ellwood City Revitalization Effort. She stated that Stage One of the project is now completed. The Green space in the center of town has been host to numerous concerts and enjoyed by many. Stage Two is underway which includes more infrastructure and improvements. It needs much community support and funding. Government grants will help. In November the club hosted four members of…

November 20, 2015

Wampum Light Up the Town Events

The borough of Wampum invites all to attend “Light Up the Night” on Dec. 3. The event is on Main Street and lasts from 6 to 8 p.m. “Light Up the Night” is sponsored by the Wampum Parade Committee and the Wampum Area Business Association. Schedule of Events: 5:30- Setting out and lighting of 225 luminaries; closing down Main Street 6- Street lights and gazebo are lit 6- Dance Expression (young group) at Marshall’s parking lot 6:15- Dance Expression (older group) at Marshall’s parking lot 6:30- Diamond Dance at Marshall’s parking lot 7- Northside kindergarten carolers at Marshall’s parking lot…

November 19, 2015

Police: Crying Baby Alerts Neighbors of Mother’s Overdose

At least three Ellwood City residents have died from heroin overdose this year and if it wasn’t for a crying baby, it may have been four. According to the criminal complaint, on Nov. 2 officers responded to a 911 call to check on the welfare of a child crying for an extended period of time. While en route to the residence on Ninth Street, officers were informed that neighbors had gained access to the residence and found a woman laying on the floor in cardiac arrest. When officers arrived at the residence, they identified the woman as Darcy Young, 28,…

November 19, 2015

The Numbers Behind the Ratified Teacher Contract

The Ellwood City Area School Board ratified a contract with the Ellwood Area Education Association for the 2016-20 school years on Thursday, Nov. 12. The new five-year contract, retroactively  beginning July 1, is nearly identical to the previous one, which ran from July 1, 2012 to June 30, 2012. The changes are primarily slight increases in salaries. In the previous contract, while teachers had a pay increase for experience, there was no base pay increase. Hence, a new teacher with a master’s degree hired in 2012 would make $40,223, the same money as a new teacher with a master’s degree…

November 19, 2015

Council Wishes to Enforce Uniform Policy on Body Armor

At Monday’s borough council meeting, council unanimously voted to re-affirm the borough’s position on the Uniform Policy on Body Armor. The policy requires police officers to wear bulletproof vests as part of their uniform and was originally adopted by council in a unanimous vote on Nov. 18, 2013. According to council, two police officers do not always wear their vests, and council intends on enforcing the policy. Council member John Todorich said the policy should be amended to say punishment is up to and including termination. “Taxpayers pay for those vests, and they cost $1000 each,” Todorich said. “They should…

November 18, 2015

Police: Gas Station Attendant Hit During Robbery

Robbery: B&B Gas Station Attendant Hit A gas station attendant was treated for injuries sustained during a robbery at B&B on 2335 River Road. The robbery occurred around 8:20 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 16. According to North Sewickley police, the attendant was attacked by a male dressed in a dark, hooded sweatshirt. The suspect hit the attendant several times in the head and threatened the employee with a knife before taking an undetermined amount of money. The suspect fled on foot. The attendant was treated at the Ellwood City hospital and released. Police have been unable to identify from the…