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April 12, 2016

Homicide Trial: Prosecution Witnesses

[This is Part 2 in a series covering the homicide trial of Leon Platt. Parts 1 and 3 can be found here and here.] After six days of testimony and over two dozen witnesses, the prosecution rested its case in the trial of Leon Platt. Platt, 28, of Rochester, is accused of murdering Richard Hogue, 28, just after 1:30 a.m. on Nov. 16, 2013 in an apartment on 411 Loop St. in Ellwood City. It’s the first murder trial in Ellwood City since 1980. Lawrence County Judge J. Craig Cox is hearing the case before a jury of seven men…

April 12, 2016

Police: Aggravated Assault with a Knife

Women Assaults Man with Knife Devon Rand Crocker, 23, of Ellwood City, was accused of aggravated assault and endangering the welfare of children for an incident on April 3. According to the criminal complaint, officers responded to a domestic situation on Franklin Avenue at approximately 7:30 p.m. Investigating officers made contact with the victim, Crocker’s boyfriend, in the hallway of a second floor apartment. He reported that following a verbal altercation lasting several hours, Crocker attacked her mother and him with a knife. The victim was able to disarm Crocker, but was bitten repeatedly. These actions occurred in the presence…

April 12, 2016

Relay for Life Upcoming Events

Looking For A Few Good Persons As the Ellwood City Relay For Life starts its 2016 year, we are in search of individuals that are outstanding in working with the community to lead our committee to greater rewards than in years past. Even if you have just a few moments in your busy schedule, we could use your guidance and knowledge. Openings are in the areas of Chairperson, Sponsorship, Team recruitment, Chinese Auction, Logistics and Survivors. You are invited to join us at our committee meetings to learn more about these openings and other places your service can be helpful…

April 11, 2016

Baseball and Softball Recap: Ellwood, Riverside Gather Wins

The Riverside baseball team played and won two games last week. On April 5, the Panthers defeated Vincentian Academy 4-3 and got a 2-0 win against Shenango on Thursday. For the Shenango win, juniors Ricky Wass and Dylan Speicher earned runs in the first and third innings. Michael Boswell pitched a near-perfect game with 13 strikeouts and only two hits against. The Panthers are now 5-1 overall and 1-0 in their conference. They play an away game at Laurel today, weather permitting. Ellwood Baseball The Ellwood City baseball team played three games, winning two of them. The Wolverines defeated Central…

April 11, 2016

Real Estate Transfers for March

Courtesy of the Register & Recorder section of the Lawrence County Government Center in New Castle, the following are real estate transfers from the Ellwood City Area for March of 2016: Ellwood City 624 First Ave; Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to Helsius Hunter for $19,285. 405 Second St; Robert Creese to Look at My Holmes LLC for $15,000. Line Ave; Drew Richardson and Michael Zurrica to Katelyn and Curt Dominelli for $21,750. 514 Wayne Ave; Kristina and Douglass Burr to Michael and Kia Yohe for $27,000. 111 Glen Ave; Henry Sobel Trustee, Toni Sobel Trustee, and Saundra and…

April 11, 2016

Ellwood City Area Public Library Activities for Week of 4-11-2016

Activities taking place at the Ellwood City Area Public Library include the following: Monday, April 11, at 6:30 p.m. – Classics Book Discussion Group for Adults. The group will discuss the book, “Anatomy of a Murder,” by Robert Traver. New members are always welcome, so call the library at 724-758-6458 for more information. Tuesday, April 12, at 10:00 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. — “Family Laptime,” an interactive story time for babies as young as 6 months old as well as for toddlers and preschoolers. Featured are stories, songs, finger plays and more. This spring session runs through April 19. Call…

April 8, 2016

Spring Sports Senior Athlete Q & A

Boys Track & Field Nick Ioanilla Parents Names: Linda and Damien Barret and Dave Ioanilla Years Participated: All of varsity but not junior high. Events: 100 and 200 meter sprints and long jump. Q: What has your favorite memory been over the years? I was on the 4 x 100 meter relay team that qualified for states my freshmen and sophomore year. Q: What are you looking forward to about the upcoming season? Doing my best and seeing how far into the post-season I can get. Q: What have you been doing to prepare for your first match? Working on…

April 8, 2016

Gibbons Appointed Chairman of House Committee

HARRISBURG, April 7 – State Rep. Jaret Gibbons, D-Beaver/Butler/Lawrence, will assume a new leadership role as the Democratic chairman of the House Tourism and Recreational Development Committee. Democratic Leader Frank Dermody tapped Gibbons for the post because of his legislative acumen and strong interest in the job-creating possibilities of Pennsylvania’s widespread tourism and recreational facilities. “Jaret Gibbons is a strong, independent voice in the state House for his constituents,” Dermody said. “Being a committee chairman will give him added responsibility for shaping statewide policies.” Gibbons enthusiastically accepted the new role and said he looks forward to working with members of…

April 8, 2016

Zelienople Church presents “Songs For A New World”

“Songs for a New World” is, according to composer Jason Robert Brown, “about one moment. It’s about hitting the wall and having to make a choice, or take a stand, or turn around and go back.” With a rousing score that blends elements of pop, gospel, and jazz and featuring tight harmonies and darling vocals, Songs for a New World transports its audience from the deck of a Spanish sailing ship bound for a new land, to the ledge of a New York penthouse. Characters range from a young man in the Bronx who dreams of becoming a famous basketball…

April 7, 2016

Hitched and Unhitched: February and March

Western Pennsylvania experienced a mild winter and early start to spring this year and perhaps some scheduled weddings wee moved outdoors. The February and March update of Hitched and Unhitched has 10 marriages and five divorces. Check it out: Hitched and Unhitched