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December 17, 2015

United Fund Behind Goals

The United Fund started its annual campaign drive on Nov. 1 for the year of 2015. We find ourselves behind in meeting weekly goals to reach the $50,000 that is needed to support the United fund agencies. So far, we have received donations and pledges that equal approximately 48% of what is needed. We would encourage everyone in the Ellwood City area to reflect on what they may share with others who are less fortunate than ourselves, so we can make a difference int heir lives. The Ellwood City United Fund has been serving the community for over 50 years….

December 17, 2015

Letter to Borough Council from Visitor

At Monday’s agenda setting meeting, visitor Dave McQuade addressed council with two suggestions for conducting meetings in 2016. The suggestions were contained in the following letter: Merry Christmas and thank you for your service this year! I have two observations from the meetings I have attended and I believe they would make the visitor’s more informed on the work you all have been doing. I would like to recommend the agenda’s that are distributed to the visitor’s at the council meeting be a little more descriptive so that visitors clearly understand what is being voted on. I would also like…

December 16, 2015

Mayors Presents Second Round of Holiday Merchant Awards

On Monday, Mayor Anthony J. Court presented two more Holiday Merchant Awards to the owners of A Bella Boutique and another to Venezie Sporting Goods and Apparel for their holiday window displays. Both businesses were nominated by residents and/or fellow businesses who thought their window decorations show the true spirit of the Holiday season. Receiving a window display award sign and a gift certificate for the Venezie’s Sporting Goods and Apparel were Eric Venezie and Samantha Brewer, marketing consultants, and Vanessa Botti, Operations Manager. Receiving a window display award sign and gift certificate for A Bella Boutique was owner Genine…

December 16, 2015

Council Discusses Reimbursement for Police Responding to Calls Outside Borough

Council discussed the possibility of seeking reimbursement for police services to other municipalities during Monday’s agenda setting meeting, The discussion began with a measure, proposed by council members Ralph Chiappetta and John Todorich, that would define when Ellwood City police officers are permitted to respond to calls from other municipalities and attempt to get reimbursement from other municipalities for police services. Currently, the Ellwood City Police Department responds to all calls from neighboring municipalities, such as Wayne and Perry Township. The measure, as initially proposed, would restrict responses unless the borough has a contract with the municipality or Ellwood officers…

December 16, 2015

Police: Man Assaults Woman Over Christmas Lights

Man Assaults Woman Over Christmas Lights and Throws Christmas Tree Out of Window According to the criminal complaint, on Dec. 8 at approximately 2 a.m., officers responded to a domestic disturbance on First Street. The victim stated that after drinking at the Keystone Bar, her boyfriend, Robert Mulig, 58, of Ellwood City had gone to bed. Around 2 a.m., Mulig woke her up and yelled at her to turn the Christmas Tree lights off. The victim told Mulig to go back to bed. Mulig shouted that she had two minutes to turn off the lights. Mulig then became agitated and…

December 15, 2015

Borough Council to Vote on 1-Mill Tax Hike

The Ellwood City Borough Council will vote next Monday, Dec. 21 on a proposed 1-mill property tax increase. The tax increase will be part of the 2016 budget adoption. The 2015 budget has a 6.75-mill tax rate, which is set to increase to 7.75. Last year, there was a 0.5-mill increase. This year, the owner of a property valued at $75,000 would have paid $506.25. With the tax hike, the owner will pay $581.25, a $75 increase. The tax increase is primarily due to increased pension obligation for borough employees. Council had discussed the approaching problem in several meetings throughout…

December 15, 2015

Wampum Parade Committee Thanks Participates

We are thankful to so many people for making the 43rd Wampum Parade one of the best! It takes an army of helpers to put on a parade. We are especially appreciative of the following: Thank you to the Lawrence County Court of Common Pleas Judges Dominick Motto, John Hodge and Craig Cox for serving as our Float judges. Their active role at the ballpark and at the Judges’ Stand gave our parade an air of dignity. The people who made the effort and took the time to participate with a float or by dressing as a character deserve applause….

December 14, 2015

Mysterious Mini-Nativity Appears on Municipal Building Property (Updated Dec. 16)

Update: The owner retrieved the possessions, and the borough is taking no further action. A mini-nativity scene mysteriously appeared on the Ellwood City Borough Municipal Building property near the main entrance on Lawrence Avenue. The tiny figurines were displayed in front of and on the Fireman’s Memorial. In addition, there was a sign that read “Ellwood, the city with the Nativity.” At approximately 11:15 a.m., Borough Manager Bob Villella removed the sign and Nativity and placed the items in a box. The items will be available for the owner to claim. It is unknown who placed the sign and mini-nativity…

December 11, 2015

Winter Sports Preview 3: With an Experienced Lineup, Lady Panthers Looking to Successful Season

Experience is one thing the Lady Panthers have in abundance. Going into the 2015-16 season, the girls have six seniors fresh from a 19-4 season last year. Having finished 9-3 in their class AA section and advanced to the first round of playoffs, the Riverside girls basketball team is of course aiming for those goals again. However, teamwork and daily practice take precedent to earned titles. “We would like to compete for a section title and the playoffs but we never talk about it in that manner,” head coach John Wolf said. “We simply take our next opponent and work…

December 11, 2015

Mayor Presents Annual “Holiday Merchant Awards”

On Thursday, Mayor Court presented his annual “Holiday Merchant Awards” to the Ellwood City Ledger and to Nancy Smith Tailor Shop for their Holiday Window displays. Both businesses were nominated by people who thought their window decorations show the true spirit of the Holiday season. Receiving a window display award sign and a gift certificate from a local restaurant for the Ellwood City Ledger was Jackie Eidenmiller, Circulation Manger, and Tina Bequeath, Publisher. Receiving a window display award sign and gift certificate for the Tailor Shop was the owner herself, Nancy Smith. Mayor Court thanks all businesses who are participating…