Human Interest

Riverside Seventh Grader to Hit the New Castle Playhouse Stage in ‘Moana Jr.’

Rocco NW Siok has quite a bit of experience on stage, and the Riverside seventh grader is about to add Disney’s Moana JR. to that list. We caught up with Rocco, who encourages all to come out and see the show, with a Q&A before he takes the stage starting this weekend …   Part in Musical: Hei Hei Current Grade: 7th Been in musicals/plays since: Matilda at Riverside High School was my first musical.  I was in third grade and played Nigel. Previous leads/musicals you’ve been in: Matilda-Nigel; Seussical the Musical-a Who; Mary Poppins-Michael Banks; Newsies-Romeo; and currently Moana-Hei Hei Favorite Song in this…


Business

From Pizza Wagon to Storefront: Chubby’s Expands Roots in Ellwood City

What began as a mobile pizza trailer serving up family recipes is now taking a permanent place in town. Chubby’s Pizza Wagon, owned by Bronson and Stephanie Bailey, is preparing to open its first brick-and-mortar location at 429 Lawrence Avenue, marking a significant step forward for the growing local business. Bronson and Stephanie Bailey, lifelong Ellwood City residents who now live in nearby Franklin Township, has deep ties to the community — and to the pizza business itself. “I grew up in Ellwood City, wanted to stay in my hometown. I wish to expand our food truck menu and offer more…


Local Organizers Begin Fundraising Efforts to Bring Safe Haven Baby Box to Ellwood City; Donate Now

A BIG Ellwood City effort is underway to bring a new kind of life-saving resource to the community: a Safe Haven Baby Box. Local organizers say the goal is simple but powerful—offer a safe, legal, and anonymous option for parents in crisis to legally surrender their baby while ensuring the infants receive immediate care. Fundraising efforts are currently underway, with community leaders, local officials, and first responders rallying behind the project. What is now needed, according to Jenn Jones, Ellwood City resident who has spearheaded this project, is help from the business community and residents. “When a community participates in…


Local Summer Camps Offer Faith, Fun In Nature For ALL Ages; Registration Now Open

Tucked away in the peaceful countryside of western Pennsylvania, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Camp & Retreat Center (OLMC) is the kind of place where adventure meets purpose—and where faith and fun go hand in hand. Located in Volant, PA, OLMC was created to give young people and families a chance to step away from the noise of everyday life and experience something deeper: community, nature, and a relationship with Christ. Through what they call “Adventure Catechesis,” the camp blends outdoor excitement with meaningful faith experiences, showing that spirituality isn’t separate from life’s best moments—it’s woven right into them. Rev….


2026 Spring Sports Q&A: Riverside Athletes

The start of spring sports is upon us, so we took the opportunity catch up with the athletes of the Riverside sports teams to see what they are doing to prepare for the upcoming rivalries and to offer some perspective on the season ahead and their plans for the future.   Logan Young Sport? Baseball Grade? 12 How many years have you have played? 12 What are you most looking forward to in the upcoming season? Spending one last year with my teammates. How do you hope to improve this year? I hope to improve by taking more walks and…


Marine Corps League Det 788 Seeking Members

The members of a local Marine Corps League Detachment share a bond forged not only through military service, but through a continued commitment to community, country, and one another. Victoria Malcolm, Ellwood City resident and veteran, is hoping to help grow the local chapter, Marine Corps League Det 788, turn its focus toward the future, and ensure that its mission endures for generations to come. Even though she joined in October 2025 this detachment started in 1991. “It’s kind of like the American Legion but only for Marines,” Malcolm said. All marines in Lawrence County are welcome to join and…


Business

Ellwood City Welcomes Growing Flooring Business

A new chapter in local business is unfolding as Ellks Floor Coverings added its second location to Lawrence Avenue, bringing a mix of experience, personal service, and community focus to the area. Owned by Kyle Ellks, the company has steadily grown from its roots in flooring and home improvement into a full-service retail and installation operation. Now, with expansion into Ellwood City, Ellks is aiming to build lasting relationships while offering homeowners and businesses a trusted local option. “I started in the flooring and home improvement field in 2017 and officially built Ellks Floor Coverings into a full retail and…


Lincoln Jr/Sr High School Visual Arts Teacher Nominee for ‘America’s Favorite Teacher’

Let’s get out the vote … For Amanda Hatkevich, Lincoln Jr/Sr High School visual arts teacher to be named “America’s Favorite Teacher.” Vote here! (Be sure to cast your vote by April 23) At stake is not only the title, but $25,000 that Hatkevich says she will use part of to help educate the future. “I would invest in diverse art materials, digital tools, and photography equipment,” she said. “Funds would support classroom upgrades like storage, equipment, and outdoor seating for open-air creating. I would also fund visiting artists, field trips to museums, and student exhibitions to connect learning to…


PART TWO: Riverside High School’s Production of Frozen Cast Q&A

The Riverside High School Theater will present the musical, Frozen March 19-22 in the high school auditorium. A cast and crew of over 80 students from the school district will participate in the production directed by Brent Rodgers.  This is the 63rd anniversary of theatre at Riverside. Full of magic, humor, and a stunning musical score, Frozen is a powerful tale of sisterhood, acceptance, and finding the real meaning of true love We caught up with some of the leads in the show for a cast Q&A. Today’s Q&A is PART TWO in a three-part series about Frozen. Featured tomorrow will be part three,…


PART ONE: Riverside High School’s Production of Frozen Cast Q&A

The Riverside High School Theater will present the musical, Frozen March 19-22 in the high school auditorium. A cast and crew of over 80 students from the school district will participate in the production directed by Brent Rodgers.  This is the 63rd anniversary of theatre at Riverside. Full of magic, humor, and a stunning musical score, Frozen is a powerful tale of sisterhood, acceptance, and finding the real meaning of true love We caught up with some of the leads in the show for a cast Q&A. Today’s Q&A is PART ONE in a three-part series about Frozen. Featured tomorrow will be part 2…