Human Interest

Chamber of Commerce Hosting Reindeer Route

Don’t miss your chance to take a ride on the Reindeer Route. With Covid-19 cases rising, the Ellwood City Area Chamber of Commerce was tasked to think outside of the box as how to continue the celebration of Christmas. After a brainstorming session, the Reindeer Route was the answer. Families will be able to travel through town enjoying lights, decorations, and several beloved blow up characters all from the safety of their own vehicle. Join the police led procession Saturday, December 5, at 5:30 p.m. on Glen Avenue. Dale Thompson, director of the Ellwood City Area Chamber of Commerce, said…


AHA Training, American Red Cross and Emergency Response Training Now Available in Ellwood City

Since 2017, Star of Life Training has been offering First Aid, CPR, or Emergency Response Training for employers and individuals. Now there is a location right in the heart of Ellwood City. Located at 315 Fifth Street, Star of Life Training is an American Red Cross Training Partner, American Safety and Health Institute training center and Emergency Medical Response trainer for the Pennsylvania Department of Health.  Star of Life Training is also partnered with Babcock Health Education Services out of Florida and is an American Heart Association Training Center. Owners Robert and Heather Kratz, who live in Franklin Township, with…


First Local Meadery to Open in Ellwood City

If you want to partake in the drink of the Norse Gods, you might want to stop into Fitzgibbon Meadery at 536 Lawrence Avenue. You also can stop in if you just enjoy a delicious mead or country wine in general. The locally owned and sourced meadery will be opening its doors on November 28. There will something for every palate ranging from dry to sweet in a variety of flavors. Owners Eric and Misa McAnallen look forward to introducing their community to their homemade meads. “As Ellwood City’s only Meadery, we’ve taken it upon ourselves to introduce our corner…


Council Approves Military Banners Project

Ellwood City Borough Council voted to authorize implementation of the Ellwood City Military Banners project. The project will be led by Gabrielle Gretch. Gretch, a Riverside graduate who plans to attend UPMC Shadyside School of Nursing in January, said she was inspired to take on this project during her internship. “I did my scholarship on Leslie Sabo Jr. for the Historical society and shortly after was driving with my mom in Butler and asked why we didn’t have these in Ellwood,” she said. “I hope this will achieve great things and one day many streets in Ellwood will be filled…


IT’S BACK! Our Annual Halloween Costume Contest

It’s that time of the year again, EllwoodCity.org will be holding our annual Halloween Costume Contest. Each year we have received dozens of entries – and 2020 will be no different!  Let’s make this year even more spooky or funny with your son or daughter’s costume photo submission! Submissions begin on October 30th and go on through end-of-business hours on Thursday, November 5th. All submitted photos will appear on EllwoodCity.org’s Facebook page on Friday, November 6 as a photo gallery. Then, voting will begin as soon as the gallery is published and continues on until 8:00 a.m. the following Thursday,…


Zelienople Airport Construction Project to Address Safety

The Zelienople Airport and the road surrounding it, are under construction, but not for the reasons that some area residents speculate. Theories and rumors would have drivers believe that the runway is being expanded for FedEx and UPS type planes for their nearby fulfillment centers, but Airport Manager, David Holman said that’s simply not true. “It’s complete rumor mill about FedEx or UPS using the airport,” Holman said. “The project is for obstruction removal in the approach surface of the airport.  It does shift the runway further north, although the overall length is only 67 feet longer.  It’s a safety…


2020 Graduate Seeks to Recognize Area Veterans with Military Banners

Gabrielle Gretch is on a mission to recognize local veterans. Gretch a 2020 Riverside graduate plans to present a plan of action to install military banners on the streets of Ellwood City at Monday night’s council meeting. I would love for as many people as possible to come to the meeting to support the idea,” she said. “Especially if you’re interested in buying a banner.” Gretch, who plans to attend UPMC Shadyside School of Nursing in January, said she was inspired to take on this project during her internship. “I did my scholarship on Leslie Sabo Jr. for the Historical…


Trucks of the Hollow hosting ‘Truck or Treat’

NOTE: This is part three of a series featuring Spooktacular Events in Lawrence County Cars, costumes, and candy. Join Trucks of the Hollow for their first annual “Truck or Treat.” Vehicles of all shapes and sizes are encouraged to join the lineup on Saturday, October 17 at 355 North Tower Road Fombell, PA 16123. Event organizer Kaytlin Wright said she hopes to see a big crowd of vehicles and participants. “We were inspired to do this Trunk or Treat since a lot of the Halloween-themed events in the area aimed at the kiddos were cancelled due to the pandemic,” Wright…


Fearscapes Haunted Attraction: An Immersive Escape

NOTE: This is part two of a series featuring Spooktacular Events in Lawrence County Need a good scare? You don’t have to go far. Fearscapes Haunted Attraction is right here in Ellwood City. Not only are they hosting their revamped walk through attraction, but they have also added an escape room. Escape room and attraction combined are a wicked mix science and the paranormal gone mad. According to Fearscapes website, deep within the Fearscapes facility, A mysterious and toxic chemical used to contain entities of unknown origin has been released. Reports show it may have been caused by equipment malfunction….


Eric Ryan Corporation Celebrates 30 Years in Business

On October 1st, the Eric Ryan Corporation (ERC) will celebrate its 30th year anniversary. ERC was established in 1990 as a sole proprietorship under the name of Utility Cost Cutters and was incorporated as The Eric Ryan Corporation in 1995. We are currently operating with three divisions and more than 100 full and part-time employees. In the past 30 years, ERC has provided services to more than 2,000 clients in 50 states, Canada, Mexico, UK and the Caribbean. ERC evolved into a full service utility and telecommunications consulting and management firm and is one of the largest providers of said…