Human Interest

Riverside Second Grader Takes the Stage for The First Time in Law & Order: Fairy Tale Unit

All it took was a show at Disney for Lyam Hooke to realize that he wanted to be on stage. The Riverside second grader has made his stage debut at the New Castle Playhouse production of Law & Order: Fairy Tale Unit. We caught up with Lyam, to learn more about him and to wish him luck for his first time on stage, for a Q&A::: Meet Lyam Hooke Part in Play: I am Doc and he’s a basketball player. Current Grade: I’m going into second grade. Been in musicals/plays since: This is my first time doing a play. Previous leads/musicals you’ve…


Business

Homegrown Leadership Brings Keller Williams Steel City to Ellwood City

Real estate is about more than buying and selling homes—it’s about building relationships, investing in communities, and helping people find where they belong. That’s exactly the vision behind the new Keller Williams Steel City office, now open at 237 Route 288, Ellwood City, under the leadership of local Realtors Katelyn Dominelli and Amy Chisholm. The July 2026 opening marks an exciting milestone as the first Keller Williams office in Ellwood City, bringing one of the world’s most recognized real estate brands together with hometown leadership that knows the community inside and out. For Dominelli, opening the office wasn’t simply a…


A Legacy of Helping Hands: Carpenter’s Project Marks 25 Years of Service

For five days in July, hammers rang, paintbrushes swept, and neighbors came together with a shared purpose as the Carpenter’s Project celebrated its 25th consecutive year of transforming homes—and lives—across the Ellwood City area. From July 13-17, the volunteer-driven mission once again provided free exterior home repairs for local homeowners in need, continuing a quarter-century tradition of compassion, service, and community pride. “The whole community teams up to help others,” said Director Steven Miller. “The crews persisted through the heat and smoke from the wildfires. It was a really smooth year.” Typically, planning begins in April with volunteers and homeowner…


Riverside Alumni to Hit the New Castle Playhouse Stage in Footloose

For many performers, the stage is where passion, creativity, and confidence come to life. For several alumni of Riverside School District, that passion has led them back into the spotlight as cast members of Footloose, the high-energy musical based on the beloved 1984 film. Filled with unforgettable songs, dynamic choreography, and a story about standing up for what you believe in, Footloose continues to captivate audiences decades after its debut. Set in the small town of Bomont, Footloose follows teenager Ren McCormack as he adjusts to a community where dancing has been outlawed. As Ren challenges long-held traditions and inspires…


Pure Gold Brings Timeless Hits and Unmatched Energy to the Ellwood City Festival

When Pure Gold takes the stage at Sunday, July 5, at 6 p.m. at the Ellwood City Arts, Crafts, Food & Entertainment Festival, audiences can expect much more than a concert. They can expect a full-scale entertainment experience built on decades of musical excellence, crowd interaction, and nonstop energy. Pure Gold Showband delivers a fully choreographed, high-energy performance packed with the songs you know and love. Every show is designed to get audiences singing, dancing, and completely engaged from start to finish. With five lead vocalists, a full horn section, and a powerhouse rhythm section, this is live entertainment at…


Ellwood City Festival to Feature The Jaggerz: Six Decades of Harmony, Soul, and Western Pennsylvania Pride

For 60 years, The Jaggerz have been a staple of the Western Pennsylvania music scene, blending R&B, soul, rock, and Top 40 favorites into a sound that has endured across generations, and they will take the stage on Saturday, July 4, at 8 p.m. at the Ellwood City Arts, Crafts, Foods, and Entertainment Festival. Since forming in 1965, the band has recorded four albums and 11 singles, building a legacy that stretches from local clubs in the tri-state area to national chart success with their signature hit, “The Rapper.” The story of The Jaggerz began when musicians from three different…


Suns of Beaches To Bring the Ultimate Tropical Party to Ellwood Festival

No passport. No plane ticket. No worries … will be needed when the Suns of Beaches take to the Festival Stage on Friday, July 3, at 8 p.m. at the Ellwood City Arts, Crafts, Foods, and Entertainment Festival. The high-energy Jimmy Buffett tribute band transforms every performance into a tropical getaway. Complete with steel drums, island favorites, beach-themed originals and plenty of audience participation, the group has built a reputation for delivering what they call more than a concert—it’s a beach party. According to drummer Ben Sakmar, while Jimmy Buffett’s music forms the heart of every show, the band offers…


Union Carpenters Return to Pine Valley Youth Camp to Continue Volunteer Project

ELLWOOD CITY, PA – Over 26 union carpenters from the Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters (EASRCC) recently volunteered their time and skills at Pine Valley Youth Camp in Ellwood City, helping advance construction on the camp’s new dining hall. Members from Local Unions 420 and 432 installed metal doors and continue work on the building’s wooden siding. The volunteer effort was the second phase of the project, following work completed in March. As additional materials are donated, the volunteers plan to return to hang drywall and help complete the dining hall. This year’s volunteers were led by participants…


More Than a Festival: Why the Ellwood City Arts, Crafts, Food & Entertainment Festival Needs Community Support

Every summer, Ewing Park transforms into the heart of Ellwood City as thousands gather for one of the region’s most cherished traditions—the Ellwood City Arts, Crafts, Food & Entertainment Festival. Now entering its 44th year, the festival continues to showcase the creativity, talent, and community spirit that have defined Ellwood City for generations. Scheduled for July 3-5, 2026, the three-day event brings together artisans, crafters, food vendors, entertainers, musicians, community organizations, and families for a celebration that has become synonymous with the Fourth of July holiday weekend. The marquee highlight of the Festival has always been the finale … the…


Ellwood City Arts, Crafts, Food & Entertainment Festival Inducts Peter Greco Into Hall of Fame

The Ellwood City Arts, Crafts, Food & Entertainment Festival is proud to recognize Peter “Pete” Greco for his outstanding dedication, leadership, and nearly three decades of service to one of our community’s most treasured traditions.Pete’s Festival journey began in 1989 when he was recruited by longtime Festival Chairman Tom Martz to join the committee. What started as a volunteer opportunity quickly grew into a lasting commitment that would span more than twenty-five years and leave a significant mark on the Festival’s success.Throughout his years of service, Pete became known for his reliability, work ethic, and willingness to take on whatever…