Recent Stories

Human Interest

May 18, 2020

Ellwood City Native Opens Dentistry in Ewing Park

Although Nikki Jo Magnifico DDM was successfully practicing as an associate dentist in New Hampshire for the last decade, the Lincoln High School graduate felt a need to move back to her hometown of Ellwood City. So Magnifico did just that. She bought her new 620 Jefferson Ave practice from Dr. James Oberfeitinger on February 1, 2020. “I decided it was time to move home to be closer to my family,” she said. Her immediate family includes her husband, Eric, who she said is supportive of her business goals as well as two sons Tyler, 5, and Anthony, 2.5. A Gannon…

May 14, 2020

ECASD Educators Planning Parade As Summer Send Off For Students

The educators in the Ellwood City School District wanted one last chance to see the faces of their beloved students before the end of the school year … even if it is at a safe social distance. Their solution: A parade. Organizers and ECASD Elementary Counselors Debbie Wiech and Chrissy Mendillo said so far 120 staff, faculty, and administrators have “signed up” to participate. “We hope this shows the love and dedication we have for our students,” Wiech said. According to Wiech, the mandated closing of the ECASD was a devastating situation for the students, but it was also a…

May 13, 2020

Ellwood City Entrepreneur Opens One-Stop Business Hub

As he watched the doors open at his new facility at 632 Lawrence Avenue, Eric Venezie saw his entrepreneurial dream come true. “I hope our new facility brings some enthusiasm to the Ellwood City community and shows that there is growth opportunity in our town,” Eric said. “Most all our staff is local, with local roots and families that depend on those peers and other businesses to support one another and help Ellwood City continue any resurgence, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic.” Eric, a long-time Ellwood City business owner has brought his line-up of local businesses full circle and under…

May 5, 2020

Katie’s Korner Opening ‘Right Around the Corner’

Although plans to open in May were halted by the Coronavirus, Katie’s Korner in North Sewickley Township is planning a safe and new grand opening. Franchise owner, Gary Hummel, said the holdup has been the final aspects of construction—the parking lot. In a recent interview, Hummel said that is the final piece to opening the doors. “As soon as contractors are permitted by Governor Wolf to begin operations, we will be having our parking lot paved and then be open for business,” Hummel said. According to Hummel when the doors do open, his staff will be following all CDC guidelines…

April 29, 2020

Damato Named A Finalist For Syed R. Ali-Zaidi Award for Academic Excellence

Slippery Rock University this week recognized students and faculty with Celebration of Achievement. Among those is Nikol Damato, a senior dual history and interdisciplinary programs major from Ellwood City. Highlighting the awards is the selection of SRU’s finalist for the Syed R. Ali-Zaidi Award for Academic Excellence, which is given to a graduating senior in Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education who exemplifies academic excellence and involvement. Damato was selected as the University’s nominee by SRU President William Behre. The winner will be selected by the board of governors later this year. Damato has already won a variety of scholarships…

April 28, 2020

2020 Mayor’s Beautification Awards To Commence

It’s that beautiful time of the year again! Mayor Anthony J. Court will be starting his “Beautification Award Program” in Ellwood City. This has been a trying year and now it’s time to bring life back to our neighborhoods. Mayor Court started this program 10 years ago and it has been a huge success. Nominations will be accepted beginning May 1st by email at tcourt230@zoominternet.net, Mayor’s Facebook page, phone 724-824-7635, or by mail. Six winners will be chosen from the nominations. Presentations will begin on June 1st and go through mid-August. All winners will receive a yard sign stating “Mayor…

April 23, 2020

ECASD Food Service Staff Going Above and Beyond to Feed Area Students

Keeping kids fed during a pandemic is a challenge, but it’s one that the Ellwood City Area School District’s Food Service staff and volunteers continues to conquer. John Dzurina, Food Service Director for the district, said the successful operation would not be possible without the daily determination of his staff and volunteers. Dzurina said on average 920 kids are fed per day. With a healthy and filling breakfast and lunch both being served, that adds up to about 1,840 meals per day. Currently those meals include cereals, juice, milk, sandwiches, fruit, and vegetables. Hot meals have not been on the…

April 23, 2020

BodyShop Group Fitness Gains International Attention

#morethanagym. A simple phrase and way of life for the owners, instructors, and members of BodyShop Group Fitness, an Ellwood City Gym that has been serving members since 1997. #morethanagym means many things for BSGF including a strong connection with members even in a pandemic. Although BSGF was forced to close its doors on March 16 with a lot of other businesses in town, the owners and instructors have worked to maintain that connection. “We are keeping in touch virtually via a social media group,” said Valecia Davis one of the gyms three owners. “We check in daily to hold…

April 22, 2020

Ellwood City Area School District Administrators, Staff Provide Updates

The administrators and staff of the Ellwood City Area School district gave updates of continuing education during the April 20 board of directors special meeting. School Superintendent Joseph Mancini said he is pleased with the overall transition to online learning and attributes the success of the challenging transition to the district’s staff. “I’d like to thank the teachers, administrators, staff, parents, and students,” he said. Mancini said efforts to keep the district’s students fed during this pandemic has been an impressive endeavor. He thanked Food Service Director, John Dzurina, as well as the numerous volunteers, drivers, and other staff involved…

April 22, 2020

EC School Board, Administrators Clash Regarding Grading Policy

The Ellwood City Area School Board’s Board of Directors voted Monday night to recommend the school district move forward with a modified system of grading for the last nine-week period of the 2020 school year despite administrative push to continue with the grading system that was in place before the pandemic. According to Kathy McCommons, a representative of the board’s education committee, administrators believe that using the regular grading system was the best way to proceed in the district’s continuity of education plan because that procedure keeps students motivated in continuing school work. Superintendent Joseph Mancini said that in most…