Human Interest

PART 1: Top Stories of 2021

In following previous years’ tradition, EllwoodCity.org brings the 2021 calendar year to a close with the Top 10 most popular stories of the year. Today is the first part of our two-part series featuring the top news stories of the year based on analytics and social media reach. This year has been unforgettable to say the least, we as a community have faced the good, the bad, and the ugly this year but managed to come out on top of it all. We would like to thank our valued readership that helped generated nearly 2 MILLION page views this calendar…


Ellwood City Fire Chief Completes Top Tier Training

“When I am called to duty, God, whenever flames may rage; Give me the strength to save some life, whatever be its age.” From a Firefighter’s Prayer Rick Meyers knows a little bit about raging flames and saving lives. One of those lives stands out in his mind. It was a patient that his department performed CPR on, and her heart had to be defibrillated to resume beats. Every year after on the date her life was saved, the woman stopped to eat lunch with the firefighters. One of those years, she exclaimed that if she didn’t survive, the firefighters…


Sheetz Gets Ellwood City Council Approval for Development Plans

As far as the Ellwood City Borough Council is concerned, Sheetz is welcome to bring a business to Ellwood City. Council passed three motions Monday evening to help pave the way for development: A motion to approve the request by Sheetz, Inc. to have a Sheetz convenience story with self-serve sale of motor fuels at 5th Street/Glen Avenue which is a Conditional Use in a c-3; GN Zoning District. A motion to approve the request by Sheetz, Inc. to build a 6,070 square foot Sheetz Convenient Story with five multi-pump dispensers with a canopy on Fifth Street between Fountain Ave…


Council Takes Step to Recoup Funds Owed by Former Medical Center

Ellwood City Borough Council unanimously approved a resolution to collect $450,000 in delinquent utility bills and taxes owed by the former Ellwood City Medical Center. Pelorus Equity Group Inc. is the current owner of that debt. “This is a good step forward toward resolution with this property,” said Borough Manager David Allen. Allen explained that this is simply the first step in the process to regain the delinquent funds. The next step, he said is Federal Court. This step by the borough follows an October 29, 2021 Ellwood City Area School District Board of Directors vote to accept a delinquent…


Hometown Boxer Wins Pennsylvania State Golden Gloves Championship

In 2016 there was a pivotal moment for Devon Siegfried. It was the moment he stepped inside the boxing ring at the Ellwood City Police Boxing Club. “A high school classmate and close friend of mine, Rosie Morales brought me down to the gym in Ellwood City,” Siegfried said. “He introduced me and Coach Jack Maine who took me under his wing and began coaching me.” Now, Siegfried is the Pennsylvania State Golden Gloves Champion—won by unanimous decision recently after knocking his opponent to the canvas after a powerful body shot. Although he lives in the North Hills of Pittsburgh…


Ellwood City Council Approves Street Vacations to Make Way for Sheetz Store

Ellwood City Borough Council voted to approve the vacation of Locust Way from Fountain Avenue to Glen Avenue and Fountain Avenue from 5th Street to Locust Way during Monday’s regular meeting. The only “No” vote came from Councilman Jim Barry. Councilwoman Judith Dici was absent from the meeting. During a public hearing of the Ellwood City Borough Council on November 8, officials representing Sheetz presented plans for the proposed store. The 6,070 square foot store, as presented, would be anchored between Glen Avenue, Fountain Avenue, 5th Street, and Locust Way—across the street from McDonald’s. According to Ryan Wotus, attorney with…


Blood Drive to Honor the Life of Enon Valley Man

The annual Richard Hogue Replenishment Blood Drive will be held this week. Hogue, who was 28, was murdered on November 16, 2013. At the time of his death, he resided in Enon Valley, worked for Nick Mars Construction as a carpenter, and was a member of the Ellwood City Eagles Club. His mother, Debbie Murdock, described Richard as a hard-working, blue collar man who was raised with values. She said he lived to love and help others and had a heart of gold. According to Murdock, he was always there for family, friends, and neighbors. Above all though, Murdock said,…


EC Lions, Wolves, Rotary to host Meet and Greet Event

Many of you think of delicious festival food when you hear the names Rotary Club and Wolves Club—yes, the delectable lamb dinners and sausage sandwiches are definitely memorable—but these clubs along with the local Ellwood City Lions Club do so much more than just tempt our tastebuds. And the community will have the opportunity to learn about the clubs and their service opportunities and camaraderie during an upcoming meet and greet hosted by the Ellwood City Lions Club. On November 11 from 6 to 8 p.m., club leaders and members will be available at Vinny’s Restaurant for questions and to…


Sheetz Presents Plans for New Store

During a public hearing of the Ellwood City Borough Council Monday evening, officials representing Sheetz presented plans for a proposed store. The 6,070 square foot store, as presented, would be anchored between Glen Avenue, Fountain Avenue, 5th Street, and Locust Way—across the street from McDonald’s. According to Ryan Wotus, attorney with Goldberg, Kamin & Garvin, LLP, the properties to be vacated in that area are currently under agreement with RBG Development. David Mastrostephano, manager of Sheetz engineering permit, said 14 properties are being developed. He also discussed plans to make a portion of Glen Avenue two way as well as…


M@C Discount, Local Online Auction, Offers Deeply Discounted Merchandise

Going once, going twice, SOLD! M@C Discount is an online bidding platform where users from the Pittsburgh and surrounding areas can place bids and the highest bidder wins. The newest location at 6800 Big Beaver Boulevard, Rt 18, Beaver Falls opened in July and has been helping bidders find deals since the doors opened. The concept is pretty simple. Big box retailers like Walmart, Amazon, Kohl’s, Lowes, and others receive tons of returns and overstock other items. There has to be a place for these items to go. Look no further than M@C Discount. At M@C Discount, everyday consumers can…