Human Interest

ECASD, RHS Release COVID-19 School Closure Information: Food Services

*Press Release from Ellwood City Area School District The Ellwood City Area School District will be providing meals to any child 18 and under. Breakfast will be from 8 to 9 a.m. and Lunch will be from 11:30-12:30. The locations for meal pick up are as follows: North Side Primary Perry Lower Intermediate Lincoln/Harman Any child 18 and under is eligible for free meals regardless of district, free, reduced or paid status.  Any child can go to any location – they do not have to go to the school they attend.  The child or children must be present to get…


Ellwood City Police Department Boxing Club Seeking Donations to Keep Mentoring Program Going

The Ellwood City Police Department Boxing Club packs a one-two punch. One, they mentor area youth and two, they provide an outlet for fitness. Located in the basement of the borough building, the gym has a ring, punching bags, and nostalgic newspaper clippings and posters papering the walls and telling a rich and interesting story of the organization’s history. The ECPD Boxing Club has been working with youth for decades and the coaches have generational ties to the group. Jack Maine Jr. has been part of the organization since the 70s when he was throwing punches in the ring. Now…


Borough Announces 2020 Yard Waste Pickup Dates

The Ellwood City Borough has announced pickup dates for the borough issued yard waste bin collections. Yard waste bins are collected on specified weeks throughout the calendar years. Dates are also provided on borough utility bills. The nine pickup dates for 2020 are as follows: Week of May 11 Week of June 8 Week of July 6 Week of August 17 Week of September 14 Week of October 12 Week of October 26 Week of November 9 Week of November 23 Per the Borough’s website regarding yard waste pickup procedures: “Green borough yard waste bins are also available for residents to…


Ellwood City Area School District Superintendent Addresses Coronavirus

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is the hottest topic in the world today. Ellwood City Area School District Superintendent Joseph Mancini said the district is having discussions regarding the disease, but that no major moves or changes have been made as of yet to address the situation. He said district administrators are staying on top of the reports, discussing, and researching the disease’s reach on a daily basis. He said the district is taking the stance right now of “don’t panic, but prepare.” “There has been increased cleaning of high touch areas,” he said during the Ellwood City Area School District’s Board…


Part Two: Riverside Musical “How to Succeed in Business Without Even Trying” Cast Q&A

This is part two of a two part series about Riverside’s High School’s production of “How to Succeed in Business Without Even Trying.” Yesterday’s article featured details about the musical. A musical is only as good as its cast. The cast of Riverside’s High School’s production of “How to Succeed in Business Without Even Trying” are excited to hit the stage running and give all audience members a good show. Ellwoodcity.org did a Q&A with some of the cast members: Maggie Hardin Part in Musical: Rosemary Pilkington Current Grade: 12 Been in musicals/plays since: 8th grade Previous leads/musicals you’ve been in: Gangster- Drowsy Chaperone…


Part One: Riverside Musical “How to Succeed in Business Without Even Trying” Takes Stage This Weekend

This is part one of a two part series about Riverside’s High School’s production of “How to Succeed in Business Without Even Trying.” Tomorrow’s article will feature a Q&A with the cast leads. The Riverside High School Theater will present the musical comedy, “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.” The musical will run March 12-15 in the high school auditorium. A cast and crew of over sixty students from the high school will participate in the production directed by Brent Rodgers. This is the 57th Anniversary of Theater at Riverside, which makes this a landmark show. Big business…


Vietnam Veterans Moving Wall Memorial Exhibit Needs Volunteers; Meeting Set for Tomorrow

The Vietnam Veterans Moving Wall Memorial will be coming to Ellwood City in August. In order for the exhibit to be a success, the committee is seeking volunteers to help with all aspects of the exhibit. A meeting will be held on February 20 at 6:30 at the Historical Society at 310 5th Street. The actual wall will be featured in Ellwood City August 20-24. For more information on the Moving Wall, please contact Dom Viccari at 724-657-4388.


Council Votes to Approve Travel Expenses for Mayor, Denies Councilwoman

Council voted unanimously to send Mayor Anthony Court to a four-day Pennsylvania State Association of Boroughs (PSAB) conference in Hershey but denied a request by councilwoman Judith Dici to attend that same conference. Council approved funds totaling $942.67 plus food and mileage for Court. In a 4-3 vote Dici was denied the request for funding with Council President George Celli, Vice President James Barry, Councilman Caleb Cragle, and Councilwoman Michelle Lamenza voting “No.” Cragle said he researched four years of council minutes, mileage, and cost of meals and estimated the cost of the mayor and Dici’s attendance at the twice-a-year…


Ellwood City Council Hires Home Blood Services Company to Test DUI Suspects

Ellwood City Council voted to implement an agreement for services for blood toxicology testing following DUI arrests. Monday night council voted unanimously to hire Becky’s Home Blood Services at a rate of $50 per venipuncture. The move comes after the closing of the Ellwood City Medical Center. Since the closing of the hospital, local officers were forced to travel at least 30 minutes to area facilities for the DUI testing. Becky O’Neil, owner of Becky’s Home Blood Services, also provides home blood business services to residents. She has been providing service in the area since 2018 and has more than…


Ellwood City School Directors Approve Personnel, Spring Coaches

The Ellwood City School Board Directors voted during Thursday’s board meeting to approve personnel hires. Among the appointments were Michael Elmer who was hired as an instructional aide and David Poore and Megan Rosenberger were approved as mentors for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year and for the first semester of the 2020-2021 school year. Heidi Feltrop, secondary librarian was granted tenure. Board directors also voted to update the ACT 93 Agreement to include Paul Pishioneri and his salary increase to $72,000 for the 2020-2021 school year. Spring coaches were also appointed (Director Gary Rozanski Sr. abstained from the…