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Human Interest

July 16, 2020

PHOTOS: Carpenters Project Rebuilding Post COVID

Starting in 2002, the Carpenters Project has helped many families with exterior house projects and even during the pandemic of a century they didn’t take a break this year. Planning for their work week in July began back in March. With the changing health situations, the plans and needs for this year kept switching. Ultimately, it was decided that this years focus would be on helping homeowners with safety concerns. “Some of the phone calls that we receive from homeowners are scary,” said Steven Miller, Carpenters Project Director. “People are relying on us to help them get in and out…

July 14, 2020

ECASD Planning Multiple Options for Back to School

Back to School this year could look quite different for the Ellwood City Area School District. Due to Covid-19, going back isn’t just as simple as going back. With state mandates and guidelines changing weekly, if not daily, administrators and educators in the district are working to develop multiple plans for multiple scenarios. The district’s pandemic task force and its subcommittees have been meeting regularly to make sure that students can return safely. “In late June, we were hoping for a full reopening,” said ECASD’s Superintendent Joseph Mancini at a recent board of directors meeting. Mancini said that hope changed…

July 14, 2020

VIRTUAL FUN: Local Athletes Complete In Special Olympics of PA Virtual Summer Games

This summer, over 1,000 athletes participated in the Virtual Summer Games (VSG) weekend Friday, June 12 to Sunday, June 14, 2020. The VSG was hosted by the Special Olympics of Pennsylvania in lue of the normal Summer Games that had to be canceled because of COVID-19. The Special Olympics of Pennsylvania connected athletes and with athletes through Facebook as well as using YouTube videos as reference within emails. However, athletes without the internet could call their times to their coach, who would then upload the scores for them, but only athletes with the internet could post videos. Everyone was welcome…

July 13, 2020

Happy Tails Pet Hotel and Daycare Open to the ‘Pup-lic’

Five star accommodations aren’t just for humans! Happy Tails Pet Hotel and Daycare will offer resort-ish style services that will leave your dogs, cats, bunnies, guinea pigs, birds, and exotic pets feeling posh and pampered. Madelyn Duncan, the facilities owner, has fur fabulous plans for the hotel. Paws have been her passion for as long as she can remember. “I grew up with many pets and around various types of farms,” she said. “I always wanted to work with animals, but I didn’t know in what capacity that would be. I am glad I have figured this dream out and…

July 2, 2020

PHOTOS: Local Community Garden Honors Locally Made Art Winners

In honor of the new Community Garden Utility Shed at ‘5 Points’ intersection in Ewing Park the Department of Public Works held a poster contest for children ages 4 and 12 last month. The winners were promised to have their poster on display for a whole year at the garden as well as gift certificate from McDonald’s. The winners were announced as Mason is the winner of the 4-6 age group, Alex is the winner of the 7-9 group and Kyra of the age 10-12 group. Last names will not be released due to permission not being granted by parents…

July 1, 2020

Wolf Administration: CARES Act Funding for Small Businesses Made Available June 30

Governor Tom Wolf announced that beginning tomorrow small businesses across Pennsylvania can apply for grants to offset lost revenue caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting shutdown order. “In unprecedented times, like those we are currently facing, collaboration is imperative to getting help to those who need it most, as quickly and effectively as possible,” said Gov. Wolf. “This joint effort between my administration, the legislature, and The Pennsylvania CDFI Network will provide critical assistance to Pennsylvania’s small businesses, putting them on better financial footing as they begin to reopen.” The COVID-19 Relief Statewide Small Business Assistance program, announced…

July 1, 2020

Butler Health System To Offer Antibody Testing

Butler Health System Laboratory now offers SARS-CoV-2 (COVID) IgG antibody test using Beckman Coulter’s SARS-CoV-2 IgG assay on Beckman’s DxI 800 analyzer. This test received FDA Emergency Use Authorization. This is the only IgG assay from top four in vitro diagnostic manufacturers that detects antibodies targeting the receptor binding domain on the spike protein of the novel coronavirus that is driving the ongoing global pandemic. It is believed that these antibodies have the potential to be neutralizing antibodies and may play a role in lasting immunity. The test has a confirmed 100% Positive Percent Agreement (sensitivity) and 99.6% Negative Percent…

June 30, 2020

ECASD Board Votes to ‘Remove’ Principal, Hire Three Teachers

The Ellwood City Area School District Board of Directors has voted to “restructure” the administration to eliminate the position of one principal and hire three teachers (2nd, 3rd, 5th grades). In a last minute motion, before tabling a vote on the $30 million budget, Director Jean Biehls made the motion to remove the principal. Biehls was joined with yes votes from Board President Renee Pitrelli and Directors Barbara Wilson, Kathleen McCommons, and Norman Boots. Directors Jennifer Tomon, Erica Gray, and Gary Rozanski voted “no.” The same three directors voted “no” to the hiring of the three teachers. This motion and…

June 28, 2020

PHOTOS: Ellwood City Unity Rally

A Unity Rally was held in the Ellwood City Community Plaza on Lawrence Avenue in downtown Ellwood City on Sunday afternoon. The non-partisan and public demonstration was planned to raise awareness of and show support for the Black Lives Matter and current Civil Rights Movement sweeping across the nation. Several community leaders spoke to give continued voice to the movement. “I am proud to be part of this event and to continue helping push the message and mission of equality for all,” said Kolbe Cole, Candidate for State Representative in District 10, this week in an interview. Read More

June 26, 2020

Boomin’ – New F&V Fireworks Location Now Open

Business is boomin’ for a local business as we approach the 4th of July holiday weekend. Starting in 2001 with a single location in Enon Valley to a now open second location in Beaver Falls, F&V Fireworks has decided to make good quality fireworks available for all Pennsylvania residences at a good price. “We decided to open the fireworks store not only because we love fireworks but because we were tired of paying such high prices for such low quality fireworks at other places,” said owner Jeff “Junior” Feezle. As a family owned and operated business, Jeff says the family…