Human Interest

Old Photo Friday: Borough Property Nativity Scene

Although the photos are not very old, they are certainly a thing of the past after a Wisconsin-based anti-religion group threatened to sue the Borough of Ellwood City in 2011 if they didn’t take down the traditional nativity display, which has since been absent from the property. The group, Freedom From Religion Foundation, promotes nontheism and defends the constitutional separation between religion and government, their website states. The last year the nativity was standing on Borough property was in 2011, after the council members voted 4-2 in favor of removing the scene from municipal property beginning in 2012. A council…


Letter to The Editor: Ellwood City United Fund

A few days ago, I was sitting in the waiting room at a doctor’s office in Cranberry Township, where I saw a magazine that had articles about the Christmas season, giving in kindness and love, and trying to reach out to others with gifts that keep on giving. Every year the Ellwood City United Fund asks for the community’s generous support so we can continue to help our friends, neighbors and family members need. We know that it is at this time of year you are inundated with requests for donations. The magazine writers talked about giving of yourself and…


PHOTOS: Winter Wonderland in Ellwood City

You either love it or you hate it, but regardless of how you feel about the snow there’s no denying it has blanketed Ellwood City overnight. Last year during December we had hardly any snow and the average temperatures were in the 50’s and upwards. Despite this year’s snow, there are many townspeople out and about, some cleaning their cars off and others going in and out of the stores on Lawrence Avenue. EllwoodCity.org staff would like to remind everyone to exercise precaution, especially while driving, during the times of freezing weather and snow. Check out some photos of the…


PHOTOS: Gingerbread House Contest

If you haven’t seen the gingerbread houses made by the stylists at Shear Paradise Salon on Lawrence Avenue, you’re missing out! There are four gingerbread houses on display, each one designed completely by the stylists. The public gets to choose which house they like the best by casting their vote inside the salon, and the winner receives a gift card. Voting ends the Saturday before Christmas – get down there and cast your vote, you’ll know you’re at the right place when you see the darling Rudolf display in the window! Photos by Cassandra Douglas/Ellwoodcity.org


Last Week to Donate to The Hope House

The Ellwood City Hope House is accepting donations up until December 18, donations can be dropped off at the First Baptist Church of Ellwood City. If you’re unsure what to donate, here is a list provided by the organizers: Additionally, fake trees are needed to be donated as well. About the Hope House of Ellwood City The homeless shelter is specified to cater for the needs of full households, not just small households or individuals, which makes it unique to the tri-state county area. The shelter is a donated move-in ready house near the post office in Ellwood City and…


Will It Be A White Christmas in Ellwood?

Winter weather is in the forecast for the next several upcoming weeks – a complete change-up of last year’s weather around this time. Last year we experienced a good portion of December in temperatures upwards of 60-some degrees, with December 26th, 2016, holding a high temperature record of 62 degrees. Needless to say, there was no snow on Christmas Day last year in Ellwood City. This year, however, there is a chance of snow showers almost daily leading up to the Christmas weekend! While it’s possible for the forecast to change, it looks likely to be a white Christmas for…


Ellwood City Pet Groomer Offers Safe Treat Alternatives for Dog Owners

Since the recent warnings regarding the harm common dog toys and treats can cause to our beloved pets, dog owners have been searching for a healthier, safer alternative and just in time for the holidays, the owners of Grand Paws on Lawrence Avenue have been stocking holistic treats for dog owners to purchase instead. Most pet owners are shocked to learn how many harmful chemicals and other potentially deadly substances are put into commonly sold dog treats. According to the Bark Post, a dog-enthusiast blog website, here are four common dog treats that can hurt your dog:  Dynamic Pet Real…


Commissioners Honor BC3, Present Proclamation to Native Ellwood City Graduate

Butler, PA- Butler County Commissioners Leslie Osche, Kimberly Geyer and Kevin Boozel on Wednesday recognized Butler County Community College’s back-to-back rankings as the No. 1 community college in Pennsylvania by presenting a proclamation to BC3 President Dr. Nick Neupauer during the board’s public meeting. Neupauer, formerly of Ellwood City, is a 1985 graduate of Lincoln High School. The 8.5-inch by 14-inch tan proclamation, enclosed in a navy blue folder stamped with the Commissioners’ Office, Butler County, PA crest, also lauded BC3 for 2017 accomplishments prior to the college being selected No. 1 again in October by Schools.com. BC3 in 2017…


New Plans for YDC Property Take Shape, Bernstine Says

Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Beaver/Butler/Lawrence) today announced a new bid of sale has been accepted by the state Department of General Services for the Youth Development Center (YDC) property in Lawrence County. The $2 million bid was placed by Lawrence County Community Action Partnership (LCCAP), which plans to develop the property to accommodate educational, health care and short-term housing facilities, among other plans. LCCAP estimates the project will create at least 275 jobs once up and running. “This is one of the biggest wins for Lawrence County in decades,” Bernstine said. “I’m thrilled we were able to find a buyer for…


Letter to the Editor: Wampum Appreciation Post

Dear Editor, The town of Wampum is small in population, just 620 when everyone is at home, but big in heart and action.  Wampum is midway between New Castle and Beaver Falls and just a short drive west of Ellwood City.  This past Saturday, December 2nd, we held our 45th Annual Wampum Area Christmas Parade, and our little town’s population swelled into the thousands, our largest crowd ever. Thanks to many prayers, the weather was perfect and the Parade of 65 Units went off with very few glitches, and our small town of Wampum had its 1 hour and 5…