Recent Stories

Human Interest

June 18, 2025

Court of Common Pleas of Lawrence County Judge Denies Ellwood City Area School District’s Appeal Regarding Softball Field

The Ellwood City Area School District’s appeal of the Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law and Adjudication of the Zoning Hearing Board of the Borough of Ellwood City relating to a proposed softball field in Ewing Park was denied in the Court of Common Pleas of Lawrence County. Judge John Hodge decided that the district is precluded from constructing the proposed project at that location “as it failed to comply with the Ellwood City Borough Zoning Ordinance” affirming the January 17, 2025, decision of the Ellwood City governing body. Read the findings here. The Zoning Hearing Board of the Borough of…

June 16, 2025

Ellwood City Police Officer Demoted, Suspended, Ordered to Attend Anger Management Classes Following Gas Station Altercation

Ellwood City Borough Council on Monday evening handed down the disciplinary action for a police officer involved in an altercation at the Sheetz in Ellwood City that was captured on video and posted all over social media and the Internet. Council voted unanimously to demote Sergeant Robert Magnifico to patrolman, ordered him to take classes in de-escalation and anger management (approved by Mayor Anthony Court), and suspended him for ten days without pay. Magnifico has been on administrative leave with pay since June 13 and through today, according to Borough Solicitor, Ryan Long. Prior to the vote on the disciplinary…

June 13, 2025

Riverside Sports Hall of Fame to Host 1st Annual Renee’s Run & Walk in Honor of Beloved Community Member

On Saturday, June 28, Ewing Park will be the site of the inaugural Renee’s Run & Walk, a 5K event dedicated to celebrating the life and legacy of Renee Lynn Giles, a cherished member of the Ellwood City community who passed away from uterine sarcoma in 2024. Renee was known for her unwavering support of the Riverside baseball program, her dedication to volunteer work, and her vibrant spirit that touched everyone she met.  Her commitment to kindness, generosity, and team spirit left an indelible mark on those around her. The event will raise money for the Renee Giles Memorial Scholarship…

June 12, 2025

Excitement Builds as ALDI Opens Its First Location in Ellwood City; Grocer Announces Opening Date

A wave of anticipation is sweeping through Ellwood City as discount grocer ALDI prepares to open its first local store at 230 Route 288. Known for its commitment to high-quality products at unbeatable prices, ALDI is poised to change the way residents shop for groceries. The location in Franklin Township has a tentative opening date of Thursday, June 26. “We are excited to confirm that our first store in Ellwood City is expected to open on Thursday, June 26,” said Kevin Ely, regional vice president for ALDI. “At the Grand Opening, we will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony and offer the…

June 11, 2025

Wander Ellwood 2025: First Event Tonight

Ellwood City will come alive tonight with the vibrant energy of the annual Wander Ellwood event.   This open street night, organized by the Ellwood City Area Chamber of Commerce, transforms Lawrence Avenue into a bustling hub of activity from 5 to 9 p.m. The event showcases over 80 vendors, including food trucks, craft breweries, wineries, and local businesses, offering a diverse array of products and experiences for attendees. The highlight of the evening will be a performance by Elmoz Fire, a local band known for their dynamic sound and engaging stage presence. Their music promises to enhance the festive atmosphere, providing…

June 9, 2025

Ellwood City Police Officer Taking Personal Days During Investigation Following Altercation

An Ellwood City Police Officer is taking personal days following an incident at the Ellwood City Sheetz on Friday, June 6. In a video that has seemingly gone “viral” on Facebook, YouTube, and Reddit, borough police Sgt. Robert Magnifico is shown pushing an unidentified person, who was yelling at Magnifico. A bystander was filming the altercation. Magnifico, during the  39-second video, can be heard yelling, “Understand this, son. I’m not going to put up with your s***. Understand who you’re talking to. I’m not going to put up with your crap. I told you to quit yelling and screaming. You’re…

May 28, 2025

Golden Gloves of America Showcases Rising Talent: Ellwood City Youth Shine with Five Champions

The prestigious Golden Gloves of America boxing tournament made its mark once again, this time electrifying the crowd at the Steamfitters Hall in Harmony, Pennsylvania. The event brought together some of the most promising young amateur boxers from across the state, delivering a night full of skill, heart, and raw talent. Among the standout performances, Ellwood City Police Boxing Club athletes emerged as a powerhouse, producing five Golden Gloves champions and showcasing the town’s deep well of boxing potential. One of the Ellwood City Police Boxing Club Coaches Jack Main said he is thrilled with the results. “This is a…

May 27, 2025

A Family Affair: Local Outdoor Event Center Offers All-in-One Celebration Services; Open House Event May 31

In a world where weddings, reunions, and milestone celebrations often come wrapped in the stress of logistics, one family-run outdoor event center is rewriting the script. Located at 1410 Glenwood Ave, Ellwood City, Homesite’s Hidden Events is the brainchild of Dianna and Kevin Moser, who put countless hours and work into transforming a portion of their backyard into an amazing event space. The mid-sized venue is becoming a beloved local gem — not only for its picturesque grounds and all-inclusive services but for the heartwarming family values at the core of every event. The family includes six siblings Travis Moser,…

May 9, 2025

Primary Election Series Part 5: Ellwood City Borough Council Candidate Q&A & Mayor’s Office

Note: This is part 5 in a 5-part series about the Primary Election. Part 1 provided general information about the election and where to vote. Parts 2 and 3 featured candidate Q&As for Ellwood City Area School District’s Board of Directors. PART 4  featured candidate Q&As for Ellwood City Council.   The Primary Election will take place on May 20. The candidates running for Borough Council include: Jan Williams, Michelle Lamenza, Jim Barry, Brad Ovial, and Joe Mancini. We caught up with the candidates for Ellwood City Borough Council before the primary election to learn more about the candidates and get…

May 8, 2025

Primary Election Series Part 4: Ellwood City Borough Council Candidate Q&A

Note: This is part 4 in a 5-part series about the Primary Election. Part 1 provided general information about the election and where to vote. PART 2 and PART 3 featured candidate Q&As for Ellwood City Area School District’s Board of Directors. Part 5 will feature more candidate Q&As for Ellwood City Council and the Mayor’s Office.   The Primary Election will take place on May 20. The candidates running for Borough Council include: Jan Williams, Michelle Lamenza, Jim Barry, Brad Ovial, and Joe Mancini. We caught up with the candidates for Ellwood City Borough Council before the primary election to…