Local News

Bernstine Announces Ellwood City Town Hall Meeting

Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Butler/Lawrence) is inviting residents to join him in Ellwood City for an upcoming town hall meeting on Monday, May 11, from 6-7 p.m., at the Wayne Township Volunteer Fire Department, 5153 Ellwood Road. The event will provide an opportunity for constituents to engage directly with Bernstine in an open discussion about state and local issues. He will offer an update on legislative developments in Harrisburg and outline how recent proposed policies could affect communities across the 8th Legislative District. “Hearing directly from the people I represent is critical to making informed decisions,” said Bernstine. “This town hall…


Business

From Pizza Wagon to Storefront: Chubby’s Expands Roots in Ellwood City

What began as a mobile pizza trailer serving up family recipes is now taking a permanent place in town. Chubby’s Pizza Wagon, owned by Bronson and Stephanie Bailey, is preparing to open its first brick-and-mortar location at 429 Lawrence Avenue, marking a significant step forward for the growing local business. Bronson and Stephanie Bailey, lifelong Ellwood City residents who now live in nearby Franklin Township, has deep ties to the community — and to the pizza business itself. “I grew up in Ellwood City, wanted to stay in my hometown. I wish to expand our food truck menu and offer more…


Leadership Lawrence County to Host “Bags and Bangs Bingo Bash” to support Declyn’s Dream Playground

The Leadership Lawrence County Class of 2026 will host its “Bags and Bangs Bingo Bash” on Saturday, May 16, 2026, to raise funds for Declyn’s Dream Playground, an inclusive play space being built at Shenango Community Park. Each year, the Leadership Lawrence County Class selects a project that creates meaningful impact across the community. After thoughtful discussions and a class vote, this year’s class chose to support Declyn’s Dream Playground, a space designed to ensure children of all abilities have the opportunity to play together. The class will be raising funds specifically for the playground equipment. The project was inspired…


POLICE: Weekly Police Blotter

HARASSMENT: Tarah Pearlstein, 42, of New Castle, is charged with Harassment after an incident occurring on April 18th. According to a criminal complaint, police responded to a call regarding harassment occurring two days before the file report. The victim states that during a party she was attending at Pearlstein’s residence on Old Pittsburgh Road an argument broke out which began to escalate. She and a friend attempted to leave, but could not find her purse and began to ask around if anyone had seen it, which escalated the argument further causing Pearlstein’s friend to involve the victim and the victims…


Mayor Court Announces 2026 Beautification Awards Program

Mayor Anthony J. Court has announced the return of the Mayor’s Beautification Program for 2026, an annual initiative recognizing Ellwood City residents who take pride in enhancing the appearance of their properties. The Beautification Program is now in its 17th year and has become a familiar tradition in the community. Each year, the program highlights homes and properties that contribute positively to the overall look and character of Ellwood City. For 2026, six properties will be selected as Beautification Award winners. Properties are evaluated based on curb appeal, landscaping, upkeep, and overall contribution to neighborhood appearance. Winners receive a Yard…


Local Organizers Begin Fundraising Efforts to Bring Safe Haven Baby Box to Ellwood City; Donate Now

A BIG Ellwood City effort is underway to bring a new kind of life-saving resource to the community: a Safe Haven Baby Box. Local organizers say the goal is simple but powerful—offer a safe, legal, and anonymous option for parents in crisis to legally surrender their baby while ensuring the infants receive immediate care. Fundraising efforts are currently underway, with community leaders, local officials, and first responders rallying behind the project. What is now needed, according to Jenn Jones, Ellwood City resident who has spearheaded this project, is help from the business community and residents. “When a community participates in…


Local Summer Camps Offer Faith, Fun In Nature For ALL Ages; Registration Now Open

Tucked away in the peaceful countryside of western Pennsylvania, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Camp & Retreat Center (OLMC) is the kind of place where adventure meets purpose—and where faith and fun go hand in hand. Located in Volant, PA, OLMC was created to give young people and families a chance to step away from the noise of everyday life and experience something deeper: community, nature, and a relationship with Christ. Through what they call “Adventure Catechesis,” the camp blends outdoor excitement with meaningful faith experiences, showing that spirituality isn’t separate from life’s best moments—it’s woven right into them. Rev….


LHS Prom 2026 “Puttin’ on the Ritz for Prom ‘26”

On Friday, May 1st Ellwood City Lincoln High School will host its annual prom, themed “Puttin’ on the Ritz for Prom ‘26 ” at the New Englander Banquet Center – The Crane Room in New Castle, Pennsylvania. Prior to the evening celebration, students will participate in the traditional LHS Promenade at the Leslie Sabo Memorial Auditorium. During the promenade, members of the 2026 Prom King and Queen will be introduced, and with the King and Queen being crowned later in the evening. Following the promenade, students, faculty, and staff will travel to the event center for an elegant evening of…


2026 Spring Sports Q&A: Riverside Athletes

The start of spring sports is upon us, so we took the opportunity catch up with the athletes of the Riverside sports teams to see what they are doing to prepare for the upcoming rivalries and to offer some perspective on the season ahead and their plans for the future.   Logan Young Sport? Baseball Grade? 12 How many years have you have played? 12 What are you most looking forward to in the upcoming season? Spending one last year with my teammates. How do you hope to improve this year? I hope to improve by taking more walks and…


Marine Corps League Det 788 Seeking Members

The members of a local Marine Corps League Detachment share a bond forged not only through military service, but through a continued commitment to community, country, and one another. Victoria Malcolm, Ellwood City resident and veteran, is hoping to help grow the local chapter, Marine Corps League Det 788, turn its focus toward the future, and ensure that its mission endures for generations to come. Even though she joined in October 2025 this detachment started in 1991. “It’s kind of like the American Legion but only for Marines,” Malcolm said. All marines in Lawrence County are welcome to join and…