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October 29, 2025

October 2025 Designated Italian American History and Culture Month in PA

NEW CASTLE – The House of Representatives today overwhelmingly approved House Resolution 353, sponsored by Rep. Marla Brown (R-Lawrence). The measure designates October 2025 as Italian and Italian American History and Culture Month in Pennsylvania. Brown, who is an Italian American and longtime resident of New Castle, said the resolution is deeply personal and celebrates the history, culture and contributions of Italian Americans across the Commonwealth. “New Castle is home to one of the most vibrant Italian American communities in the country,” said Brown. “More than one in four residents here trace their roots to Italy, and their cultural legacy…

October 29, 2025

UPDATE: Ellwood City Borough Trick or Treat Moved to Saturday, November 1

Mayor Anthony Court reached out to Ellwoodcity.org to confirm that Ellwood City will now hold its trick or treat night on SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 1, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. “It is being moved due to the predicted inclement weather,” Court said. With cold temperatures, high wind, and rain in the forecast for Thursday, Court thought it would be best to move it to Saturday when the weather is predicted to be better. The Ellwood City Police Department will be out and about during Trick-or-Treat hours, handing out treats to kids and helping ensure a safe and enjoyable night for…

October 29, 2025

Free Little Library Honors Local Lifetime Educator, Author

In the heart of Ellwood City, a new little free library is quietly turning a small space into a big tribute. This isn’t just a repository for books — it is a living memorial to LuAnn Santillo, beloved teacher, literacy advocate, and founder of Half-Pint Kids, Inc. The little library, built in her honor, marries her lifelong devotion to children and reading with the spirit of community that she nurtured for decades. This free, take-a-book, leave-a-book library is located at Franklin Community Park on Walnut Street, Ellwood City and is open to everyone. “Rico and Amie Lucy along with their children donated the…

October 29, 2025

Bus Parade Planned Friday To Recognize Hartman Being Named PA Blue Ribbon School

A bus parade will take place Friday morning, October 31st to celebrate Hartman Intermediate School being named a Pennsylvania Blue Ribbon School. Festivities are set to begin around 8:00 a.m. where the students line the halls and the teachers, led by the percussion line, walk the halls.  The school will then have an assembly from 8:15-9:00 a.m. with speakers, contests, and a celebration of the kids and staff. You may see school buses and emergency vehicles traveling together through town. Please don’t be alarmed! This is part of the planned celebration. Attendees include local legislators, borough council members, the mayor,…

October 28, 2025

The Toxic Avenger: The Musical Delivers Love, Slime, and B-Movie Charm

By Bri Scala It’s a tale as old as time: boy meets girl, boy gets thrown into a vat of toxic sludge, boy emerges as a disfigured mutant hellbent on avenging the planet—and New Jersey, of course. Produced by Troma Entertainment in 1984, Lloyd Kaufman’s The Toxic Avenger didn’t attract mainstream appeal upon its initial release. It was too low-budget, goofy, and a bit too gory for your average filmgoer. But over time, through late-night reruns and VHS rentals, the film eventually found a cult following amongst those who like their heroes grotesque and their love stories with a side…

October 27, 2025

Ellwood City Wolves Club Monthly Meeting Notes

The Ellwood City Wolves Club Den 11 met at the Connequenessing Country Club on Wednesday October 22, 2025. The members and guests were recognized for their participation in the recent Oktoberfest held on October 5, 2025 in Ewing Park. Chairman Dennis Boariu reported on the success of the Oktoberfest raising $26,202, which is primarily used for scholarships. The Wolves Club moto is Pro Bono Publico which means “for the good of the public” and selects a community group each year to benefit from their fundraising programs. This year the Wolves Club provided $2000.00 to The Carpenter Project. The Coordinator, Steve…

October 26, 2025

PHOTOS: Annual Ellwood City Halloween Parade

The annual Ellwood City Halloween Parade took place Saturday afternoon along Lawrence Avenue in downtown Ellwood City. Thousands flocked to the sidewalks to watch and collect candy tossed from the many floats, trucks, and participants in the parade. A year after modifying the borough trick or treat to follow the annual parade, the borough modified the date again this year, moving the 2025 trick or treat date to Saturday, November 1st to initially accommodate the Ellwood City football home playoff game on Friday and also the inclement weather forecasted for Thursday. DON’T FORGET! Enter your son or daughter in to…

October 25, 2025

Ellwood City Public Library Activities For Week Of October 27th

The Ellwood City Area Public Library offers a variety of weekly activities. Information is available by calling the library at 724-758-6458. HOURS Hours are Monday 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m., Friday 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. and Saturday 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Please remember no one is available to take your calls unless it is in the hours listed above. Activities taking place this week include. MONDAY, OCTOBER 27 The Library will be closed for staff training. TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28 10:30 a.m. – “Baby Laptime,” children can listen to stories…

October 24, 2025

It’s A Toxic Takeover at the New Castle Playhouse

Note: Stay tuned to Ellwoodcity.org for a review after this weekend’s opening performances. Get ready, the most polluted town in New Jersey is coming to the Annex! Based on Lloyd Kaufman’s cult classic film, “The Toxic Avenger” is an award-winning rock musical that has it all. When Melvin Ferd III is tossed into a vat of toxic waste, he reemerges as Toxie – a mutant superhero with superhuman strength and a heart as big as Newark. The Toxic Avenger is a hilarious new monster of a comedy. Armed with superhuman strength and a heart as big as Newark, he’s out…

October 23, 2025

UPDATE! Ellwood City Trick or Treat Night To Be Held Thursday, October 30th

According to a social media post and information made available by the Borough of Ellwood City and Mayor Anthony Court, Ellwood City will now hold its trick or treat night on THURSDAY, OCTOBER 30th from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The Ellwood City Area Chamber of Commerce is hosting the annual Halloween Parade that will stretch downtown Ellwood City on Saturday, October 25th beginning at 3:00 p.m. [READ MORE] *UPDATE 11:32 a.m.* Neighboring Franklin, North Sewickley, and Perry Townships will also hold their trick or treat on Thursday, October 30th, from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM.  Wayne Township and Ellport…