Local News

Zelienople Airport Construction Project to Address Safety

The Zelienople Airport and the road surrounding it, are under construction, but not for the reasons that some area residents speculate. Theories and rumors would have drivers believe that the runway is being expanded for FedEx and UPS type planes for their nearby fulfillment centers, but Airport Manager, David Holman said that’s simply not true. “It’s complete rumor mill about FedEx or UPS using the airport,” Holman said. “The project is for obstruction removal in the approach surface of the airport.  It does shift the runway further north, although the overall length is only 67 feet longer.  It’s a safety…


BC3 Project Pink to Help Fight Breast Cancer

(Butler, PA) Butler County Community College, whose students, staff and guests have raised nearly $20,000 to benefit breast cancer research since 2010, is hosting the sale of pink ribbons and the collection of financial donations this month to assist a nonprofit organization that raises awareness and funds for the treatment of the disease. BC3’s social awareness club is directing BC3’s 2020 Project Pink during breast cancer awareness month. Proceeds will benefit the Side-Out Foundation, a Virginia charity that raises funds through mainly volleyball-related events. Since BC3’s volleyball program held its first Dig Pink game in 2010, members of the BC3…


New Business: Insurance Consultant Finds Success in Follow-up

Does shopping for insurance leave you frustrated, confused, unsure? Matthew Hrycko of Insurance Benefits of Pennsylvania says there is no need to feel that way. Hrycko recently opened an office at 716 Lawrence Ave and is now accepting appointments for consultation. Hrycko has been providing health life and employee benefits consulting services consulting services to the community for more than 10 years, and he says what sets him apart as an agent is customer service and follow up. You will always be able to speak to him personally. Part of that coverage that is an added benefit to consulting with…


Ellwood City Public Library Activities For Week of October 12

The Ellwood City Area Public Library offers a variety of weekly activities. Information is available by calling the library at 724-758-6458. PLEASE NOTE, WE’RE OPEN The Library will be open by appointment only. Call the library to set up an appointment to browse for books or use a computer. Anything printed must be paid for with exact change or check. We will not be making copies at this time. Newspapers and magazines will not be available. Limitations for patrons are 10 books and three, either books on CD or DVD’s, per person. It is mandatory that everyone wear a mask at…


2020 Graduate Seeks to Recognize Area Veterans with Military Banners

Gabrielle Gretch is on a mission to recognize local veterans. Gretch a 2020 Riverside graduate plans to present a plan of action to install military banners on the streets of Ellwood City at Monday night’s council meeting. I would love for as many people as possible to come to the meeting to support the idea,” she said. “Especially if you’re interested in buying a banner.” Gretch, who plans to attend UPMC Shadyside School of Nursing in January, said she was inspired to take on this project during her internship. “I did my scholarship on Leslie Sabo Jr. for the Historical…


ECASD Board Approves Phase Two Reopening Plan

The Ellwood City Area School District’s Board of Directors voted to move ahead with a Phase Two Reopening Plan proposed by Acting Superintendent Wes Shipley. The 5-4 vote will allow administrators to limit choices for families when it comes to choosing in school learning, a hybrid model, or a full cyber option. Directors Barbara Wilson, Matt Morella, Erica Gray, Jennifer Tomon, and Gary Rozanski supported the following plan proposed by Shipley during an Oct 5 Committee of the Whole Meeting: On Nov 2 families will have three options—full five day in school instruction, three day in school instruction, and Ecava….


Ellwood City Man Facing Child Sex Charges

The New Castle City Police Department has filed criminal charges against three individuals after an investigation into the dissemination of photographs of children. In September, the NCPD was contacted through CHILDLINE in reference to possible photographs being disseminated of two juvenile females (between ages of 11 &13). Detectives learned through the investigation that the mother of the juveniles did take numerous nude pictures and send them to a male in Ellwood City identified as David BATES (60). The investigation showed that in some cases BATES did pay the mother of the juveniles for the pictures. NCPD detectives did interview the…


Electric Utility Exec Joins BC3 Board of Trustees

(Butler, PA) Robi Lombardo fosters relationships with leaders of every background in five western Pennsylvania counties, remains unflappable while officiating high school rivalry basketball games staged before impassioned standing-room-only crowds, advises nonprofit organizations as a volunteer and will help to guide Butler County Community College as its newest trustee, officials said. Butler County Commissioners Leslie Osche, Kimberly Geyer and Kevin Boozel have appointed the Cranberry Township resident to complete the term of Nancy H. Staible, a retired physician’s assistant who served nearly eight years on BC3’s 16-member board before stepping down in June. Staible’s term expires in June 2023. As…


Heritage Valley Offering Drive-Thru Flu Shots At Former EC Hospital

To better serve the community during the COVID-19 outbreak, Heritage Valley Health System is offering scheduled drive-through flu shots at several area locations, including the former Ellwood City Hospital. Drive-through flu shots will only be available for patients who have a scheduled flu shot appointment through the Heritage Valley website, HVHS App or the Flu Shot Scheduling Line at 724.773.4285. Flu shots are available for those age 12 and older. For clinical and safety reasons, we recommend that anyone who has not had a flu shot previously receive his/her vaccine at a ConvenientCare location or HVHS physician office. Please be…


POLICE REPORTS: Criminal Complaints

The following are police criminal complaints filed at the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Lawrence County office of Honorable Jerry G. Cartwright. Dorothy Haswell, 45, of Ellwood City, is charged with Simple Assault and Harassment after an incident on Friday, September 25.  According to the criminal complaint, the victim stated that on the night prior, Haswell walked into her residence without knocking or permission around 7:00 p.m., Thursday, September 24.  After a verbal confrontation Haswell jumped over the coffee table in the residence and assaulted the victim.  The victim later came to the ECPD to place her report. Reporting officer observed brusing…