Local News

ECASD Board of Directors Hires Boys Basketball Head Coach

The Ellwood City Area School District’s Board of Directors hired Scott Dibble to serve as the head boys basketball coach. In 2019, Dibble stepped down after serving for two seasons as Bishop Canevin’s girls basketball head coach and two years previously as an assistant. The Crusaders won WPIAL titles three of the four years and were state runners-up in 2017 and 2018. He also coached the girls teams for three seasons at New Castle and a dozen at Erie’s Villa Maria, where his teams reached the finals six times. In addition, High School Principal John Sovich, and School Police Officer…


New Business: Wanderland Piano Brings Love for Learning Music to Ellwood City

Charlene Hall wants to get music into the community, and to teach as many people as time will allow her. “Music is so beneficial in so many aspects of life,” she said. That’s why Charlene opened Wanderland Piano at 311 5th Street in Ellwood City. Since then, her list of students has skyrocketed. Charlene was teaching her students virtually during Covid, and with a growing list of students, she decided it was time to open her own studio. She really can’t remember a time when she didn’t play the piano. “When I was really little like around 3 or 4,…


Local Boxer Headed to National Golden Gloves

Local standout boxer Devon Siegfried is about to “Hit” the national stage. Siegfried made it to the National Golden Gloves, which will be held in Oklahoma August 15-20th. His journey to the national competition began with a knockout in the Western PA Golden Gloves Championship on April 2nd at North Way Christian in Wexford. “It felt amazing to win the Golden Gloves again in 2022,” Siegfried said. “Not only was it against a tough fighter, but it was local in Wexford, PA, which is where I work. A lot of my co-workers, family and friends were able to make it…


Ellwood City Youth Wins State DAR Service Award

Hayden Slade, a rising senior at Lincoln High School in Ellwood City, is the first place winner of the Pennsylvania State Society Daughters of the American Revolution’s (PSSDAR’s) Outstanding Youth Volunteer Award for his service to veterans and our troops. Hayden is sponsored by the Pymatuning Chapter in Sharon, where his grandmother Theresa Harkless Woods is a member. His State level submission also went on to win the Eastern Division of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR). Hayden’s volunteer work includes collecting and organizing board games to give to veterans and deployed troops through the 501(c)(3) charity…


Lawrence County Students New Members Of BC3 Academic Honor Society

Seven Butler County Community College (BC3) students from Lawrence County, including three Ellwood City residents, are among 79 new members of BC3’s chapter of an international academic honor society. New members of Rho Phi, the college’s 54-year-old chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, must have a minimum grade-point average of 3.5. Students who have completed at least 12 credit hours toward an associate degree or six credit hours toward a one-year certificate and who meet academic requirements are eligible for membership in Rho Phi. Amanda Fleming is Rho Phi’s primary adviser and BC3’s college business services specialist. Membership in Rho Phi,…


Meet the Leos: Q&A with the New Community Leaders

Note: This is part two of a two part series featuring the Ellwood City LEOs Club. Part one was published yesterday. Part two is a Q&A with the members. [VIEW PART 1] The Ellwood City LEOs (Leadership Experience Opportunity) Club is a youth organization of the Ellwood City Lions Club and Lions International and promotes youth leadership and giving back to the community. Since its December 2021 inception, the club has really taken off and is now 17 members strong and growing. We wanted to take an opportunity to introduce the community to some of the youth making an impact…


Municipal Woman’s Club Presents Scholarships and 2022 Woman of The Year Award

The Municipal Woman’s Club of Ellwood City held their annual May banquet at the Calvin Church on May 23, 2022 at 6 pm. Toastmistress, Nancy Fenton welcomed members and guests, the Invocation was given by Kathy Gorzkowski, and the delicious banquet dinner was prepared and catered by member, Cheryl Valvano, with the help of her husband Tony, niece Lora Lohr, and Phyllis Conway. Geri Mantz and Dee Maietta, head of Social, decorated guest tables with floral centerpieces and each guest received a floral magnet. Cheryl Valvano presented the Lincoln High School recipient, Tyunna Jordan, her scholarship award. Nancy Walton presented…


Wampum American Legion Offering An All-You-Can-Eat Breakfast

The Wampum American Legion is offering an all-you-can-eat Breakfast event again on Saturday, June 18th from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. The event is scheduled to take place at the Legion club located at 436 Beaver Street, Wampum, PA 16157.  This will be the last event until September as the group is taking a break for the months of July and August The menu features scrambled eggs, home fries, french toast, sausage, biscuits & gravy, bacon, toast, coffee, tea and orange juice. Costs for the breakfast are $10.00 for adults and $6.00 for children five years and younger. “Our veterans…


Ellwood City LEO Club Developing Leaders, Serving Community

Note: This is part one of a two part series featuring the Ellwood City LEOs Club. Part two will be published tomorrow. Part one is a summary of the club. [VIEW PART 2] You’ve heard of the Lions but how about the Leos? The Ellwood City LEO (Leadership Experience Opportunity) Club is a youth organization of the Ellwood City Lions Club and Lions International and promotes youth leadership and giving back to the community. Since its December 2021 inception, the club has really taken off and is now 17 members strong and growing. The group is always accepting new youth…


Ellwood City Area Public Library Hosting Tea Party Fundraiser

If you’ve ever wanted to attend an authentic tea party, you will have your chance. On Saturday, June 25, the board of the Ellwood City Area Public Library and fundraising committee will be hosting the tea party fundraiser from 1 to 3 p.m. at Calvin Presbyterian Church. In addition to lovely and flavorful teas, there will be delicious finger sandwiches—including the classic tea party stunner cucumber, delectable deserts, and can’t resist cookies. There will also be basket raffles and a hat contest. “Hats aren’t required, but we encourage them,” said board member and event organizer Phyllis Conway. “People do wear…