Local News

Ellwood City Borough Council Accepts Resignation of Police Officer Robert Magnifico

Ellwood City Borough Council voted to accept the resignation of police officer Robert Magnifico during a special public meeting Monday night. In a unanimous vote, Council determined that, Wednesday, October 8, 2025 will be Magnifico’s last day of employment. Previously during a regular meeting held on July, 15, 2024, Council accepted his entrance into the Deferred Retirement Option Plan (DROP) with his employment end date at that time being July 15, 2028. According to the terms of the DROP, the participant has the right to terminate employment at an earlier date than planned, which Magnifico enacted with a letter of…


Ellwood City Public Library Activities For Week Of October 6th

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. NOTE The Library is taking books for the book sale. Reminder: we do not take Reader’s Digest Condensed Books, Textbooks, Encyclopedias, Magazines and VHS tapes. Activities taking place this week…


Attorney General Charges Ellwood City Officer With Assault

Attorney General Dave Sunday announced on Friday that a former Lawrence County police officer has been charged with assault, official oppression and related offenses regarding a June incident at a Sheetz store. Robert Magnifico, then a sergeant with the Ellwood City Police Department, pushed a 19-year-old man, denied the man of his rights, then filed a report about the incident that was not an accurate version of what took place. Magnifico is charged with misdemeanor counts of simple assault, official oppression, tampering with public records, and unsworn falsification to authorities. (He retired last month.) On June 6, 2025, Magnifico was…


PHOTOS: Lincoln High School Homecoming Pep Rally

Lincoln High School held its Homecoming pep rally Thursday in the large gymnasium. Jackson Kerr was crowned Homecoming King. Dom Hogue was runner-up. The King’s Court was comprised of Anthony Barberio, Jordan Keller, Andy Lin, Jaxon Rozanski, Domenic Hogue, Jackson Kerr, Geordan Bokor, Jacob Biskup, and Drake Davis The Queen will be crowned during halftime of Friday night’s football game against the Western Beaver Golden Beavers at Helling Stadium. Congratulations to the seniors nominated to the 2025 Lincoln High School Homecoming Court! photos source: Nikki Sue Photography  


Holy Name Society Installs New Members

The mission of Divine Grace Parish’s Holy Name Society at Holy Redeemer Church is to promote reverence for the sacred names of God and Jesus Christ and help members grow in holiness. They’re also growing in number. Society president Frank Aloi says 23 new members recently were installed, bringing total membership to nearly 100. Men are invited to join. All who belong must be firm believers of what the Catholic Church believes and teaches, and put these beliefs and teachings into practice in their daily lives. The Holy Name Society focuses on the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy, service…


POLICE: Weekly Police Blotter

FLEEING: John Tindall, 22, of Ellwood City, is charged with fleeing an officer after an traffic stop on Factory Avenue on September 24th. According to a criminal complaint, and at approximately 6:01 p.m., officers apprehended Tindall after he attempted to flee the officers from near Factory Ave for speeding through multiple stop signs on a motorcycle. Police were able to detain him without incident and were advised that the registration was two years out of date and that Tindall did not possess a valid license to operate the vehicle according to the complaint. FLEEING: Shyanne Getty, 34, of Portersville, is…


Franklin Twp VFD Celebrating 90 Year Anniversary With Open House On Saturday

Franklin Township is proud to share that the Franklin Township Volunteer Fire Department is celebrating 90 years of service (1935–2025)! To honor this milestone, the Fire Department will be hosting an Open House on Saturday, October 4th at the Frisco Station located at 808 Old Zelienople Road, Ellwood City. All residents are invited to come out and join in the celebration. The open house event will take place from 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. with many activities. Event Schedule: 11:00 AM – Doors Open 11:30 AM – Dedication Ceremony 12:00 PM – Complimentary Refreshments 1:00 PM – Cake Cutting 3:00…


Pitt Race To Close At End Of 2025

According to news sources and a social media post, Pittsburgh International Race Complex will be sold to a developer. The track will honor its remaining 2025 dates before its closing. Located in Wampum, less than 10 miles outside of Ellwood City, Pitt Race has served racers since the early 2002, when it opened as BeaveRun Motorsports Complex. On Wednesday, October 1, 9:30 p.m., Pitt Race confirmed its closure on its Facebook page with the following message: In 2011, current owners Jim and Kathy Stout bought the facility that consists of more than 400 acres. They renamed it the Pittsburgh International Race Complex…


Franklin Township Blood Drive Is October 31st – Get a Halloween Treat!

Franklin Township is excited to invite you to participate in our upcoming Blood Drive on Friday, October 31, from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM, hosted right here in the township! Location: The Bloodmobile will be parked at Franklin Township Municipal Building, 897 Route 288, Fombell, PA How to Donate: Sign up at vitalant.org using Blood Drive Code: UC5990039 Or call 877-25-VITAL (877-258-4825) to schedule your donation. Special Halloween Giveaway! As a thank-you, all donors will receive a free glow-in-the-dark t-shirt (choose from two fun designs – while supplies last)! Please see the flyer for more details. Let’s come together as…


Arise Puts Up Bows and Signs in Ellwood City to Honor Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Throughout October, Arise is recognizing Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) by placing purple bows and awareness signs across Ellwood City. These visible reminders symbolize hope, healing, and a united stand against domestic violence. Domestic violence affects individuals and families in every community. By placing bows and signs around town, Arise hopes to spark conversations, spread awareness, and let survivors know they are not alone. “Domestic Violence Awareness Month is about more than education—it’s about creating a community where survivors feel supported and seen,” said Grace Schmarewski, Education & Outreach Coordinator at Arise. “The purple bows remind us that domestic violence…