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July 12, 2024

ECASD Board of Directors Vote to Hire Building Clerk and Director of Pupil Services and to Create a Dean of Student Affairs Position; Debate Elimination of Nepotism Policy

The Ellwood City Area School District’s Board of Directors voted to hire Elizabeth Tomon for a building clerk position at Perry Lower Intermediate during the July 11 combined regular meeting. Board President Jennifer Tomon abstained from voting as Elizabeth Tomon is a relative. Elizabeth received “Yes” votes from Board Vice President Jean Biehls and Directors Erica Gray, Kathy Tillia, Kevin Boariu, Robyn Nicklas and Dr. Claire Fauzey. “No” votes were cast by Directors Kathy Galbreath and Norman Boots. Elizabeth’s hiring followed nepotism policy votes during both the May and June regular ECASD Board of Directors Meetings. A motion was made…

July 11, 2024

Fireworks Fest Plans Set For July 20th In Downtown New Castle

The City of New Castle has partnered with Pyrotecnico and other local businesses to present the 2024 New Castle Fireworks Fest in the city’s downtown on Saturday, July 20, from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. The night includes local food and drink options, food trucks, live music, and will culminate with a spectacular display as New Castle-based Pyrotecnico is set to light up the sky of The Fireworks Capital of America. The event is being billed as a block party in the city with activities taking place along South Mercer and East Washington Streets. Attendees are encouraged to park in…

July 11, 2024

PART 1 – Cast Q&A: New Castle Playhouse Presents The SpongeBob Musical

The New Castle Playhouse will present The SpongeBob Musical starting tomorrow July 12-21 and will feature some of Ellwood City’s area favorite actors. At least five Ellwood City Area actors including Lauren Bush, Jacob Storey, Ace Sharer, Alex Hazen, and Lauren Krug will take to the Main Stage in Augustine Auditorium on July 12, 13, 18, 19, and 20 at 7:30 p.m. and on July 14 and 21 at 2 p.m. (ticket information can be found at the end of the article) In Part 1 of our series, we caught up with Bush, Storey, and Sharer for a cast Q&A….

July 11, 2024

Franklin Twp VFD Community Blood Drive In Two Weeks

Rev up the excitement with a summer car giveaway! The Franklin Township Volunteer Fire Department Community Blood Drive is Friday, July 26th.  The event earns funds for the department and is scheduled to take place from noon to 4:00 p.m. on Friday, July 26th at the Franklin Township Building, 897 Route 288, Fombell, PA 16123 The VFD currently has only three residents signed up to donate according to the township secretary. Please consider donating if possible. **Appointments recommended** To schedule an appointment to donate: – Go to vitalant.org and search with Account Code UC5990039 – Call 1-877-25VITAL If you need…

July 9, 2024

Gaiser Center Cuts Ribbon on Recovery Home Serving Women and Children

The Ellen O’Brien Gaiser Center and Butler County Chamber of Commerce will cut the ribbon on Ellen’s House, a recovery residence serving women transitioning back to independent living following treatment in a drug and alcohol rehabilitation program and their children. The ceremony is scheduled to take place Wednesday, July 10, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at Ellen’s House located at 606 E Brady Street, Butler, PA 16001 Joseph Mahoney, Executive Director, Ellen O’Brien Gaiser Center, Donna Jenereski, Director of Drug and Alcohol Programs for Butler County, Jordan Grady, Executive Director, Butler County Chamber of Commerce, and Dave Hilliard, President, Gaiser Board…

July 8, 2024

Mayor Court Announces 8th Beautification Winner of 2024

Mayor Anthony J. Court announced the 8th and final winner of 2024 “Beautification Awards”. Congratulations goes to Evan Westlund of 511 Mt. Vernon Drive. “Evan has done an outstanding job on his well-maintained property. Well deserved,” said Mayor Court in a statement. Evan was awarded a dinner certificate from a local restaurant and a sign to display in his yard. Last month the mayor added two bonus awards this year bringing the total winners to eight. [VIEW ALL BEAUTIFICATION WINNERS]

July 6, 2024

Ellwood City Man Found Dead After Stand Off With Police In Cranberry

A 37-year-old man from Ellwood City was exchanged gunfire before he was found dead in a wooded area after he exchanged gunfire with police on Tuesday, July 2nd near the Cranberry Highlands Golf Course in Butler County. According to a PA State Police report, and at approximately 10:30 a.m., Cranberry Township Police were called for a suspicious male who had pulled his vehicle over near an entrance to the golf course. The male, later identified as Logan Cumberland, 37, of Ellwood City, left the immediate area prior to police arrival, was observed to be armed with a rifle. Responding officers…

July 5, 2024

Ellwood City Public Library Activities For Week Of July 8th

The Ellwood City Area Public Library offers a variety of weekly activities. Information is available by calling the library at 724-758-6458. NOTE The Library has partnered with Seneca Library District, Oil Creek Library District, Erie County Public Library and Crawford County Federated Library System for e-books. You can now use the Overdrive or Libby App. to borrow books from the above Libraries. Please call the library with any questions. 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….

July 5, 2024

Lincoln High School Class of 1954 Holds 70th Renuion

The LHS Class of 1954 held their last formal class reunion on Saturday, June 29 at the Slippery Rock Presbyterian Church of Ellwood City. Arrivals were greeted by the committee John Tino, Ilene Gardner and Pudue La Cava. Registration was conducted by the honorary class members, Judy Portugallo and Jackie Perno. La Cava presented each person with a very much needed name tag, especially the seniors. Gardner photographed each classmate and their guest at a Holiday mural made by her son Jeff. All signs indoor and outdoor were also provided by him. Tino welcomed all for their attendance and offering…

July 5, 2024

Portersville Native Selected As New BC3 Vice President

Dr. Josh Novak, a longtime dean at Butler County Community College who has led student services and resources such as those for academic support, access and disability, food security and mental health, will become the college’s vice president for student affairs and enrollment management July 9. Novak, 39, of Slippery Rock, has served in progressive dean of students roles in BC3’s student affairs and enrollment management division since August 2011, and will succeed Dr. Case Willoughby in the Cabinet-level position. Willoughby has been BC3’s vice president for the division since his hiring in July 2012 at BC3. He will become…