Local News

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…


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…


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…


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…


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…


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…


School Crossing Guard to Borough Council: Speeding Out of Control, Dangerous

A school crossing guard urged the Ellwood City Borough Council to do something about the speeding cars at the intersection of 4th and Crescent Avenues Monday evening at the regular meeting of council prompting immediate action by Mayor Anthony Court. Peri Malcolm, school crossing guard, said the amount of cars speeding in the mornings and afternoons while school children are walking to school is alarming. “They are just flying up and down the streets. Somebody is going to get hurt there.” Malcolm said she takes her post from 7:10 to 8 a.m. and again from 2:10 to 3 p.m. and…


Be Sure to Cast Your Vote in the Municipal Election on November 4th

The Municipal Election is Tuesday, November 4, 2025. You can find your assigned polling place by checking the location listed at the bottom of your registration status page. Polls will be open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day. If you are a first-time voter or are voting at a new polling place, here are helpful tips to learn how to get ready. And be sure to arrange for transportation to your polling place in advance. View the Lawrence County polling locations HERE. View the Beaver County polling locations HERE. Voting by mail If you plan to vote by mail ballot (either mail-in or absentee), you…


Backyard Composting Workshop Planned

Have you ever wanted to learn how to compost in your own back yard but didn’t know where to start? Attend one of three upcoming workshops to learn the basics of composting at home. Not only will you learn how easy it is to compost, but you’ll also learn how something as simple as composting can make a huge impact on the well-being of our environment, community, health, and climate. The workshop will take place at the Artisan Resiliency Center, 781 New Castle Road, Butler, PA on Wednesday, November 5th from 6:00 p.m to 7:30 p.m. There is no cost…


REMINDER! Ellwood Federal/ESB Bank Employee Reunion Planned For November 8th

The Ellwood Federal/ESB Bank Employee Reunion has been planned! The deadline to reserve has been extended until October 27, 2025. Mark your calendars and tell anyone you know that was or is a current employee. Look forward to seeing old friends again, refreshments, a catered buffet dinner and cash bar. The reunion event will take place Saturday, November 8, 2025 at the Ellwood City Saxon Club from 2:00-6:00 p.m. with a catered buffet dinner at 4:00 p.m. Cost for the reunion event is $40.00 per person, past or present employees only. Please submit payment to Cindy Scaramazza via Apple Pay…