Local News

ECASD Board of Directors Appoint Financial Professionals to Evaluate Funding for Renovation Project

The Ellwood City Area School District’s Board of Directors voted unanimously on Monday night to approve a resolution to appoint professionals to assist in the evaluation of financing for a proposed district renovation project including HVAC, plumbing, and electrical improvements to North Side Primary School and Hartman Intermediate School. The resolution appoints the firm of PNC Capital Markets, LLC (the “Investment Banker”) as managing underwriter and the firm of Dinsmore & Shohl LLP (the “Bond Counsel”) as bond counsel to advise and assist the School District regarding the consideration, authorization, issuance and sale of the Bonds, in one or more…


Drug Raid At Ellwood City Residence Results In Four Arrests

According to a criminal complaint, a task force raid at a house in Ellwood City results in the arrest of four local individuals and the seizuire of suspected methamphetamine and other suspected narcotics. Daniel Martin, 46; Donald McClain, 53; Ryleigh Lucas, 31; and Matthew Caldwell, 33, all of Ellwood City are each charged with counts of Possession of a Controlled Substance and/or Delivery of a Controlled Substance after the Lawrence County HIDTA Task Force executed a search warrant at a house at McClain’s address in the 400 block of Third Street, Ellwood City. According to the complaint, the task force…


Ellwood City Mayor Completes Security and Privacy: General Role Training

Ellwood City Mayor Anthony Court recently completed the Security and Privacy: General Role training and has reported receiving a score of 100%. Court said the training was approximately four hours and included his test. “It is an important tool for security and privacy to allow access to areas that contain sensitive law enforcement material” Court said. “I recommend all mayors to join Criminal Justic Information Service (CJIS) and to go through this training to gain a better understanding of what officers go through to protect private rights, criminal history information and other sensitive documents that aren’t allowed to be reviewed…


Bernstine Applauds Launch of RowAmerica Pittsburgh at Lake Arthur

BUTLER – Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Butler/Lawrence) today announced the upcoming launch of RowAmerica Pittsburgh, a state-of-the-art rowing facility scheduled to open in spring 2026 at Lake Arthur in Moraine State Park. This project is made possible through the support of entrepreneur and philanthropist Howard Winklevoss, whose passion for youth development and rowing excellence is bringing new opportunities and investment to the region. To mark the announcement, a press conference will be held on Friday, Oct. 10, at 4 p.m., at the Bear Run Boat Ramp on Bear Run Road in Portersville, the future site of RowAmerica Pittsburgh. “I am proud…


Monastery Sister To Speak To Historical Society On Monday

Nestled in the hills of Wayne Township is a peaceful place of prayer and service. The Orthodox Monastery of the Transfiguration is a monastery for women under the auspices of the Orthodox Church in America. It was founded in 1967 by Mother Alexandra (the former Princess Ileana of Romania) whose dream was to provide a place where American Orthodox women from all ethnic backgrounds could come to live the monastic life and benefit from a liturgical cycle in English. Since that time, Mother Alexandra’s vision has been fulfilled. The nuns, many of whom are converts to Orthodoxy, as well as…


Riverside Football & Cheerleaders Hosting Joint BINGO Night Fundraiser

For the first time, the Riverside Cheerleaders and Football Teams are teaming up to host a Joint Bingo Night Fundraiser! Join the boosters for a fun evening filled with bingo, games, and food on Sunday, October 19th at 3:00 p.m. at the North Sewickley Volunteer Fire Department. Proceeds from the event will benefit both the Riverside Football Boosters and the Riverside Cheer Boosters. Tickets are $30 if purchased in advance, $35 if purchased at the door. Tickets are available by contacting Kayla Holt at 412-636-1317 Sponsorship Deadline is Friday, October 10th – Contact Tiffany Hill at (724) 581-3610 Valued local businesses are asked to consider…


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