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May 19, 2020

ECASD Board of Directors Struggle to Balance Budget; Discussion Continues Tonight

Note: The following is a roundup of discussion items from Ellwood City Area School District Board of Directors Budget meetings held on April 28 and May 4, as well as public comments regarding the budget from the Board’s May 11 and May 14 agenda and voting meetings. As the Ellwood City Area School District’s Board of Directors meet this evening to continue discussion on a budget, they will have to grapple with reducing a more than $2.5 million deficit. During budget discussion meetings in April and early May, board directors urged school officials to “tighten the belt.” At the initial…

May 19, 2020

Council Extends Tax Deadlines, Declaration of Disaster Emergency

Ellwood City Borough Council voted to extend tax deadlines and a Declaration of Disaster Emergency during the May 18 meeting. The first resolution passed by council extends real estate tax deadlines due to Covid-19. The discount period would end July 15 with no penalty charged if taxes are paid by December 31, 2020. The second resolution passed by council extends Resolution 2020-2, adopted on March 27, 2020, the Declaration of Disaster Emergency for the full 90 days, which would expire on June 27, 2020. Mayor Anthony Court and Borough Manager David Allen gave updates regarding Covid-19. Court said he is…

May 18, 2020

Ellwood City Native Opens Dentistry in Ewing Park

Although Nikki Jo Magnifico DDM was successfully practicing as an associate dentist in New Hampshire for the last decade, the Lincoln High School graduate felt a need to move back to her hometown of Ellwood City. So Magnifico did just that. She bought her new 620 Jefferson Ave practice from Dr. James Oberfeitinger on February 1, 2020. “I decided it was time to move home to be closer to my family,” she said. Her immediate family includes her husband, Eric, who she said is supportive of her business goals as well as two sons Tyler, 5, and Anthony, 2.5. A Gannon…

May 15, 2020

Principal Gives ECASD Commencement Update; Parents Planning Parade

Discussion regarding the Ellwood City Area School District’s plan for commencement ceremonies continued during the May 14 board of directors voting meeting. Louise McKinney, mom of a 2020 graduate said the parents are expecting more for their kids. She said if the county phases to green by June 2, she wants the administration to commit to the traditional in person commencement. High School Principal, Kirk Lape, was in agreement and said he hopes that is a possibility. “If we go green before June 2, I’m all for it,” he said. “That’s a no brainer.” Although Lape said such a decision…

May 14, 2020

2020 Census Job Opportunities – Join the 2020 Census Team

The U.S. Census Bureau is recruiting thousands of people across the country to work on the 2020 Census. The census invites anyone to apply, including: Retirees. College students. People who do not have a job and are looking for temporary employment. People already working who are looking for a second job. People available to work flexible hours, which can include days, evenings, and/or weekends. These positions provide an opportunity to earn extra income while helping the community. Pay rates vary depending on the applicant’s location. How to Apply Interested individuals can apply for a 2020 Census job by visiting 2020census.gov/jobs…

May 14, 2020

ECASD Educators Planning Parade As Summer Send Off For Students

The educators in the Ellwood City School District wanted one last chance to see the faces of their beloved students before the end of the school year … even if it is at a safe social distance. Their solution: A parade. Organizers and ECASD Elementary Counselors Debbie Wiech and Chrissy Mendillo said so far 120 staff, faculty, and administrators have “signed up” to participate. “We hope this shows the love and dedication we have for our students,” Wiech said. According to Wiech, the mandated closing of the ECASD was a devastating situation for the students, but it was also a…

May 13, 2020

Ellwood City Entrepreneur Opens One-Stop Business Hub

As he watched the doors open at his new facility at 632 Lawrence Avenue, Eric Venezie saw his entrepreneurial dream come true. “I hope our new facility brings some enthusiasm to the Ellwood City community and shows that there is growth opportunity in our town,” Eric said. “Most all our staff is local, with local roots and families that depend on those peers and other businesses to support one another and help Ellwood City continue any resurgence, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic.” Eric, a long-time Ellwood City business owner has brought his line-up of local businesses full circle and under…

May 13, 2020

Riverside Class of 2020 Graduation Information

To the Parents/Guardians of the Graduates of the Class of 2020: We at Riverside would like to thank all parents and guardians for their continued support and flexibility during this unprecedented time in education.  While understanding that the teachers and administrators know that the solutions we have readily available for the upcoming senior activities are not ideal, the uncertainty of the ability to host several senior-oriented events still remains a priority of the district, and we are still within the tentative planning phases in the attempt to schedule the remaining high school activities.  Unfortunately, the decision to remove the restrictions…

May 12, 2020

ECASD Board of Directors Discuss Proposed Commencement Ceremony

Discussion at Monday’s Ellwood City Area School District’s Board of Director’s meeting centered on a proposed Commencement ceremony to honor Lincoln High School’s Class of 2020. School administration, including high school Principal Kirk Lape, had previously announced a plan that they believe will be as close to the traditional ceremony as possible while safely staying within the legal guidelines of social distancing due to Covid-19. The proposed plan includes 10-minute time slots for each graduate to have the opportunity to take that coveted walk across the stage to receive their diploma. Graduates will be able to enter the auditorium front…

May 12, 2020

Ellwood City Council to Vote on Proposal to Extend Tax Deadlines

Extensions will be on the agenda for the Ellwood City Borough Council’s May 18 meeting. Council will vote on two proposed extensions. The first is a resolution to extend real estate tax deadlines due to Covid-19. The discount period would end July 15 with no penalty charged if taxes are paid by December 31, 2020. The second is an extension of Resolution 2020-2 adopted on March 27, 2020 the Declaration of Disaster Emergency for the full 90 days, which would expire on June 27, 2020. Council will also consider approval of upcoming events as well as discussion regarding the hiring…