Local News

PHOTOS: Lincoln Class Of 1954 Celebrates 71st Reunion

The Lincoln Class of 1954 First Luncheon 71st Reunion was held on Saturday, July 5th at Shakespeare’s Restaurant and Pub. Arrivals were greeted by chairmen Ilene Gardner and Pudue LaCava and received name tags from Judy Portugallo. Guests were seated at tables decorated in red, white and blue and place settings were marked with bags of goodies provided by Gardner. Festivities began with a welcome from Gardner acknowledging Chairman John Tino’s organizing and efforts and was unable to attend due to conflicts in schedules. She acknowledged the 14 class members and their seven guests in attendance and all the assistance…


Bernstine Votes ‘No’ on Irresponsible State Budget Proposal

HARRISBURG – Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Butler/Lawrence) released the following statement after voting “no” on the 2025–26 Pennsylvania state budget, as House Democrats pushed through House Bill 1330, the General Appropriations bill. “This proposal spends too much, lacks transparency and sets up Pennsylvania for long-term fiscal trouble. “We are being asked to vote on a $50.6 billion spending plan without a full financial sheet, without a tax code and without a fiscal code. That’s not how responsible government works. “A budget isn’t just about how much money we spend; it’s about how that money is spent and how it impacts our future….


BC3 Workshop On July 16th To Help Students File For Federal, State Grants

Thirty-minute Butler County Community College workshops will assist current and prospective students in completing an application for financial aid whose grants could cover the cost of the college’s tuition and fees for 2025-2026, a BC3 administrator said. The college’s financial aid staff can help guests to file an application for federal and state grants during a Free Application for Federal Student Aid workshop from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. July 16 in Room 169 of the Student Success Center on BC3’s main campus in Butler Township. Guests who plan to attend can RSVP at bc3.edu/fafsa Federal and state grants do…


Mayor Court Announces 4th Beautification Award Winner

Mayor Court presented the fourth 2025 Beautification Award to Dawn and Anthony Santagata of 1 Pittsburgh Circle, honoring their commitment to maintaining an exceptional landscape. The Santagata’s received a yard sign to display and a gift certificate to a local restaurant in recognition of their efforts. Since the program began, Dawn and Anthony have been a consistent nominee—an ongoing testament to the admiration they have earned from their neighbors according to Mayor Court. “Their dedication and care continue to inspire, it’s wonderful to celebrate individuals like Dawn and Anthony who take such pride in their home,” adds Mayor Court. There…


ECASD Board of Directors Votes to Not Appeal Findings of Court of Common Pleas Regarding Softball Field

The Ellwood City Area School District will not appeal the findings of the Court of Common Pleas denying a proposed softball field in the Ewing Park School location. The ECASD Board of Directors voted on a motion to approve the Notice of Appeal filed in Case No. 70012 of 2025 MD in the Court of Common Pleas of Lawrence County during the July 14 Combined meeting of the board. The motion failed following “No” votes from Kevin Boariu; Kathy Galbreath; Kathy Tillia; and Norman Boots. “Yes” votes were cast by Jennifer Tomon, board president; Jean Biehls, board vice president; Dr….


Ellwood City Area Historical Society – July 2025 Update

The Historical Society had its monthly board meeting, July 7th. The Ways and Means committee gave its report on the donations received from the Annual Fund Drive. The Annual Fund Drive-started on June 15th and will end on August 15, 2025. Andy kindle, Fund Drive Chairman, stated the goal this year is raise $ 12,000.00, which is a third of e what our annual budget of $ 36,000. Angela Hyde, society treasurer, gave an update on donations received up to Monday. The total amount received is $ 4,210.00. The committee than discuss how it could raise another $ 8,000.00 before…


Ellwood City Public Library Activities For Week Of July 14th

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. Activities taking place this week include. MONDAY, JULY 14 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. – “Interactive Play,” children can play…


Service Dog Rescued From 80+ Foot Down River Embankment

A team of amazing rescue workers helped rescue a service dog that went missing in the community. After four days of search, rescue workers spotted the 11-year-old Goldendoodle, Winston, deep in the woods According to a social media post and information shared with EllwoodCity.org, Winston was reportedly about 80+ ft down a river embankment in North Sewickley Township near the Koppel Bridge and over halfway down to the railroad tracks. It is reported the dog got spooked by fireworks, ran through his invisible fence and dashed into the woods on Saturday, July 5th. On Tuesday evening rescue workers navigated the…


It’s Electrifyin’: Grease to Grace the New Castle Playhouse Stage

It’s Greased Lightnin’ at the New Castle Playhouse as local talent presents “Grease,” July 11 – 20 on the main stage. Directed by Amee Boughter, a stellar cast will bring your favorite characters to life on Thursdays, Fridays, & Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. “Grease is more than just a musical—it’s a cultural phenomenon that has stood the test of time, and it’s an absolute blast to bring it to life,” says director and choreographer Amee Boughter. “It’s fun, it’s fast, and it’s filled with heart. At its core, Grease is about identity, friendship, and the…


POLICE: Weekly Police Blotter

THEFT: Andrew Freed is charged with theft of a motor vehicle after an incident occurring on June 23rd between the times of 1:00 a.m. and 3:00 a.m. Freezle Auto Wrecking reported that a pickup truck, estimated value of $1,500.00, was stolen from the property. East Palestine police recovered the vehicle and arrested Freed in connection with the stolen vehicle according to a criminal complaint. THEFT: Anthony Johnson, 65, of New Castle is charged with theft of a motor vehicle after an incident occurring on June 6th. According to a criminal complaint, and at approximately 1:48 a.m., police responded to a…