Local News

PART ONE: Ellwood City Arts, Crafts, Food & Entertainment Festival Series: Morgan Gruber: From Fombell to American Idol to the Festival Stage

In our annual series spotlighting the annual Ellwood City Arts, Crafts, Food & Entertainment Festival, we look at a series of subjects, people, and entertainers who will help the festival make its mark this 4th of July holiday season. PART ONE: Ellwood City Arts, Crafts, Food & Entertainment Festival Series: Morgan Gruber: From Fombell to American Idol to the Festival Stage Morgan Gruber, a rising country music star from Fombell, Pennsylvania, is set to captivate audiences at the Ellwood City Arts, Crafts, Food & Entertainment Festival on Saturday, July 5, from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Known for her heartfelt lyrics…


Route 288 Seal Coating To Begin July 14th

Starting Sunday, July 14, PennDOT maintenance crews will begin seal coating operations on Route 288 in Franklin Township. According to a press release, crews will start at the county line near Zelienople, working westbound toward Route 65. Once the westbound lane is complete, they’ll turn around and seal coat the eastbound lane back toward Zelienople. At least one state road off Route 288 is also scheduled for seal coating during this project according to the township. Please expect delays, watch for flaggers and equipment, and use caution when traveling through the work zone. Lindy Paving has also started a roadway…


Second Recipient of 2025 Beautification Awards Announced

Mayor Anthony J. Court announced the second recipient of his 2025 Beautification Award. Congratulations to Jennifer Ludwig of 300 Spring Avenue for earning this special recognition! Mayor Court praised the property’s vibrant charm “This was an easy choice, given the striking array of bushes and plants,” Mayor Court stated. Jennifer was awarded a gift certificate from a local restaurant and a yard sign to display highlighting her achievement. With four Beautification Awards still available, the Mayor’s office invites community members to submit their nominations by calling 724-824-7629 or drop it off at the Mayor’s officer in the Ellwood City Municipal…


Ellwood City Public Library Activities For Week Of June 30th

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, JUNE 30 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. – “Interactive Play,” children can play…


ECASD Board of Directors Takes Action for Upcoming School Year; Bids Farewell to Superintendent

The Ellwood City Area School District’s Board of Directors took action on a long lineup of business in preparation for the upcoming school year and bid farewell to Superintendent Dr. Wesley Shipley during Thursday’s voting meeting. Shipley in attendance at his last meeting before Dr. Amy Anderson takes over as superintendent said his time at Ellwood is a time he will treasure and miss. “It was by far the best five years of my administrative career.” Shipley said working with the administrators and staff at ECASD was truly a pleasure and feels that they all accomplished a lot together. He…


Tractor Supply Nearing Opening in Ellwood City

The wait is nearly over for local farmers, pet enthusiasts, and DIY aficionados: Tractor Supply Company will officially open its doors in Ellwood City soon. “We are excited to share we’re getting close to opening! Currently, the grand opening is scheduled for early July,” according to Tricia Glenn an account executive for FINN Partners on behalf of Tractor Supply. The new Ellwood City location, right beside the Dollar General in Franklin Plaza, will bring Tractor Supply’s signature blend of practical products and community spirit to the area. Customers can explore aisles stocked with everything from pet food and gardening tools to…


Bernstine Announces Butler, Lawrence Counties Receiving Funding from Natural Gas Drilling Impact Fees

HARRISBURG – Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Butler/Lawrence) today announced that communities in the 8th Legislative District in Butler and Lawrence counties will receive nearly $894,000 in Marcellus Shale impact fees. “These impact fees are a direct investment in our communities, helping to build stronger roads, cleaner water systems and safer neighborhoods,” said Bernstine. “The natural gas industry continues to be a key driver for local progress and opportunity.” The following impact fee revenue amounts were announced by the state Public Utility Commission (PUC) for Butler and Lawrence counties and eligible municipalities that are part of the 8th District. Butler County: Brady…


Mayor Court Announces 1st 2025 Beautification Award Winner

Mayor Anthony J. Court proudly announced Teagan Osborne of 716 Argonne Blvd. as the first Winner of the 2025 Beautification Award. “Her dedication and effort in creating such a stunning yard did not go unnoticed,” stated Mayor Court. To honor her achievement, Teagan received a gift certificate to a local restaurant along with a yard sign to display. With five more awards yet to be revealed, nominations are still being accepted. You can submit entries at the Mayor’s Office in the Municipal Building or by calling 724-824-7629. Celebrate the neighbors who help make our community shine! PICTURED BELOW: (left to…


Borough of Ellwood City Seeking Donations For Its Innovative Readiness Training (IRT) Mission

Ellwood City has been selected for an Innovative Readiness Training (IRT) mission through the Department of Defense. The mission’s name is Operation Healthy Ellwood. From July 23 to August 1, 2025, the borough will have approximately 200 reservists from all branches of the military present in our town. The reservists visiting us have everyday jobs in the medical field. Some are doctors, surgeons, and nurses. They will be providing NO COST HEALTH CARE to all of the members of our communities. There are no income, residency, or insurance restrictions. An ID is not necessary to utilize the services offered. Available…


BC3 Announces President’s List, Dean’s List For The Spring 2025 Semester

Butler County Community College is proud to announce the names of students who have made the President’s List and Dean’s List for the spring 2025 semester, as well as the names of those who have graduated recently. Students who have achieved a cumulative GPA (grade-point average) of 3.75 or higher are named to the President’s List following completion of at least 12 semester hours or upon completion of degree requirements. Students who have achieved a cumulative GPA (grade-point average) of 3.5 to 3.74 are named to the Dean’s List following completion of at least 12 semester hours or upon completion…