Local News

Senator McCormick Tours North American Forgemasters and ELLWOOD Crankshaft & Machine

U.S. Senator Dave McCormick visited two leading regional manufacturers on Tuesday, touring North American Forgemasters (NAF) and ELLWOOD Crankshaft and Machine (ECM) in Hermitage to see firsthand the advanced industrial capabilities supporting U.S. energy, transportation, defense, and infrastructure. During the visit, the Senator met with leadership and employees at both facilities and observed production operations that position Lawrence and Mercer counties as critical contributors to American manufacturing. At ELLWOOD Crankshaft & Machine in Hermitage, President Brian Taylor led a walkthrough alongside ELLWOOD’s Chairman of the Board, David Barensfeld, where team members produce crankshafts and camshafts used in diesel engines, frac…


Ellwood City Public Library Activities For Week Of February 23rd

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, FEBRUARY 23 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.- “Interactive Play,” children can play hands-on with various items. TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24 10:30 a.m. – “Baby…


POLICE: Weekly Police Blotter

NARCOTICS AND FIREARM CHARGES: Daniel Feliciano, 49, pleaded guilty to six counts of violating federal narcotics and firearm laws on February 12, 2026. In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that, between October 2022 and March 2024, Feliciano conspired with others to distribute cocaine throughout Western Pennsylvania, specifically in the New Castle area. In addition to the conspiracy charge, Feliciano pleaded guilty to distributing and/or possessing with intent to distribute quantities of cocaine on three different dates, as well as possessing a firearm as a convicted felon and in furtherance of his drug trafficking crimes. On March…


Business

West End Auto Wash Now Open On Lawrence Avenue

Trust, hard work, and a reputation built over decades. That’s exactly the foundation that Brayden Morgan a young local business owner is building on after purchasing a second car wash to expand his family’s long-standing operation. For years, the family-owned car wash Ellwood Auto Wash at 201 1st St has been a fixture in town: the place where muddy trucks, pollen-coated sedans, and salt-streaked SUVs get a fresh start. Now, with the acquisition of the former The Car Wash of Ellwood City across town, the next generation is steering the business into a new era—without losing sight of its roots….


Language, Legacy, and Relocation: The Story of a German Church in Ellwood City

During February’s meeting of the Ellwood City Area Historical Society, the gathered 35 members and guests were treated to a presentation on some local history that began just after the end of the Civil War. Also during the meeting, Linda Ritter Zapadka and Rosemary Morgan were recognized with Certificates of Appreciation for their steadfast service as ECAHS volunteers. Bill Johnston, historian for the St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Ellwood City, discussed the history of the church and the cemetery that was associated with the congregation. “In 1885, three Siebenburg Saxons decided to leave their homeland and seek their fortune in…


Ellwood City Borough Council Still Seeking Borough Manager Candidates

Ellwood City Borough Council announced the end of the Emergency Declaration enacted on January 26, 2026, by the Mayor of Ellwood City, Anthony Court, during Monday’s regular council meeting. Brad Ovial, president of council, spoke on behalf of Court stating that the emergency declaration has officially ended. Ovial also praised various public works and public safety officials who worked endlessly providing services to the public. He thanked the public works departments who kept the streets cleared as well as the police and firefighters who were all dedicated to providing service to those who needed it during the storm. The Ellwood…


Fish Fry At Holy Redeemer Catholic Center On Wednesday

Lent Fish Fry Season Is Here! Divine Grace Parish will host a fish fry on Ash Wednesday, February 18th from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Holy Redeemer Catholic Center, 311 Lawrence Avenue, Ellwood City. Come enjoy golden fried or bake fish, mac and cheese, cole slaw, and a slice of cake. Dine in or take out. Dinners are $16, Sandwiches are $10, and extra sides are $3. Those attending are asked to enter from the parking lot center door. Due to rising food costs the parish needs extra support — fish prices are up 75% in just two years….


Bernstine Announces State Grants for Fire, EMS Services in Butler, Lawrence Counties

BUTLER/LAWRENCE COUNTIES – Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Butler/Lawrence) today announced fire and emergency response organizations throughout the 8th Legislative District have been awarded nearly $244,000 in grants from the state. “Our volunteer fire departments and EMS providers are essential to keeping our communities safe,” said Bernstine. “These grants will help ensure first responders in Butler and Lawrence counties have the equipment, training and resources they need to continue protecting our families and neighborhoods. This will deliver real results at the local level by strengthening emergency response capabilities without raising taxes on hardworking families.” The funding comes from an ongoing grant program…


Franklin Township Seeking Two Volunteers For Planning Commission Board

Franklin Township has two volunteer openings on the Planning Commission Board. Interested applicants must be Township residents. Please email a brief statement of interest and information about yourself to twpsecretary@franklintwpbeavercopa.gov by February 27. The Planning Commission is an advisory board appointed by the Board of Supervisors to review zoning, subdivision, and land development matters. The Board was recently expanded from five to seven members, with each member serving a four-year term. Meetings are held the first Wednesday of each month at 7:00 PM. Under the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, the Planning Commission assists with preparing and updating the comprehensive plan,…


Ellwood City Public Library Activities For Week Of February 16th

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, FEBRUARY 16 Closed for Presidents’ Day. TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 17 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. – “Interactive Play,” children can play hands-on with various…