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October 16, 2019

5th Annual R.O.A.R. Haunted Hayride and Maze Announced

The 5th Annual Haunted Hayride and Maze, sponsored by Riverside Outdoor Athletic Renovation (ROAR), has announced its dates for the year. Ride the hay wagon through the woods with scare stations throughout. New scenes and special effects from OMEGA FX will be on display. A walk-through maze is included with your admission. Dates for the hayrides are Thursday, October 17, Saturday, October 19 and Sunday, October 20, 2019, beginning at 7:30 p.m. The non-spooky ride will be held on Saturday and Sunday only from 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m at a $5.00 admission cost.  Thursday’s preview night admission is $8.00,…

October 16, 2019

EC School Police Officers Strive To Promote Safety, Guidance For Students

This is Part One in a series featuring the Ellwood City School District Police Officers. Read Part Two tomorrow. For the Ellwood City School Police Department officers keeping the students safe is the number one priority, but both see the job as more than just that. Making a positive difference in the lives of youth is what the officers hope to do in their newly created roles in the Ellwood City Area School District. With more than 20 years as a police officer, Brian Speer, said his most memorable incident as an officer was not “busting” a violent criminal. Speer…

October 15, 2019

EC Student Strives for Better Water, Better Planet

Makena Hall, Lincoln High School junior, is on a mission to encourage her school and her community “to come together to create a better tomorrow.” Hall, is fundraising to implement the installation of water bottle filling stations at Lincoln. She is hoping to raise $5,000 which is enough to cover three of the stations. Her motto: “One school, one community, one planet” has a two-fold motivation. One is filtered, good tasting water to keep students hydrated and the second is less plastic bogging down our environment. According to Hall, although her peers get thirsty, they don’t want to drink water…

October 15, 2019

VIDEO: McDonald’s Re-Opening Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

After a five-week closure for full renovations, the local McDonald’s restaurant reopened on Monday, October 7th with a VIP Breakfast and official ribbon-cutting ceremony. Guests of honor included PA State Rep. Aaron Bernstine, Mayor of Ellwood City, Anthony Court, Ellwood City Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Ellwood City Police Department. Pictured (left to right) is Mayor Court, Supervisor Kelly Plotzer, Manager Jenn Bell, County Commissioner Dan Vogler, Ellwood City Councilmen George Celli, and Ellwood City Councilwoman Marilyn Mancini. “It was a great morning at our local McDonald’s,” said Mayor Court. “This re-opening created more jobs and a great atmosphere.”…

October 14, 2019

Cortez, Neupauer Recognized For Years of School Director Service

The Ellwood City Area School District recognized Leroy Cortez and Mike Neupauer for their dedication and years of service on the Ellwood City Area School District Board of Directors. Cortez has served for 16 years, Neupauer has served for 12. School Superintendent Joseph Mancini said during the board’s Oct 10 meeting that they were honored by the Pennsylvania Boards Association (PSBA), which recognizes for years of service from 8 to 36 years. “The legacy of school board service is firmly embedded in the history of our nation and its commitment to public education,” Mancini said. “The PSBA, has a rich…

October 14, 2019

Ellwood City Public Library Activities For Week of October 14th

The Ellwood City Area Public Library offers a variety of weekly activities.  Information is available by calling the library at 724-758-6458. Activities taking place this week include MONDAY, OCTOBER 14 6:30 p.m. – “Classic Book Group for Adults,” the group will be discussing the book “The Crucible” by Arthur Miller TUESDAY, OCTOBER 15 10:00 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. – “Family Laptime,” designed for babies as young as 6 months of age, toddlers, and preschoolers. This is an interactive, family event and features stories, songs, games, finger plays and more. Registration is requested. WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 16 10:00 a.m. – “Coloring for…

October 11, 2019

School Board Recommends Policy Revision to Support Outside Agency Lunch Debt Collection

Ellwood City Area School Board voted during its October 10 meeting to recommend a revision to the Food Services Policy 808. The move was prompted by a continued rise in school lunch debt. The new policy would give the district the allowance to use an outside agency to collect unpaid debt. The board could vote to adopt this policy during its November 14 meeting. Richard Zarone, district business manager spoke at the October 7 board committee meeting. He said the debt has reached $3,600 already for the year. He said there would be no cost to hire an agency as…

October 11, 2019

EC School Directors Table Conflict of Interest Policy

During the October 10 voting meeting the Ellwood City Area School Directors voted to table the policy and refer it to the policy committee. The proposed policy was introduced during the Board’s Monday Night agenda meeting, at which time District Solicitor John DeCaro, said the change could force board members to choose between maintaining their board position or maintaining their participation in leadership roles in other organizations such as boosters, clubs, and PTO. It was met with strong opposition from Board Directors Barabara Wilson, Kathleen McCommons, and Renee Pitrelli, who viewed the proposal as a target aimed at certain board…

October 11, 2019

Bernstine Responds to News Article on Burley Parole

ELLWOOD CITY – Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Beaver/Butler/Lawrence) has issued the following statement in response to a recent article published by the New Castle News: “Clearly there are inconsistencies in the way the Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole communicates with district attorney offices when reviewing the cases of violent inmates. I am thankful to Lawrence County District Attorney Joshua Lamancusa for his partnership on addressing these failures by the Parole Board that have harmed communities across Pennsylvania. I was hopeful Board Chairman Theodore Johnson would take responsibility for these failures instead of fighting to maintain the Harrisburg status quo. I…

October 11, 2019

LHS Students Compete At Slippery Rock University World Language Competition

SLIPPERY ROCK PA  – This past week, 11 students from French and Spanish classes attended Slippery Rock University’s annual World Language Competition. Students competed against students from a dozen area schools. The tests covered several aspects of language learning including vocabulary, grammar, cultural and geography. Adriana Gonzalez was awarded 3rd place in the Spanish 3 group. In addition to the competition, the students also participated in activities organized by the University’s Spanish, French, and Japanese clubs Pictured Below (Left To Right): Chase Wilson, Ashton Wilson, Madison Myers, Mark VanHorn, Daniele McCowin Bottom: Alyssa Simpson, Maddie McCommons, Adriana Gonzalez. Elysia Morris,…