Local News

Committee to Consider Farmer “Legacy” Tax Credit Measure

The Senate Finance Committee will consider a measure on Wednesday (May 1) that is intended to help new farmers get started in the business, according to Committee Chairman Scott Hutchinson (R-21). The Finance Committee will meet at 10 a.m. in Room 8E-A of the East Wing of the State Capitol Complex, Harrisburg, to consider two bills. Senate Bill 478, introduced by Senator Elder Vogel (R-47), provides a personal income tax credit for landowners who lease or sell their land, buildings and equipment to beginning farmers. Senate Bill 568, introduced by Senator Hutchinson, clarifies the Sales and Use Tax regarding canned…


Festival Fireworks Fundraiser: Custom Logo Apparel Available, In Person Donation Day Set

Donations have started rolling into the Save the Ellwood City Fireworks fundraiser. Eric Rayner, the 26-year-old Ellport man who is leading the fundraising effort, said that as of April 30, donations total nearly $3,000 of the $5,000 needed to save the fireworks. The most recent donation was a $1,000 donation from the Ellwood City Police Department officers. “I’m overwhelmed by the amount of support we’ve gained in just the few days we’ve been accepting donations!” Rayner said. “Our community has really stepped up and put their money where their mouth is. I’m strongly encouraged that we will raise above and…


Shakespeare’s To Host HempCBD And CBG Seminar

Shakespeare’s will be hosting a seminar about HempCBD and CBG oils and all they can do for you on Thursday, May 2. The seminar will begin at 7:00 and end at 9:00 p.m. During this seminar, you will hear the latest research on CBD and CBG. They will introduce the only premium grade liposomal CBD/CBG, THC free oil that utilizes the latest sonicated technology. Along with refreshments being served, there will be products will be available for purchase including Recept(CBD/CBG) oil, Pet formula, Hemp based face cream, lip balm, and a detox system. There will be a special guest present…


Agriculture & Rural Affairs Committee to Consider Two Bills on Tuesday

The Senate Agriculture & Rural Affairs Committee will consider two bills at its meeting set for 12:30 p.m., Tuesday, April 30, in Room 461 of the Main Capitol, Harrisburg, according to Committee Chairman Senator Elder Vogel. Senate Bill 583, sponsored by Senator Ryan Aument (R-36), ensures that agritourism activities are considered and treated as part of agriculture authorized on farms preserved under the state farmland preservation program. Senate Bill 585, sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Jake Corman (R-34), establishes the Pennsylvania Dairy Future Commission to review the current status of the dairy industry in the Commonwealth and make recommendations on…


Lawrence Avenue Phase Two Revitalization Plan In The Works

Plans to spruce up Ellwood City’s Main Street are complete and ready for borough council approval. CT Consultants, Franus Architectural Associates, and Loukas Engineering have put months of research and design into a Phase Two Revitalization Plan that will not only improve the overall look of the central business district from 4th to 6th Streets but will also fix some underlying problems. One of those “problems” according to architect Dan Franus is storm water accumulation on the street which rises to a height that, at times, floods businesses. Part of the plan includes new sidewalks and milling of the street….


Library Activities For The Week Of April 29

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 WEDNESDAY, MAY 1 10:00 a.m. – “Coloring for Adults,” a weekly program that is free and open to the public. It is designed to help reduce stresses of everyday life. All adults are welcome. 3:00 p.m. – “Creative Writing Workshop,” for students in seventh grade and up. The group meets twice a month to share their work and discuss writing tips and techniques. 6:30 p.m. – “Evening Book Group for Adults,” The group…


Dunkin’ Donuts ‘Go’ Trailer Coming To Ellwood City

On Monday, April 29th, Lawrence Avenue will be hosting an unofficial “Dunkin’ Donuts Day,” featuring the country’s FIRST Dunkin’ Go Trailer, courtesy of Thought Process Enterprises and their commercial sign outfitter, Signs by Sam. The food & beverage trailer, a first of its kind for Dunkin’ Donuts, will be permitted and stationed on Lawrence Avenue in front of the Ellwood City Community Plaza for a one-day event. The event is open to the public and area residents are encouraged to attend. The trailer will be available from 7:30 a.m. until noon as permitted by the Borough of Ellwood City. Thought…


Lincoln Girls Basketball Team Earns A Commendation

Council President Judith Dici presented a Commendation to the Lincoln High School girl’s basketball team for their successful season and trip to the playoffs. Pictured left to right: Assistant coach Paul Hervatine, seniors Natalia Greco and Isabella Roth, assistant coach Vanessa Venezie, Council President Judith Dici, Councilwoman Marilyn Mancini and assistant Principal John Sovich. The Lady Wolverines, under the direction of first-year head coach Marc Heil (not pictured), earned a playoff birth after a 13-10 regular season.  The team fell in the Class-3A playoffs to Carlynton in February.


Mercer County 4-H Benefit Auction

Mercer County 4-H will hold its annual benefit auction on Saturday, May 4, 2019, at the Mercer County 4-H Park, located on Route 19, 1.5 miles north of Mercer. Festivities begin with the kitchen opening at 5:30 p.m. and the auction beginning at 6:30 p.m. in the Show Arena. This event helps raise money to support the Mercer County 4-H Program. Proceeds help fund educational materials, programs, trips, and seminars, and to maintain, upgrade and improve our 4-H Park. Currently, Mercer County has 24 4-H clubs and over 240 4-H members, who participate in numerous educational activities throughout the year….


Koppel Bridge Replacement Project On Target, Detour Scheduled This Summer

According to PENNDOT Press Officer Steve Cowan, the $27.58 million dollar Koppel Bridge replacement project is progressing well. “Crews have one half of the deck rebar tied and are working on the other half of the bridge,” said Cowan via email. “Deck placement work should begin in early May.” An approximate three-month closure of both bridges and detour will occur from the late summer through the fall of 2019 when the new bridge and roadway will open. “Depending on several factors, the contractor is anticipating the detour to begin between July 17th and July 31st,” said Cowan. The current configuration…