Local News

World War II Pearl Harbor Survivor Turns 101

Happy (early) Birthday to Ellwood City’s Joseph Michael Gasper, who is turning 101 on Tuesday, April 23. He is our area’s last World War II Pearl Harbor Survivor. Gasper, who has lived in Ellwood City ever since he was discharged from the Army in 1945, is still very sharp and enjoys talking with his friends and family. Last year he was feted to a grand centenarian birthday party that included a gun salute from the Veterans Guard. He received dozens of cards from all over the world and birthday greetings from television and other entertainment stars. This year will be…


Save The Ellwood City Fireworks Campaign Kicks Off

Ellwood City/Ellport resident Eric Rayner kicked off his “Save the Ellwood City Fireworks” campaign receiving his first donations towards his goal of 5,000.00. Making the first donations and pictured below were (left to right) Justin Neupauer of Alborn Tire Sales, Councilman George Celli, Ellwood City Mayor Anthony Court, Councilwoman Marilyn Mancini, Lt. David Kingston on behalf of the ECPD. Rayner will officially open up for donations via Facebook on Monday. In his previously announced plan, Rayner has stated that should more money be raised than needed, some of that money will be used to purchase a bigger show for the…


Library Activities For The Week Of April 22

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, APRIL 24 10:00 a.m. – “Coloring for Adults,” a weekly program that is free and open to the public. It is designed to help reduce the stresses of everyday life. All adults are welcome. 6:00 p.m. – “Movie Night for Adults,” featuring new-to-DVD films and refreshments. These monthly events are free and open to all area adults. Call the library for more information or for the title of this month’s movie. THURSDAY,…


Hitched and Unhitched: Ringing In The New Year

“Ringing in the new year” refers to the old tradition of celebrating beginnings and endings with bells. It comes from Alfred Lord Tennyson’s 1850 poem “Ring Out, Wild Bells.”  On another note, “bringing in the new year” references ushering in the new beginning. This time of year brings the perfect middle for wanting a warm fire to curl up next too with some fuzzy socks and hot drinks, but also craving windows down with fresh flowers and crisp spring filled breezes. Whether it was the start of “spring fever” or the midst of some serious “cabin fever”, these five couples…


Penn State Master Gardeners Of Lawrence County Open Garden Hotline For The Season

The Penn State Master Gardeners of Lawrence County has opened their Garden Hotline for the 2019 Season. The Master Gardeners of Lawrence County can answer questions on a variety of topics including growing vegetables, fruits, ornamentals and turf grass, plant identification, pruning, and insect and disease problems. Advice encourages the use of integrated pest management and environmentally sound practices. To help with identification and diagnosis, plant and insect specimens can be brought to the Lawrence County Extension office located on the third floor of the courthouse during Garden Hotline hours. Master Gardeners will be on duty Monday from 9 am…


Dici, Court to Serve as Officers of State Association

Council President Jude Dici and Mayor Anthony Court acknowledge recent honors they have received. At the Pa State Association of Boroughs Convention, to be held in June in Hershey, Dici will be sworn in as the President of the PSAB’s Councils Association and Court will be the Vice President of the PSAB Association of Mayors.


Local Man’s Quest to Save Fireworks Ignites

Eric Rayner’s plan to rally the community to save the festival fireworks has been officially backed by the Ellwood City Arts Crafts and Foods Festival Committee. Rayner, 26, of Ellport, met with the committee on Wednesday evening to present his plan of action in the hopes of getting the committee’s “approval.” Although the committee offered Eric their support they are not hosting or leading the fundraiser. They have however agreed to host the fireworks, pay for the insurance, traffic control and grounds keeping for the fireworks event if the community raises the money needed to implement the display. Upon hearing…


Borough Residents Asked To Keep Grass Trimmed

Ralph Chiappetta, Ellwood City borough code enforcement officer, is asking residents to trim their grass and clear junk from lawns. Grass should not be blown into streets.  The Borough of Ellwood City first yard waste pick-up is scheduled for the week of May 13, 2019 for area residents with future dates made available on borough utility bills. [View 2019 Boro Yard Waste Calendar] Chiappetta said he will be conducting inspections to look for violations. He also reminded residents who have not done so yet to make sure house numbers are visible on homes. Since January 1, Ellwood City residents have…


Pine Valley Ride For Hope

The Pine Valley Ride for Hope will be hosting its 6th annual event this year on Saturday, June 22, rain or shine. If there happens to be rain, there will be an alternative route, that is shorter, taken. This year, it will be hosted by the New Castle Harley Davidson dealership located on 4655 US 422. Registration will be on the day of the event from 9:00 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. The cost is $30 or a driver, that will include a t-shirt, $15 for a passenger, and $15 for anyone who comes to eat. All participating will be provided…


Primary Election Voting Information

There are two locations available to be used for voting in the Primary Elections for Franklin Township. Voting will be on Tuesday, May 21 from 7:00 A.M. – 8:00 P.M. The two locations that will be open is the Franklin Township Building at 897 State Route 288 and the Volunteer Fire Department located at 808 Old Zelienople Road The last day to register for voting is on Monday, April 22 with the last day to request an absentee ballot following on Tuesday, May 14. For additional information, such as candidates on the ballot, or how to become a poll worker,…