Local News

New Mexico Suspect Pleads Guilty To 2023 Murder

Keegan Tyler Willis-King, 25, of New Mexico, accused of shooting and killing a woman and injuring her daughter in 2023 pleaded guilty but mentally ill on Thursday. Willis-King was sentenced to 15-30 years of confinement for the murder charge and 5-10 years for the aggravated assault charge according to court documents. Investigators said he shot Cassidy Smith, his girlfriend at the time, and killed her 42-year-old mother, Krista Knechtel, in an apartment on First Street in Ellwood City in January 2023. Police said Willis-King came out of an apartment building with a gun before being taken into custody. The shooting…


Borough of Ellwood City Seeking Volunteers To Help Beautify Ellwood City

The Borough of Ellwood City is proud to present Beautify Ellwood City as part of the 2026 Pick Up Pennsylvania Campaign. The borough is seeking volunteers to help clean up Lawrence Avenue and 5th Street leading up to all the summer fun that will be taking place in town this summer. The borough is also seeking people with a green thumb to help plant the traditional flowers around the municipal building. Help Beautify Ellwood City will take place Friday May 15, 2026 (rain date May 20th). Those interested are asked to gather in front of the Municipal Building for a…


Ellwood City Public Library Activities For Week Of April 6th

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, APRIL 6 10:30 a.m. – “Music and Movement,” ages walking toddlers – 5ish. Singing, dancing and playing instruments. 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m….


ARISE, Borough Of Ellwood City Launch Sexual Assault Awareness Month

In recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness Month this April, ARISE is again placing yard signs and teal ribbons throughout Ellwood City to raise awareness, increase community visibility, and encourage conversation about sexual violence. The annual campaign aims to reduce stigma, highlight the prevalence of sexual violence, and remind survivors that support and resources are available. The signs are placed in highly visible areas to reach individuals who may not otherwise seek out or have access to services. Ellwood City Mayor Anthony J. Court has participated in the initiative for many years, lending his support to the effort and helping promote…


PA Drivers Reminded To Put Down Phone While Driving Or Pay Fine Starting In June

Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) are reminding Pennsylvanians to put down the phone while driving or they will be forced to pay a fine starting June 5, 2026. In 2024, Governor Josh Shapiro signed Paul Miller’s Law, which prohibits the use of hand-held devices while driving, even while stopped temporarily due to traffic, a red light, or other delays. Drivers can still use their phones to alert authorities in the event of an emergency and use hands-free technology to make phone calls, use a GPS, and listen to music. Beginning June…


Forward Lawrence Impact Awards To Be Held April 10th

Please join your fellow Lawrence County friends and colleagues for the 10th anniversary of the Forward Lawrence Impact! Awards. This exciting event will be held on Friday, April 10th from 8:30 – 10:00 am in The Alpine Room at the SNPJ Recreation Center in Enon Valley, PA. Each year, the Impact Awards honor recipients ranging from new and growing businesses to long standing employers, community revitalization champions, nonprofit organizations, board leaders, and public servants who dedicate their time and talent to strengthening Lawrence County. The Impact Awards have become a beloved community tradition, recognizing impact in all its forms across…


Bernstine to Host Firearms Law Seminar in Butler County

BUTLER – Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Butler/Lawrence) will host a concealed carry seminar on Wednesday, April 15, from 5:30-7 p.m., at the Unionville Volunteer Fire Company, 102 Mahood Road, Butler. The event is designed to give residents a clearer understanding of Pennsylvania’s concealed carry laws, use-of-force standards and legal responsibilities associated with firearm ownership. “As firearm ownership continues to grow, it’s critical people understand not just their rights, but the laws that govern when and how those rights can be exercised,” said Bernstine. “This seminar is about giving residents straightforward, reliable information so they can make informed decisions and avoid costly…


ECASD Warning Public About Annual Tradition Game Called “Assassins.”

In what may be an annual tradition, senior students at Lincoln High School play the game where the goal is to “eliminate” each other using water guns or similar toy items in a tradition called “Assassins.” The district would like to advise that this activity is not a school sponsored, school endorsed, or school created activity. “It is an activity that is initiated by the students, usually the senior class, and occurs in schools across the country,” says superintendent Amy Anderson. The Ellwood City Area School District Police Department is warning the public about the game. During the game, students…


Ellwood City Public Library Activities For Week Of March 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. Activities taking place this week include. MONDAY, MARCH 30 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. – “Interactive Play,” children can play hands-on with various items. TUESDAY, MARCH 31 1:00 p.m. –…


PART THREE: Lincoln High School’s Production of Little Shop of Horrors A Bloody Delight

“Suddenly, Seymour…” something extraordinary is blooming on the LHS stage this spring! Lincoln Jr./Sr. High School students will present the wildly entertaining musical Little Shop of Horrors on March 27, 28, and 29 in the Lincoln High School Auditorium. A talented cast and crew of students from grades 7–12 have been hard at work bringing this exciting production to life. Under the direction of Alexis Reisinger, students have dedicated countless hours to rehearsals, choreography, and technical preparation to create a production that blends humor, heart, and a touch of dark comedy. Today’s review is part three in a three-part series about Little Shop…