Local News

Pollution Control Project Funded in Lawrence County

Lawrence County Conservation District received $2,000 to implement a Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Project. “This grant allows our conservation district to address local pollution issues. We plan to educate local residents on how they can do their part to ensure there is enough clean water for future generations,” said Katie Schmidt, Watershed Specialist. Education and outreach about the project began in May of this year, and the District is continuing to look for volunteers. Training will occur in the fall and the project will be continued indefinitely afterward. Thirty-seven projects will be funded in 31 of the state’s counties. Projects…


Ellwood City Art Club Fair

The Ellwood City Art Club will be hosting their Art Club Fair on September 9, from 10:30-2:30 at their new studio location, The Family Center in Ellwood City. Participants will be able to dabble in a variety of art forms including painting, writing, photography, computer applications, and more. No experience is necessary and teachers will be on hand to help. There is no cost or age limit. Weekly classes are for high school students and up. Some special classes will be for younger children.


Ellwood Woman Hired to Help Around House Suspected of Stealing Medication

Adriana Michelle Contreras, 33, of Ellwood City is facing charges of theft by unlawful taking and receiving stolen property after an incident on July 20. According to the criminal complaint, an Ellwood City resident called to report a suspected theft. The victim stated his wife had a condition for which they had personally hired a Contreras to help around the house. The victim stated he suspected Contreras was stealing pills from his Adderall prescription and that since the prior week he had noticed several of the pills missing. The victim then stated that on the day of calling to report the…


Annual Historical Society Picnic

Everett Bleakney, President of the Ellwood City Historical Society, wants to invite everyone to the Annual Historical Society Picnic. “An old fashion picnic is a great way to celebrate with friends and neighbors about our town – Ellwood City,” Bleakney said. The picnic is scheduled for Monday, September 11, 2017 at 6:00pm. It will be held in Ewing Park in Shelter 8 in the back loop of the park. Every one is invited, bring a covered dish to be shared by all. The Society will furnish the meat/drink/desert, please, “bring your own table service.” Come early for a good seat! We have a great…


Ellwood Resident Facing Charges for Growing Marijuana Plants in Backyard

Kylee Nikole Hooks, 28, of Franklin Avenue, is facing a felony charge of delivery of a controlled substance and misdemeanor charge of violation of controlled substance after police found marijuana plants growing in her backyard. According to the criminal complaint, on June 26, police were given an anonymous tip of suspected marijuana plants growing in the back yard of Hooks’s residence. Officers made contact with Hooks and asked if she had any marijuana plants being manufactured on her property, to which she admitted and led the officers to where the plants were being grown; an area of the yard out…


Hauntings of the Area

Joyce Ross, a New Castle resident and volunteer at the Lawrence County Historical Society, has always had a passion for the paranormal. She remembers the days when her father used to tell her about the local haunting legends, a pastime she now shares with her son. “When I was a little girl my dad introduced me to the legend of Mary Black; I didn’t think much of it at the time but as I got older it came back into my interest and I told my son, who suggested ghosting hunting where she was buried. We never found her exact…


Bernstine to Request Traffic Study on Rt. 65

State Representative Aaron Bernstine will be requesting a traffic study from PennDot for Route 65 in North Sewickley Township due to an increasing number of complaints. “There have been numerous accidents and we would like to request a traffic study to talk about what can be done to make this road more safe,” his official Facebook page states. The post has received a lot of support and suggestions from residents, one of which suggests a potentially dangerous blind spot due to foliage. “Aaron, now that this is mentioned, just a hair North on 65 at the intersection on 65/Mercer Road…


Police Seek Identity of Woman Struck and Killed in Mahoning Township

According to WFMJ, police are seeking the identity of a woman who was struck and killed in Mahoning Township last night around 11:30p.m. Police say the woman was walking along the eastbound lane just east of Edinburg Road when she was struck by a jeep driven by a 20-year-old New Castle woman. The victim is described as a white female in her early to mid-30’s, with straight, red, shoulder-length hair. She was wearing a black shirt, blue jeans and black shoes with white soles. State Police ask anyone with information to call them at 724-598-2211. UPDATE 8/15: The woman was…


First 2017 United Fund Check Presented to Director of Ellwood Family Center

Andrew Kindle, Treasurer of the Ellwood City United Fund, presented a check to Ricki Coccia, Director of Ellwood Family Center as the first disbursement of collected funds for the year 2017. “All agencies will receive 20% less because of the shortfall in the 2017 campaign,” Kindle said. The United Fund had discussed holding the money for a later disbursement date, but decided that it would cause a hardship on the agencies who really need the funds. Kevin Green, CEO/Ex Dir of City Rescue Mission, agreed and stated, “we thank you for the recent gift(allotment), it will be put to good…


Bernstine Announces More Than $500,000 in Pre-K Counts Grants for Local Providers

ELLWOOD CITY – Making sure Pennsylvania children have the best possible start when entering school, two area Pre-K Counts providers who serve children in the 10th Legislative District will receive a combined $527,000 in state grants, announced Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Beaver/Butler/Lawrence).  Hap Enterprises Inc. in Beaver County was awarded $442,000 and Lifesteps Inc. in Butler County was awarded $85,000. “These providers are doing wonderful things for our local children and families,” Bernstine said. “These grants will go a long way in helping them continue to foster educational development and prepare young minds for school and beyond.” Pre-K Counts programs provide…