Local News

Senator Vogel Continues Push for Telemedicine Initiatives in Pennsylvania

Technology can help overcome the barriers to quality patient care created by distance and reduce the costs of those services, according to Senator Elder Vogel (R-Beaver), the author of legislation aimed at promoting telemedicine in Pennsylvania. Senate Bill 780 specifically defines telemedicine as “the delivery of health care services provided through telecommunications technology to a patient by a healthcare practitioner who is at a different location.” It also establishes guidelines regarding who can provide telemedicine services, and provides clarity regarding insurance company reimbursement for those services. “Telemedicine is transforming healthcare and it is something our state should embrace and encourage,” Senator…


Ellwood City Arts and Crafts Festival

Since 1981, thousands of community members have been celebrating the Ellwood City Arts and Crafts Festival – and the 2017 festival is expected to be just as successful. The event, scheduled for next week June 30-July 2 at Ewing Park, will include a wide variety of activities, performances and vendors for everyone in the Ellwood City community to enjoy! Festival funds (when there is a positive balance) go back into the operating fund for the next year, with a reserve held for possible emergencies. The Festival Committee is all volunteer and the Committee is a non-profit organization, solely in existence…


Public Community Event Tonight Regarding HIRA

The Christian Chamber Commerce of Western Pennsylvania will be holding an open forum tonight to discuss the purchase of the old Youth Development Center in New Castle. The purchase of the former Youth Development Center has many community members, including government officials State Representative Bernstine, State Representative Sainato and Senator Vogel, concerned about the potential owners. Hira Educational Services is a Muslim-based company who claims to aid in Muslim schooling but after reviewing the companies tax records and finance history, local government officials question the companies financial reliability and have asked Governor Tom Wolf to reconsider the sale. The event…


Ellwood City Area Public Library Activities for Week of June 26, 2017

Activities taking place at the Ellwood City Area Public Library include the following: Monday, June 26, at 10:00 a.m. — “Coloring for Adults,” a weekly program that is free and open to the public. “Coloring for Adults” designed to help reduce the stresses of everyday life. Everyone is welcome, so call the library for more information. This program has been moved to Monday mornings at 10:00 a.m. through August 9 because of Summer Reading Program activities. Call the library at 724-758-6458 for more information. Tuesday, June 27, “Jump Start to Kindergarten,” for children who are entering kindergarten this fall. The…


New Castle Approved for Medical Marijuana Growing Facility

Since Pennsylvania approved legislation permitting the sale of medical marijuana, a former factory located in New Castle has been chosen as one of the first 12 medical marijuana grower/processors in Pennsylvania. The 30,000 square-foot former factory located at 911 Industrial Street in New Castle is expected to be operational within six months, and is anticipated to relieve some of the financial distress in the local community and create 100-150 “good-paying” jobs once the operation reaches full potential, the New Castle News site reports. Keith Morgan and Richard Genderson of Holistic Farms located in Haverford, Pennsylvania, are the visionaries behind the…


BC3’s 2017 Regfest: Free Sunglasses for Bright Futures

Two-day July event offers prizes, beachy atmosphere to prep for enrollment. (Butler, PA) Current or prospective students attending Butler County Community College’s third RegFest can apply for admission and financial aid, register for classes, and receive academic advising — and gifts — in a “fun, relaxed” setting, according to Amy Pignatore, BC3’s director of records and registration. The beach-themed event is scheduled for July 11-12 at BC3’s six locations. Those attending will receive a BC3 gift bag containing a steps-to-enrollment checklist, sunglasses, a lei, Frisbee, T-shirt and a raffle ticket for a chance to win one of four $50 gift…


June 21: Longest Day of the Year

Did anyone else notice how light it remained yesterday into the later hours of the evening? If you didn’t you’ll have the chance to witness it again this evening thanks to the annually reoccurring summer solstice! The summer solstice occurs yearly between the dates of June 20-22 and although the day itself is not actually any longer than 24-hours, due to the Earth’s-tilt the amount of daylight for the northern hemisphere is longer. While northern demographics witnessed the most daylight, with some regions of Alaska witnessing upwards of a full 24-hour period of full daylight, Pennsylvania received around 15.5-16 hours…


PHOTO: Mayor Presents Third Beautification Award

On Tuesday, Mayor Court presented the 3rd 2017 Beautification Award and Gift Certificate to Ellwood City resident Marsha Fusetti of Johnston Drive.  The Mayor congratulated Marsha for her beautiful and well maintained gardens around her home. There are still 3 more Award Winners that can be nominated to receive this 2017 Beautification Award Winner sign and gift certificate, so the Mayor is encouraging everyone if you feel someone is well deserving to this presentation, be sure to nominate them.


New Castle Playhouse Presents South Pacific

The New Castle Playhouse presents South Pacific. Opening night is scheduled for Friday, July 14, 7:30p.m. at the Augustine Auditorium. More information on the official flyer below:


Summer Paving Contract Approved

Ellwood City council members unanimously voted yesterday to approve the 2017 summer paving contract with Wampum-based Youngblood Paving. Over a hundred-thousand less than last years paving project, the $239,778.86 contract is expected to cover the expenses to pave 17 blocks of streets, including the entire length of Pittsburgh Circle. 11 Blocks of Pittsburgh Circle, Glen Avenue for one block from Keystone Way to Pittsburgh Circle, three blocks of First Avenue from North Street to Gregg Street, and two blocks of Gregg Street from Wampum Avenue to First Avenue are to be repaved. Under the federal Americans with Disabilities Act the…