Local News

Disability Options Network to Host Free Workshop

(New Castle, PA) – Disability Options Network will host a free workshop for parents in support of students transitioning from high school to employment on Wednesday, June 28, at Career Link from 9 a.m. to 12 noon. This workshop will cover independent living and self- advocacy and how to get there, using a student’s IEP to get to employment, an overview of the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) programs for transition age youth (14 to 21), and a brief look at disability laws. Parents will be able to ask questions throughout the session which will be led by and independent…


Police Find Crack Cocaine and Sleep Apnea Machine in Vehicle

Police Find Crack Cocaine and Sleep Apnea Machine in Vehicle According to the criminal complaint, on June 14, officers conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle with an expired registration. Operator of the vehicle, Christopher Patrick Bruno, 61, of Ellwood City, did not hold a valid drivers license and was under driving suspension in Florida and Pennsylvania. Bruno also had an active warrant for his arrest through the Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office. Bruno was detained for the warrant, and he advised officers of his sleep apnea machine in his car that he would need for sleeping. Officers opened a bag…


Annual Strawberry Festival to Return Thursday

The annual Strawberry Festival hosted by the First Church of God will be this Thursday, located at 1862 Mercer Road, Franklin Township, from 4:30-7p.m. Although the main focus of the event will be centered around an array of strawberry-infused desserts, ham barbecue and sloppy Joe sandwiches, hot dogs, baked beans, macaroni salad, and chips will also be available. Proceeds will benefit the church’s youth group – many of which will be taking part in the event.


Cigarette Causes Garage Fire Sunday Night

A car is destroyed following a garage fire that happened Sunday around 9:30p.m. at an Ellwood residence located on Keystone Way. According to the Ellwood City fire chief, the fire started after the homeowner threw a cigarette on the garage floor, possibly igniting gas residue on the ground. No one was injured.


Ellwood City Man Sentenced for Child Pornography Case

Following the case of the Ellwood City man who admitted to stalking Amish children and trying to lure them into an outhouse, he pleaded guilty last week to a separate incident of distributing sadistic child pornography on a peer-to-peer network. Lucas Klobetanz, 40, of Ellwood City, was federally investigated by the FBI for distributing child porn after his computer IP address was traced back to his Ellwood City address. In 2015 he was indicted on counts of distribution and possession of child porn. Klobetanz has been sentenced to serve more than 11 years in prison, followed by 20 years of supervised…


Ellwood City Summer Concert Series

Ellwood City’s 5th Summer Concert Series in the Community Plaza will begin tomorrow, June 17th, with the Harmony-Zelienople Community Band kicking off the series. The concert series schedule is as follows: Saturday, June 17 – Harmony-Zelienople Community Band Saturday, June 24 – Allegheny Brass Band Saturday, July 8 – Beaver County Wind Symphony Saturday, July 15 – Wrangler Band Saturday, July 29 – Harmony-Zelienople Jazz Band Wednesday, August 9 – Tim Zimmerman and the King’s Brass Saturday, August 19 – NOMaD The concerts are FREE and performances, which begin at 7:00pm, are planned and hosted by the Concert Series Committee…


Police Report: 60 Year-Old Man Breaks Ellwood Business’s Front Door with Cane

A local 60-year-old man is expected to pay for damages sustained to a Lawrence Avenue business after he broke the glass with his cane Wednesday afternoon. According to the criminal complaint, an employee at the Ellwood City Ledger contacted police to report damages caused by an older gentleman. The employee stated she was sitting inside the Ledger building when the man came to the door and started knocking after business hours. The man eventually got frustrated and started pounding on the bottom of the door with his cane, breaking the glass. The employee followed the man around the building and…


Allegheny Aquatic Alliance Connie Q Canoe Trip Celebration

The Connie Q Canoe Trip Celebration will be hosted tomorrow, June 17, and will allow people of all ages and skills to enjoy and engage in a sojourn on a captivating scenic creek. Allegheny Aquatic Alliance will guide you through this two-day, 16 mile kayak/canoe paddle across beautiful Butler County on Connoquenessing Creek. See the flyer below for more information:  


Senator Vogel to Host Veterans’ Specialist at New Castle District Office

Senator Vogel announced today that he will host a veterans’ specialist in his New Castle District Office to assist constituents with various issues related to their military service. Stephanie Bengoa of the American Legion Veterans Assistance Program will be available on Wednesday, June 21 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Senator Vogel’s New Castle Office (1905 W State St New Castle). No appointment is necessary. Ms. Bengoa can assist veterans and their families understand the benefits they have earned, enroll in the V.A. health care system, assist with the appeals process, and much more. Please bring any documentation and…


Retired Ellwood City Police Canine Passes Away

Lt. David Kingston-Operations Officer released the following statement: It is with great sadness ECPD reports the passing of Ellwood City Police Canine and McBride family pet “Jozek.” Jozek, a Czech born German Shepard, came to ECPD in March of 2007 and worked as part of the canine team. JOZEK was born in the Czech Republic June 9, 2005 and was purchased by ECPD on March 9, 2007 from Shallow Creek Kennels in Sharpsville, PA. After purchasing Jozek from Shallow Creek Kennels, Jozek trained with his handler for a 12 week period with Master Trainer Pat Maloney of the North American…