Local News

National Day Of Prayer 2025 Observed Thursday

The National Day of Prayer is an annual observance held on the first Thursday of May, inviting people of all faiths to pray for the nation. On Thursday, Mayor Anthony J. Court spoke in the Ellwood City Community Plaza with remarks. “I feel deeply moved to witness our community coming together in the act of unity and love, praying not only for our nation but also for one another. Your presence here reflects the compassion and unwavering faith that are the cornerstone of our city,” said Mayor Court. “As your Mayor, I am deeply honored to serve such an exceptional…


Franklin Township Asking Residents To Complete Residents Vision Survey

As part of its Multi-Municipal Comprehensive Plan, Franklin Township is asking residents to help shape the future of Franklin Township by taking a short survey on your vision, priorities, and values for the township community. Your input will help guide decisions on land use, transportation, housing, open space, and more. This is your chance to help build a roadmap that reflects what matters most to you and your neighbors. Survey link: www.tritownshipplan.com/franklin The survey only takes a few minutes, and your voice will directly influence the direction of the plan. Franklin Township thanks you for being an active part of…


Lincoln High School Prom 2025: “What Happens At Prom Stays At Prom”

On Friday, May 2, 2025, Ellwood City Lincoln High School will host its annual prom, themed “What Happens at Prom Stays at Prom,” at the Pittsburgh Event Center, located at Steamfitters Local 449 in Zelienople, Pennsylvania. Before heading to the venue, students will take part in the traditional LHS Promenade at the Leslie Sabo Memorial Auditorium. During this event, prom court nominees will be introduced, and the 2025 Prom King and Queen will be crowned during the evening celebration. The Class of 2026 extends a heartfelt thank you to everyone who played a role in making this year’s annual event…


Lincoln High School Students Inducted Into National Honors Society

The Ellwood City Area School District celebrated the outstanding achievement of 23 students who were formally inducted into the National Honor Society during a special ceremony on Saturday evening. Their dedication to scholarship, leadership, service, and character sets an incredible example for our entire school community. The induction ceremony was held Saturday, April 26th in the Lincoln High School auditorium. The National Honor Society (NHS) is a prestigious high school honor society that recognizes and encourages academic achievement, leadership, character, and service among high school students. It’s a widely recognized and respected organization that can enhance a student’s college application…


R-ACT Theatre Productions Featuring Comedy Act Written By Ellwood City Native

Rochester, PA – R-ACT Theatre Productions continues its 2025 season with Imaginary Exits, a fast-paced farce written and directed by Ellwood City playwright and mead merchant Eric J. McAnallen. McAnallen is an Ellwood City resident and owns and operates Fitzgibbon Meadery alongside his wife, Misa.  Anna McAnallen, of Wampum, is a featured cast member as Ally in the comedy act. The play will be staged at the Segriff Stage, an intimate black box theater located at 134 Brighton Ave, Rochester, PA 15074. Show dates are May 2, May 3, May 9, and May 10, 2025, at 7:30 pm, with a…


Bernstine Announces Loan for Portersville Muddy Creek EMS Ambulance Upgrade

HARRISBURG – Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Butler/Lawrence) today announced the Portersville Muddy Creek Township Volunteer Fire Department has been approved for an $81,740 loan from the Office of the State Fire Commissioner. The funding will support the purchase of a Ford E350 Crestline CCL150 ambulance, significantly enhancing the department’s emergency response capabilities. “This investment ensures our local EMS professionals have the resources they need to respond quickly and safely in emergencies,” said Bernstine. “I’m proud to support initiatives that protect the health and safety of our communities in Butler and Lawrence counties.” The loan was awarded through the Fire Company and Emergency…


Ellwood City Public Library Activities For Week Of April 28th

The Ellwood City Area Public Library offers a variety of weekly activities. Information is available by calling the library at 724-758-6458. NOTE The Library has partnered with Seneca Library District, Oil Creek Library District, Erie County Public Library and Crawford County Federated Library System for e-books. You can now use the Overdrive or Libby App. to borrow books from the above Libraries. Please call the library with any questions. 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….


POLICE: Weekly Police Blotter

SIMPLE ASSAULT: Richard Newman, 56, of Ellwood City, is charged with Simple Assault after an incident occurring on April 16th. According to a criminal complaint, and at approximately 7:21 p.m., police were dispatched to Laurel Avenue, Wayne Township for reports of a domestic dispute. Officers spoke to Newman’s wife who reported that she and Newman got into verbal argument that turned physical. She stated that Newman pushed her to the ground, and when she rose up, he pushed her head into a window leading to a large raised bump on her forehead according to a the complaint. BURGLARY: Jacob Rible,…


Wayne Township 2025 Clean-Up Day Announced

Wayne Township residents are invited to participate in the annual clean-up day, which will take place on Saturday, May 17, 2025, from 8:00 a.m. until Noon at the Wayne Township Municipal Building, located at 1418 Wampum Road, Ellwood City, PA 16117. This event is for Wayne Township residents only. Proof of residency is required. The cost to participate is $10.00 per load with a $50.00 per load fee for vehicles larger than a car or regular pick-up truck. Each mattress will be $15.00. We are ready to accept and properly dispose of household items, furniture, and other non-hazardous materials. However,…


Ellwood City Man Sentenced to 21 Years in Prison For Coercing Minor to Produce & Send Child Sexual Abuse Material

PITTSBURGH – A former resident of Ellwood City, Pennsylvania, was sentenced in federal court on April 22, 2025, to 252 months of incarceration, to be followed by 15 years of supervised release, on his conviction of coercion and enticement of a minor, and production and receipt of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today. United States District Judge William S. Stickman IV imposed the sentence on Shayne A. Clapper, 31. According to information presented to the Court, in January 2023 through February 2023, Clapper initiated a sexual relationship with a minor…