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October 27, 2015

Senate Ag Committee to Consider Industrial Hemp Bill

The Senate Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee, chaired by Senator Elder Vogel, will consider legislation to allow the growth of industrial hemp during a meeting set for 9:30 a.m., Tuesday, October 27, in Room 8E-B of the State Capitol East Wing. Senate Bill 50, introduced by Senator Judy Schwank, provides for an industrial hemp industry in the Commonwealth through the establishment of a permitting process within the Department of Agriculture to license and regulate the cultivation, growth and sale of industrial hemp. The 2014 Federal Farm Bill permits industrial hemp research if it is authorized by a state. While a…

October 26, 2015

Local Companies to Present “Katharina Von Bora,” an Original Opera

The New Castle Lyric Opera, in collaboration with Opera Westminster, will present the premiere performance of the pop opera “Katharina von Bora” on November 7th. The opera was composed by Mihai Valcu, resident opera conductor at Westminster College, with a libretto by William Zeiger. It will be performed in English. The cast includes both Westminster students and talented vocalists from the region. Katharina von Bora, a former nun who became the wife of Martin Luther, was an important figure in the early history of the Protestant Church. She was a primary source of inspiration and support for her husband, and…

October 26, 2015

Class of 1954 October Meeting

Pudue LaCava hosted the Lincoln Class of 1954, “Life is a Beach” committee at her Mt Vernon Drive home on Thursday, October 15 at 4 p.m. The session began with lunch made and provided by committee. A pasta salad made by Paul Abraham was accompanied by ham, vegetables, and fruit trays. “Pinky” Maielli provided a pumpkin pie type dessert. James Gillespie reported on fundraising and distributed October tickets. They are available from committee members or by contacting LaCava. Clemmy Sirimarco voiced the financial report. Ilene Gardner and Jan Keenan reported on the status of the class pictures from the August…

October 26, 2015

Library Activities Week of October 26, 2015

Activities taking place at the Ellwood City Area Public Library include the following: Tuesday, October 27, at 10:00 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. — — Family Laptime, an interactive program designed for babies as young as 6 months old through preschool age. Featured are stories, songs, finger plays and more. Registration is requested, so call the library now for more information. Wednesday, October 28, at 6:00 p.m. – Movie Nights for Adults,” a continuing program which is free and open to all area adults. Featured are new-to-DVD films and refreshments. Call the library for more information or to discover the title…

October 23, 2015

Halloween Parade Scheduled For Saturday

The annual Ellwood City Halloween Parade is scheduled to take place on Saturday beginning at 3:30pm and will make its way through the downtown. Judging will take place at 3:00pm Saturday in the Lincoln High School parking lot. All participants are asked to be in the parking lot by 2:30pm for judging of floats, costumed marching groups and individuals. Participants from a prior Halloween parade An individual parader from a prior Halloween parade Monetary prizes will be awarded in four categories – ages 1 to 5, 6 to 10, 11 to 15, and 16 and older.  First place float prize…

October 23, 2015

Beaver Falls Carnegie Library Events

The wind is picking up and the Autumn leaves are floating in the sky. Now is the time to float into the library for some exciting Fall Activities. BEAVER FALLS, PA –Upcoming programs and activities at the Carnegie Free Library of Beaver Falls. $5 Bag Sale. The library’s $5 bag sale is continues till November 14th. There are lots of great reads and videos to keep you warm this winter. The 13th Street Room is pack with all kinds of treasures. Children’s books are in the basement lobby. Oct 28th and Nov 4th—Stories w/ S.T.E.A.M Story experience for children ages…

October 23, 2015

Senator Sends Bill to Increase Support for Housing Program to Governor

The Senate today gave final approval to a House Bill that would increase state support for a program that promotes housing affordability and rehabilitation in communities across the Commonwealth, according to Senator Elder Vogel, prime sponsor of the Senate version of the measure. House Bill 792 would dedicate a portion of funds raised from the state’s Realty Transfer Tax (RTT) for use by the Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement Fund (PHARE) for projects across the state. The legislation does not increase the RTT rate, but solely changes how the revenues under the existing rate are used. Senator Vogel introduced…

October 23, 2015

Borough Advertising a Vacancy in Ellwood Area Family Center Authority

Borough Council is advertising a vacancy on the Ellwood Area Family Center Authority. Any Borough resident interested in serving is asked to submit a letter interest to the Borough Secretary, 525 Lawrence Ave, Ellwood City. All letters must be due/postmarked on or before 4 p.m. on November 5, 2015.

October 21, 2015

Former Police Chief Sues Borough

Former police chief Mark Romutis is suing the Borough of Ellwood City. Romutis filed a wrongful termination lawsuit on Monday, October 19 at the Lawrence County Courthouse. According to court documents, the lawsuit is four-pronged: breech of contract, breech of policy violation, breech of implied covenant, and interference with prospective economic advantage. Romutis is seeking $35,000 for each of the claims for a total of $140,000. The lawsuit rests on the grounds that the reason for the police chief’s abrupt removal violated the terms of his contract and has limited his employment prospects. Romutis served as police chief from January…

October 21, 2015

Police Cruiser Purchase Causes Dissension in Council

Council voted to purchase a new police cruiser at Monday’s council meeting on October 19. However, the vote was not unanimous. Council members Ralph Chiapetta and David DeCaria voted no. Chiappetta said that due to low patrol hours in the police department (about 2.4/man hour), he couldn’t justify purchasing a new cruiser. “The police department has been focusing on drug activity while other crimes, such as vandalism, are on the rise,” Chiappetta said. David DeCaria joined Chiappetta in the dissenting vote, adding that the decision “won’t affect the safety of officers or the public.” However, the other five members of…