Local News

Ag Committees to Hold Hearing on Cuts to Agriculture Funding

With an increasing groundswell of public outcry regarding the Governor’s slashing of state funding for agricultural programs, the Legislature will hold a public hearing on the impact of those cuts on Pennsylvania’s farmers and the various programs that support their livelihood, according to Senator Elder Vogel, Chairman of the Senate Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee, and Representative Martin Causer, Chairman of the House Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee. The Senate Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee and the House Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee will hold a joint public hearing on “Agriculture Partial Budget Funding” beginning at 9 a.m., March 15,…


Board Discusses Lunch Program but Keeps Policy the Same

Revision: Students on free or reduced lunch plans always receive a lunch. This was known by the Ellwoodcity.org staff but overlooked when the article was written. Following a lengthy discussion Monday, the Ellwood City Area School Board decided not to change the food service policy which had been questioned in February by members of the Kitchen Cabinet, an Ellwood City volunteer group. As is, the cafeteria staff takes lunch from students whose meal account is $6.75 overdrawn. Excepting packaged items, the food is then thrown out for health and safety reasons. In grades K-12, students subsequently receive a meal of…


Ellwood Board Members Mention Potential Merger but not with Riverside

At the Ellwood City area school board agenda meeting on Monday, board members mentioned a potential merger suitor, sort of. Board President Renee Pitrelli mentioned that an official from another school district said that representatives from the district might be interested in a merger. Pitrelli would only say that the district is close, is not Riverside and that Ellwood is not currently engaged in any official merger discussions. However, Pitrelli said that drastic action may need to be taken due to the uncertainty in Harrisburg. The Pennsylvania legislature still has not yet passed a budget for 2016. Meanwhile, the school…


Police: Man Discharges Pistol at Occupied Residence

Aggravated Assault A New Brighton man was accused of aggravated assault following an incident in Ellwood City last week. Prior to this, Justin M Bryant, 27, was charged with criminal mischief for an incident occurring on Feb. 25. The victim advised police that Bryant was in her apartment destroying items. Investigating officers observed a smashed girls’ play house, a damaged sweeper, a damaged bookshelf and two holes in the wall. The victim reported Byrant hadn’t hurt her today but had done so in the past. Police confiscated a glass marijuana pipe belonging to Bryant. The defendant agreed to pay for…


St. Elias Orthodox Church to Celebrate Start of Great Lent on March 14

St. Elias Orthodox Church (425 Cherry Way, Ellwood City), joining together with fellow Orthodox Christians worldwide, will start Great Lent on Monday, March 14. These special 40 days, followed by Holy Week, are the spiritual preparation for the Feast of the Resurrection of Christ. A time for repentance, it’s also a time of joyfulness and renewal of minds and hearts, with prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. Please consult St. Elias Church’s website at www.sainteliasellwood.webs.com to view the monthly schedule of services, including those for Great Lent, Holy Week, and Orthodox Easter (Pascha) celebrated on May 1. All are welcome to attend….


Portersville Christian School Information Night/Open House

Portersville Christian School will hold an Information Night/Open House on March 29, 2016 at 7 p.m. for families interested in enrolling students for the 2016-17 school year. The school is accepting student applications and registrations prior to the release of the tuition schedule at the end of March 2016. In addition to kindergarten, there are openings in most grade levels for fall of 2016. Interested families who have students entering kindergarten and grades 7 and 9 are encouraged to apply early, since these grades tend to fill up fast. Portersville Christian School (PCS) provides a distinctively Christian education to students…


Energy and Advanced Manufacturing Day to Be Held at CCBC

Monaca, PA – With a focus on increasing awareness of the job opportunities and career pathways associated with the energy and advanced manufacturing industries, the Beaver County Energy & Advanced Manufacturing Partnership is hosting a Student and Parent Forum at CCBC on Tuesday, March 15 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Middle school and high school students and their parents will have the opportunity to learn about training and career opportunities available in the energy and manufacturing industries through panel discussions, interactive displays, and educational exhibitor presentations. “This is a great opportunity for parents and youth to meet area employers from…


Wurtemburg United Methodist Church Hosts ‘Second Saturday’ Soup Supper

The Wurtemburg United Methodist Church will have a ‘Second Saturday’ Soup Supper on March 12 from 4 to 6:30 p.m. Soups include creamy potato and vegetable beef. There will also be Italian bread, homemade rolls, dessert, beverages and refills. Dine-in and take out are both $5. Children under five are free. Quarts of soup are $5 and grilled cheese sandwiches are $1. Come, relax and enjoy fresh homemade soups and desserts. We look forward to serving you in a warm and friendly atmosphere! Wurtemburg United Methodist Church is located at  1244 Portersville Road (Rt 488 by 3rd Bridge), Ellwood City,…


Paint Party to Benefit Women’s Retreat

There are still seats for our paint party, so pick up the phone and call. This is the final week! We are hosting a Paint Party as a fundraiser for the next Women’s Retreat. You many have never been to a party like this! Come join us at Fellowship Hall in North Sewickley Presbyterian Church on Chapel Drive on Saturday, March 12 from 2 to 4 p.m. The party will be fun and a beautiful painting will be completed by everyone there. No need to be embarrassed as everyone’s eye is different and each painting is unique, whether you can…


Relay for Life Upcoming Events

Looking For A Few Good Persons As the Ellwood City Relay For Life starts its 2016 year, we are in search of individuals that are outstanding in working with the community to lead our committee to greater rewards than in years past. Even if you have just a few moments in your busy schedule, we could use your guidance and knowledge. Openings are in the areas of Chairperson, Sponsorship, Team recruitment, Chinese Auction, Logistics and Survivors. You are invited to join us at our committee meetings to learn more about these openings and other places your service can be helpful…