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April 13, 2016

Homicide Trial: Prosecution’s Primary Witness

[This is Part 3 in a series covering the homicide trial of Leon Platt. Parts 1 and 2 can be found here and here.] Update April 14, 8:30 a.m.: The defense called no witnesses and the jury began deliberations yesterday afternoon. They will reconvene today. Platt, 28, of Rochester, is accused of murdering Richard Hogue, 28, just after 1:30 a.m. on Nov. 16, 2013 in an apartment on 411 Loop St. in Ellwood City. Lawrence County Judge J. Craig Cox is hearing the case, Assistant District Attorney Thomas Minett is prosecuting and defense attorney John Bongivengo is representing Platt. On…

April 13, 2016

Council to Vote on Full-Time Police Officer on Monday

Ellwood City Borough Council will vote on a motion to advertise for a full-time patrol officer at its regular meeting next Monday. The motion was added to the agenda at Monday’s agenda meeting after a discussion. [Correction 12 a.m.: The motion will advertise the position, not hire an officer.] The police department currently has one lieutenant, one sergeant, eight full-time patrol officers and one part-time patrol officer. Council member Judi Dici started the discussion with statistics concerning overtime rates for the police department. According to numbers read by Dici, overtime costs for January through March are $42,606.84. According to borough…

April 12, 2016

Homicide Trial: Prosecution Rests Case

[This is Part 1 in a series covering the homicide trial of Leon Platt. Parts 2 and 3 can be found here and here.] After six days and over two dozen witnesses, the prosecution rested its case yesterday afternoon in the murder trial of defendant Leon Platt. Platt, 28, of Rochester, is accused of murdering Richard Hogue, 28, just after 1:30 a.m. on Nov. 16, 2013 in an apartment on 411 Loop St. in Ellwood City. It’s the first murder trial in Ellwood City since 1980. Lawrence County Judge J. Craig Cox is hearing the case before a jury of…

April 12, 2016

Homicide Trial: Prosecution Witnesses

[This is Part 2 in a series covering the homicide trial of Leon Platt. Parts 1 and 3 can be found here and here.] After six days of testimony and over two dozen witnesses, the prosecution rested its case in the trial of Leon Platt. Platt, 28, of Rochester, is accused of murdering Richard Hogue, 28, just after 1:30 a.m. on Nov. 16, 2013 in an apartment on 411 Loop St. in Ellwood City. It’s the first murder trial in Ellwood City since 1980. Lawrence County Judge J. Craig Cox is hearing the case before a jury of seven men…

April 12, 2016

Police: Aggravated Assault with a Knife

Women Assaults Man with Knife Devon Rand Crocker, 23, of Ellwood City, was accused of aggravated assault and endangering the welfare of children for an incident on April 3. According to the criminal complaint, officers responded to a domestic situation on Franklin Avenue at approximately 7:30 p.m. Investigating officers made contact with the victim, Crocker’s boyfriend, in the hallway of a second floor apartment. He reported that following a verbal altercation lasting several hours, Crocker attacked her mother and him with a knife. The victim was able to disarm Crocker, but was bitten repeatedly. These actions occurred in the presence…

April 12, 2016

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…

April 11, 2016

Ellwood City Area Public Library Activities for Week of 4-11-2016

Activities taking place at the Ellwood City Area Public Library include the following: Monday, April 11, at 6:30 p.m. – Classics Book Discussion Group for Adults. The group will discuss the book, “Anatomy of a Murder,” by Robert Traver. New members are always welcome, so call the library at 724-758-6458 for more information. Tuesday, April 12, at 10:00 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. — “Family Laptime,” an interactive story time for babies as young as 6 months old as well as for toddlers and preschoolers. Featured are stories, songs, finger plays and more. This spring session runs through April 19. Call…

April 8, 2016

Gibbons Appointed Chairman of House Committee

HARRISBURG, April 7 – State Rep. Jaret Gibbons, D-Beaver/Butler/Lawrence, will assume a new leadership role as the Democratic chairman of the House Tourism and Recreational Development Committee. Democratic Leader Frank Dermody tapped Gibbons for the post because of his legislative acumen and strong interest in the job-creating possibilities of Pennsylvania’s widespread tourism and recreational facilities. “Jaret Gibbons is a strong, independent voice in the state House for his constituents,” Dermody said. “Being a committee chairman will give him added responsibility for shaping statewide policies.” Gibbons enthusiastically accepted the new role and said he looks forward to working with members of…

April 8, 2016

Zelienople Church presents “Songs For A New World”

“Songs for a New World” is, according to composer Jason Robert Brown, “about one moment. It’s about hitting the wall and having to make a choice, or take a stand, or turn around and go back.” With a rousing score that blends elements of pop, gospel, and jazz and featuring tight harmonies and darling vocals, Songs for a New World transports its audience from the deck of a Spanish sailing ship bound for a new land, to the ledge of a New York penthouse. Characters range from a young man in the Bronx who dreams of becoming a famous basketball…

April 7, 2016

Hitched and Unhitched: February and March

Western Pennsylvania experienced a mild winter and early start to spring this year and perhaps some scheduled weddings wee moved outdoors. The February and March update of Hitched and Unhitched has 10 marriages and five divorces. Check it out: Hitched and Unhitched