Local News

Lincoln Grad Covert, BC3 Golf Team Set To Defend Region 20 Crown

(Butler, PA) All-American Taylor Voloch, and Mitchell Covert, Jaxon Salata and Parker Worsley return to a spring Butler County Community College golf team that seeks to defend its 2025 regional title and its automatic berth to the national championship tournament. The Pioneers open their spring season at 10 a.m. April 10 against the Community College of Allegheny County, and Pennsylvania Highlands and Westmoreland County community colleges at North Park Golf Course in Allison Park. BC3 in May advanced to 8-0 by capturing its seventh National Junior College Athletic Association Division III Region 20 crown and qualified for the national championship…


Ellwood City House Shooting Suspects Charged, Identified

Three men are charged with five counts of criminal attempt at criminal homicide, aggravated assault with a firearm and recklessly endangering other persons, and one count each of persons not to possess a firearm and discharging a gun into an occupied structure after an incident on Beaver Avenue early Saturday in Ellwood City. Terry Janiel, 20, Daniel Dourlain Jr., 20, and Joseph Beighley, 23, all of Ellwood City are charged according to criminal complaints filed against each individual. According to the complaint, Beighley received a request for a ride from Janiel just after midnight and that Janiel told him they…


Franklin Township Seeking Community Support For Hereford Manor Lake

The Franklin Township Board of Supervisors is seeking community support for an important initiative—the acquisition and preservation of the Hereford Manor Lake property. Franklin Township currently has an agreement to purchase approximately 392 acres of the Hereford Manor property. With a $300,000 grant already secured, the Township has made significant progress; however, a funding gap remains. The agreement is set to expire on May 20, 2026, and a one-year extension has been requested to allow time to secure the remaining funds. This property presents a unique opportunity to preserve valuable open space for public use. Planned future uses include walking…


Spring 2026 Update: Beaver River Bridge Replacement Project

The Beaver River Bridge project is currently in stage four of construction. The mainline Pennsylvania Turnpike lanes have been shifted south to allow for earthwork, grading and asphalt paving to realign the roadway with the new river crossing structures. All four piers and pier tables for the westbound Beaver River Bridge crossing have been completed. Fifteen-foot segmental concrete placements have been completed from westbound piers 1 and 4 headings. Form travelers have been moved to westbound piers 2 and 3 for segmental construction at those headings, which is in progress. Segmental construction at these headings will continue into fall 2026,…


New Mexico Suspect Pleads Guilty To 2023 Murder

Keegan Tyler Willis-King, 25, of New Mexico, accused of shooting and killing a woman and injuring her daughter in 2023 pleaded guilty but mentally ill on Thursday. Willis-King was sentenced to 15-30 years of confinement for the murder charge and 5-10 years for the aggravated assault charge according to court documents. Investigators said he shot Cassidy Smith, his girlfriend at the time, and killed her 42-year-old mother, Krista Knechtel, in an apartment on First Street in Ellwood City in January 2023. Police said Willis-King came out of an apartment building with a gun before being taken into custody. The shooting…


Borough of Ellwood City Seeking Volunteers To Help Beautify Ellwood City

The Borough of Ellwood City is proud to present Beautify Ellwood City as part of the 2026 Pick Up Pennsylvania Campaign. The borough is seeking volunteers to help clean up Lawrence Avenue and 5th Street leading up to all the summer fun that will be taking place in town this summer. The borough is also seeking people with a green thumb to help plant the traditional flowers around the municipal building. Help Beautify Ellwood City will take place Friday May 15, 2026 (rain date May 20th). Those interested are asked to gather in front of the Municipal Building for a…


Ellwood City Public Library Activities For Week Of April 6th

The Ellwood City Area Public Library offers a variety of weekly activities. Information is available by calling the library at 724-758-6458. 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. Please remember no one is available to take your calls unless it is in the hours listed above. Activities taking place this week include. MONDAY, APRIL 6 10:30 a.m. – “Music and Movement,” ages walking toddlers – 5ish. Singing, dancing and playing instruments. 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m….


ARISE, Borough Of Ellwood City Launch Sexual Assault Awareness Month

In recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness Month this April, ARISE is again placing yard signs and teal ribbons throughout Ellwood City to raise awareness, increase community visibility, and encourage conversation about sexual violence. The annual campaign aims to reduce stigma, highlight the prevalence of sexual violence, and remind survivors that support and resources are available. The signs are placed in highly visible areas to reach individuals who may not otherwise seek out or have access to services. Ellwood City Mayor Anthony J. Court has participated in the initiative for many years, lending his support to the effort and helping promote…


PA Drivers Reminded To Put Down Phone While Driving Or Pay Fine Starting In June

Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) are reminding Pennsylvanians to put down the phone while driving or they will be forced to pay a fine starting June 5, 2026. In 2024, Governor Josh Shapiro signed Paul Miller’s Law, which prohibits the use of hand-held devices while driving, even while stopped temporarily due to traffic, a red light, or other delays. Drivers can still use their phones to alert authorities in the event of an emergency and use hands-free technology to make phone calls, use a GPS, and listen to music. Beginning June…


Forward Lawrence Impact Awards To Be Held April 10th

Please join your fellow Lawrence County friends and colleagues for the 10th anniversary of the Forward Lawrence Impact! Awards. This exciting event will be held on Friday, April 10th from 8:30 – 10:00 am in The Alpine Room at the SNPJ Recreation Center in Enon Valley, PA. Each year, the Impact Awards honor recipients ranging from new and growing businesses to long standing employers, community revitalization champions, nonprofit organizations, board leaders, and public servants who dedicate their time and talent to strengthening Lawrence County. The Impact Awards have become a beloved community tradition, recognizing impact in all its forms across…