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July 12, 2024

Senator Vogel and Rep. Bernstine Each Address The 2024-25 Pennsylvania $47.6B Budget

Reaction poured in from many Thursday evening after the passing of Pennsylvania state budget. The $47.6 million plan is a 6% percent increase over last year’s approved spending and was approved nearly two weeks into the fiscal year. Vogel: 2024-25 State Budget is Pro-Growth, Pro-Jobs and Pro-Families HARRISBURG – The state Senate today approved a 2024-25 state budget that respects taxpayers, expands opportunities for Pennsylvania families, and increases educational opportunities in a responsible way, according to Sen. Elder Vogel, Jr. (R-47). “As a caucus, we have stood firm throughout the budget process that this budget would need to reflect a…

July 12, 2024

PART 2 – Cast Q&A: New Castle Playhouse Presents The SpongeBob Musical

The New Castle Playhouse will present The SpongeBob Musical starting tonight July 12-21 and will feature some of Ellwood City’s area favorite actors. At least five Ellwood City Area actors including Lauren Bush, Jacob Storey, Ace Sharer, Alex Hazen, and Lauren Krug will take to the Main Stage in Augustine Auditorium on July 12, 13, 18, 19, and 20 at 7:30 p.m. and on July 14 and 21 at 2 p.m. (ticket information can be found at the end of the article) In PART 1 of our series, published Thursday, we caught up with Bush, Storey, and Sharer for a…

July 12, 2024

POLICE: Weekly Police Blotter

THEFT, CRIMINAL MISCHIEF: Terry Janiel, 18, of Ellwood City is charged with multiple counts of Theft from Motor Vehicles, Criminal Mischief, and Loitering after several incidents in late June. According to criminal complaints, and first on June 23rd, officers obtained footage of Janiel and other actors walking around the area of 600 Line Avenue after a previous night of thefts, and the actors had attempted to rob someone with a firearm and then fled the area. Surveillance from Barry Quick Mart show Janiel and other actors attempting to steal a motorcycle. A second complaint against Janiel relates a second victim…

July 12, 2024

ECASD Board of Directors Vote to Hire Building Clerk and Director of Pupil Services and to Create a Dean of Student Affairs Position; Debate Elimination of Nepotism Policy

The Ellwood City Area School District’s Board of Directors voted to hire Elizabeth Tomon for a building clerk position at Perry Lower Intermediate during the July 11 combined regular meeting. Board President Jennifer Tomon abstained from voting as Elizabeth Tomon is a relative. Elizabeth received “Yes” votes from Board Vice President Jean Biehls and Directors Erica Gray, Kathy Tillia, Kevin Boariu, Robyn Nicklas and Dr. Claire Fauzey. “No” votes were cast by Directors Kathy Galbreath and Norman Boots. Elizabeth’s hiring followed nepotism policy votes during both the May and June regular ECASD Board of Directors Meetings. A motion was made…

July 11, 2024

Fireworks Fest Plans Set For July 20th In Downtown New Castle

The City of New Castle has partnered with Pyrotecnico and other local businesses to present the 2024 New Castle Fireworks Fest in the city’s downtown on Saturday, July 20, from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. The night includes local food and drink options, food trucks, live music, and will culminate with a spectacular display as New Castle-based Pyrotecnico is set to light up the sky of The Fireworks Capital of America. The event is being billed as a block party in the city with activities taking place along South Mercer and East Washington Streets. Attendees are encouraged to park in…

July 11, 2024

PART 1 – Cast Q&A: New Castle Playhouse Presents The SpongeBob Musical

The New Castle Playhouse will present The SpongeBob Musical starting tomorrow July 12-21 and will feature some of Ellwood City’s area favorite actors. At least five Ellwood City Area actors including Lauren Bush, Jacob Storey, Ace Sharer, Alex Hazen, and Lauren Krug will take to the Main Stage in Augustine Auditorium on July 12, 13, 18, 19, and 20 at 7:30 p.m. and on July 14 and 21 at 2 p.m. (ticket information can be found at the end of the article) In Part 1 of our series, we caught up with Bush, Storey, and Sharer for a cast Q&A….

July 11, 2024

Franklin Twp VFD Community Blood Drive In Two Weeks

Rev up the excitement with a summer car giveaway! The Franklin Township Volunteer Fire Department Community Blood Drive is Friday, July 26th.  The event earns funds for the department and is scheduled to take place from noon to 4:00 p.m. on Friday, July 26th at the Franklin Township Building, 897 Route 288, Fombell, PA 16123 The VFD currently has only three residents signed up to donate according to the township secretary. Please consider donating if possible. **Appointments recommended** To schedule an appointment to donate: – Go to vitalant.org and search with Account Code UC5990039 – Call 1-877-25VITAL If you need…

July 9, 2024

Gaiser Center Cuts Ribbon on Recovery Home Serving Women and Children

The Ellen O’Brien Gaiser Center and Butler County Chamber of Commerce will cut the ribbon on Ellen’s House, a recovery residence serving women transitioning back to independent living following treatment in a drug and alcohol rehabilitation program and their children. The ceremony is scheduled to take place Wednesday, July 10, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at Ellen’s House located at 606 E Brady Street, Butler, PA 16001 Joseph Mahoney, Executive Director, Ellen O’Brien Gaiser Center, Donna Jenereski, Director of Drug and Alcohol Programs for Butler County, Jordan Grady, Executive Director, Butler County Chamber of Commerce, and Dave Hilliard, President, Gaiser Board…

July 8, 2024

Mayor Court Announces 8th Beautification Winner of 2024

Mayor Anthony J. Court announced the 8th and final winner of 2024 “Beautification Awards”. Congratulations goes to Evan Westlund of 511 Mt. Vernon Drive. “Evan has done an outstanding job on his well-maintained property. Well deserved,” said Mayor Court in a statement. Evan was awarded a dinner certificate from a local restaurant and a sign to display in his yard. Last month the mayor added two bonus awards this year bringing the total winners to eight. [VIEW ALL BEAUTIFICATION WINNERS]

July 6, 2024

Ellwood City Man Found Dead After Stand Off With Police In Cranberry

A 37-year-old man from Ellwood City was exchanged gunfire before he was found dead in a wooded area after he exchanged gunfire with police on Tuesday, July 2nd near the Cranberry Highlands Golf Course in Butler County. According to a PA State Police report, and at approximately 10:30 a.m., Cranberry Township Police were called for a suspicious male who had pulled his vehicle over near an entrance to the golf course. The male, later identified as Logan Cumberland, 37, of Ellwood City, left the immediate area prior to police arrival, was observed to be armed with a rifle. Responding officers…