Local News

Brown Introduces Legislation to Assist Small Businesses

HARRISBURG – Reps. Marla Brown (R-Lawrence) has introduced legislation to expand start-up fee exemptions to more small businesses in the Commonwealth. “As chairman of the Subcommittee on Small Business for the House Commerce Committee, I’m making it my priority to support small business in my district and in every county in Pennsylvania,” said Brown. “I realize the vital role that small business has in our community and how closely they are tied to the people that live and work there.” Brown is working with Rep. Arvind Venkat (D-Allegheny) on the bipartisan legislation. In 2016, the General Assembly provided for an…


Ellwood City Public Library Activities For Week Of December 11th

The Ellwood City Area Public Library offers a variety of weekly activities. Information is available by calling the library at 724-758-6458. NOTE The Library has partnered with Seneca Library District, Oil Creek Library District, Erie County Public Library and Crawford County Federated Library System for e-books. You can now use the Overdrive or Libby App. to borrow books from the above Libraries. Please call the library with any questions. OPEN 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….


POLICE: Weekly Police Blotter

TERRORISTIC THREATS: Michael Polky, 24, of Georgetown, PA, is charged with Terroristic Threats and Simple Assault after an incident on October 16th. According to a criminal complaint, and at approximately 5:39 p.m., officers were dispatched to a residence on Wampum Avenue for a domestic. A caller reported her friend was just assaulted by her ex-boyfriend and the suspect fled the scene. Police responded to the residence and interviewed the victim who related that Polky came over to get the rest of his things but he attitude soon changed and he grabbed the victim by her throat and pushed and choked…


ECASD Board of Directors Reorganizes, Fills Vacant Seat

The Ellwood City Area School District’s Board of Directors elected a president, vice president, and also appointed a new board member to a vacant seat. Jennifer Tomon was named president in a unanimous vote by the board. The board was split, however, on the vice president seat between Jean Biehls (supporters: Claire Fauzey, Erica Gray, and newly elected Kevin Boariu) and Kathy Galbreth (supporters: Norman Boots, Kathy Tillia, Jennifer Tomon). Following two roll call votes, the board would not sway on their choices. Finally the tie was broken once Robyn Nicklas was appointed to fill the vacant seat left after…


Sharing Library Now Available In Franklin Township

The Lauten family has generously donated a Sharing Library. The Library is located outside the front of the Franklin Township building on Route 288. “This library is for the community,” reads a statement from the township. “If you see a book you would like to read, feel free to take it with you. Return it to this Sharing Library when you are finished.” Keep this Sharing Library operating by leaving books in here for others. The library is similar to the Little Free Library hosted in Ellwood City in its community plaza where you can just open the door and…


REMINDER: Riverside High School Hosting Senior Citizen Program

Riverside High School will be hosting their Annual Senior Citizen Program on Wednesday December 20th from 11:45 a.m. until 2:15 p.m. The High School Band and Chorus and MS chorus will be performing in the Auditorium at 11:45. A Holiday Dinner will be provided after the program in the cafeteria. Please call 724 758-7512 ext. 3000 for Reservations or email wknab@rbcsd.com by Wednesday, December 13th.


Former Employee of Beaver County Health Care Facility Pleads Guilty To Hate Crime Charges Related To Assaults Against Disabled Residents

PITTSBURGH – A resident of Beaver County, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to federal hate crime charges, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced on Monday. Tyler Smith, 32, of New Brighton, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy, and one count of violating the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act, before United States District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan. According to admissions made during Smith’s plea hearing, he and co-defendant Zachary Dinell were employees of an in-patient health care facility located in New Brighton, Pennsylvania. Residents of the facility suffered from a range of…


BC3’s College Within the High School Program Sets 3 Records

A 26-year-old Butler County Community College program that offers qualified high school sophomores through seniors the opportunity to earn reduced-cost, transferrable college credits has set records this fall in enrollment, in seats occupied and in credits pursued. BC3’s College Within the High School program this fall enrolls 523 students. The all-time high includes a record 57 students in an Early College Pioneers program on BC3’s main campus, a record 16 in a Riv-Ell Entrepreneurship program in Ellwood City and a sophomore who was 14 when his three-credit BC3 course in marketing began in August at Mars Area High School. “I…


Wampum American Legion Hosting New Year’s Eve Celebration

The Wampum American Legion Post 749 is bringing back a lost community tradition – come join the party! On December 31st the Legion will host a New Year’s Eve’s Party  –  the first New Year’ Celebration at the Legion since the 1990’s. The event will take place at the Wampum American Legion Club at 436 Beaver Street and is set to begin at 9:00 p.m. DJ Bruce E will be spinning the tunes, and raffles & 50/50 will be held. Hot dogs and sauerkraut will be provided. Guests are encouraged to bring a appetizer or snack to share. Costs are…


Ellwood City Public Library Activities For Week Of December 4th

The Ellwood City Area Public Library offers a variety of weekly activities. Information is available by calling the library at 724-758-6458. NOTE The Library has partnered with Seneca Library District, Oil Creek Library District, Erie County Public Library and Crawford County Federated Library System for e-books. You can now use the Overdrive or Libby App. to borrow books from the above Libraries. Please call the library with any questions. OPEN 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….