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Coronavirus

April 27, 2020

Governor Wolf Announces May 1 Reopening of Limited Outdoor Rec, Including Golf

To ensure that Pennsylvanians have opportunities to safely enjoy outdoor recreation as a way to maintain positive physical and mental health, and in keeping with the commonwealth’s stay-at-home orders to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, Governor Tom Wolf today announced that the Wolf Administration is lifting some restrictions on businesses related to certain outdoor activities. Starting Friday, May 1, golf courses, marinas, guided fishing trips and privately owned campgrounds may reopen statewide and are required to follow updated life-sustaining business guidance and FAQ issued by the Wolf Administration to include specifics for how these outdoor recreational industries can resume activities while prioritizing public health…

April 24, 2020

Bernstine Announces State Funding for Learning Enhancements

ELLWOOD CITY – Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Beaver/Butler/Lawrence) today announced that three school districts in the 10th District have been selected to receive a Continuity of Education and Equity Grant (CEEG) for the 2019-20 academic year. “During the COVID-19 pandemic, it is imperative we don’t lose sight of how important it is for us to deliver the best possible education to every child,” said Bernstine. “This funding will help schools purchase equipment, so teachers can better connect with students ready to learn.” Those receiving grants locally are: • New Brighton Area School District – $76,000. • New Castle Area School District –…

April 17, 2020

2020 Ellwood City Festival Cancelled Due To COVID-19

In a social media post made available Friday afternoon, the festival committee announced the cancellation of the 40th annual Ellwood City Arts, Crafts, Foods, and Entertainment Festival scheduled for July 3, 4, 5 2020 due to COVID-19. The post reads as follows: To the Festival community, It is with deepest regret that we announce the intentions of the committee regarding the 40th annual Ellwood City Arts, Crafts, Foods, and Entertainment Festival scheduled for July 3,4,5 2020. We are compelled to make this decision now because we cannot predict how COVID19 will evolve and impact us in the coming months. As…

April 15, 2020

Senate Approves Measures to Improve COVID-19 Mitigation Process

The Senate approved two bills today that would create a better process for determining which businesses can operate during the COVID-19 pandemic and give county leaders a stronger say in determining the best mitigation measures for their citizens, according to Senator Elder Vogel. Governor Wolf ordered the closure of all businesses not deemed “life-sustaining” on March 16. Although a haphazard waiver system was eventually created for businesses that wished to remain open, that process was riddled with inconsistencies and lacked any sense of transparency or accountability to the public, Senator Vogel said. Senate Bill 613, which now goes to the…

April 14, 2020

VIDEO: Senator Vogel Offers Online Unemployment Compensation Guide

Recognizing that many people have seen their daily lives and their jobs impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak, Senator Elder Vogel launched a special page on his website (www.senatoreldervogel.com) dedicated to providing his constituents with information regarding unemployment compensation. The new page, www.senatoreldervogel.com/unemployment-questions/, provides contact information and helpful links for people who have questions about how to file claims and about other steps in the process. It details eligibility requirements, addresses issues of interest to small business owners and incudes a section dedicated to answering the questions about the unemployment compensation process posed by callers to Senator Vogel’s office. “Pennsylvania has…

April 13, 2020

Word Alive Church Showcases Drive-In Easter Service

Word Alive Church celebrated Resurrection Day live never before on Sunday. The Ellwood City church offered its one hour service on Sunday via drive in and online. Drive-in guests parked their vehicles in respective spots facing the church and tuned their car radio to 88.3 FM to hear the worship service. All children (age 3-11) who attended received a special Easter gift bag. With the coronavirus pandemic shuddering all large gatherings, many churches have been moved to offer online or streaming services during the mandated shutdowns. According to their website, the Word Alive Mission Statement reads: Word Alive exists to…

April 9, 2020

Governor Wolf Extends School Closure for Remainder of Academic Year

Continuing his efforts to protect the health and safety of students and communities during the COVID-19 pandemic, Governor Tom Wolf today announced that all schools will remain closed for the remainder of the 2019-20 academic year. The governor made the decision in consultation with Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine and Secretary of Education Pedro A. Rivera. Students and families can continue to pick up meals at designated sites. Although schools are closed, teaching and learning may continue: schools are strongly encouraged to provide continuity of education for all students in the most appropriate and accessible ways possible. PDE has…

April 9, 2020

Riverside Superintendent Discusses Continuity of Education During Coronavirus Crisis

Riverside School District Superintendent Bret Trotta said the district is successfully continuing education for the nearly 1,400 students served by his staff. The Riverside team of administrators and teachers are taking the review and enrichment approach to education during the Coronavirus crisis. He said they are working to meet the needs of all the students of the district. According to Trotta, getting everyone up and running with at home learning was a challenge. He said because a portion of the district is settled in more rural areas, some students lacked access to Internet. Others, he said, simply did not have…

April 7, 2020

Mayor Court Tests Negative For COVID-19 Virus

A statement from the office of Mayor Anthony J. Court: A number of people have expressed concern about my health concerning the COVID-19 virus. On Tuesday, March 31, 2020, after exhibiting three symptoms, my doctor, Rick Raymundo, felt the need for testing. On Wednesday, April 1, I was tested at UPMC Pittsburgh and the test results came back NEGATIVE! While I have been battling an illness, it is not COVID-19. Nevertheless as your Mayor, I continue to practice all necessary safety measures including social distancing, sheltering-in-place, hand sanitizing, etc. AND I ENCOURAGE EVERYONE TO DO THE SAME! It is imperative…

April 7, 2020

Superintendent Provides Update on School’s Progress During Coronavirus Pandemic

The superintendent of Ellwood City Area School District said the last few weeks have been a challenge, but that district staff have come through in a big way. During Monday night’s online meeting of the Ellwood City Area School District Board of Director’s meeting, Joseph Mancini gave a personal thank you to the administrators, teachers, and cafeteria workers for a “continuity of education” and dedication to district students. “They have all gone above and beyond in this 180-degree pivot,” he said. Mancini said at least 978 students were fed today and 1,000 on Friday, numbers he found pride in. He…