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August 18, 2026

Riverside Second Grader Takes the Stage for The First Time in Law & Order: Fairy Tale Unit

All it took was a show at Disney for Lyam Hooke to realize that he wanted to be on stage. The Riverside second grader has made his stage debut at the New Castle Playhouse production of Law & Order: Fairy Tale Unit. We caught up with Lyam, to learn more about him and to wish him luck for his first time on stage, for a Q&A::: Meet Lyam Hooke Part in Play: I am Doc and he’s a basketball player. Current Grade: I’m going into second grade. Been in musicals/plays since: This is my first time doing a play. Previous leads/musicals you’ve…

August 11, 2026

ECASD Board of Directors Denies Proposal for Charter Student Recruitment

Ellwood City Area School District’s Board of Directors voted against a proposal from the Allegheny Intermediate Unit to assist the district with implementation of charter student recruitment. The proposal included a basic $2,995 package to assist with implementation of charter student recruitment; opposition research for production of marketing documents, phone scripts, and talking points; graphics support for design of digital and physical marketing documents (Documents included brochures, postcards, and website content, with materials not included in cost of agreement); and coordinate and assist district administration with one day of door-to-door visits. Four board directors voted “Yes,” including Jean Biehls, Jennifer…

July 14, 2026

Riverside Alumni to Hit the New Castle Playhouse Stage in Footloose

For many performers, the stage is where passion, creativity, and confidence come to life. For several alumni of Riverside School District, that passion has led them back into the spotlight as cast members of Footloose, the high-energy musical based on the beloved 1984 film. Filled with unforgettable songs, dynamic choreography, and a story about standing up for what you believe in, Footloose continues to captivate audiences decades after its debut. Set in the small town of Bomont, Footloose follows teenager Ren McCormack as he adjusts to a community where dancing has been outlawed. As Ren challenges long-held traditions and inspires…

June 16, 2026

Ellwood City Borough Council Approves Police Drone Purchase

Ellwood City Borough Council approved a quote from Steel City Drones in the amount of $13,152 for the purchase of a drone for the Police Department (contingent upon union ratification of the policy) during Monday’s regular meeting. According to Sargeant Michael McBride, the drone will provide thermal images and will aid police and first responders during police calls and during any type of “disaster” event. Officer Robert Bird will be officially trained at Steel City Drones on how to use the drone, but McBride said it can be piloted by any officer as long as it is flown under 400…

May 29, 2026

Ellwood City Native Returns Home To Lead As Borough Manager

For Jeff Foley, stepping into the role of borough manager is more than a career move — it’s a homecoming rooted in pride and a sense of responsibility to the community that shaped him. “Returning to serve the community where I grew up is both an honor and a responsibility I take to heart,” Foley said. “Ellwood City has given me so much throughout my life, and I’m committed to giving that same dedication back.” A graduate of Ellwood City High School, Foley went on to receive a Bachelors of Arts in Accounting & Business Administration from Grove City College as well…

May 6, 2026

Riverside Seventh Grader to Hit the New Castle Playhouse Stage in ‘Moana Jr.’

Rocco NW Siok has quite a bit of experience on stage, and the Riverside seventh grader is about to add Disney’s Moana JR. to that list. We caught up with Rocco, who encourages all to come out and see the show, with a Q&A before he takes the stage starting this weekend …   Part in Musical: Hei Hei Current Grade: 7th Been in musicals/plays since: Matilda at Riverside High School was my first musical.  I was in third grade and played Nigel. Previous leads/musicals you’ve been in: Matilda-Nigel; Seussical the Musical-a Who; Mary Poppins-Michael Banks; Newsies-Romeo; and currently Moana-Hei Hei Favorite Song in this…

Business

May 1, 2026

From Pizza Wagon to Storefront: Chubby’s Expands Roots in Ellwood City

What began as a mobile pizza trailer serving up family recipes is now taking a permanent place in town. Chubby’s Pizza Wagon, owned by Bronson and Stephanie Bailey, is preparing to open its first brick-and-mortar location at 429 Lawrence Avenue, marking a significant step forward for the growing local business. Bronson and Stephanie Bailey, lifelong Ellwood City residents who now live in nearby Franklin Township, has deep ties to the community — and to the pizza business itself. “I grew up in Ellwood City, wanted to stay in my hometown. I wish to expand our food truck menu and offer more…

Business

April 23, 2026

Ellwood City Welcomes Growing Flooring Business

A new chapter in local business is unfolding as Ellks Floor Coverings added its second location to Lawrence Avenue, bringing a mix of experience, personal service, and community focus to the area. Owned by Kyle Ellks, the company has steadily grown from its roots in flooring and home improvement into a full-service retail and installation operation. Now, with expansion into Ellwood City, Ellks is aiming to build lasting relationships while offering homeowners and businesses a trusted local option. “I started in the flooring and home improvement field in 2017 and officially built Ellks Floor Coverings into a full retail and…

April 21, 2026

Council Recognizes Quick Action by Police; Approves Two-Year Employment Agreement With New Borough Manager

Mayor Anthony Court recognized the Ellwood City Police Department for taking quick action during recent incidents in the borough during Monday’s Regular meeting of Borough Council. Court announced that the police department worked in conjunction with other law enforcement agents to apprehend suspects in a “drive by shooting” as well as suspects in thefts from the former Ellwood City hospital building. “Both incidents were solved in a timely and professional manner by the police department,” Court said. “The police department is working night and day to reduce crime and keep our community safe.” Council voted to hire Trent Young as…

April 21, 2026

VIDEO: Drake Hits Two Homers, Riverside Defeats Neshannock 6-5

Riverside junior Addison Drake hit two home runs and drove in three runs as the Lady Panthers defeated Neshannock 6-5 on Monday at Riverside. Drake’s second homer of the contest, a two-run bomb in the bottom of the fifth inning proved to be the game winning hit as Riverside rallied. Drake finished a perfect 3-3 at the dish, scoring three runs and knocking in three runs. The infielder now has a 0.722 OBP and a 1.786 slugging percentage this season (2.508 OPS) to lead the Panthers offense. The Panthers led 4-2 entering the top of the fifth inning before the…