press release

Bernstine: Ellwood City Electric Legislation Clears Major Hurtle

HARRISBURG – Taking the first major step toward protecting local residents from skyrocketing electric bills, the state House of Representatives today approved legislation, authored by Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Beaver/Butler/Lawrence), to bring additional oversight to the business and spending practices of Ellwood City Borough’s electric company. “Today’s vote was a big win for Ellwood City residents,” Bernstine said. “We are one step closer to stopping the egregious behaviors of Ellwood City electric through legislative oversight.” House Bill 2030 would require more uniform and reasonable rate structures to be adopted by the borough-run electric company. Specifically, the bill would require the Borough…


Syrian Visits Riverside, Discusses Middle Eastern Life With Students

On Thursday, January 18, Mr. Osama Alomar visited Riverside High School to speak to Mrs. Boots’ World Cultures classes, Mrs. Frank’s English classes, and Mrs. Pinchot’s AP Journalism classes. His visit is thanks to a generous grant from the Riverside Community Education Foundation. Mrs. Boots’ World Cultures classes are completing a unit on the Middle East, so had plenty of questions for Mr. Alomar about his life in Syria, his opinion of President Assad, and his assessment of the violence in Syria. Mrs. Frank prepared her students by reading a non-fiction piece from the Pittsburgh City Paper (September 20, 2017)…


Bernstine, Local Mayors Issue Letter Encouraging Relocation of Businesses to 10th District

Ellwood City- Citing a recently passed storm water management tax as motivation, Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Beaver/Butler/Lawrence) today issued a letter to business owners in the City of New Castle inviting them to consider relocating to municipalities in the 10th Legislative District. Ellwood City Mayor Tony Court, Beaver Falls Mayor George Quay, New Brighton Mayor Tom Albanese and Slippery Rock Mayor J.D. Longo also signed the letter, which cited lower property taxes and no wage tax on employees as reasons to relocate to their municipalities. “We know that keeping property taxes low and creating an environment where you can work effectively…


Ellwood City Area Historical Society Membership Meeting Recap

The January 8, 2018, Ellwood City Area Historical Society meeting held at the National Grind Coffee Shop was opened with Everett Bleakney welcoming everyone and explaining the mission of the Historical Society which is to protect, promote and preserve the Ellwood City area History and to make it accessible to the people of Ellwood City. Bob Morabito led the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag. A past president, Jim Hockenberry was called to install the following Officers and Board members to serve for the year 2018 Officers: President – Everett Bleakney 1st Vice President – Dorothy Buquo 2nd Vice…


Works of Great Lake Artist, Tied to Tide, Coming to BC3 Gallery

Butler, PA – The first exhibit of 2018 at the Mary Hulton Phillips Gallery at Butler County Community College showcases the creations of a BC3 alumna who while thinking outside the box often confines her pieces within one. “A lot of people say, ‘I would like to look inside your mind,’” said Carol Griffiths, whose “The Right to Peaceful Assemblage” will be displayed from Wednesday to Feb. 28. The Erie resident scours the Great Lake’s rocky shore roughly three times a week 10 months a year, gathering the driftwood and rusty metal the tide washes nearly to her front door…


Bernstine Bill Would Stop Life Insurance Payouts to Terrorists

HARRISBURG – A recent terror attack on police at the Pennsylvania State Capitol Complex prompted state Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Beaver/Butler/Lawrence) today to unveil new legislation, which would limit life insurance payouts of individuals who die committing acts of terrorism. The proposal also calls for a portion of the terrorist’s life insurance benefits to be redirected to victims. “I don’t believe you deserve to keep your life insurance benefits if you intentionally steal the lives of innocent Americans,” Bernstine said. “We shouldn’t allow terrorism to be rewarded.” House Bill 1996 would allow insurance companies to limit payouts to beneficiaries named on…


Upcoming Historical Society Events

Upcoming events at the Ellwood City Historical Society: December 2 through January 23 Heinz Center – WWII Traveling Exhibit February 12, 2018 – Speaker Dan Burns * March 12, 2018 – Speaker Ryan Kegel * April 9, 2018 – Louise Carroll – portraying Mrs. Merritt Greene NOTE: On January 8, 2018 at 7pm, our first meeting of the New Year will be held at the National Grind Coffee Shop. Guest speaker will be Bob Rivers, a world war ll re-enactor. Bob is owner of the National Grind Coffee Shop at the corner of 5th street and Lawrence Avenue. Free Admission…


Free Apprenticeship Readiness Program for Students Set for February

Butler, PA- Butler County Community College will offer a free month-long apprenticeship readiness program employing a nationally recognized curriculum designed to prepare 16 participants for applications with Western Pennsylvania building and construction trade unions, according to Kathleen Strobel, BC3’s coordinator of business training. BC3’s apprenticeship readiness program, like that offered by three other Western Pennsylvania community colleges through May, is intended to assist those interested in the trades to successfully apply to and be accepted into tuition-free apprenticeship training programs with 16 unions and their partner contractors, Strobel said. BC3’s 150-hour program, to be held from 8 a.m. to 4:30…


Commissioners Honor BC3, Present Proclamation to Native Ellwood City Graduate

Butler, PA- Butler County Commissioners Leslie Osche, Kimberly Geyer and Kevin Boozel on Wednesday recognized Butler County Community College’s back-to-back rankings as the No. 1 community college in Pennsylvania by presenting a proclamation to BC3 President Dr. Nick Neupauer during the board’s public meeting. Neupauer, formerly of Ellwood City, is a 1985 graduate of Lincoln High School. The 8.5-inch by 14-inch tan proclamation, enclosed in a navy blue folder stamped with the Commissioners’ Office, Butler County, PA crest, also lauded BC3 for 2017 accomplishments prior to the college being selected No. 1 again in October by Schools.com. BC3 in 2017…


2017-2018 United Fund Campaign

Goal : $ 50,000.00         Raised to Date( Oct 31, 2017)  – $15,634.00 HELP KEEP US COVERED The Ellwood City area United Fund campaign is now under way. The 2017-2018 campaign runs until December 31, 2017. We are an independent local United Fund with absolutely no paid staff or administration. You can be assured that your donation stays here in Ellwood City. Join The growing list of supporters and help ” KEEP US COVERED”  for the future:   Lori Dunham                    Doc Barsoti                    Petes Uptown Beer distribution Lynn Campbell                 John Conway                 Stonecrest Golf Course Fox Run Golf Course       Delmar Golf Course       Loccisano’s…