Community Sound Off

Submit Community Comment - Read Political Forum (11)

07/29/10 (01)
I am thinking in my head Pittsburgh Circle..............where in the world would you put something there? Sorry I am not seeing any empty lots or buildings that can be torn down.

07/29/10 (02)
07/28/10 (02)
Our town better do something about "My House Bar" and quick before someone gets killed!!!!! It is getting worse and worse everyday! There is no need to edit this comment because it is already in the paper for everyone to see!
................

I agree. Isn't there a nusiance bar law? someone who works there mentioned that "the owner" specifically told her NOT to call the police until after the problem goes outside. Nothing like covering your rear!

07/29/10 (03)
07/28/10 (04)
Why do we need a stage any way? Who is going to come to Ellwood for anything? There is nowhere to shop let alone have a place for concerts or whatever the plans are, this is wht we have no money.Council is planning like we are a third city! We have enough businesses empty that should be looked into filling them instead of this stupid stage.

Understand that COUNCIL is not planning a stage or involved in the planning of the Downtown Revitalization. That is the function of the Downtown Revitalizaton committee. The committee only appointed 2 people from council to serve on their board AFTER all the plans were made.

07/29/10 (04)
Sale your skate boards and get a job!

07/29/10 (05)
re: 07/28/10 (08)
Lol! That was a question for the moderator, not John Doe, general public. Thats why I put 'Moderator' at the beginning of it. Since one of these people does always sign their name, and his comments have always been well received, he can't understand the problem.

In my best EEYORE impression I will say this: ohh welll, I'll just email him and tell him to make a new email address and re-register.

07/29/10 (06)
Scam going on in Ellwod Area. There is a person going around asking for an odd dollar amount because his car broke down or his girlfriend got pulled over and they need money to pay for a tow truck. This is a lie. This person is a crack head. We need to quit supporting the habits of people like this. Ellwood needs to pull together and get this crap out of our town. Call the police and press charges. Don't let them get away with it. Becareful of opening your doors because he has walked in.

07/29/10 (07)

07/29/10 (08)
07/28/10 (01)
re: 7/25/10 (03)
There ARE sex offenders living all over Ellwood. Go to familywatchdog.us its a free site that lists all of the sex offenders in the area....there are sooooo many it is sick! This site is in coordinace with Meaghan's Law. It gives the address, date of offense, what the offense was, any alias that was used, place of employment etc. And what is really disturbing....a PICTURE OF THE OFFENDER!!! If you sign up on this site, you will get a list of offenders sent to you, and then after that you will be updated of any new sicko's that have moved into the area. Also, if they have moved, where they have moved to, changed jobs and where there new job is. It is chilling to get this information and to see the pictures of the offenders, but we as a community need to be aware, because they are ALL OVER ELLWOOD!
ps. moderator...please post this because parents really should have this information. Thank you.

that site takes forever and lists them one at a time... just go to www.meganslaw.com and put in 16117 and it will give you the whole list on one page. much faster.

07/28/10 (01)
re: 7/25/10 (03)
There ARE sex offenders living all over Ellwood. Go to familywatchdog.us its a free site that lists all of the sex offenders in the area....there are sooooo many it is sick! This site is in coordinace with Meaghan's Law. It gives the address, date of offense, what the offense was, any alias that was used, place of employment etc. And what is really disturbing....a PICTURE OF THE OFFENDER!!! If you sign up on this site, you will get a list of offenders sent to you, and then after that you will be updated of any new sicko's that have moved into the area. Also, if they have moved, where they have moved to, changed jobs and where there new job is. It is chilling to get this information and to see the pictures of the offenders, but we as a community need to be aware, because they are ALL OVER ELLWOOD!
ps. moderator...please post this because parents really should have this information. Thank you.

07/28/10 (02)
Our town better do something about "My House Bar" and quick before someone gets killed!!!!! It is getting worse and worse everyday! There is no need to edit this comment because it is already in the paper for everyone to see!

07/28/10 (03)
07/27/10 (08)
we do not need a stage in EC....use pgh circle for something - there is never anyone in it...use it for a stage and skate park

Why not use the park Studio P cleaned for the stage and Circle playground for the skate park. Both are ideal locations! Putting a skate park in Ewing Park would destroy all the time, effort, and money that many, many people have put into making it a family friendly park.

07/28/10 (04)
Why do we need a stage any way? Who is going to come to Ellwood for anything? There is nowhere to shop let alone have a place for concerts or whatever the plans are, this is wht we have no money.Council is planning like we are a third city! We have enough businesses empty that should be looked into filling them instead of this stupid stage.

07/28/10 (05)
RE: 07/26/10 (09)
Regarding the school comment. If Gov Rendell had his way there would be 100 school districts across the state. Now the state has 67 counities so that means 3 school districts for every 2 counties. To do this he would just be combining the school districts but keeping the buildings open because there is no way to transport all the kids to one school. also the transport costs and finding a central school big enough would be ridiculous.
His plan is just a way to eliminate school boards across the state.
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The state has actually done studies on this some time ago. They acknowledge that local politics is a big problem and are aware districts are top heavy when it comes to administrations. Merging districts would not only help combine services but would also create a larger pool of candidates for board positions. But none of this will work if the state and federal government don’t do something about the strong hold teacher’s unions have on school boards.

07/28/10 (06)

07/28/10 (07)
I would like to give a huge thank you to the Mayor of Ellwood City, Tony Court, Officer Michael McBride, Mikko Tervo (Chalplan) and the President of the Ellwood Saxon Club, John Squicquero for getting the Ellwood City Saxon Club Car Cruise off to a big bang. Mr. Court provided a police escort to have the cruise go down mainstreet and back and we will be doing this weekly, every Tuesday, between 6:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. Everyone is welcome to come enjoy our cruise and join in with the actual drive through town. Once again, thank you Mr. Mayor.....

07/28/10 (08)
I know of some people who say they've forgotten their password and use the 'forgot password' thing on sign in page. A message comes up saying info sent to their email. But after trying for several days, nothing comes in. Should they create a new email and re-register?

07/28/10 (09)
I'm a skater of Ellwood City and I kinda like the design of the park. but the end of the park, opposite end of the quarter pipe, is too empty. there should be another quarter pipe there too. thank u i hope u take this into consideration
**Submitted as a story comment

07/27/10 (01)
In regards to 7/26/10 (06): Amen! This town is full of a bunch of arrogant you-know-whats. Everyone is so quick to criticize everyone else, rather than looking into their own homes. If Ellwood City is ever going to be a great town again, we need to quit criticizing everyone else and pull together as a community. We're falling apart, and it's noone's fault but our own. No one is better than anyone else. "Let he who is without sin cast the first stone!" Apparently we have a lot of perfect people in Ellwood who would gladly cast that first stone. Shame on all of you! Have we really come down to criticizing people for wanting to clean up a park, and looking into each other's shopping carts?! That is simply ludacris!

07/27/10 (02)
07/26/10 (04)
Sign your name and you wont have to complain it is really really simple

Perhaps I did. I don't see your name tough guy
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I was merely giving you a suggestion on a way to get your posts published and a way to stop your complaining.

And for all the other complaints about posts not getting submitted take some time and read this short blog.

http://www.searchofserenity.com/WolfEagle/WE/slander-libel.html

07/27/10 (03)
There are pros and cons regarding having county school districts. There might be some reduction of administrative staff, but it has been my experience here in SC where the majority of the school districts are county run, that the county administrative staff is very top heavy even after the merger. Some of the more heavily populated counties set up "regional" superintendants to administer cluster schools. This means that there is still a regional superintendant, with an assistant and all the support staff. No savings resulted. Other counties divided their counties into regions and have three to five seperate districts instead of each community having a school district. I'm in a county which has one centralized administration but it is divided into a Northern and Southern district with two very diverse student and parent populations. We would be better off having two seperate districts as the Southern district is often ignored or overlooked by the school board and superintendants.

I would agree that some "streamlining" and district mergers are needed in PA. But the larger the district becomes, you will find that the local control and pride is lost.

One thing that appears to be working better in PA is the Intermediate Units which were established to administer the Special Education Programs for Special Needs students. Here in SC each district administers it's own programs. Quite often, individual students are overlooked or the district cannot justify providing specialized services for one or two students. Our oldest daughter is Blind and was the only blind high school student in the county for four years. We had to fight constantly to obtain Braille books and specialized computer technology for her use. The one phrase we kept hearing was "We can't justify that expense for just one child."

Looking at Lawrence County and Beaver County, I can see the need for some consolidation of schools. It would make more sense for Shenango and Laurl to merge. With Union and Neshannock and New Wilmington merging with New Castle and having Ellwood and Riverside Merge. But no matter what is proposed, there will be strong oposition from many quarters.

If you look at Beaver County, Monaca and Center were one district. Hopewell and Aliquippa were one as were Blackhawk and Beaver Falls. With the population of Beaver County focused along both sides of the Beaver & Ohio Rivers, I could see almost the whole county under one leadership with some high school mergers as well. The services would become more unified and similar.

Would there be a cost savings? Could be done if there is a full reduction of staff at the superintendant's level but you will still need some of the support staff such as curriculm specialists to oversee the programs in each school.

07/27/10 (04)
If Studio P is going to be kind enough to take care of the park, then they deserve our thanks.

I just wonder what the real cost of this upkeep will be. NO ONE in this town does anything for free. You may be dumb enough to believe their usage of another persons campaign (PIE) but if you really knew, you may not have eaten that cupcake so darn fast.

07/27/10 (05)
(Mountain Lions and Cougars are very similar.) Very big cats with very big appetites and nasty attitudes.

- Mountain Lions and cougars are the same thing. Along with the puma and so on. They're simply refered to by different names in different regions of the U.S.

07/27/10 (06)
The proposed Wayne Township Zoning Ordinance is being duscussed by all concerned residents. Every resident should attend meetings,review the facts and voice their opinion. The Wayne Township Supervisors meet the first Thursday of each month at 7:00pm at the Township Municipal office located at 1418 Wampum Road(route 288). To see the proposed zoning map take a look waynetownshippa.net

07/27/10 (07)

07/27/10 (08)
we do not need a stage in EC....use pgh circle for something - there is never anyone in it...use it for a stage and skate park

07/27/10 (09)
Ellwood City Youth Soccer is having a fall soccer session starting August 30th. The session will run for 6 weeks. The ages range from 5 to 12 years. There are openings for all age groups and the late fee deadline has been extended to August 7th. Forms can be picked up at Venezia Restaurant downtown Ellwood on Lawrence Avenue.

07/26/10 (01)
Why do we need to sign our name, lets have the moderator sign their name???????????????????? come on you tell everyone else to!!!!!!!!!!

07/26/10 (02)
It sounds like someone has a grudge towards Studio P......so bent out of shape about a little volunteerism in a mini-park. When the police are citing the "little darlings" Moms, perhaps they can also watch the number of vehicles going down the wrong way on that street everyday. Kill two birds with one stone if you will.....

07/26/10 (03)
ALL ELLWOOD CITY RESIDENTS - Please take note : Remember the worry/concern we had just 2 yrs ago over the Proposed 200-bed Halfway House that ALMOST got approval in Wayne Township? (Would have been one of the largest in the State of PA). We won the battle then, but let's not be foolish, it was ONLY because of the Economy Collapse/Gov ran out of $$.

Please know this IS a concern AGAIN -unless Wayne Township gets ZONING to protect from it. Then WE can decide where & how much acrage can be devoted to such a Facility. WE ARE A KNOWN TARGET in Ellwood City for this happening AGAIN. NOTHING WILL SAVE US THE NEXT TIME !!! And the Lawyer who wants to put it here KNOWS THIS

Our childen/grandchildren will walk the streets & share Libraries will recent offenders (sex offenders from all over the state of PA) if this happens, and all will be seeking jobs & reentering society in our little town. Please advise all who live in Wayne to go to ALL upcoming meetings planned to get Zoning in place and get it done correctly so Ellwood City can remain a safe place for our children to walk and play in nearby parks.

07/26/10 (04)
Sign your name and you wont have to complain it is really really simple

Perhaps I did. I don't see your name tough guy

07/26/10 (05)
It was a GOOD turn out last night at the Rod & Gun Club about the upcoming decision for ZONING in Wayne, or continued Non-zoning. The place was packed, many standing outsidet the door. ALL RESIDENTS, whether for or against, need to make these meetings & have your voice HEARD. We need to honor ALL Homeowners in this process. And consider the impact of all of Ellwood city -depending on what WE do in Wayne. I believe these Township meetings are the 1st Thursday of every month. Please come!

07/26/10 (06)
I just want to know what is wrong with the people in this town? Why is everyone out for themselves, we have to start pulling together as a community and start helping and caring for eachother, Because this is not what God had intended for us to turn out like. I have lived here all my life and my family has been a big part of Ellwood City How things have changed sence I was young. LETS work together to start putting pride back in the PEOPLE not the town after all It has to start with ourselves FIRST.

07/26/10 (07)
07/23/10 (16)

C'mon... How much is this glorious stage going to be used? We already have one in the park that is used maybe one month out of the year. The high school is only a few blocks from where it's going to be built and that has the auditorium. At best you are going to take the few people that do use those stages and move them to a new one. That doesn't accomplish much.

Studio P....seeing someone complain about the studio adopting the park was the icing on the cupcake that is Ellwood City. Ever heard of "Adopt a Highway"? They don't put up toll booths when they adopt it, they just clean it.

Maybe you are thinking about a different park than the one across from the studio. The one I see when I drop my kid off is pretty shabby, and the last time I walked through it to get to Burger King, I had to dodge the used condoms the fine kids of Ellwood left all over the place.

If Studio P is going to be kind enough to take care of the park, then they deserve our thanks.

07/26/10 (08)
RE: 07/22/10 (15)
Second comment regarding the two high schools in the Ellwood City area: There should never have been a second school built in the first place. Addition to Lincoln to accommodate the so-called Riverside Elite, saved a whole carload of money and taxes, much better sports, better teachers and you name it and it would have been a much better district. Governor Rendell made a great point when the schools in Pennsylvania consolidate to save tax money. When is Ellwood going to get into the 21st century?
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I wouldn’t hold your breath when it comes to expecting these communities to be up to date with the times. If you review the current events of the Ellwood and Riverside Districts, you will have the answer to your question. Veteran School board Director Mary Czar wisely made the motion for a merger before both districts went through another round of expensive renovations. Obviously at this point it is not hard to understand that her suggestion was entertained enough to appease most of the public and then ignored. Then both districts proceeded with major renovations and can now make a case to the public, should we merge after having to spend all your tax dollars? You can rest assured you will not see a merger in near future. You have to understand school boards seldom make a move unless it is well planned out before hand. It’s like a big stage and you even help pay for a solicitor to help them do this, weather it’s in the public’s best interest or not. If you can adapt this manipulative strategy to your own way of thinking you can often predict what is going to happen next. You would also be amazed at the resources some board members have to execute a personal agenda. Isn’t politics wonderful?

07/26/10 (09)
07/23/10 (09)
Rep To #15 on 7/22

Regarding the school comment. If Gov Rendell had his way there would be 100 school districts across the state. Now the state has 67 counities so that means 3 school districts for every 2 counties. To do this he would just be combining the school districts but keeping the buildings open because there is no way to transport all the kids to one school. also the transport costs and finding a central school big enough would be ridiculous.
His plan is just a way to eliminate school boards across the state.
______________________
There should be 67 school districts one for each county. The savings would be tremendous as only one Superintendant and Assistant per distrct is needed. 434 districts administrative staffs could be cut along with reduction of other staff members because of possible sharing of a position throughout the county. Savings probably would exceed $500 million. Leave the buildings where they are so children are not traveling long distances. This is not about building bigger schools it is about cutting costs.

07/23/10 (01)
Congratulations to the 12 year old Little League All Star Team for winning the Hopewell Tournmation this week. A great game against Moon Twp. Keep up the good plays!

07/23/10 (02)
07/22/10 (03)
Okay moderator you allow the same person to post several comments on the same subject but you don't allow my reply.. Why is that? I wonder.. Im with the others on here, looking forward to the new "soundoff" site where friends and relatives are set aside and all submitted posts are posted.
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Sign your name and you wont have to complain it is really really simple

07/23/10 (03)

07/23/10 (04)

07/23/10 (05)

07/23/10 (06)
07/22/10 (08)
I believe i spotted a mountain lion in my yard the other evening. It was HUGE! unlike any cat I have ever seen! I tried snapping a a few photos of the fierce feline but it turned and looked at me as if saying " drop the camera or your my dinner" I recently ordered a bear trap to be delivered sometime this week and will fill it with bait in hope of catching this monster. Any idea where i can relocate it to?
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Where abouts in Ellwood do you live? This is great. I know there are Panthers nearby, and Cougars are in the Chippewa area. I don't think there are bears around here, that's near Chicago.
Please show us a picture if you see him again!

07/23/10 (07)
That entire post is a lie! How do you mistake a car parked illegally in the middle of the road and eventually a child running into the studio as a person from the bar around the corner? If so, maybe her mother should be ticketed for something in addition to illegal parking.
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I agree. you cannot mistake the "drop off" area. They do the same at "Pick-up" time. I've seen them lined up in both lanes, EMPTY cars as the moms go get the darlings. I challenge the authorities to watch that area at those times. I guarantee there will be citations written.

07/23/10 (08)
I would like to thank the people who have adopted the flower garden accross from the Veterans swimming pool and the group from Studio "P" for getting out and doing something to help the community. There are so many people who go around picking up litter and the elderly lady that rakes leaves at the high school and so many more. Businesses and civic groups have adopted shelters in the park and the borough collects rent from these shelters. Lets not forget the Carpenters project. There are the people that help maintain our softball and base ball feilds etc. Oh and lets not forget the crime watch thats been started.
If you have a problem with the people that see a problem and lend a hand to fix it or make it better then please get a life!
One of the greatest things is to give back to your neighbors. The unsung heros that cut a neighbors grass or clean their sidewalk or take someone that doesn't drive to the doctors and the Meals on Wheels program.
Now to the constant complainers...get off your butt and help out in any of these projects..trust me you will feel better for it and make a new friend.

07/23/10 (09)
Rep To #15 on 7/22

No the festival isn't always Fri.,Sat and Sunday sometimes they have a 4 day festival with monday included usually when the 4th falls on monday.

Regarding the school comment. If Gov Rendell had his way there would be 100 school districts across the state. Now the state has 67 counities so that means 3 school districts for every 2 counties. To do this he would just be combining the school districts but keeping the buildings open because there is no way to transport all the kids to one school. also the transport costs and finding a central school big enough would be ridiculous.
His plan is just a way to eliminate school boards across the state.

07/23/10 (10)
07/22/10 (08)
I believe i spotted a mountain lion in my yard the other evening. It was HUGE! unlike any cat I have ever seen! I tried snapping a a few photos of the fierce feline but it turned and looked at me as if saying " drop the camera or your my dinner" I recently ordered a bear trap to be delivered sometime this week and will fill it with bait in hope of catching this monster. Any idea where i can relocate it to?
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It will feel right at home in council's chambers!

07/23/10 (11)
07/22/10 (15)
Second comment regarding the two high schools in the Ellwood City area: There should never have been a second school built in the first place. Addition to Lincoln to accommodate the so-called Riverside Elite, saved a whole carload of money and taxes, much better sports, better teachers and you name it and it would have been a much better district. Governor Rendell made a great point when the schools in Pennsylvania consolidate to save tax money. When is Ellwood going to get into the 21st century?

It was reported by Ellwood City.ORG That E.C. School Board President Leroy Cortez, invited Riverside to talks about the two schools merging.I have not herd anything else.

07/23/10 (12)
I sure hope that the police find and fine the concrete truck driver that felt he had to let his days end drop all over the inner city area roads

07/23/10 (13)
Four Brothers is a new resturant in New Castle. Next Tuesday they are having s Wine-tasting dinner with an outstanding menu and wine selections. If interested, call656-4980. I am going and just thought there are other people who might enjoy it.

07/23/10 (14)
A mountain lion in Ellwood City, hmmmmmm how many beers did you say you had?

Before anyone goes off on a tangent, consider this:
In 1999 there were reports of a cougar being sighted in a county park in the City of Charleston, SC. This was pooh pooed by the rangers as well as the park superintendent. Then two rangers submitted incident reports along with several campers of a cougar sighting. (Mountain Lions and Cougars are very similar.) Very big cats with very big appetites and nasty attitudes.

Again, a lot of disbelief. Until the supervising ranger received a panicked call at 2am from the Park Superintendant (who lived on site) that a big animal was trying to break into her cabin. The rangers responded to find one big hungry momma cougar and with two kittens tearing up the bag of dog food that was left on the front porch.

So, if the poster really sighted a cougar, you need to contact the state game warden to have a proper live trapping system placed. We used a live-bear trap and got mommy, two kittens and later a male cougar as well.

It is not uncommon for bears and mountain lions as well as moose, elk and deer to wander into town in search of food. They are getting too used to human contact and are are becoming bolder when seeking food.

07/23/10 (15)
Boro residents are no longer permitted to burn. Living outside the boro, you just have to love the inconsiderate neighbors we have. They burn 8 days a week and let their fires smolder throughout the night. Sometimes it is very difficult to breathe. A check with the township makes me wander if they know what ordinance they have on burning.
If you happen to burn, please be considerate of others. It's no fun closing all the windows when its 90 outside because the house is filled with smoke.

07/23/10 (16)
It is ironic that a lot of people complain because enough is not being done to move forward in Ellwood City and we live in a "dump", we're backwards, whatever. Then you have companies and people volunteering time, the foot work to ask for help with letters, phone calls, meetings, whatever it takes to keep Ellwood City moving in the right direction...and still the critics. I for one can say I am extremely happy with the new library. My kids love going there. I love how people are coming together to clean things up in this town. I love the idea of creating a stage. I visited Chicago a few years ago and the neat thing there is they throw community concerts in the park, nightly and it's a huge hit for friends and family. I hope that we can do things like that in this town. I'd love to see a theater even if it's sitting on a lawn watching projections on the back of a building. It would be good old fashion fun and an option to take time out of the hustle and bustle of life and enjoy a few moments...thank you Ellwoodians who have been trying to make this town a better place. I moved her several years ago because I loved the family and community environment. This site is nice to keep up on what's not being said in the newspapers, but not so nice to hear the frequent complainers. It seems there will be no efforts that could make them happy so just ignore the few and know there are others out here appreciating the makeover of Ellwood City! Thank you!

07/23/10 (17)
Ellwood City Elks Lodge 1356 is holding it's annual Sowbelly Greenback Giveaway on Saturday, September 11, 2010 at Ellport Community Park. Gates open at 2pm. Ticket donations are $20.00 and includes four sets of numbers for our 3-digit drawings; called every 15 minutes from 3pm-6pm. Ticket also includes pig roast and side, draft beer, music, and fun!We also hold a Chinese auction and additional entertainment such as our dunk tank!Contact Lesley Vignolini at 724-816-4481 to order your tickets now...while supplies last...tickets also available at the Lodge and if not sold out will be available at the gates! Proceeds to benefit our charity programs and our Lodge renovations.

07/22/10 (01)
07/21/10 (20)
I posted the grocery store story as satire, if anyone took it the wrong way please forgive yourself
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Thanks, I just woke my grandaughter up laughing.... And yes, I completely agree. There should be alot of forgiving themselves on here!
You made my morning, again, thank you.

07/22/10 (02)
07/21/10 (17)
Studio P's Adoption of Park:
There are signs throughout Ellwood that state: Got P.I.E.? Which translates to Got Pride in Ellwood? Studio P chose to beautify a city park, that is not maintained, for everyone who comes to Ellwood to enjoy. Not for use or as an extension of the studio. Studio P is trying to put PRIDE into Ellwood City. Why not adopt the park across the street to beautify? Makes sense to me.
As to parking for the Post Office. The Post Office hours are 8:00am - 4:30pm. The Dance Studio doesn't start classes until 4:00pm or later. And, there are many businesses with paying customers in that section of town - laundromat, a bar, a bank, restaurant, appliance store, flower shop, etc. Blaming lack of parking on one business is unfair and un-justified. But, since people believe it's all the dance studio clients who take all the parking, I believe the studio should buy the park and as Joni Mitchell sang: Pave Paradise and put up a Parking Lot! For studio use only of course!

That entire post is a lie! How do you mistake a car parked illegally in the middle of the road and eventually a child running into the studio as a person from the bar around the corner? If so, maybe her mother should be ticketed for something in addition to illegal parking.

07/22/10 (03)
Okay moderator you allow the same person to post several comments on the same subject but you don't allow my reply.. Why is that? I wonder.. Im with the others on here, looking forward to the new "soundoff" site where friends and relatives are set aside and all submitted posts are posted.

07/22/10 (04)
Why not use the old skating rink for skateboarding ? No one will hear the noise and their parents can stay and supervise them?

Wow I was thinking the same thing just last evening!! Only I was thinking maybe this could be a spot for the kids who like their bicycles rather than skateaboarding. (I also drive my son and his friends to Brady's Run to use the skate park)

07/22/10 (05)
07/21/10 (05)
I've heard that the post office is moving into the old Shop-N-Save on Beaver Avenue.

You are absolutely insane.

Not as insane as the person complaining about the dance studio. It was irony. Thanks for taking the bait.

07/22/10 (06)
....one question, why is everyone complaining over the beautifing of Ellwood? So many esidents are angered over who's houses were selected. That should be that last thing everyone's worried about. The fact of the matter is that the idea should be giving other to become involved in the effort council established, instead of always complaining!!

07/22/10 (07)
Seriously, why would anyone want to complain about a group of volunteers who want to fix up and maintain a little park downtown? As long as it's not costing the complainers any time or money, what is the problem? More people in the hoe-dunkey little town should find ways to try to make Ellwood City a place where people want to be. I also happen to know that Studio P fund-raised for the Revitalization Project. Is it a crime to have pride in our community, and want it improved when and where it can be? Sorry, but I cannot understand why anyone would have reason to gripe about it..........

07/22/10 (08)
I believe i spotted a mountain lion in my yard the other evening. It was HUGE! unlike any cat I have ever seen! I tried snapping a a few photos of the fierce feline but it turned and looked at me as if saying " drop the camera or your my dinner" I recently ordered a bear trap to be delivered sometime this week and will fill it with bait in hope of catching this monster. Any idea where i can relocate it to?

07/22/10 (09)
I am glad you responded to the complaints by people . You are doing a good thing and don't let anyone tell you otherwise.

Also I loved the comment about oscar the grouch maybe thats what the complainer should sign his name as OSCAR THE GROUCH because you are right whenever someone puts something nice up someone always finds something to complain about.

07/22/10 (10)
I see that the E.C. School Board has just hired 4 new
people.But it has been a while since (THE BOSS) has fired someone.So I am sure it is coming. He can not go a hole year with out firing somebody.

07/22/10 (11)
I am so proud to know you Studio P and so proud to be a part of this great community. Whatever it takes, Go Studio P!

07/22/10 (12)
I am grateful to have a job to go to everyday , I am also grateful to be able to contribute a small amt. to help the less fortunate.it only takes a second to become one of the less fortunate, what you do to the least of you , you also do to me

07/22/10 (13)
The pride of Ellwood City. It seems the more you try to help this community the more you get thrown into the fire and crapped on. I dont have much money to give to the kids of this town but i try to do give back to the community through my business products. What are people afraid of that you will be perceived as better than them or is being nice to others is not in there adjenda because of personal or business related deals? This town is if you dont have a name your nothing. Higher up people are afraid to stick up for what is right because they are afraid of the people that have such a hold on them if they made the right decision. Like in sports the only ones that get to play is the coaches kids or who they know, not because of their talent. They dont find out what other kids have cause they dont give them a chance. For the ones that try to do this or make this better, they are getting downed so bad from the people in charge. For businesses trying to help there community they get bashed too. That is why Ellwood City is not growing. That is why businesses are leaving or not moving in. That is why children are not attending our schools and are now choicing Cyber or home schooling. This is why there is such a decline in children not going out for our sports programs. That is why our young kids dont want to move back here. That is why children say they dont have any where or place to hang out besides someones house. That is why we are having more crime and drug houses than before. We as a community seriously need to take our town back.. Take it back to a welcome, respectful, safe,family good moral community with the past present and future. This will benifit everyone.

07/22/10 (14)
To the long, last posting on July 21st! Thank you! I get stuck in my poor pity me phases from time to time. Hearing about the cart checking, knowing I'd soon use my card, I felt so embarassed to use it! I have worked since I was just fourteen and never ask for help unless I know it affects my family. I too get a small sum to help out monthly, but I bawled like a baby when they said I was approved for anything because finally, I got help. I do not have family to assist financially and seldom receive help otherwise. I am independant and stubborn. I do thank God every morning and every night. I know there are others less fortunate than me and I know He doesn't give more than we can handle...but he never said it wouldn't be without trials or heartache. We've made sacrifices and simplified our lives. We try to do those little things like going to the park or hiking instead of going out and about so much! Try to do more volunteer work because, hey, if you can't help yourselves you can at least feel better that you made a difference in someone else's life that day. I love to read this site because once in a while a ray of sunshine like you comes through in a blog. I normally wouldn't have read such a long piece, but you apologized up front and peaked my curiosity. You kind of sounded like my gram talking and made me a little salty reading your post. Thank you!

07/22/10 (15)
Is the festival ALWAYS Friday, Saturday and Sunday, regardless of when the 4th falls? I ask because this year Friday is a working day, Saturday is an off day (in most cases) which is OK for the festival; Sunday is the 4th, also a good day for the festival, but Monday would have been a better day than a Friday to end the festival as THAT is the day working people celebrate the holiday and do not have to work. Next year when the 4th is on a Monday, will the festival still be Friday, Saturday and Sunday? How rigid can this committee be?

Second comment regarding the two high schools in the Ellwood City area: There should never have been a second school built in the first place. Addition to Lincoln to accommodate the so-called Riverside Elite, saved a whole carload of money and taxes, much better sports, better teachers and you name it and it would have been a much better district. Governor Rendell made a great point when the schools in Pennsylvania consolidate to save tax money. When is Ellwood going to get into the 21st century?

07/21/10 (01)
I would like to leave a comment for the people complaining about Studio P adopting the park on 7th ave. I would like to know the last time you were in that park (that your tax dollars paid for)? Have you seen it? If you had you would know that the boro doesn't take care of it and clean it up. Do you use that park? I know the studio parents and their children (who also pay taxes and have paid for that park) do use it. What's the harm in them being willing to clean it up and take care of it when they are the ones using it. It seems to me that you are complaining about a business in town that actually has some business. Have you looked around down there lately? Have you noticed how many of our businesses in town are closing their doors? Do you have any idea how much time, money, and volunteerism that studio P, and the owner put into this town? Do you know the good that studio has done for our young people? Do you care? She is and has always been too big for this little town. We are lucky to have her and what she does for our children. Her community service is something that should be admired. She has brought wonderful things to this town, that without her we would not have. Please sit down and look into things before complaining about them. Appreciate the people in this town who want it to prosper and believe it or not are not trying to take over a little tiny park that noone uses but the parents anyhow.....

07/21/10 (02)
re: 07/20/10 (13)

Is this the same vendor chairperson who has been in charge for many years? If so, the festival committee has received numerous complaints in regards to the way this person does things but they refuse to correct the problem. This has been going on for at least 20 years. If you even question this person you are on the the list, and you know what list I am talking about.

07/21/10 (03)
07/15/10 (16)
I was in the grocery store the other day [sound familiar] and this couple had a half a cart full of beautiful steaks and the rest of the cart was full of pop and all kinds of treats, they both got a carton of cigarettes [ name brand 70. plus per carton ] want to know how they paid? they paid with CASH, my question is since the whole dam town is watching and reporting cart contents and manner of payment where did these people come up with that kind of money, disgusting eh ?
------------------
Hello Sweetheart!

You know me. I'm the one who caught you looking in my grocery cart.

..........
Not a whole lot in my boring old life do I actually have alot to smile about. Very seldom do I actually get amused, but this is GREAT. Thank you very much. I actually smiled and had an outright laugh and chuckle when I read this.

07/21/10 (04)
Something has got to be done about the intersection of Mercer Rd, Portersville Rd, and Palo Alto. As a resident of Palo Alto Dr, I am taking a risk every time I pull out because about every third time I'm at the intersection, a vehicle traveling on Portersville Rd blows the stop sign (going well over the speed limit). I am constantly hearing tires squealing and horns blasting from my house when I'm NOT at the stop sign so this is a perpetual problem. People need to slow down and start paying attention to their surroundings and perhaps further safety precautions should be taken.

07/21/10 (05)
I've heard that the post office is moving into the old Shop-N-Save on Beaver Avenue.

You are absolutely insane.

07/21/10 (06)

07/21/10 (07)
To: 07/19/10 (14)
thanks for your post. I will talk to my sister in law and find out if they still need one or have gotten one in the meantime. So moderator, please keep that number for a while, ok?

07/21/10 (08)
07/20/10 (01)
RE: 7/19/10 19
What a refreshing breath of fresh air you are..!! Keep up the good work. Teaching old-fashion respect for ones elders, a crack on the butt when needed, use of the word NO by a parent, calling for uniforms for students, and siding with the school officals. WOW it's almost to much to digest. Thank you for restoring my faith in modern parenting.
....................
My girlfriend smacked her childs butt for making a scene and screaming in Walmart parking lot. Grandma was also present. Two days later Child Services were knocking on her door with a report from someone who took her license number and turned her in for abuse. DIGEST THAT! Illegal to correct you child anymore. This country is going to crap!
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
There are people out there that will defend that action by the government. Your right it's a bunch of do-do. This is what you end up with when liberals take over. They believe they know better about everything. Listen I'm not saying all liberals are defenders of spare the rod, but most are and you can bet the person who called and the person who responded are. You can take that to the bank.

07/21/10 (09)

07/21/10 (10)
07/20/10 (09)
In regards to the Brady's run skate park. My husband has taken my children there and they love it. There also used to be one in wexford that we had gone to. I think it will be great for the kids to have on in Ellwood.
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I don't think the majority of Ellwoodian's are saying they don't want the park. What they are saying they want some help in the financing by the kids and their parents along with the tax dollars. I don't think that is so much to ask, do you??????
If you do, then I hope you don't get what you want, period..!!

07/21/10 (11)
7/20/10 (13)
I have been a vendor at the Ellwood Festival over the 4th of July for the last 6 years, and it has been a good show for me. I have abided by every rule of the festival committee, and have spread the word what a great show it is to all my vendor friends. In setting up my display in 2009, I noticed the layout stakes were not positioned as they were in previous years, so I located one of the festival staff members to discuss the difference, and was told by the staff person, that is what they wanted. After my tent was set up, my tables were loaded, and I was about finished, the VENDOR CHAIRPERSON, arrived, and wanted the tent moved. I explained my discussion with the staff person, and told the chairperson I would not, at this point, move the entire display.
I was berated by this person, and told we would not be invited back.
In 2010, we did not receive a vendor application, so I downloaded one, and sent the application in. It was rejected. The accompanying letter listed a series of absolute lies as to why.
A letter requesting help from your mayor went unanswered.
Just wanted to speak out.
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
If what you say is true and I have no reason to believe it isn't then you have found out what it's like living in a place where people seek power to run your life and business when there is nothing else for them to do. I found the show to be not so great and like you will not go back.

07/21/10 (12)
I want to start being treated like a human being in school not a disrespectful wrong-doer. That's how we all have gotten treated this past year and it has gotten way out of hand and very old very quick. I am tired of us kids being punished for no reason and taken away from the education you people pay for. I don't care how much you like old fashioned teaching and kids getting cracked on the butt for misbehaving. Good for you. That is not the point. We go by the rules of the school and SO SHOULD HE.

07/21/10 (13)
Take a few days off from reading EC.org and, whoa! Please let me defend myself from all the bashing about the park and my dance studio.
First I want to say that the borough was contacted and we got approval to do this project. The meeting that I invited everyone in the community to attend will have a borough member present. Nothing will be done to the park that isn't approved by the borough. The plan is to do this using donations and NOT tax payer money. Over 150 kids participate in classes at Studio P and I think it would be wonderful and dutiful to clean up and, most importantly, maintain the cleanliness of a near-by park. If this project works out, perhaps next summer we'll clean up another park that needs attention. If we aren't asking to use taxpayer money and we get permission from the borough, why would anyone complain about this? If I wanted to make this a "studio-only" project I certainly wouldn't have posted this business on EC.org. I encourage anyone who wants to clean up, fix, and maintain this park to join me and my studio families in this adoption. Ever hear of adopt a highway? Same thing here.
On a business note, Studio P is open 9.25 months out of the year and is open for regular businesss from 4:30-9:30 PM. Many businesses close soon after we open. There are two bars that consume many more spaces than my clients. A little fact you may not know about Studio P: We are starting year 13 in EC. When I moved into 701 ten years ago I had to buy the building because there were no spaces available to rent. That's right. The downtown buildings were mostly full and the vacant ones were very expensive to rent. Forgive me if I have a little EC pride and am doing what I can to try to bring EC back to the days when business owners had to compete for open spaces. If you want to help out on this park project, or bash me over the phone instead of on this forum, please feel free to call me at 724-752-0304.

07/21/10 (14)

07/21/10 (15)

07/21/10 (16)
Why not use the old skating rink for skateboarding ? No one will hear the noise and their parents can stay and supervise them?

07/21/10 (17)
Studio P's Adoption of Park:
There are signs throughout Ellwood that state: Got P.I.E.? Which translates to Got Pride in Ellwood? Studio P chose to beautify a city park, that is not maintained, for everyone who comes to Ellwood to enjoy. Not for use or as an extension of the studio. Studio P is trying to put PRIDE into Ellwood City. Why not adopt the park across the street to beautify? Makes sense to me.
As to parking for the Post Office. The Post Office hours are 8:00am - 4:30pm. The Dance Studio doesn't start classes until 4:00pm or later. And, there are many businesses with paying customers in that section of town - laundromat, a bar, a bank, restaurant, appliance store, flower shop, etc. Blaming lack of parking on one business is unfair and un-justified. But, since people believe it's all the dance studio clients who take all the parking, I believe the studio should buy the park and as Joni Mitchell sang: Pave Paradise and put up a Parking Lot! For studio use only of course!

07/21/10 (18)
Wow... I have come to the conclusion that there are posters on this site that will never be happy and never have a nice positive thing to say no matter what! Studio P is volunteering to clean and fix up the little park. How wonderful...people are stepping up and taking some pride in Ellwood City. Yet there are people complaining! Good grief, crawl back in your trash can, you sound like Oscar the Grouch!

07/21/10 (19)
07/20/10 (11)
Good Lord? There are an estimated 140,000 illegal immigrants just in Pa., with $740 million spent in welfare, health and housing. No proof of citzenship required to collect welfare benefits. Cut the profiling garbage. Anyone, get it, anyone should be required to prove they are here legally if asked and anyone should be subject to the question of legal status. How else are we to determine if you are here illegally. This country is based on immigrants not illegal immigrants. If we don't hire illegals, most will go home and we can stop the farce that we can't deport 12 miilion illegals. Personally I think we could provide many jobs to legal citizens, driving the buses to deport those who do not belong here. Recently our federal government raided 3000 companies to look for illegals on the payroll. They found them, fined the companies and let the illegals walk off the premises. The ILLEGALS just walked away. Gee. I wonder why Arizona thinks they must take action on their own? After all the feds are responsible for immigration enforcement!

their only illegal because some self righteous nut wont give them citizenship. if these nuts were around 100 yrs ago none of us would be here. were all sons & daughters of immigrants.
______________________
So, you think individuals should pick and choose the laws they will follow. Americans are in jail now, for far less of an offense. This is is not about self righteous nuts not giving them citizenship. It is about illegal immigrants not applying for citizenship and following the legal process to obtain citizenship. It is the law and contrary to your spin other countries would throw your butt in the slammer if you were there illegally, Mexico for one. You could be ask for proof of citizenship at any time and you had better be prepared with proper documents. Get it! Read their immigration laws and prove me wrong! Oh, my Grandparents came here legally, they became "legal" citizens! I guess you never learned in Civics, there is a legal way to become a citizen. 12 Million people have no right to walk across our border illegally,and use our resources because they feel like it, while many wait in line for legal citizenship.

07/21/10 (20)
I posted the grocery store story as satire, if anyone took it the wrong way please forgive yourself

07/21/10 (21)
Its really SAD that people in ELLWOOD CITY have nothing to do but complain about everything. What Studio P is doing is helping ELLWOOD CITY by taking on the park across the street. WHERE YOUR P.I E !!!!! guess Ellwood City people are a big joke and haveing nothing to do but complain about everything. Its really sad and I am sorry to say I feel bad that my daughter has to grow up with negitive people like you!!! And you all know who you are that sit and do nothing but complain.
So let STUDIO P IMPROVE THE PARK WE ARE 110% BEHIND YOU AND WILL HELP TO MAKE THIS A BIG SUCCESS
GO STUDIO P GO!!!!!!!!!!!

07/21/10 (22)
This skate park is not of very good design at all. Coming from a former skater the projected skate park is not a very good park. There is no half pipe or anything that resembles one. The main skate line from the quarter pipe to the kicker will be the only interesting thing for the kids to skate. The rest of the skate park is things skaters either have or find while skating around the city. This park needs to have better lines, a half pipe, and things that make kids want to skate it over the city and this doesn't deliver. Kids will get bored doing the same obsical over and over agian and return to the streets to skate. There is nothing there that will keep them from finding other places to skate. Too many rails the areas of the rails are poorly placed and it just doesn't seem like a place I would have skated as a friend. If this is really to get kids off the streets and they are spending so much money then they need to work to create a better park then this for them and get the kids approval first. This skate park is bland and skating the streets of ellwood would be more entertaining. For 25,000$ put in the skate park kids actually want and not just a couple rails and quarter pipe with a kicker. very disappointed for the kids.
**Story Comment**

07/21/10 (23)
Moderator: you can put this on last if you like so that people can skip it or readers can just throw up their hands, warm up their coffee and pass another judgment or see that maybe sometimes they just don't know the whole story.

This MAY BE a look at some food-stamp recipients from a slightly different side. Try my shoes on. Or don't ... the people that count and have their heads on the EXTERIOR uppermost part of their bodies are the ones who matter in a person's life. And yes, it's long but you do have a scroll wheel to pass it up.

All the food-stamp talk on here? Yeah, I've read it all. I've also paid into the 'system' for over 40 years, and yeah, I know there are abusers of the system, but you have abusers in every facet of life - some of them affect you personally or financially, some don't, and some you know about and just don't care. Ah, human nature.

Many may read this and know who I am, and that's ok b/c they also know the TYPE of person I am, so, in advance, I want to thank my wonderful family and my also wonderful circle of friends for being there for me - knowingly/unknowingly picking me up when I'm down and allowing me to maintain the 'me' part knowing that the old phoenix will, once again, rise from the ashes. With all that said ...

I am REAL slow to anger, don't like to argue, DON'T like to be and rarely am in a bad mood, don't like to NEED help - I'd rather be the one giving it. And aw jeez! This'll give me away: I look at every sunrise as a gift from God and that's the Being I say thanks to every morning as my feet hit the floor ... another chance, another day.

BUT THIS WEEK, I'm just a little testy and THAT'S UNUSUAL, or so I think, but it wouldn't hurt to check that out with my family and friends ...

My past week (and they say another week to come) has been a battle with severe conjunctivitis, yeah pinkeye, that I may have caught from something as innocent as touching a door handle or gas pump or shopping cart after someone else who has been exposed to the virus. One eye looks like I'd lost the boxing match, VERY swollen, and my eyeball? The deepest crimson coloring with painful ulcerations. Going to the other eye now and the infection has gone to my still hanging-in-there tonsils and knocking on the door to my lungs ... but hey, I can kind of see and breathe today so that's a plus.

Last summer I had to leave work b/c I needed surgery and just as I thought I was going to be able to return to work in the New Year, I needed surgery again.

I have a 'release to work' date again and I am thrilled and more wonderful, especially in this economy, I have my job waiting for me. This day and age, it just doesn't get much better than that!

I had no "DUCK" delivering a check to me every month, no workmens comp, no UEC (of course, but threw it in there), no big savings (quickly depleted) to fall back on, no bonds, etc. - no nothing.

And in this past year I have learned this most important thing: There isn't any financial help from the 'system' for someone my age, having a good work history and the same job to return to and the desire to 'just get through this' and RETURN to work.

Nope! I had to be 2 years older, or pregnant, or new to the country, or have a school age child, or be disabled. Well, technically I was, am, disabled but I didn't/wouldn't apply for disability like so many do for GOOD reasons (and many just to bilk the system) b/c I WILL return to work. I HAVE a date! It seemed wrong to me to file and then return to work in what started out to be 6 months and will now be just over a year.

I've sold many things and I have accepted help from loved ones, they knowing I'm 'good' for any loans and they'll get monies back. See, I still had a house payment and utilities and taxes ... oh, before you jump on the fact that I still have my computer and internet, it's tied in with my phone too. During my long recovery I didn't need the extra stress of giving up everything that keeps me in touch with loved ones here and abroad.

It's been one damned long haul and only my two closest friends have seen me in my down times ... everyone else pretty much thinks I always have it all together.

Am I complaining? You've got to be kidding me! As I said earlier, I truly do see every morning as a gift!

Now that I've given you some insight into my normally private life I will say this: there WAS one thing I could get help-wise, and I had to swallow my pride and beg for THAT! A small grant of monthly food-stamps! And for my friends and family who didn't know that part, well, you know ME, and that's all that matters.

I said earlier that I'm a bit testy right now, maybe you could call it a bit pissy; oh, happy in my heart, but my eyes hurt, my skin, my throat - and I've just caught up on 3 weeks of Sound Off!

My fridge is empty b/c I WON'T send someone else out with my card. I'm gonna put my sunglasses on my unattractive and now worse looking face, take my bottle of hand sanitizer so NO ONE ELSE is affected by my shopping and squint-drive my vehicle to the grocery store.

You'll recognize my buggy by seeing tortillas, milk, bread, cottage cheese, a small bag of grated cheddar cheese, and my drink of choice - a six pack of diet Pepsi. I might throw in a small box of microwave popcorn, a dollar bag of ginger snaps, a few cans of soup and a bag of Lifesavers. Oh, cornflakes!

Unfortunately the magnetic strip on my card is damaged so you WILL see me try to discreetly hand it to the checker so he/she can punch the numbers in. THAT draws more attention b/c a key-person will have to come to the register since the card won't swipe.

I'm grateful for this one little bit of help that I have been paying into all my working life, and my heart is happy period, but my viral multi-problem at the moment already has me primed for THIS: Rubber neck to see what I have, shake your head disapprovingly or roll your eyes and I will chew you up and spit you out - "Clean up at register 3!"

And when I can give up this help in about 2 months, I'll visit your family and express my regrets for the loss of their 'who-cares-I'm-better-than-you" family member!

NAH, lol! I'll just notice you in the line and just forgive you for your self appointed position of judge and your ignorance ... b/c in real life, you're probably a really decent person.

07/20/10 (01)
RE: 7/19/10 19
What a refreshing breath of fresh air you are..!! Keep up the good work. Teaching old-fashion respect for ones elders, a crack on the butt when needed, use of the word NO by a parent, calling for uniforms for students, and siding with the school officals. WOW it's almost to much to digest. Thank you for restoring my faith in modern parenting.
....................
My girlfriend smacked her childs butt for making a scene and screaming in Walmart parking lot. Grandma was also present. Two days later Child Services were knocking on her door with a report from someone who took her license number and turned her in for abuse. DIGEST THAT! Illegal to correct you child anymore. This country is going to crap!

07/20/10 (02)
Nothing for the kids to do: Why don't you try some of the things we did back in the 60's?

Let's see: Summer - swimming pool, tennis, fishing in the creek, getting a group of guys together for pickup baseball, basketball or going around and cutting the yards of the elderly for fun and not expecting to get money. Volunteering to clean up the park and cut bursh on the trails.

Picking up trash and litter along the roads and creekbank.

Participating in the exhisting sports programs in the community and schools. Studying and getting good grades just for the heck of it.

In the winter, ice skating, hockey, cleaning the walks and driveways without asking for money, playing board games. Helping the civic organizations such as Jaycees, Lions Club, Masons raise funds. Taking food to the elderly and visiting and reading to the ones who are blind or can't see well. Volunteering to read to the little kids at the Library.

Being active in community civic organizations such as scouting or Church youth groups.

It's not up to the town officials or your parents to provide you with entertainment! There is plenty to do, but you have to be willing to do a little "gasp" work on your own to make it happen.

I've watched my own children doing the same things today and having a lot of fund.

07/20/10 (03)
To 07/19/10 (29)

1. I know the two guys personally from Franklin Twp. who started the deck hockey thing by going to boro council.

2. The skateboard park would be a good thing but if the residents outside the boro want something, why can't they pay for it or at least share in the costs? Why must the costs only fall on boro residents?

3. Of all the construction being done in the boro
has anyone from the boro received a bid?

4. Some of my comments were done tongue in cheek but if we continue to hire outside people what are we really telling people who pay taxes and have businesses here? They aren't good enough?

07/20/10 (04)
07/15/10 (16)
I was in the grocery store the other day [sound familiar] and this couple had a half a cart full of beautiful steaks and the rest of the cart was full of pop and all kinds of treats, they both got a carton of cigarettes [ name brand 70. plus per carton ] want to know how they paid? they paid with CASH, my question is since the whole dam town is watching and reporting cart contents and manner of payment where did these people come up with that kind of money, disgusting eh ?
------------------
Hello Sweetheart!

You know me. I'm the one who caught you looking in my grocery cart.

If you still don't remember, I'm the one who went over to YOUR cart and rummaged through. You know, I'm the one who told you that you really don't need that 400 oz bag of chips and that 16 oz guacamole dip and c'mon, do you really need those 2 tubs of ice cream?

I noticed that perplexed look on your face when you saw in my cart the fresh fruit and vegetables, chicken, and orange sherbert. That my dear is a more healthy diet.

And no, next time I will not swap carts with you.

07/20/10 (05)
07/19/10 (12)
Adopting the park on 7th Street. Someone please stop this! Studio P already causes far to many traffic problems on 7th Street. Ask anyone trying to get to the Post Office! Mommie cant find a parking spot so she throw it into park right in the middle of the street.
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Don't fret. Your problem will soon be over.

I've heard that the post office is moving into the old Shop-N-Save on Beaver Avenue.

07/20/10 (06)
Thanks for the input on the agencies to look into for my "living situation". As long as I get the help to get out of this situation, I am more than willing to pay it back. I just did not know where else to turn for help.....once again thanks!! HOPEFULLY, one of these agencies will help me and any other person in a situation and even worse situation than I am in.

07/20/10 (07)

07/20/10 (08)
07/19/10 (22)
Again!....Two posts of mine are not there again!!! YThats a total of 6! You are soooo discriminating! That must give you some kind of power trip....doesnt it. You are only hurting the communication of this town. I responded to someone looking for a blueberry farm in the area. I took the time to respond with directions, hours of operation, phone # and cost. But again you chose not to post it! I posted...well sent it to you for you to read and not post, about everyone complaining about the skate park and you chose not to post it. Buuuuut....you did post the one that I directed towards you! Thats your way of saying "See....Ive posted your negative post about myself!" Ive read posts of yours saying that! Pat yourself on the back! You really must be lacking something in your life, where you think you need to have this mega control over the city. Your probably a major dork who sits at your computer with a little "Super Man outfit on! lol OMG I could just imagine it! But you know everyone does have a facebook account and communicates whatever they want there, Soundoff is secondary. And yes...you are getting bashed on Facebook too! Way to go "Small town power tripper"
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Don't worry, soon there will be an EC dot ORG alternative.

As long as you don't use the 7 banned swear words determined by the FCC, don't slander anyone, or position anyone into being liable, you freedom of speech opinion will be published. The only thing banned from the new site will be "Super Man" outfits.

On the other hand, if you want the free goose stepping lessons, you might want to remain here.

07/20/10 (09)
In regards to the Brady's run skate park. My husband has taken my children there and they love it. There also used to be one in wexford that we had gone to. I think it will be great for the kids to have on in Ellwood.

07/20/10 (10)
in response to all those criticizing Studio P and their attempt to help better the community park on 7th Street. 'Adopt' the park does not mean 'buy' the park. Are any of you willing to clean and maintain this area or just complain about a little inconvenience? Have you seen the downtown area lately? Studio P is a thriving business that provides a service designed to keep kids off the streets and instill a sense of pride in their accomplishments. Is your time so valuable that you are unable to 'go around' or actually 'stop' for a car that may stop for 15 seconds to drop off their child? It took you longer to complain about it than to do it! Do you comment about the 'adopt a highway' projects? Or are you a volunteer for that. Stop worrying about how your tax $$'s are being spent and help out. You may be surprised at the rewards and meet some nice people in the process. FYI - I do not have a child dancing, am not a friend of Studio P, am concerned about EC, and thrilled about the attempts to clean up the community. You should be too! Get off your computer and grab a broom and some gardening gloves.

07/20/10 (11)
Good Lord? There are an estimated 140,000 illegal immigrants just in Pa., with $740 million spent in welfare, health and housing. No proof of citzenship required to collect welfare benefits. Cut the profiling garbage. Anyone, get it, anyone should be required to prove they are here legally if asked and anyone should be subject to the question of legal status. How else are we to determine if you are here illegally. This country is based on immigrants not illegal immigrants. If we don't hire illegals, most will go home and we can stop the farce that we can't deport 12 miilion illegals. Personally I think we could provide many jobs to legal citizens, driving the buses to deport those who do not belong here. Recently our federal government raided 3000 companies to look for illegals on the payroll. They found them, fined the companies and let the illegals walk off the premises. The ILLEGALS just walked away. Gee. I wonder why Arizona thinks they must take action on their own? After all the feds are responsible for immigration enforcement!

their only illegal because some self righteous nut wont give them citizenship. if these nuts were around 100 yrs ago none of us would be here. were all sons & daughters of immigrants.

07/20/10 (12)
For those of you loosing sleep over the SKATE PARK...get some sleep and stay off of sound off! Brady's Run has a skate park that I take my boys to it all the time and its been there for years. Its in perfect condition and brings the park to life with skateboarders, scooter riders and bike riders. Take a trip up there and see exactly what a skatepark is. Skateparks are not just for skateboarders. So go complain about something else. You probably complain about the people on welfare too! Eww! Get a life!
----------------------------
HAHAHA AMEN TO THAT! Lol you said "Eww! Get a life" Bhahaha take notes on this person people for your opinions on the skate park.

07/20/10 (13)
I have been a vendor at the Ellwood Festival over the 4th of July for the last 6 years, and it has been a good show for me. I have abided by every rule of the festival committee, and have spread the word what a great show it is to all my vendor friends. In setting up my display in 2009, I noticed the layout stakes were not positioned as they were in previous years, so I located one of the festival staff members to discuss the difference, and was told by the staff person, that is what they wanted. After my tent was set up, my tables were loaded, and I was about finished, the VENDOR CHAIRPERSON, arrived, and wanted the tent moved. I explained my discussion with the staff person, and told the chairperson I would not, at this point, move the entire display.
I was berated by this person, and told we would not be invited back.
In 2010, we did not receive a vendor application, so I downloaded one, and sent the application in. It was rejected. The accompanying letter listed a series of absolute lies as to why.
A letter requesting help from your mayor went unanswered.
Just wanted to speak out.

07/20/10 (14)
07/19/10 (01)

I have been one of the people speaking out about the park on here, and I think you misunderstand me.

I think the skate park is a GREAT idea. I hope you get one and a lot of kids go to it.

The problem is, it shouldn't be paid for with tax money, and it definitely shouldn't be "owned" by the borough or on borough property. I have to read in the ledger every winter how we don't have enough money for salt. The sidewalks need repaired. The school needs work. There's a ton of potholes. The parks we have now could use major overhauls as most of the little kid swings and slides are broken.

If you want it, do the work to get it. There's enough vacant lots and dilapidated building in town that you could easily find a place to put it. There's grants out there. Lots of local businesses will gladly help with fundraisers. Maybe someone will even donate the land or the entire park.

But no, you just want a free handout for your kid while the parents and kids in the other sports are out doing all the work. If we can all do it for our sports, you can do it for yours.

The skateboard park is going to be a lot of tax money wasted on a few kids. The insurance is going to be ridiculous. The park is going to have to be inspected daily so nobody gets hurt. It may even need an employee there in case of emergencies. You are building ramps that kids are going to be doing flips on. Can you imagine if a kid gets seriously hurt skateboarding/biking/etc. there alone???? What if someone dies?

http://www.tampabay.com/news/article1023085.ece

There's a link to a story about a skate park injury lawsuit. There are tons of them on the net. How many can we afford?????

07/20/10 (15)
You cannot adopt something that isnt up for adoption. You can choose to take care of the park but that does in no way, shape, or form, give you any more rights than anyone else wanting to enjoy that park.. From the way you assume everyones parking lot is up for use by your clients, I am sure you feel by pulling a few weeds and cutting down a few branches you feel it entitles you to exclusive rights and that you can shut it off to the community whenever you so choose. My tax money paid for that park and it is supposed to be paying to maintain that park. I don't want you turning it into an outdoor dance studio. Can borough council step in on this and ensure this community park isnt bullied into becoming an extension of a dance studio.

Wow, it's no wonder businesses leave EC. The original post said they want to fix up the little park (which it needs), not perform a hostile takeover. If parking is a problem (which has nothing to do with the park) perhaps the studio should relocate to a building with a parking lot which would probably not be found in EC. Let's drive a booming business owned by an EC native right out if town. Maybe this studio owner is just trying to take a little "pride in Ellwood" by fixing up a neglected area near her business. And just to be clear, I do not have a child who goes to studio p. These are just my thoughts as a casual observer.

07/20/10 (16)
I was in the grocery store the other day [sound familiar] and this couple had a half a cart full of beautiful steaks and the rest of the cart was full of pop and all kinds of treats, they both got a carton of cigarettes [ name brand 70. plus per carton ] want to know how they paid? they paid with CASH, my question is since the whole dam town is watching and reporting cart contents and manner of payment where did these people come up with that kind of money, disgusting eh ?
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Hopefully your being sarcastic? Mind your own business and keep your eyes in your own buggy and get out. You people are so damn nosey, I swear their gonna fall off one day! Get a life. No wonder EC is going to crap. Your all complainers. You complain about people using access cards but then you complain about someone using cash! You ignore other peoples opinion because you are all so pig headed. Fighting about the skatepark that might or might not ever happen. Yelling at kids for trying to tell you how their mistreated in the school and all you see is them saying something about the dress code when their clearly not. Open your eyes people, and grow up. Quickly?

07/20/10 (17)
Remember the song from Wicked- No Good Deed Goes Unpunished? I think you were just trying to make a poorly- maintained area look better and I appreciate your attempt.
It is indeed strange (and sad) that certain classrooms at the high school are total wrecks, will be in the fall and throughout the year, and yet when someone does try to "spruce up" something in Ellwood, they are shot down. I have no idea whom the administrator is people complain about but hope he takes time to tour certain rooms, establish a curriculum, and give the kids new skills. Too much has been overlooked.
you work with young people and do a good job. I would never mind letting a child get safely into your business for some fun and learning. It is a shame to me, however, that certain school situations are swept under the carpet because of everyone's laziness and willingness to look the other way.

07/20/10 (18)
we have worked on this project for 9 years & have found it very rewarding. we have met a lot of new friends & have learned a lot of new things.
Story Comment: Carpenters Project

07/19/10 (01)
For those of you loosing sleep over the SKATE PARK...get some sleep and stay off of sound off! Brady's Run has a skate park that I take my boys to it all the time and its been there for years. Its in perfect condition and brings the park to life with skateboarders, scooter riders and bike riders. Take a trip up there and see exactly what a skatepark is. Skateparks are not just for skateboarders. So go complain about something else. You probably complain about the people on welfare too! Eww! Get a life!

07/19/10 (02)
7/15/10 (06)
In response to the Blueberry Farms:
Millers Blueberry Farm
2201 Princeton Station Road
New Castle, PA 16101 (724-924-9101)
(This is off of 422 before you get to the Harley dealer....google the address)
Hours: Mon and Thurs (dawn - dusk)
Sat (dawn-2pm)
closed all other days
$1.75/lb (pick your own)
Hope this helps!

07/19/10 (03)
07/15/10 (16)
I was in the grocery store the other day [sound familiar] and this couple had a half a cart full of beautiful steaks and the rest of the cart was full of pop and all kinds of treats, they both got a carton of cigarettes [ name brand 70. plus per carton ] want to know how they paid? they paid with CASH, my question is since the whole dam town is watching and reporting cart contents and manner of payment where did these people come up with that kind of money, disgusting eh ?
...........
This is hilarious, They must be drug dealers to actually have THAT kind of money! And I'll bet they told the kids that they couldn't have candy too! Those Darn people with money! Can you believe it? hahaha
I am going to Giant Eagle this week and actually fill a buggy with junk and walk around all day in the store and see how many people look into my buggy. I'll keep ya posted. I use cash BTW from my paychecks!

07/19/10 (04)
Only in the great state of Pennsylvania -- The Post-Gazette reports a toll increase on the Pennsylvania Turnpike in January likely will make it the most expensive long toll road in the nation.

Thank god we are nestled near the small stretch of free-toll road that runs from the Beaver Falls exchange to Cranberry/I-79 interchange. That certainly makes the drive to pgh quick, painless, and cheap!

07/19/10 (05)
Not sure where I saw this, but I belive it was in the hanger on a Miltary Base.

1. Life is not fair! Get used to that fact and deal with it!

2. Not everyone can be in first place. That is not how life works!

3. Don't come in here complaining about something unless you have a viable solution!

4. You are not in charge! There are officers above you who are making the decisions based on the facts and orders which are passed on to them. "They also make mistakes." Only God is perfect!

5. Support your team, without them you can't make the plane fly!

Just some food for thought.

I think that we are so focused on being "politically correct" and not offend anyone, that we have lost our focus on doing what is right for our society and country.

07/19/10 (06)
07/16/10 (09)
Please, go to the New Castle Crisis Shelter. It is actually a very nice place. They can help you with transitional housing and only charge you 30% of your income, and if you complete their program of counseling, life skills management and group counseling, you receive 10% back to put towards your rent. You can reside in their houseing for up to 2 years. Please take advantage of this service. Afterall, it may not be ideal, but anything is better than the situation you are in now. Please let us know how you are doing. I also feel for the women in this community that have no where to turn...I someday hope to change that.

07/19/10 (07)
Really! Where are my comments from July 13th!!!!! Sound off is discriminating!!! Others have quit using this site, now I see why!
*****************************************
Sign your name to your post and I bet you get whatever you want posted.!

07/19/10 (08)
07/16/10 (06)
Studio P students and parents are adopting the park on 7th Avenue. A planning meeting will take place at the park on Monday, July 26th. We could use all the help we can get with the planning and remodeling of this park. Donations of time, talents, and small cash donations are appreciated. Anyone with a green thumb who can help us plan is encouraged to attend the meeting. For more information call Angela at 724-752-0304. Thank you!

You cannot adopt something that isnt up for adoption. You can choose to take care of the park but that does in no way, shape, or form, give you any more rights than anyone else wanting to enjoy that park.. From the way you assume everyones parking lot is up for use by your clients, I am sure you feel by pulling a few weeds and cutting down a few branches you feel it entitles you to exclusive rights and that you can shut it off to the community whenever you so choose. My tax money paid for that park and it is supposed to be paying to maintain that park. I don't want you turning it into an outdoor dance studio. Can borough council step in on this and ensure this community park isnt bullied into becoming an extension of a dance studio.

07/19/10 (09)
Skateboarding:

Obviously you have never participated in a sport or activity; and I’m willing to bet that you don’t even have children. EVERY activity kids participate in these days has a fundraiser attached. You mentioned surrounding areas and their skate parks. If you look a little closer you will find these parks are in part corporate sponsored. That means someone went out and solicited corporations for money. If you did a little more homework you would discover the persons responsible did A LOT of fundraising and applying for grants. None of Ellwood City’s kids or their parents has made such an effort thus far. If all of you spent as much time fundraising as you do defending them, you would already have a great start! Stipulations on most grants are that half the money needed is raised by the organization, step up and get to work! Just so you know, Dr. Helling donated the property and funds to build the Ball fields you see in Ewing Park and those are school sanctioned sports. Why on earth do you feel so entitled when your only contribution is an anonymous letter on sound off? Oh yeah “accused of ruining property” there are no accusations, they ARE ruining property. What else would that wax be from? Surfers?

07/19/10 (10)
I have not missed your point which is coming from one who, I bet, is on the short end of the stick when it comes to this school offical you don't like. Am I right?
I really think I need to hear the officals side of this debate. Maybe I will this fall when you all get back into school.
----------------------------------------------
Its not that I do not like him, I used to get along fine with him when he was just a teacher. As did almost everyone else in the school. Unless you actually broke a rule he would treat you with the respect you gave him. This year though with new authority, you are made to feel uncomfortable and its like he is on a power trip! Im not trying to complain about the dress code because it is what it is but I would like me and the other students to be able to walk in the school and learn instead of sitting in the office all day for a rule that doesn't even exist!

Have fun trying to get him to talk to you because he is impossible.

07/19/10 (11)
I find it sad that the Federal government issued grant money to the state, state to Ellwood City and now Ellwood City has hired an Ohio company to complete community improvement projects. So Ohio gets a cut of our money too. I'm not against people working but keep it in the community or the state when that is what the money is for.

07/19/10 (12)
Adopting the park on 7th Street. Someone please stop this! Studio P already causes far to many traffic problems on 7th Street. Ask anyone trying to get to the Post Office! Mommie cant find a parking spot so she throw it into park right in the middle of the street. Gets out, walks around the car, lets her daughter out (childlock doors) then walks back around the car, gets in, and incredibly looks to see if anything is coming. As if it could! It wouldnt be so annoying but it happens over and over and over again. Now about this "Adopting".. Has council been asked about this? If so has it been approved? I havent seen anything in the Ledger so Im assuming it hasnt. Very typical. What will happen if someone gets hurt on the property? Will Studio P's insurance cover them? The borough has people employed and covered under its insurance to do this maintanance, why not just ask them to clean it up?
There is a lot more to consider here than just a few people getting together and cleaning up a park. "Donations" is there an account set up for such donations? No one should ever donate to a cause that asks for cash or checks written to cash.

07/19/10 (13)
To the poster who stated....The festival food is TOO expensive....not enough clean places to sit down and enjoy your expensive food.....then the robbery Sat night is not a good example of the kind of people who live in EC...yes, 3 kids stole someone's money box....will that be in the paper? Or should we keep that to ourselves like you did the shooting on North Side?????---you have choices don't go or don't eat. Go anywhere else to a county fair etc and the prices will be even more..clean places to sit...you knew you would be eating in the park when you went there..next time bring your own tablecloth or better yet dont go..robberies happen everywhere get over it...get over yourself sounds like you are too uppity to attend in the future so stay home..I dont care how much the food is, I know I will be eating in a park, and I love all the people I see and talk to and reconnecting with friends..I love it..and I live out of town now but come "home" for this every year..next year take a vacation and dont go!!!

07/19/10 (14)
For the person looking for someone to make a cornhole game. My husband has made quite a few sets for friends and family. I can see if he would be interested. The moderator can give you a phone number.

The phone number has been kept confidential by the moderator, please contact EllwoodCity.org if you are interested in seeking the above individual.

07/19/10 (15)
Contractors are generally busy in the summer but the work I want done is inside work which could be done in the winter months but obviously they (contractors) are not thinking about the winter months. Now it is not about who gives me the best estimate but who is going to show up. Is Kevin Mann with a company or is he an individual contractor?

Kevin's a private contractor. He's currently working on the log home in Elport, as well as some other projects as well. He is extremely trustworthy. I know it's scary letting others into your home. I had a bad experience with a plumber not too long ago.

07/19/10 (16)
I was in the grocery store the other day [sound familiar] and this couple had a half a cart full of beautiful steaks and the rest of the cart was full of pop and all kinds of treats, they both got a carton of cigarettes [ name brand 70. plus per carton ] want to know how they paid? they paid with CASH, my question is since the whole town is watching and reporting cart contents and manner of payment where did these people come up with that kind of money, disgusting

Well, if they paid with cash, maybe it came from good, hard, work!!!!

07/19/10 (17)
07/16/10 (05)
I am 35 years old with a son who is starting school this year. After reading all about the dress code I will be the first one to post that I wish all public schools would have uniforms. Life would be so much easier. I also raise my son the "the old fashion way". He respects all adults, adresses them as Mr. Mrs. gets spanked and must use proper manners....unlike my generation of raising children where parents have NO guts to say no and don't want to "hurt" their feelings. That is why kids today are so bad and disrespectful. I will so side with a teacher or principle over my child. I grew up with my mother being a teacher and godfather principle and you can believe they didn't take my word. Years later I now understand why and am thankful.
-----------------------------

What a refreshing breath of fresh air you are..!! Keep up the good work. Teaching old-fashion respect for ones elders, a crack on the butt when needed, use of the word NO by a parent, calling for uniforms for students, and siding with the school officals. WOW it's almost to much to digest. Thank you for restoring my faith in modern parenting.

07/19/10 (18)

07/19/10 (19)
Attention Wayne Township Residents
The zoning issue is very important to Wayne Township. Citizen participation is a vital component of the local planning process. Public hearings are advertised to encourage participation and solicit input from you.
We need to speak up you have a voice and you have a choice.
There is a community informational gathering scheduled for Thursday, July 22,2010 at the Ellwood Wampum Rod & Gun Club RT 288 at 7:00 pm.
Please plan on attending. Bring your friends and neighbors. Get the facts and voice your concerns.
Refreshments to be served.

07/19/10 (20)
07/16/10 (02)
in response to 07/15/10 (12)
What is wrong with profiling? The F.B.I even has a profiling department. Hispancis are swarming over our borders. So, should we look for Hispanics or blond Norwegians? Blacks make up about 13% of the population of Pittsburgh but according to the government, they commit about 84% of street crime. So, why shouldn't we profile blacks when there is a shooting? Political Correctness is ruining this country.

Profile blacks that commit crimes for WHAT?!? Where are you going to send them, Land of the Black Criminals?!? Do you understand what profiling even means? I am sure that MAJORITY of the 13% of the black population in Pittsburgh are from PITTSBURGH! Do you expect the profiling department to go to ancestry.com and do a search on where their families came from and send them back when they commit a crime? If that is the case, you need to be profiled too!!! Good lord!!!
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Good Lord? There are an estimated 140,000 illegal immigrants just in Pa., with $740 million spent in welfare, health and housing. No proof of citzenship required to collect welfare benefits. Cut the profiling garbage. Anyone, get it, anyone should be required to prove they are here legally if asked and anyone should be subject to the question of legal status. How else are we to determine if you are here illegally. This country is based on immigrants not illegal immigrants. If we don't hire illegals, most will go home and we can stop the farce that we can't deport 12 miilion illegals. Personally I think we could provide many jobs to legal citizens, driving the buses to deport those who do not belong here. Recently our federal government raided 3000 companies to look for illegals on the payroll. They found them, fined the companies and let the illegals walk off the premises. The ILLEGALS just walked away. Gee. I wonder why Arizona thinks they must take action on their own? After all the feds are responsible for immigration enforcement!

07/19/10 (21)

07/19/10 (22)
Again!....Two posts of mine are not there again!!! YThats a total of 6! You are soooo discriminating! That must give you some kind of power trip....doesnt it. You are only hurting the communication of this town. I responded to someone looking for a blueberry farm in the area. I took the time to respond with directions, hours of operation, phone # and cost. But again you chose not to post it! I posted...well sent it to you for you to read and not post, about everyone complaining about the skate park and you chose not to post it. Buuuuut....you did post the one that I directed towards you! Thats your way of saying "See....Ive posted your negative post about myself!" Ive read posts of yours saying that! Pat yourself on the back! You really must be lacking something in your life, where you think you need to have this mega control over the city. Your probably a major dork who sits at your computer with a little "Super Man outfit on! lol OMG I could just imagine it! But you know everyone does have a facebook account and communicates whatever they want there, Soundoff is secondary. And yes...you are getting bashed on Facebook too! Way to go "Small town power tripper"

07/19/10 (23)
I'll personally make sure he gets what he deserves. StopDogBeatings@gmail.com
..................
Great job, Thanks BUNCHES. You are just like the rest of my neighbors, and police, and humane officials. Full of hot air. Sorry it took me a few days to find out his name, but you've had it for a few days now, and I'm impressed. Like I said before, I'll Shut my back door and keep my eyes on Park avenue

07/19/10 (24)
Re the Health Bill and the newly passed Financial Reform Act: New taxes on soda pop, wine, beer, hard liguor, hunting and fishing licenses and ammunition.The tree-huggers want to stop hunting and think that putting large taxes on ammo will do that circumlocutionaly. When you invite the government to help you, you invite their intrusion.Grove City College found that our years ago and no long accepts ANY governemnt funds because when you do, they found out, the government wants to tell you what you have to do in every category of college life.

07/19/10 (25)
There is an agency to help! for the post about being told to go to crisis shelter, I've been there, done that. Two agencies to help are the Catholic Charities (located on bridge street now) and Lawrence County Community Action Partnership. (the same agency that runs Head Start). Neither "give" you anything, they expect things in return, but they DO work with you and help those that really need it and deserve it.

07/19/10 (26)
07/16/10 (07)

The problem is that it isn't the job of the "people in charge," to create things for the kids to do. Those people do not supply the money that funds those projects, the taxpayers in Ellwood do.

People like yourself are supposed to create those opportunities by creating businesses that give kids something to do. Save cash, do fund raisers or look for investors to purchase land and put in a bowling alley or whatever it is you think will be profitable here in Ellwood.

One would think you'd be retired in no time with all the kids complaining about nothing to do. It should be easy money.

07/19/10 (27)

07/19/10 (28)

07/19/10 (29)
07/16/10 (04)
1. The deck hockey rink was initiated by persons living in Franklin Twp. Boro residents keep paying for it.

2. A person in Wayne Twp. started this whole thing about a place in the boro to skateboard. Boro residents will pay for it.

3. Wait until this person's son gets to high school. You think he is prejudiced now? Just wait!

4. The fact of the matter is: boro residents just aen't good enough. They don't get bids put out by the boro, they don't get hired by the school board anymore, and they can't even burn papers with all their information that thieves would love to get a hold of.

5. In fact boro residents, you just don't have what it takes.
##############################

To answer #1----I know for a fact that one of the boys who was very instrumental in the construction of the rink at Stiefel Park lived in the Borough and does today.
I don't know what you mean on parts of 2 through 5. I mean what prejudices against who or what? Who cares where the boy lives? All I have said is he and the others who want the skate park, including their parents, need to do something in the way of funding before tax dollars are used. As for the bidding issue, you wrote about, do you know for a fact that no company within the borough gets to bid? If people don't get hired by the school board anymore just who does hire people for the school district? As for the burning issue, people of Ellwood voiced their wishes in overwhelming fashion at the council meetings and even on this site in favor of keeping the right to burn, but as in all levels of government in today's world, our pleads went unheard by people who we elected to do our will. A price will be paid come election day by the 4 council members who voted against the will of the people. For sure my vote will reflect that. I guess the voting process will determine if you are correct in your assumption that borough residents, "don't have what it takes".

07/19/10 (30)
07/16/10 (08)
Here is some good news----Congratulations to the 12 year old Ellwood City Little League All Star Team who just won the championship at the Moon Township Tournament this past weekend and week. A great job done by all!! Now that's something to cheer about.
---------------------------------------

Congratulations to the players, coaches and parents..!!
To the poster thank you for the information..!!

07/16/10 (01)
07/15/10 (13)
To: 07/12/10 (17)
07/14/10 (07)
07/12/10 (17) re: corn hole game?
I couldn't find a Kevin Davis in the phone book. If it's a (known to you) private number, could you possibly call him and see if he still makes the game? Thanks.

T Time sells them

07/16/10 (02)
in response to 07/15/10 (12)
What is wrong with profiling? The F.B.I even has a profiling department. Hispancis are swarming over our borders. So, should we look for Hispanics or blond Norwegians? Blacks make up about 13% of the population of Pittsburgh but according to the government, they commit about 84% of street crime. So, why shouldn't we profile blacks when there is a shooting? Political Correctness is ruining this country.

Profile blacks that commit crimes for WHAT?!? Where are you going to send them, Land of the Black Criminals?!? Do you understand what profiling even means? I am sure that MAJORITY of the 13% of the black population in Pittsburgh are from PITTSBURGH! Do you expect the profiling department to go to ancestry.com and do a search on where their families came from and send them back when they commit a crime? If that is the case, you need to be profiled too!!! Good lord!!!

07/16/10 (03)
Really! Where are my comments from July 13th!!!!! Sound off is discriminating!!! Others have quit using this site, now I see why!

07/16/10 (04)
1. The deck hockey rink was initiated by persons living in Franklin Twp. Boro residents keep paying for it.

2. A person in Wayne Twp. started this whole thing about a place in the boro to skateboard. Boro residents will pay for it.

3. Wait until this person's son gets to high school. You think he is prejudiced now? Just wait!

4. The fact of the matter is: boro residents just aen't good enough. They don't get bids put out by the boro, they don't get hired by the school board anymore, and they can't even burn papers with all their information that thieves would love to get a hold of.

5. In fact boro residents, you just don't have what it takes.

07/16/10 (05)
I am 35 years old with a son who is starting school this year. After reading all about the dress code I will be the first one to post that I wish all public schools would have uniforms. Life would be so much easier. I also raise my son the "the old fashion way". He respects all adults, adresses them as Mr. Mrs. gets spanked and must use proper manners....unlike my generation of raising children where parents have NO guts to say no and don't want to "hurt" their feelings. That is why kids today are so bad and disrespectful. I will so side with a teacher or principle over my child. I grew up with my mother being a teacher and godfather principle and you can believe they didn't take my word. Years later I now understand why and am thankful.

07/16/10 (06)
Studio P students and parents are adopting the park on 7th Avenue. A planning meeting will take place at the park on Monday, July 26th. We could use all the help we can get with the planning and remodeling of this park. Donations of time, talents, and small cash donations are appreciated. Anyone with a green thumb who can help us plan is encouraged to attend the meeting. For more information call Angela at 724-752-0304. Thank you!

07/16/10 (07)
Kids really don't have anything to do here. My teachers always tell me how their used to be places where they could go and sit and buy drinks and listen to music. One teacher was even going around asking kids what they would like to see in the town to give us things to do and our class came up with many good ideas. All the people on charge have negative thoughts like all the kids are going to ruin it but if you keep that up then we really are..

07/16/10 (08)
Here is some good news----Congratulations to the 12 year old Ellwood City Little League All Star Team who just won the championship at the Moon Township Tournament this past weekend and week. A great job done by all!! Now that's something to cheer about.

07/16/10 (09)
Does anyone know any government agencies that actually help you with getting out of a bad living situation? I have been to welfare twice and both times they told me to go to the Women's Shelter. All I am asking for is funding for the first month's rent in a new apartment. You would think I was asking for alot of money....$500 to $600 tops. There seems to be funding for all kinds of things for people who live off the government, but let someone who really is in need of help and needs out of a living situation need help and you can't quite seem to find it. Unless I am looking in the wrong places....there is no help out there and I am not talking about a women's shelter or the projects. Why would anyone want to get out of one situation and go to the same or worse environment? I honestly can see why there are so many abused women in this country who get killed or beaten to no recognition.....people cry out for help and it is like a slap on the face. Maybe I should get addicted to popping, snorting or whatever people do with pills to get anywhere in this country !! It is a real sad, sad world!!!

07/16/10 (10)

07/16/10 (11)
07/15/10 (16) OMG you soo made me laugh and I really needed that. Thanks for the chuckles. I feel better now. : )

07/16/10 (12)
07/15/10 (10)
I would like to take this time to clear up a few discrepencies about the skatepark discussion. I think it is great that people can say, "boarders" are not doing anything to accomplish their skatepark. These children are apart of the fastest growing sport for children aged 6 - 18 in the United States. I am sorry they don't create fundage for the park being that they are children and all. Maybe as a community collective; we can be progressive and look at other communities and contribute something for kids that don't necessarily partake in baseball, track, or football. (Examples: Cranberry Township, Brady's Run, Conway, South Park, Boyce Park, Imperial, Polish Hills, just to name a few). And on a side note did children fundraise to get baseball fields, or a football stadium. I think one of the recent posts (07/14/10 (17) is incomprehensible. I am an adult skateboarder and grew up "boarding" and I was completely on my own with skateparks. There were no skateparks and I constantly was accused of ruining property when just riding my skateboard, now that I am an adult I will represent what I respect and that is giving some kids a chance to do something that is considered art, creativity, and a form of expression to show individuality and if you don't like feel free to stop me when I am skating down your sidewalks, and I will confirm that any more false representations of this group of children on this post will be objected by me. Also, let us remember this is our community, we need to look out for new activities.

P.S. quit worrying about what people buy at the grocery store regardless of how they purchase if you have a problem with the system go after the state ran agency, not someone buying soda, it is essentially a metaphorical witch hunt.
_________________________________-

If the kiddies are to young to make money to help with the construction of the skate park they want, then maybe their parents need to get involved..!!

07/16/10 (13)
07/15/10 (03)
To all children and parents who have whined and cried about the dress code (which I don't see being enforced) and the principle that is so hard on you. If you would've been in school when people of my age were, with teachers and others who didn't take NO crap, well let me say be thankful you won't. Not only that, our parents never sided with us. They did the right thing and side with the school officals.
You sound like a bunch of brats being raised by a bunch of brats.
As I said before, "school is a place of learning and not a funhouse". As a matter of fact it's not even your house, even though you spend a good portion of your time there. It's more my house considering my tax dollars go to maintain the building, buy books for you, pay wages for those who teach you, pay the wages of the crossing guards, bus drivers and even the maintenance of the buses that bring you there.
With that said I would appreciate all you students going to school properly dressed, go inside sit down, shut up and learn something without whining and crying when you don't get your way. If that is to much for you, please feel free to walk to the nearest door and go home where you can cry to someone who cares but shouldn't.

---

Obviously this concept is too big to fit into your little brain because YOU. ARE. MISSING. THE. POINT. It does NOT matter whether i went to that school in a suit somehow to that principal i would be breaking the rules!??!?!?! It is not whining or crying!!!!!!!!!! Its us saying that we are sick of the unfair treatment! He suspends one kid for breaking a rule and lets another go wit just a disapproving look?! YOU DONT SEE THE CRESS CODE BEING ENFORCED?! We don't either because whatever RIDICULOUS dress code that man has made up in his HEAD is being enforced! If you would like to take a minute and actually read what we have to say then maybe you would have seen when the one student put "she understands things used to be different and you had to wear pants and long skirts" THINGS ARE DIFFERENT NOW! HELLOOOO?! We do not live in a place where we can express our opinion or as you would say "whine and cry"!! Yeah you did say before its not a fun house and like I said before its not a military camp either! If your money is going to buy books for us then maybe you should come look at some of the books that ARE FALLING APART AT THE SEAMS! My parents pay taxes too buddy and they do NOT like how that man thinks he runs the school when HE CLEARLY DOES NOT.

With that said I would appreciate if you do not say things that clearly have no relevance to the topic. The things we have said have clearly flown right over your closed minded head. I cant discuss this with someone who acts like other opinions (ecsp. from kids) are automatically wrong. This isnt about us crying when we dont get are way... its about us bringing up the unfair treatment in the school from that man.
_____________________________________-

I have not missed your point which is coming from one who, I bet, is on the short end of the stick when it comes to this school offical you don't like. Am I right?
I really think I need to hear the officals side of this debate. Maybe I will this fall when you all get back into school.

07/16/10 (14)

07/15/10 (01)
I don't have a card, and I'm still worried about the people in this town peeking into my cart. Apparently they have nothing better to do with their time, so don't worry about it. What you do is your business alone.

Me too! Now as I stand in line at the grocery store I can't help but give a curious look over my shoulder to see if the person in line behind me is nebbing into my cart. It's such an uneasy feeling. Kinda like walking alone and wondering if that shadowie figure is following you.

07/15/10 (02)
07/14/10 (09)
Contractors are generally busy in the summer but the work I want done is inside work which could be done in the winter months but obviously they (contractors) are not thinking about the winter months. Now it is not about who gives me the best estimate but who is going to show up. Is Kevin Mann with a company or is he an individual contractor?

Do yourself a big favor and check into the individual as well as the business. I'm not here to bash anyone but you should know who it is that's working inside your home.

07/15/10 (03)
To all children and parents who have whined and cried about the dress code (which I don't see being enforced) and the principle that is so hard on you. If you would've been in school when people of my age were, with teachers and others who didn't take NO crap, well let me say be thankful you won't. Not only that, our parents never sided with us. They did the right thing and side with the school officals.
You sound like a bunch of brats being raised by a bunch of brats.
As I said before, "school is a place of learning and not a funhouse". As a matter of fact it's not even your house, even though you spend a good portion of your time there. It's more my house considering my tax dollars go to maintain the building, buy books for you, pay wages for those who teach you, pay the wages of the crossing guards, bus drivers and even the maintenance of the buses that bring you there.
With that said I would appreciate all you students going to school properly dressed, go inside sit down, shut up and learn something without whining and crying when you don't get your way. If that is to much for you, please feel free to walk to the nearest door and go home where you can cry to someone who cares but shouldn't.

---

Obviously this concept is too big to fit into your little brain because YOU. ARE. MISSING. THE. POINT. It does NOT matter whether i went to that school in a suit somehow to that principal i would be breaking the rules!??!?!?! It is not whining or crying!!!!!!!!!! Its us saying that we are sick of the unfair treatment! He suspends one kid for breaking a rule and lets another go wit just a disapproving look?! YOU DONT SEE THE CRESS CODE BEING ENFORCED?! We don't either because whatever RIDICULOUS dress code that man has made up in his HEAD is being enforced! If you would like to take a minute and actually read what we have to say then maybe you would have seen when the one student put "she understands things used to be different and you had to wear pants and long skirts" THINGS ARE DIFFERENT NOW! HELLOOOO?! We do not live in a place where we can express our opinion or as you would say "whine and cry"!! Yeah you did say before its not a fun house and like I said before its not a military camp either! If your money is going to buy books for us then maybe you should come look at some of the books that ARE FALLING APART AT THE SEAMS! My parents pay taxes too buddy and they do NOT like how that man thinks he runs the school when HE CLEARLY DOES NOT.

With that said I would appreciate if you do not say things that clearly have no relevance to the topic. The things we have said have clearly flown right over your closed minded head. I cant discuss this with someone who acts like other opinions (ecsp. from kids) are automatically wrong. This isnt about us crying when we dont get are way... its about us bringing up the unfair treatment in the school from that man.

07/15/10 (04)
Maybe kids cannot wear camouflaged clothing to school because if they decide to run away from the classroom they might be able to hide in the bushes.

07/15/10 (05)
07/14/10 (13)
What is it with people watching and "telling" on people for what they are buying? I used my foodstamp card for the first time the other day and couldn't get it swiped fast enough to put it away before someone could gripe about what I bought. I try to buy healthy because of my family's health conditions, but do buy an occassional treat. It makes me mad and upset that people can't mind their own business that now those of us that truly need the system have to feel guilty and wonder if we are buying a questionable item that will end up being put on here. It's truly, truly sad. I'm not want to ask for help and we've fallen on hard times. Pride or not, I had to feed my family. I'm just saddened that the relief I found in finally getting some help is swayed because I worry about what people will think of me now...as if it isn't embarhassing enough to need the dang card!

Boo Hoo - you had the money to buy the computer you're typing on - when you're probably not busy doing on-line gambling...or checking the daily number....get a JOB

Who says you cant buy a computer and it was probably bought when things were good..what there suppose to get rid of there computer because someone is going threw hard times..

07/15/10 (06)
Does anyone know if pick your own blueberries or raspberries farms exist in Lawrence or Beaver County?

07/15/10 (07)
REALLY>>>>WHO CARES?
I personally dont care who buys what,where,when and how.And its nobodys business.I worked all my life of 46 years and Im not complaining about who EATS what...SO what, you are not going to change it so why get your bloomers in a uproar just live your life the way you want to(LIVE AND LET LIVE)

07/15/10 (08)
Backyard Fundraiser for the Holy Redeemer Alumni Relay For Life Team. 110 Mason St. lower Chewton. July 15 8-2, 16th 8-1, 17th 8-2. Children's games with prizes, chinese auction, baked goods, sno cones, hot dogs, pop and water. This is in conjunction with a multi-family yard sale. Something for everyone

07/15/10 (09)
Putting it in the park is going to be laughable. Right now, we have a nice park where people can actually get away. Soon it'll have a busted up concrete board park there with graffiti splashed all over it. Don't forget of course your kids cigarette butts all over the sidewalks.

If there are a lot of kids, that's great. You should have no problem earning enough money through a sub sale or simply by pooling your cash to finance this on your own and in a place other than the park. Personally, I don't believe it.

Tennis, the last time I checked was a school sport. Skateboarding IS NOT.

A great deal of the "organized," sports in this town are funded through donations of time and money by the kids who partake in them or their parents. We coach, we fix the fields, we sell the subs.

Is that a commitment you are willing to make for the skate park? Are you going to pick up your kids cigarette butts and paint over the graffiti? Are you going to sell subs to fix the broken ramps and busted cement? I didn't think so.

So basically, you want us to build a park for your little law-breakers on the basis that "they'll have someplace else to destroy," and this eyesore you want to put in the one beautiful place we actually have in this town.

Bravo!

07/15/10 (10)
I would like to take this time to clear up a few discrepencies about the skatepark discussion. I think it is great that people can say, "boarders" are not doing anything to accomplish their skatepark. These children are apart of the fastest growing sport for children aged 6 - 18 in the United States. I am sorry they don't create fundage for the park being that they are children and all. Maybe as a community collective; we can be progressive and look at other communities and contribute something for kids that don't necessarily partake in baseball, track, or football. (Examples: Cranberry Township, Brady's Run, Conway, South Park, Boyce Park, Imperial, Polish Hills, just to name a few). And on a side note did children fundraise to get baseball fields, or a football stadium. I think one of the recent posts (07/14/10 (17) is incomprehensible. I am an adult skateboarder and grew up "boarding" and I was completely on my own with skateparks. There were no skateparks and I constantly was accused of ruining property when just riding my skateboard, now that I am an adult I will represent what I respect and that is giving some kids a chance to do something that is considered art, creativity, and a form of expression to show individuality and if you don't like feel free to stop me when I am skating down your sidewalks, and I will confirm that any more false representations of this group of children on this post will be objected by me. Also, let us remember this is our community, we need to look out for new activities.

P.S. quit worrying about what people buy at the grocery store regardless of how they purchase if you have a problem with the system go after the state ran agency, not someone buying soda, it is essentially a metaphorical witch hunt.

07/15/10 (11)
Kids have nothing to do!
The correct comment should be that the kids want to do what they want, when they want, whithout any restrictions.
The comments are always the same from kids all over the country....NOTHING TO DO.
Ask a kid that lives near an ocean, park or any attraction and the answer is the same.Ask them what they want..give it to them...and ask the same question 6 months latter and you get the same responce.
The less they have the less they ask for!
Ellwood City area has much more to offer our young than most communities...and we will never have enough.

07/15/10 (12)
What is wrong with profiling? The F.B.I even has a profiling department. Hispancis are swarming over our borders. So, should we look for Hispanics or blond Norwegians? Blacks make up about 13% of the population of Pittsburgh but according to the government, they commit about 84% of street crime. So, why shouldn't we profile blacks when there is a shooting? Political Correctness is ruining this country.

07/15/10 (13)
To: 07/12/10 (17)
07/14/10 (07)
07/12/10 (17) re: corn hole game?
I couldn't find a Kevin Davis in the phone book. If it's a (known to you) private number, could you possibly call him and see if he still makes the game? Thanks.

07/15/10 (14)
07/14/10 (19)
07/13/10 (10)
The people need to take their schools back and tell the employees what to do just like any other employer would do.
First off you need to shut off Fox
And if you want to "take back your school"
Is this how you are going to do it by posting on here
Even if the people who make the decisions read this.I'm sure they are not going to change.Why don"t you run for the school board and "take back you school"
__________________________________
You have got to be kidding. TURN OFF FOX..???!!! What in the world does Fox have to do with Lincoln High School???????

07/15/10 (15)
Boo Hoo - you had the money to buy the computer you're typing on - when you're probably not busy doing on-line gambling...or checking the daily number....get a JOB

Actually I have two jobs and didn't pay for this computer, it was purchased for work with an allowance for some personal time on it. I pay the monthly bill for the internet, but I need it for work too. I do not play games online. I'm just sick of people being nosy about what other's buy and feel that it's rude to keep posting items people purchase on here. I have fallen on hard times this last year because of health issues and I'm only using assistance temporarily.

07/15/10 (16)
I was in the grocery store the other day [sound familiar] and this couple had a half a cart full of beautiful steaks and the rest of the cart was full of pop and all kinds of treats, they both got a carton of cigarettes [ name brand 70. plus per carton ] want to know how they paid? they paid with CASH, my question is since the whole dam town is watching and reporting cart contents and manner of payment where did these people come up with that kind of money, disgusting eh ?

07/15/10 (17)
RE: 07/14/10 (19)
07/13/10 (10)
The people need to take their schools back and tell the employees what to do just like any other employer would do.
First off you need to shut off Fox
And if you want to "take back your school"
Is this how you are going to do it by posting on here
Even if the people who make the decisions read this.I'm sure they are not going to change.Why don"t you run for the school board and "take back you school"
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
You are absolutely right the decision makers are not going to change. Everyone knows the school board system doesn’t work; it’s too easy to stack the deck. The Federal and State government know this also; that is why they have intervened with mandates of their own. Tax payers are going to have to find other ways to get more from their tax dollars.

07/14/10 (01)
in reguards to the post on the skatepark.. Their are many kids who will use this park, and as for the insurance and getting hurt? (its skate at your own risk) as a parent of a young boy who rides bikes these kids can be some of the nicest young children you meet. I cannot beleive the people yelling on how bad these kids are. And as for where to put the bike park,,,, Why not the PARK! after all this is a place for ALL KIDS to play, whether it is in the Pool, in the basketball court, tennis courts, football field, baseball and tea ball fields, and lets not forget the Kids Created Kingdom (which the whole community helped with!!! well those kids that once used that are now growing up and they will ALL use the skatepark as well... please think of what you say about some (skater kid) they ARE someone elses child!!

07/14/10 (02)
I don't know why anyone would live here, honestly.
Sure, it's great for the retired folks who've lived here all their lives, but are the rest of you blind?
I would move down South, but living and working in EC, who has money for that? I hope the construction crews dig this town into the ground, if the politicians haven't done it already.

I am 43 years old, by the statement in your post you are obviously much much older. As a teen in Ellwood City we had that same NOTHING to do. Actually we really had nothing to do, the kids now adays have many, many outlets. I don't see how you think adding a huge cement structure is going to busy all the kids in this town when a swimming pool, tennis courts, softball/baseball/soccer fields, church groups, and so on and so on haven't been able to. The very last thing this town needs to do for its youth is build a skateboard park.

07/14/10 (03)
What is it with people watching and "telling" on people for what they are buying? I used my foodstamp card for the first time the other day and couldn't get it swiped fast enough to put it away before someone could gripe about what I bought. I try to buy healthy because of my family's health conditions, but do buy an occassional treat. It makes me mad and upset that people can't mind their own business that now those of us that truly need the system have to feel guilty and wonder if we are buying a questionable item that will end up being put on here. It's truly, truly sad. I'm not want to ask for help and we've fallen on hard times. Pride or not, I had to feed my family. I'm just saddened that the relief I found in finally getting some help is swayed because I worry about what people will think of me now...as if it isn't embarhassing enough to need the dang card!

I don't have a card, and I'm still worried about the people in this town peeking into my cart. Apparently they have nothing better to do with their time, so don't worry about it. What you do is your business alone.

07/14/10 (04)
I had to reply the the snoop head who saw a woman buying cigs and not candy for her kids, I have used the excuse i don't have the money too when you don't want your kids to have the candy...they can't have everthing they want, I had a gentleman look at me sideways the other day as i firmly told my kids NO! To a pack of gum hey listen people don't judge My kids come home and the gum ends up in hair but out!!

07/14/10 (05)
The skate park.....yeah. My big question is what happens WHEN a kid gets hurt and sues?

Also, take into account the cost to insure it, the taxes for the land, paying someone to work there and the maintenance involved. That's a lot of cash for a few kids.

This really needs to be a private venture, but if the demand was really that big someone would open a park themselves and charge the kids to use it.

=========================================

Oh I love the way you people contradict yourselves. You complain about how the skaters are ruining the cement outside the school because your tax money payed for it. But you also don't want to put your tax money into giving the kids somewhere to skate where they wont destroy property. If it were "just a few kids" then it would not be a big deal in the first place. There are probably the same amount of skaters in this town if not more then there are tennis players. We have a tennis court don't we?

07/14/10 (06)
My problem with the dress code is that at the elementary level I don't see an issue why the kids can't wear camo. I was told because it can be offensive to some...to me it's offensive to me that my kids can't when they idolize soldiers. My thoughts are that is exactly the type of role models I want my children to look up to...well, at least one of many, but the committment and dedication...I don't see how that can be offensive. As far as security, I can see that in the higher education, but not in the elementary schools. And that was just a side not...I wasn't told it was for security, I was told it was because it could be offensive to some.
-------------------------------------
The Ellwood City School Districts entire dress code policy was written by people who obviously have no brains. It was voted upon and decided by... everybody.

07/14/10 (07)
07/12/10 (17) re: corn hole game?

Hey thanks for the name. I didn't get to this page until today (the 13th) or I'd have thanked you sooner.

07/14/10 (08)
Ellwood is getting alot worse than it used to be, I know growing up in the 70's we could go to the playground with friends till the street lights come on, if the boys had a fight it was restling around and punching, no guns or knives, we played all kind's of sports and made our own toys to play with. The biggest worst thing I heard of when I was a teen was the pot smoking and that was a bad thing to me , no cocain, no herion, God forbid. I'm sure these drugs were all around but we had respect and was afraid of our parents to do those bad things. Some of These kids today just got way too much, video's,x-box, ect. Make your kids go outside and play, ride bikes, play table games. And parents dont be afraid of your kids. Keep the belt close by, just like my parents did. Put the fear of God in them. Not saying abuse them in anyway, there is a big difference in abuse and correcting . A family that prayers together , stays together. Where are the morals in some family's. Let's make Ellwood a nice place to live in again.. It starts with you parents, and lets start NOW !!!!!!

07/14/10 (09)
Contractors are generally busy in the summer but the work I want done is inside work which could be done in the winter months but obviously they (contractors) are not thinking about the winter months. Now it is not about who gives me the best estimate but who is going to show up. Is Kevin Mann with a company or is he an individual contractor?

07/14/10 (10)
07/12/10 (08)
Whats up with people living under the 5th st. bridge? I fish the creek alot and For a few years now theres been squatters living down there. You cant burn in Ellwood boro but you can liter,defacate in our waterways! Is this Ellwood City or New York?

Yuck - we have homeless people in Ellwood? They probably have fires at night to burn their toliet paper....and no one fines them !!

There are alot of homeless people in this world...and I for one was close to being homeless, so if you do not know their cirumstances or what happened in their lives, keep your comments to yourself! Anyone's world can change in a second, I do not care who you are. So all of you people who look down on homeless people, although no matter how you are living now...it can happen to you !

07/14/10 (11)
So, there is nothing for the little darlings to do so it is okay to destroy property. Well, cut the grass-make some yard money-play "burn-the-base- and other games we made up. But, there is a reason there is not a lot of things to do-you bums ruined it. Through the yars, many churches and civic organizations had dances, etc., for the kids and all they got is graffiti, destruction and obscene behavior.I saw a nice couple in church Sunday-dressed respectful. With them was a girl of 12 or 13 amd she looked like a hooker. If any more skin was showing, she would have been booked.

07/14/10 (12)
I was behind about 3-4 adult men (healthy 20's year olds) buying cases of pop and steaks at Locissano's- and guess what they used to pay for all of the stuff I cannot afford to buy (working full-time) yea - a food stamp card....now why aren't they WORKING.....also, saw a man who's son works for the boro and makes $$$ using a card - can't his children help him pay for groceries?? No, I have too....sickening

07/14/10 (13)
What is it with people watching and "telling" on people for what they are buying? I used my foodstamp card for the first time the other day and couldn't get it swiped fast enough to put it away before someone could gripe about what I bought. I try to buy healthy because of my family's health conditions, but do buy an occassional treat. It makes me mad and upset that people can't mind their own business that now those of us that truly need the system have to feel guilty and wonder if we are buying a questionable item that will end up being put on here. It's truly, truly sad. I'm not want to ask for help and we've fallen on hard times. Pride or not, I had to feed my family. I'm just saddened that the relief I found in finally getting some help is swayed because I worry about what people will think of me now...as if it isn't embarhassing enough to need the dang card!

Boo Hoo - you had the money to buy the computer you're typing on - when you're probably not busy doing on-line gambling...or checking the daily number....get a JOB

07/14/10 (14)
What is it with people watching and "telling" on people for what they are buying? I used my foodstamp card for the first time the other day and couldn't get it swiped fast enough to put it away before someone could gripe about what I bought. I try to buy healthy because of my family's health conditions, but do buy an occassional treat. It makes me mad and upset that people can't mind their own business that now those of us that truly need the system have to feel guilty and wonder if we are buying a questionable item that will end up being put on here. It's truly, truly sad. I'm not want to ask for help and we've fallen on hard times. Pride or not, I had to feed my family. I'm just saddened that the relief I found in finally getting some help is swayed because I worry about what people will think of me now...as if it isn't embarhassing enough to need the dang card!

And who paid for the computer you're typing on?? When you're not using it for on-line gambling or checking the daily number...if you need assistance temporarily that's fine-just don't make it a career...

07/14/10 (15)
BEWARE of a scam caller in the area. my dad recieved a call today from a unknown source on the caller ID, the man told my dad who is elderly that he had 1.5 million he wanted to GIVE him. my dad asked where he could come and get it and the called said i want to bring it to your house and he named the correct address. my dad was smart enough to hang up on him. my advice is to hang up immediatly or advise your parents to do so if they recieve this call. the called never called back.

07/14/10 (16)
To all children and parents who have whined and cried about the dress code (which I don't see being enforced) and the principle that is so hard on you. If you would've been in school when people of my age were, with teachers and others who didn't take NO crap, well let me say be thankful you won't. Not only that, our parents never sided with us. They did the right thing and side with the school officals.
You sound like a bunch of brats being raised by a bunch of brats.
As I said before, "school is a place of learning and not a funhouse". As a matter of fact it's not even your house, even though you spend a good portion of your time there. It's more my house considering my tax dollars go to maintain the building, buy books for you, pay wages for those who teach you, pay the wages of the crossing guards, bus drivers and even the maintenance of the buses that bring you there.
With that said I would appreciate all you students going to school properly dressed, go inside sit down, shut up and learn something without whining and crying when you don't get your way. If that is to much for you, please feel free to walk to the nearest door and go home where you can cry to someone who cares but shouldn't.

07/14/10 (17)
Well I saw that the skate park is still in the works with it being paid for by tax dollars. This sinks to high heaven to me. Once again our tax dollars going for something that the people who want it getting what they want without doing one thing to help. The Deck Hockey Rink was paid for in part by tax dollars but a lot of money was made by things the boys who wanted it did to earn it. Plus companies were ask to sponsor it by paying to have a billboard type signs around the rink. There were also man hours donated not just by the boys themselves but by companies like A.R. Oliastro and Signs by Sam to name a couple that helped.
The boarders do nothing to help and the city say that's ok. What's wrong with this picture I paint?

07/14/10 (18)
07/13/10 (08)
My problem with the dress code is that at the elementary level I don't see an issue why the kids can't wear camo. I was told because it can be offensive to some...to me it's offensive to me that my kids can't when they idolize soldiers. My thoughts are that is exactly the type of role models I want my children to look up to...well, at least one of many, but the committment and dedication...I don't see how that can be offensive. As far as security, I can see that in the higher education, but not in the elementary schools. And that was just a side not...I wasn't told it was for security, I was told it was because it could be offensive to some.

What difference does it make what you were told.Why is it so many people, have such a hard time just obeying the rules.Why is it everybody wants everything changed for them.Why not teach your children there will be many things in this world they do not like.And it is them that needs to adapt.

07/14/10 (19)
07/13/10 (10)
The people need to take their schools back and tell the employees what to do just like any other employer would do.
First off you need to shut off Fox
And if you want to "take back your school"
Is this how you are going to do it by posting on here
Even if the people who make the decisions read this.I'm sure they are not going to change.Why don"t you run for the school board and "take back you school"

07/13/10 (01)
Rep 7/12/10 #2
Don't forget that whenever any public building is renovated or built now it must be made to be handicap accessable.

07/13/10 (02)
07/12/10 (10)
What is it with people watching and "telling" on people for what they are buying? I used my foodstamp card for the first time the other day and couldn't get it swiped fast enough to put it away before someone could gripe about what I bought. I try to buy healthy because of my family's health conditions, but do buy an occassional treat. It makes me mad and upset that people can't mind their own business that now those of us that truly need the system have to feel guilty and wonder if we are buying a questionable item that will end up being put on here. It's truly, truly sad. I'm not want to ask for help and we've fallen on hard times. Pride or not, I had to feed my family. I'm just saddened that the relief I found in finally getting some help is swayed because I worry about what people will think of me now...as if it isn't embarhassing enough to need the dang card!

Honey don't you be embarassed about getting your kids a treat now and then and believe me those cards area lot more discreet than the paper stamps i used 20years ago, it is just something to help you and your kids out. The heck with everybody elses opinion. I am glad that it makes it easier for you and I wish good luck in the future. Oh yea, and those people that you think are judging you, they will be judged one day too.

07/13/10 (03)
This town has really gone down the drain. I used to like living here as a kid. Now, I feel bad for the kids in this town. There is NOTHING for them to do. Council has been talking about a skate park for at least a year. I'm sure it will take that long to build as well. Just build it already. (or are you putting all your money into construction?) Also, I don't know why anyone would open a business in Ellwood. No one spends any money locally. And the businesses that are here all close at 5. If everyone gets done at the same time, who has time to shop?

It's impossible to get anywhere between the potholes, construction and traffic lights. Is the construction ever going to end? They've been working on the same block on Wampum Ave all summer. Nothing like opening your windows for some summer air, and hearing the sound of jack hammers for 2 months straight. Not to mention the pleasant aroma of diesel and tar. I haven't been able to use my driveway all summer.

I don't know why anyone would live here, honestly.
Sure, it's great for the retired folks who've lived here all their lives, but are the rest of you blind?
I would move down South, but living and working in EC, who has money for that? I hope the construction crews dig this town into the ground, if the politicians haven't done it already.

07/13/10 (04)
Ellwood City Boys Hoops Boosters are hosting our 2nd annual golf tournament on Sunday, August 1, 2010 at the beautiful Beaver Valley Golf Club. 1:00pm ahotgun start. Cost is $85.00 and includes Italian buffet dinner at conclusion of round, beverages on the course, snacks at the turn. Chance to win automobile with a hole in one!
Entry forms can be found on our new and improved website: goellwood.com

07/13/10 (05)
Has anyone else noticed all the overflowing recycle bins in the alleys, etc? I have read where people have suggested larger containers, but I have never heard a response from any of our so called leaders. they are probably waiting to see a big storm blow everything around and then want to ticket us for littering. Once again our elected officials put there mouth in gear (re; burning ban) before their brains were engaged.

07/13/10 (06)
Email me the dog beating man's name and address and I guarantee you will never see another dog hurt by him again. I'll personally make sure he gets what he deserves. StopDogBeatings@gmail.com

07/13/10 (07)
I am an ellwood contractor, I have put in many estimates over the years , everybody didn't call me back , the ones who accepted my estimate called. and we went from there,I always responded to a potential customer and have never had a problem. don't judge all contractors by one and ask for the state license no. and a certificate of insurance, then you won't get a fly by night

07/13/10 (08)
My problem with the dress code is that at the elementary level I don't see an issue why the kids can't wear camo. I was told because it can be offensive to some...to me it's offensive to me that my kids can't when they idolize soldiers. My thoughts are that is exactly the type of role models I want my children to look up to...well, at least one of many, but the committment and dedication...I don't see how that can be offensive. As far as security, I can see that in the higher education, but not in the elementary schools. And that was just a side not...I wasn't told it was for security, I was told it was because it could be offensive to some.

07/13/10 (09)
07/12/10 (10)
What is it with people watching and "telling" on people for what they are buying? I used my foodstamp card for the first time the other day and couldn't get it swiped fast enough to put it away before someone could gripe about what I bought. I try to buy healthy because of my family's health conditions, but do buy an occassional treat. It makes me mad and upset that people can't mind their own business that now those of us that truly need the system have to feel guilty and wonder if we are buying a questionable item that will end up being put on here. It's truly, truly sad. I'm not want to ask for help and we've fallen on hard times. Pride or not, I had to feed my family. I'm just saddened that the relief I found in finally getting some help is swayed because I worry about what people will think of me now...as if it isn't embarhassing enough to need the dang card!

Who cares what people think really. My husband worked over 10 yrs and just recently got laid off. I had to go and get foodstamps because like you say we have fallen on hard times...So dear do not worry what other people think you dont have to worry about what you buy i dont i get what i need and want..I see it as i dont have to answer to the person in back of the line or the one standing across from me and neither do you...

07/13/10 (10)
RE: 07/12/10 (02)
To poster #12 on 07/09:
I see it took you two days to respond to my posting. After reading your posts, I've come to the conclusion that you are the individual who loves to bash both teachers and the school district. Most of your post is off target and you once again have missed the point I was presenting.
However, I will leave with one parting comment. Your ability to express yourself in print is the result of the education you received from some excellent teachers. I wonder what happened in your life to create such negativity.
__________________________________________________________-
Of course your conclusion is going to be that I love to bash the teachers and administration. There is nothing new here. Tax payers are always branded as being negative when they insist different methods, other than the status quo, be used to monitor how tax dollars are spent. There is nothing off target about the public being able to see what their money is being used for. I never expected teachers to agree with cameras in the classroom but that doesn’t mean its bad idea or that it can’t work. The people need to take their schools back and tell the employees what to do just like any other employer would do.

It took a lot more than excellent teachers for me to be able to express myself in print. My father never graduated high school but worked an intensive labor job putting in much overtime to be able to support us plus pay those teachers. Both of my parents spent a lot of time on my education and inspired how I express myself far more that any teacher could have. Actually I am quite positive about tax payers being able see what is going on in a broken school system.

07/13/10 (11)
07/12/10 (16)
I witnessed a woman w/three small kids ....at a local business...she bought a pack of $6 cigs and the kids were crying to buy candy and her answer was I don't have the money ....I'm sure the kids did not NEED the candy, but she sure NEEDED her cigs....makes me sick....

Mind your own business. I've used that excuse on my children countless times because everytime we go into a store, they think they need candy. It's not because I don't have the money. I don't think it's your business what she spends her money on. I'm afraid to go into the store anymore because apparently everyone in Ellwood is checking your cart to see what you've bought!

Ok do you seriously have nothing better to do but complain that some lady didnt buy her kids candy and bought herself cigarettes..Wow what business is it of yours what she buys..Do you not have a life of your own that you gotta be all up in someone elses..It just amazes me that you would make that comment..Please do tell on why you think its your concern..I may just be that person that gets a tshirt and get it printed on the back saying ITS NONE OF YOUR BUSINESS WHAT I BUY and wear it when i go shopping could you just see the faces now of those nosey people..PRICELESS...

07/12/10 (01)
RE:
07/09/10 (01)
Whats up with people living under the 5th st. bridge? I fish the creek alot and For a few years now theres been squatters living down there. You cant burn in Ellwood boro but you can liter,defacate in our waterways! Is this Ellwood City or New York
............
What? Trolls under the bridge in "Ellwood"? They must not know about the Welfare and Foodstamps! LOL
I walked across the bridge the other day and nobody asked me for a toll, but I will say that the litter is outrageous. I thought it was from the wind blowing all the litter right to the corner by McDonalds. I saw bicycles and everything laying right down there off of the side.

07/12/10 (02)
To poster #12 on 07/09:

I see it took you two days to respond to my posting. After reading your posts, I've come to the conclusion that you are the individual who loves to bash both teachers and the school district. Most of your post is off target and you once again have missed the point I was presenting.

However, I will leave with one parting comment. Your ability to express yourself in print is the result of the education you received from some excellent teachers. I wonder what happened in your life to create such negativity.

07/12/10 (03)
I figured out what to do about the dog beatings. Stop going to my back door, and keep my eyes on Park Ave. JUST LIKE THE REST OF MY NEIGHBORS. I won't see or hear anything. Unbelieveable, I asked neighbors about it and they ALL say is, "Don't want to get involved with THAT guy." I'm glad that I didn't go down and talk to him from what I hear!!

07/12/10 (04)
This is in regards to the comments about the man abusing the dog(s). If the situation is as bed as stated, and it definately seems to be. I could suggest a couple options. Calling the police and animal control are valid options. But without the police or animal control viewing this activity, it's hard to prosecute. Ensure that when you call, you leave your name and state that you are willing to testify. If that fails to produce the appropriate charges, then contact Lawrence Coounty DIstrict Attorney. I remember that when he ran for election, he was going to try to obtain funding for animal control officers. He may be able to help out with this situation. Well hope my comment assist and hope my comments will protect those abused animals.

07/12/10 (05)
07/08/10 (02)
To those who replied. 7/7/01,10,15,23
Why don't you call the police when you witness this? Or better yet, take a picture....a few visits from the police will take care of this...I saw a man beat his dog in front of Lincoln School, I immediately called the police.
............
I HAVE called the police. Animal control have been there twice. Police have been there twice.
My heart bleeds for those small dogs. Not only does he use newspaper which isn't that bad, but he uses sticks, the hose, a broom, AND his own hand. That's the one that tore my heart out. For some reason, the animal control does nothing!! I think he has too many to handle for an old man. when he opens the door, they scatter, dying to get out. That's when he looses control. THEN he gets mad at THEM! I've seen 6 older dogs, and then one day there was one on a blanket with PUPPIES! How many can fit in one house. If he can't handle them they should be taken off of him! I would appreciate anyone else trying to help the little dears. I've tried. They keep multiplying, and he must have an unsanitary home. Someone needs to go INSIDE, and check conditions. I had a dog growing up and she was like family. I can't have any animals where I live now, so this really tears my heart strings. Today when they "Escape" I hope they DON'T come back to him. KEEP RUNNING! You'll get beat again today!!

An Ellwood Ordinance mandates that only a total of six animals per house is legal... try reminding the officer that visits him next time you call.

07/12/10 (06)
RE:07/09/10 (01)
Whats up with people living under the 5th st. bridge? I fish the creek alot and For a few years now theres been squatters living down there.
............
Geez you'd figure that if you've been seeing them "for a few years now" you might have said something sooner. They might travel the railroad and be murders that will slit your throat one night. Thanks for the heads up!

07/12/10 (07)
Call the Humane Society - he sounds like he needs locked up

Numbers to call - Lawrence Co. Humane Society - 724 -654-8520.....Promises for Pets - 724-657-5130 and if no one will help you. Call the State Police at 724-598-2211.....

07/12/10 (08)
Whats up with people living under the 5th st. bridge? I fish the creek alot and For a few years now theres been squatters living down there. You cant burn in Ellwood boro but you can liter,defacate in our waterways! Is this Ellwood City or New York?

Yuck - we have homeless people in Ellwood? They probably have fires at night to burn their toliet paper....and no one fines them !!

07/12/10 (09)
I'm quite sorry to say this but all of you need to grow up. Maybe if we wouldn't have such whiny adults like all of you, we wouldn't have the drama in Ellwood City. Okay?!?!?!?! So just let things so my gosh!!!

No one is forcing you to view this site if it bothers you so much .....stop logging on

07/12/10 (10)
What is it with people watching and "telling" on people for what they are buying? I used my foodstamp card for the first time the other day and couldn't get it swiped fast enough to put it away before someone could gripe about what I bought. I try to buy healthy because of my family's health conditions, but do buy an occassional treat. It makes me mad and upset that people can't mind their own business that now those of us that truly need the system have to feel guilty and wonder if we are buying a questionable item that will end up being put on here. It's truly, truly sad. I'm not want to ask for help and we've fallen on hard times. Pride or not, I had to feed my family. I'm just saddened that the relief I found in finally getting some help is swayed because I worry about what people will think of me now...as if it isn't embarhassing enough to need the dang card!

07/12/10 (11)
The skate park.....yeah. My big question is what happens WHEN a kid gets hurt and sues?

Also, take into account the cost to insure it, the taxes for the land, paying someone to work there and the maintenance involved. That's a lot of cash for a few kids.

This really needs to be a private venture, but if the demand was really that big someone would open a park themselves and charge the kids to use it.

07/12/10 (12)
Let me say something on this debate about the un-named principal. In my opinion this gentlemen who puts fear in the students, so stated by them on this site, should be in charge. He should be given the tools needed to keep the kids in line. It's a place of learning not a funhouse..!!

==================================

Our children are in a public school, not military school. These children were in line last year. My kids came home happy (well as happy as a kid in high school could be, lol) and telling me about their day and what they learned. This year was filled with so much drama with clothes and that principal making their lives hell, they couldn't concentrate on their school work. I noticed a drop in my daughters grades. They were still good grades but not like before. They came home exhausted and complaining about how they felt uncomfortable in their own school. As a parent I would never let my child leave the house dressed inappropriately. (Yes i have read the dress code and go by it when we shop) I work at another school and I must say I feel badly for the kids at LHS. Kids at my school are allowed to wear clothing that is appropriate but it isn't over the top.. We know how to judge if shorts are too short or not or if a boys pants are sagging. Girls will have to change if they have spaghetti straps on but we can also tell if the sleeves are thick enough. If there are cuts and holes all through their jeans, yes they will change. Not if there is a measly hole in the corner or fray? My daughter was told a hole the size of a quarter was a distraction to her and others education? That's ludicrous. There is definitely no "no hoodie in the cafeteria" rule either... thats pointless. There is no "mid-thigh" bullcrap. That definition is so on the fence kids are likely to get in trouble for reasons they did not know of. It is obvious that they are by what they have been saying on here. It also seems as if girls are the only ones getting in trouble over there. My boy has never once gotten a call home because of his apparel, neither have his friends. Something just seems fishy at that school and it has not started until last year. All I am saying is I get where the numerous kids who have posted on here are coming from. I would like to see the smiles back on my kids faces when they get home from school again next year.

07/12/10 (13)
Answer...My parents taught me how to wipe my nose. When I was in school I just kept my nose clean and followed the rules of the day. I would never have written a letter about anything that I did not approve of. I raised my children and taught them to blow their nose too. Please don't place me in the same house of some of the nutty parents of today. They are the ones that raised you and the likes of you. I wish you luck as you grow older and I hope you take the best pictures ever.

--------------------------------------------

Uhm... well I am glad you know how to wipe your nose? It would be a shame if you went around, spreading your germs to the other students. Wouldn't want them to catch your bad attitude and closed mind. I do not know when you went through high school but I do know from some of my older teachers that things were much different back then. One told me boys had to wear pants all year and girls skirts had to hit the floor while sitting on their knees. Kids could NEVER right about how they felt mistreated or how the rules were ridiculous back then. News flash! Things have changed. Kids are told through out school and at home to stand up for themselves and to voice their opinions. I am extremely glad that our dress code is not that strict and that we do not have to wear uniforms. That is not my point though. We do have a dress code and while I do not agree with some of the things we are not allowed to wear, I go by it. At least I try to. My point is that it is impossible to go by rules when a man is constantly contradicting himself. Like I said before, I got suspended for wearing a pair of jeans that I was told previously in the year were totally okay! You think this is right? What about the fact that he picks out certain girls to get in trouble and lets others go? Two girls could be standing right beside each other and have the same outfit on and only one of them would get in trouble! You think we should all just let this go? Like I've said before if you try to voice your opinion to him it is immediately "disrespect" when you simply ask "How am i breaking the rules?". You get interrupted, laughed at, taken as a joke. I was always taught if I were in a situation I did not like to grin and bear it and deal with it in the best way I could. My mother, who by the way did a hell of a job raising me by the way, was even disrespected when she came in to talk to him about me being suspended. He scoffed at her when she said she would be attending the school board meeting. I don't know how people like you expect us kids to be respectful to you when someone who is supposed to be setting an example for us shows so much disrespect everyday! As for "the likes of me" I would like you to know that several of the people I am closely friends with just got excepted into The Nation Honor Society or have accomplished other things you would expect from a good kid. So maybe you want to re-think your judgment. I don't know if your last sentence was being sarcastic about taking pictures, I know you take them as a joke, but don't worry I plan on it.

------------------------------------------

Obviously this well-articulated young lady has just proved you wrong. This school has gotten worse, sad to say.

07/12/10 (14)
Responding to #5 0n 7/9/10

You are either an ineffective board member who believes everything one of your eight administrators tells you or just blind to the facts.

I am told by people who work at Lincoln that the gym only needed new hand railings installed on the bleachers - possibly new bleachers. What did we get? An entirely new gym which costs in the millions, I am sure. Safety? Completely new offices for all. Bad auditorium seats? New seats, stairs, etc. Meanwhile, the majority of kids and teachers will continue to suffer in terrible classrooms.

If your car needed new tires would you buy new axles and wheels? Based on your responses, you probably would. You are the one who needs to pay better attention.

07/12/10 (15)
Isn't this the truth, everyone screams about hiring local (Ellwood) contractors but no one calls back or shows up. I actually got a quote from one Ellwood contractor but then he never called back to schedule the work. So I went with an out of town contractor.

If you're looking for a good local contractor, Kevin Mann is the best. I know he's extremely busy right now and may be hard to get, but he does excellent work and lives here in Ellwood.

07/12/10 (16)
I witnessed a woman w/three small kids ....at a local business...she bought a pack of $6 cigs and the kids were crying to buy candy and her answer was I don't have the money ....I'm sure the kids did not NEED the candy, but she sure NEEDED her cigs....makes me sick....

Mind your own business. I've used that excuse on my children countless times because everytime we go into a store, they think they need candy. It's not because I don't have the money. I don't think it's your business what she spends her money on. I'm afraid to go into the store anymore because apparently everyone in Ellwood is checking your cart to see what you've bought!

07/12/10 (17)
Is there anyone locally who makes and sells that corn hole game?

My husband's cousin, Kevin Davis, did for awhile. I bought one from him and he did a great job. He lives in Ellport, but I'm not sure if he's still making them or not. Nobody was really interested in buying them at the time.

07/12/10 (18)
Just past Walnet Ridge School.... When I am up in the area I hear a stupid rooster. Are these aloud in Ellwood? When I have to hear that thing I get very bothered...

07/12/10 (19)
My wife and I witnessed something strange at the Festival and I am wondering if anybody observed the incident. We were walking from the Park to the parking area down the Loop. There was a man and woman walking towards Trefoil on Washington. The man was limping badly. Finall he stopped and motioned to his wife, and said something we could not hear. He stopped walking and bent over and she ran, presumably for the car. I told my wife I was going to see if he needed help. I ran over to him and asked if I could help. He thanked me but said his wife was gettting the car. The strange thing about this incident is that while all of this was happening a police officer, getting double or triple time for workin g the Festival, was leaning against a largewooden "horse" just a few feet away and didn't even attempt to ask the man if he needed help!Ellwood's finest.

07/12/10 (20)
As a student at the school I agree with what the other kids have said on here. Its hard to learn all the stuff we're supposed to when everybody is getting in trouble for no reason. Its more distracting being hounded all day and made felt uncomfortable. Its just taking kids away from the classrooms and making it harder on the teachers to do their job... I think we all were better off back when the school was before this past year.

07/12/10 (21)
Everybody is going to have a different take on the festival. Food is always overpriced anywhere you go so get over that... Its good food so what the heck! The stores haven't changed much over the years so if you don't think there's enough, look harder ;) People put time and effort into making that festival good for you complainers. Things could be much worse!

There does need to be more places to sit though, I just needed a place to eat my gyro and there was nowhere.

07/12/10 (22)
Its a shame that someone these kids are complaining about is obviously subtracting from all the positive improvements happening to the school.

I have a question though... so many other schools I see have no dress code problems.. they can wear shorts or shirts and if they were inappropriate.. of course they'd change but some of the things kids at LHS have had to change out of are pointless... Why?

There have never been these problems before really.. Just this past year :\

07/09/10 (01)
Whats up with people living under the 5th st. bridge? I fish the creek alot and For a few years now theres been squatters living down there. You cant burn in Ellwood boro but you can liter,defacate in our waterways! Is this Ellwood City or New York?

07/09/10 (02)
07/08/10 (04)
Talk to any teacher at Lincoln and they will tell you most of the skateboarders are disrespectful.

-----------------------------------

Key word here : most

NOT ALL

You cannot punish all of the skaters when only a fraction of them are doing something wrong. I never believed in letting one persons mistakes ruin it for everyone else.

Solution? Skatepark. That costs money to get into. Like the public pool. If skaters are seen destroying public property, call the cops. Just like you would if you seen other kids destroying property anywhere else.

I swear you people are so negative about everything...
---------------------------------------

I have chimed in on this debate before and I will write it again.
Money for the skate park is the problem? That can be taken care of by the very people who want it. Get off your boards or your butts and start getting money donated or come up with a way of getting money by selling subs, having a yard sales, having a raffle or anyway you can think of. Show you are serious in your effort and then maybe people will be more inclined to help you.
As it stands all I see are boarders taking advantage of and destroying property of others including property bought and paid for by us taxpayers. I think you believe, if you keep doing what your doing to the property of others you will get your way. Your way meaning having someone else put up all the money needed for what you want. As I said get off your boards and do something to show us you deserve our tax dollars and then and only then should you get what you want..!!
This goes for all the defenders of these boarders also.

07/09/10 (03)
07/07/10 (06)
I just checked this site and to my surprise there are lots of non-posted comments. What in the world could be so bad to not be posted????????

a local school teacher who flipped out on steroids and beat 2 women but wasnt charged.

07/09/10 (04)
I believe in buying local but honestly if they don't care enough to leave the club to keep an appointment they set, I will go to someone who wants the money!

Isn't this the truth, everyone screams about hiring local (Ellwood) contractors but no one calls back or shows up. I actually got a quote from one Ellwood contractor but then he never called back to schedule the work. So I went with an out of town contractor.

07/09/10 (05)
Rep #8 on 7/8/10

First If you would have paid attention over a year ago it was stated that they needed new offices so that people could not just get buzzed into the school and wander thru the school. It was a safety issue.
Second the boys gym had to have new bleachers put in or they were uninsurable which would mean no home basketball games.
Yes there are other things that need done but I understand why they did the ones they have so quit complaining. The auditorium they had to do. The steps were falling apart and The current seats were put in in 1972.

07/09/10 (06)
HAVE called the police. Animal control have been there twice. Police have been there twice.
My heart bleeds for those small dogs. Not only does he use newspaper which isn't that bad, but he uses sticks, the hose, a broom, AND his own hand. That's the one that tore my heart out. For some reason, the animal control does nothing!! I think he has too many to handle for an old man. when he opens the door, they scatter, dying to get out. That's when he looses control. THEN he gets mad at THEM! I've seen 6 older dogs, and then one day there was one on a blanket with PUPPIES! How many can fit in one house. If he can't handle them they should be taken off of him! I would appreciate anyone else trying to help the little dears. I've tried. They keep multiplying, and he must have an unsanitary home. Someone needs to go INSIDE, and check conditions. I had a dog growing up and she was like family. I can't have any animals where I live now, so this really tears my heart strings. Today when they "Escape" I hope they DON'T come back to him. KEEP RUNNING! You'll get beat again today!!

Call the Humane Society - he sounds like he needs locked up

07/09/10 (07)
I remember some talk about cutting down on Noise Pollution in the borough. I came across a web site: www.noiseout.org/pipes The EPA has a program used by local police. No decibal meters are needed to check motorcycle noise. It's simply matching the labels on the bike with the label on the muffler, making sure the muffler is legal. Bike manufacturers are not permitted by law to put loud mufflers on them. Knowing that council wants to be in compliance(Burning Ban)with the EPA, this would be a useful tool!

07/09/10 (08)
Would this be happing around an about 9th street? If so then i agree with you and something needs to be done..I was walking with my daughter one day and i heard yelping I went threw an alley to see and sure enough beating them with a rolled up paper...He stopped when he saw us walking threw and i preceded to tell my daughter in a loud voice that this is called animal abuse and how he was a not very nice man for doing this...Is here a number or who is there to call for animal cruelty..

I do not understand why the police do not fine him? I would keep calling the police til they do someting - going to keep my eyes open and yes, I will be calling the police

07/09/10 (09)
Yea, I understand what you are saying about contractors. I have been calling a roofer for two weeks without a return call. The thing I wrote about is different. In the club there are two contractorswho weren't even asked for an estimate. I would guesss that the job was done from out of town contractor for a very good price, if not free. The man in question has been getting free things for years because of his former position. In fact, the Club was having a steak fry for members and their wives. It cost $25 for two and $15 if you are going to bring a guest. He brought his son but would not pay for him!

07/09/10 (10)
We are becoming a coarse nation. elementary kids are swearing at teachers-people with money dress like they are homeless when they go to a nice restaurant or Church. Well, I saw something today thatbrought this home. It was a picture of Barbara Bush getting off Airforce 1 dressed in a concervative suit. It also showed Michelle Obama getting off in short shorts and flip-flops.Oh, one more thing. Do you notice how people who yawn never put their hands in front of their mouths.

07/09/10 (11)
went through Holy Redeemer Cemetary and what a mess. Grass cut in spots near the cemetary barn and the rest not cut at all and it looks like it hasn't been cut in 2 maybe 3 weeks. really a sorry site. who ever cuts the grass and more importantly the person in charge of the cemetary should be ashamed. it's a disgrace and more people need to be made aware.

07/09/10 (12)
RE: 07/07/10 (14) If you would go back and RE-READ the paragraphs preceeding my statement you would find that as a a PARENT, I would object to my child's video images being on the INTERNET in a monitored classroom situation and available for anyone to view and I stated the reasons why. So don't twist my words to suite your desires or try to make your point.
I have no problem with the school administration and/or the police department having access to those videos.
As a teacher, I have an open classroom, any administrator, teacher or parent is welcome to visit at any time.
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But your child’s images are still on video systems you have no control over and could be put on the internet without you knowing it. It is also very likely some of these systems are internet accessible and on someone’s laptop that travels in their car with them. You do not seem to have an issue with this. I don’t think anyone is surprised that a teacher is going to object to cameras in classrooms weather they are a parent or not. You say you have an open classroom but it is only to the people of your choosing. What about all the other tax payers? How are they to know what their tax dollars are used for behind closed doors? Having more people enter the school buildings is one of the largest breaches of security there is. Cameras could reduce this risk. Your statements actually reinforce the biggest point I have been trying to make. As a teacher the only thing you are willing to offer is the status quo but this falls far short of what tax payers need to control expenses. It has become necessary for the public to determine what is productive and what is not because no one else is doing it. The current trend of hiring more staff and adding more programs for fewer students can’t go on forever. With a declining student population the district should be able to cut costs and still provide quality employees.

07/09/10 (13)
For the person who sees his NEIGHBOR BEATING his DOGS: OMG! Do not be afraid of a 6 ft. OLD MAN! Im only 5 2" but I would definately give him a piece of my mind! I would not let it rest! There is a limit on how many dogs people can house, but Im not sure what it is. Even if he is under the limit, you can still turn him in because of say....maybe....screaming dogs or smell, which makes it difficult for you to enjoy your own property. If I knew where he lived....I would come with you! These dogs need you to help them...dont give up!

07/08/10 (01)
Oh thank you council for finally approving the curbside pick up and setting the date!! \

07/08/10 (02)
To those who replied. 7/7/01,10,15,23
Why don't you call the police when you witness this? Or better yet, take a picture....a few visits from the police will take care of this...I saw a man beat his dog in front of Lincoln School, I immediately called the police.
............
I HAVE called the police. Animal control have been there twice. Police have been there twice.
My heart bleeds for those small dogs. Not only does he use newspaper which isn't that bad, but he uses sticks, the hose, a broom, AND his own hand. That's the one that tore my heart out. For some reason, the animal control does nothing!! I think he has too many to handle for an old man. when he opens the door, they scatter, dying to get out. That's when he looses control. THEN he gets mad at THEM! I've seen 6 older dogs, and then one day there was one on a blanket with PUPPIES! How many can fit in one house. If he can't handle them they should be taken off of him! I would appreciate anyone else trying to help the little dears. I've tried. They keep multiplying, and he must have an unsanitary home. Someone needs to go INSIDE, and check conditions. I had a dog growing up and she was like family. I can't have any animals where I live now, so this really tears my heart strings. Today when they "Escape" I hope they DON'T come back to him. KEEP RUNNING! You'll get beat again today!!

07/08/10 (03)
07/07/10 (11)
The councilman with the police tape around his housegot a deck added to his home. Although he is in a club with men who have construction companies, he didn't even give them the courtesy of a bid, he got it done by some company out of Pittsburgh. That is what a builder told me, anyway.

To answer this from my experience. First of all, I put a deck on my home last year. I called what seemed like every contractor I could find in the phone book, and those suggested to me by friends. David Bookamer was the only one to show up and quote the job. He did a fantastic job btw! I believe in buying local but honestly if they don't care enough to leave the club to keep an appointment they set, I will go to someone who wants the money!

07/08/10 (04)
Talk to any teacher at Lincoln and they will tell you most of the skateboarders are disrespectful.

-----------------------------------

Key word here : most

NOT ALL

You cannot punish all of the skaters when only a fraction of them are doing something wrong. I never believed in letting one persons mistakes ruin it for everyone else.

Solution? Skatepark. That costs money to get into. Like the public pool. If skaters are seen destroying public property, call the cops. Just like you would if you seen other kids destroying property anywhere else.

I swear you people are so negative about everything...

07/08/10 (05)
07/07/10 (06) "I just checked this site and to my surprise there are lots of non-posted comments. What in the world could be so bad to not be posted????????"

Last week a harmless looking word was used in a post and repeated. The problem is that nobody really knew what it meant and it turned out to be impolite. My guess is that all of those posts contained that word. Considering how it seemed that this word was repeated so much I seriously wonder if we were trolled.

07/08/10 (06)
07/07/10 (23)
For the person who sees their old neighbor beating his small dogs....animals dont have a voice and they depend on us humans. The same if it were children being abused..I could not stand back and watch day after day. If it were my neighbor, I would first approach him about why he beats his dogs and if that doesnt work..animals do have rights..this old man needs to know that if he continues to beat his dogs they can be taken away from him and he could be fined!
........
I probably would do that if I were a 6 foot tall MAN, like him. I happen to be a short female. Beleive me I HAVE called police. Pray that maybe they will get peace and pass from being tied out in this horrible heat and humidity.

07/08/10 (07)
Please explain the solution for safety and security at the high school that is cheaper and just as effective. I'm curious. Currently, there is an electronically locked door that leads directly to the office. This would not have been possible where the offices were located before.

07/08/10 (08)
07/07/10 (07)
I am telling you that I still do not get it. I have heard no good explanation on here for why the admin offices had to be renovated, the gym had to be renovated, and the auditorium needed renovated. All of these things were no doubt in need, but to put them as a priority? Hogwash! And the "safety and security" excuse does not hold water for the admin offices. Safety and security could have been taken care of for much less, I am sure. My kid will spend just an hour or two a week (if that) in the new gym, but will soon be back in a classroom at Lincoln which is blazing hot in the fall and spring, frigid in the summer. I guess that's okay as long as the admin offices are cool and comfortable though, right? Unbelievable.

----------------

You must not have been in the new offices. They're not much better than before.
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

What in the world are you saying? Are you suggesting our tax dollars are once again being wasted by people who know of the endly well of our tax dollars???? Imagine that..!!

07/08/10 (09)
07/07/10 (17)
The worst part about this situation is student enrolment has dropped to the point where Ellwood doesn’t need 3 principals. Obviously this person doesn’t have enough to do if they can spend this much time harassing students. This is one area the board could have reduced costs but failed to do so.
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Finally! Someone is understanding what us kids are trying to say! Our school had NO problems when we had 2 principals we did last year! We got in trouble when we actually broke a rule and were treated with the respect we showed them. Your also right about him not having enough to do! He sits in his AC office all day writing people up for NO reason and harassing and embarrassing students. They are spending money on an unneeded principal while it could be spent on the classrooms!
*************************************

Let me say something on this debate about the un-named principal. In my opinion this gentlemen who puts fear in the students, so stated by them on this site, should be in charge. He should be given the tools needed to keep the kids in line. It's a place of learning not a funhouse..!!

07/08/10 (10)
I agree with posts dated 7/7 numbers 05 & 22. After many years of the same ol' stuff over and over, something new would be refreshing. I have always said that there was never enough picnic tables for eating. And, it is the same ol' food over and over.....

07/08/10 (11)
Interesting-a shooting on the North side? When did that happen? It's the same old thing, some things get printed, some do not. Just like Borough residents who commit crimes in bordering locales, we never read of that, but the New Castle News publishes all. Start reading it for all the district justice news. You'd be surprised!

07/08/10 (12)
I wanted to post something positive on the festival because I actually look forward to the festival every year. Surprisingly I purchased items from the craft vendors because the two particular vendors really put some effort into their product and the price was decent. The FOOD is still great. I just became a little bit picky about it this year because the prices are high at times. I am still amazed at the gyro and apple dumpling, and I can't wait to buy them again next year.

To the "higher ups" and booth people involved with the festival, you did a good job (overall that is)!

07/07/10 (01)
There should be a new law for animal owners. How about, FOR AS HARD AS YOU HIT YOUR SMALL DOG, YOU should also be hit by someone as much bigger than you AND AS HARD! I watch out by back door at an old man who BEATS his small dogs. Cant someone PLEASE beat him just as hard? I'm suprised the poor little things dont have internal damage. God Bless them. I hope they survive.

Why don't you call the police when you witness this? Or better yet, take a picture....a few visits from the police will take care of this...I saw a man beat his dog in front of Lincoln School, I immediately called the police.

07/07/10 (02)
First off, I am really dis-satisfied w/ the waste management take over... for one thing, they broke my garbage can, then another time my garbage sat out on the curb all day (I set it out on Sunday night for Monday pick up-- they actually didn't come to get it until some time late monday night early Tuesday Morning).

As I've said before they are "Wast of Time Management" - poorly run company. Whoever owned it before probably made millions selling it - just did the customers injustice - I have called and complained 5 X sent an email complaining - never heard from them...theyre service is terrible...they just drive right past your garbage then go around again and still don't pick it up....everyone should burn they're garbage....START CALLING THE BORO MANAGERS/MAYOR'S OFFICE AND COMPLAIN YOU WANT ANOTHER COMPANY TO PICKUP GARBAGE...

07/07/10 (03)
I witnessed a woman w/three small kids ....at a local business...she bought a pack of $6 cigs and the kids were crying to buy candy and her answer was I don't have the money ....I'm sure the kids did not NEED the candy, but she sure NEEDED her cigs....makes me sick....

07/07/10 (04)
07/06/10 (28)
I enjoy attending the festival however I have an objection: Friday is a working day which cutsdown attendance, Saturday is OK, Sunday is OK, but why Friday? Why not Sat., Sun. and Monday. Monday is the day that working people have off for the 4th. Sat., Sun. and Monday makes more sense. Why are these days set in stone? Next year when the 4th is on Monday, will it still be held Friday, Sat. & Sunday?
**posted as a story comment

Having Monday off, I loved that the Festival was Friday, Saturday, and Sunday! I enjoyed the entire weekend, we were able to have a fireworks party and no one had to rush home because of work the next morning. It was a fantastic weekend followed by a peaceful Monday! I do have a minor suggestion though... There needs to be a bigger draw for Saturday nights entertainment. I enjoy the cloggers and all but the attendance was really poor. I understand your thinking with the two bands kicking off fireworks but most people leave midway through to get a seat in the Stadium.

07/07/10 (05)
The festival food is TOO expensive....not enough clean places to sit down and enjoy your expensive food.....then the robbery Sat night is not a good example of the kind of people who live in EC...yes, 3 kids stole someone's money box....will that be in the paper? Or should we keep that to ourselves like you did the shooting on North Side?????

07/07/10 (06)
I just checked this site and to my surprise there are lots of non-posted comments. What in the world could be so bad to not be posted????????

07/07/10 (07)
I am telling you that I still do not get it. I have heard no good explanation on here for why the admin offices had to be renovated, the gym had to be renovated, and the auditorium needed renovated. All of these things were no doubt in need, but to put them as a priority? Hogwash! And the "safety and security" excuse does not hold water for the admin offices. Safety and security could have been taken care of for much less, I am sure. My kid will spend just an hour or two a week (if that) in the new gym, but will soon be back in a classroom at Lincoln which is blazing hot in the fall and spring, frigid in the summer. I guess that's okay as long as the admin offices are cool and comfortable though, right? Unbelievable.

----------------

You must not have been in the new offices. They're not much better than before.

07/07/10 (08)
Why can't we view the job ads at the Ledger website anymore? When you click on the link it just takes you to yahoo hot jobs. There were more shown online than there are shown in the daily Ledger. As if the job hunt isn't hard enough, take away being able to view local prospective opportunities. Thanks, Ledger.

07/07/10 (09)
I see there was a rape/beating down at Buttermilk falls... The slug gets caught and charged with a number of crimes along with rape and gets bail set for $50,000. So, for $5,000 bucks, this animal will be walking the streets...

Additionally, we have a 2 time convicted felon that gets caught altering a script for a controlled substance, in 2 local counties - while on probation for stealing from the local taxpayers - some of these taxpayers who still defend the common criminal, then enters a rehab center and will probably only get a slap on the wrist - WHILE COLLECTING $50,000 DOLLARS A YEAR IN PENSION.

Meanwhile, we have some young adults, caught with 1.5 grams of cocaine... get served with 100,000 - 300,000 in bail, paraded around the streets as if the cops broke up the biggest drug cartel outside of Columbia.

What is wrong with this picture?????

07/07/10 (10)
07/06/10 (16)
There should be a new law for animal owners. How about, FOR AS HARD AS YOU HIT YOUR SMALL DOG, YOU should also be hit by someone as much bigger than you AND AS HARD! I watch out by back door at an old man who BEATS his small dogs. Cant someone PLEASE beat him just as hard? I'm suprised the poor little things dont have internal damage. God Bless them. I hope they survive

Would this be happing around an about 9th street? If so then i agree with you and something needs to be done..I was walking with my daughter one day and i heard yelping I went threw an alley to see and sure enough beating them with a rolled up paper...He stopped when he saw us walking threw and i preceded to tell my daughter in a loud voice that this is called animal abuse and how he was a not very nice man for doing this...Is here a number or who is there to call for animal cruelty..

07/07/10 (11)
The councilman with the police tape around his housegot a deck added to his home. Although he is in a club with men who have construction companies, he didn't even give them the courtesy of a bid, he got it done by some company out of Pittsburgh. That is what a builder told me, anyway.

07/07/10 (12)
Talk to any teacher at Lincoln and they will tell you most of the skateboarders are disrespectful bums.

07/07/10 (13)
I don't know if I have a "snooty nose" or not. I do know, however, that I worked all of my life and put myself through college/university and never drew an unemployment check while siting on my butt refusing jobs. I never was on welfare or received food stamps that I sold for drugs. If everybody worked hard and lived a decent life we wouldn't be trillions in debt.

07/07/10 (14)
It is no surprise that a teacher would object to this but public education was never meant to be about the teachers. It doesn’t seem to violate anyone’s rights when this method is used in a daycare environment. It seems the only ones that would object to this are the ones that have something to hide. It appears the kids are afraid of cameras; there have been very few break-ins since they have been utilized in the schools. Your children’s pictures are already on numerous security systems viewed by people you have no control over at most businesses you visit. I bet you don’t refuse to let your children go to these places.

If you would go back and RE-READ the paragraphs preceeding my statement you would find that as a a PARENT, I would object to my child's video images being on the INTERNET in a monitored classroom situation and available for anyone to view and I stated the reasons why. So don't twist my words to suite your desires or try to make your point.

I have no problem with the school administration and/or the police department having access to those videos.

As a teacher, I have an open classroom, any administrator, teacher or parent is welcome to visit at any time.

07/07/10 (15)
There should be a new law for animal owners. How about, FOR AS HARD AS YOU HIT YOUR SMALL DOG, YOU should also be hit by someone as much bigger than you AND AS HARD! I watch out by back door at an old man who BEATS his small dogs. Cant someone PLEASE beat him just as hard? I'm suprised the poor little things dont have internal damage. God Bless them. I hope they survive.
*********
OMG! Please call the police. I can't stand people who abuse animals. That is untoreable and must be reported immediately. I will personally give those dogs homes if I have too. Please keep us informed. And do something about, please!

07/07/10 (16)
RE: 07/06/10 (10)
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I am aware of the new standards but as you stated the State has to mandate students meet higher standards because schools will not do it unless they are forced to. Why would the State have to do this if the districts standards were adequate in the first place?
Yes the student I used as an example did take most of the classes you mentioned doing well with the idea they were prepared for college only to find out different. They also informed me that most of the colleges they visited had extensive programs to help freshman since it was very common to receive students that were ill prepared. In many of their classes at Lincoln (not all) they felt they did get out what they put in, there just wasn’t enough to get out. With the help of the college and their strong work ethic they were able to reach a level that was more than acceptable. I also believe the State needs to intervene and reward teachers that take on the more challenging courses you mention with better salaries than teachers who handle the easier courses. This is fair and would encourage the best be available for the students.
You are absolutely correct that many teachers work hard to inform parents of the status of their students. I have also used many of opportunities you mention with much success with my children. But as with all governmental organizations in our country there is a desperate need for more transparency. Our schools are no different; it is just too easy to hide waste and nonsense from tax payers under the current system. It would also help tax payers monitor school boards priorities and make adjustments when necessary. If education is as important as teachers claim then they should have no problem with parents using current technology as a monitoring tool.
I agree with you about the dress code. Some board members seemed to turn it into a social status statement when it was adopted. But there are so many more areas that need our principal’s attention. We just don’t need a dress code enforcer.

07/07/10 (17)
The worst part about this situation is student enrolment has dropped to the point where Ellwood doesn’t need 3 principals. Obviously this person doesn’t have enough to do if they can spend this much time harassing students. This is one area the board could have reduced costs but failed to do so.
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Finally! Someone is understanding what us kids are trying to say! Our school had NO problems when we had 2 principals we did last year! We got in trouble when we actually broke a rule and were treated with the respect we showed them. Your also right about him not having enough to do! He sits in his AC office all day writing people up for NO reason and harassing and embarrassing students. They are spending money on an unneeded principal while it could be spent on the classrooms!

07/07/10 (18)
I am telling you that I still do not get it. I have heard no good explanation on here for why the admin offices had to be renovated, the gym had to be renovated, and the auditorium needed renovated. All of these things were no doubt in need, but to put them as a priority? Hogwash! And the "safety and security" excuse does not hold water for the admin offices. Safety and security could have been taken care of for much less, I am sure. My kid will spend just an hour or two a week (if that) in the new gym, but will soon be back in a classroom at Lincoln which is blazing hot in the fall and spring, frigid in the summer. I guess that's okay as long as the admin offices are cool and comfortable though, right? Unbelievable.
------------------------------------------------
I don't disagree with you at all! The classrooms should have been top of the list on the long list of things that need fixed in that school. I get that the whole safety thing with the offices needed to be fixed, why now though? Nothing has happened so far so why not wait until the other things are fixed to do it. That is one renovation I truly do not understand. As long as the people in the offices who sit on their butts all day have a nice, new, air conditioned place to work... their fine! Who cares if the students and teachers are suffering in the dreadful heat of those classrooms. Every 40 minutes or so those kids have to rush to their next classes which just makes them hotter, then they have gym, hotter, by the end of the day they are sweating their butts off and are exhausted. As for the gym, I get this a little more but not soo much. It did need renovated! But it also could have waited. It is needed for gym classes, basket ball games, volley ball games, etc. Hopefully they will work on a way to keep it a little bit more cool though because like the classrooms, its unbearable. The auditorium... probably the best decision they made. That auditorium is the second most used place in the building out side the classrooms. The choir, musical, drama club, singfest, award assemblies, assemblies in general... it is used so much but it is in horrible condition. I don't know about anyone else but when I sit down, I don't enjoy feeling the metal at the bottom of the seat poking me! Some of the schools most talented kids do their best work in their. That is really the only renovation I truly stand behind. My child is particularly excited about it! Hopefully though the classrooms will get fixed ASAP! It NEEDS to be done.

07/07/10 (19)
I would've liked to stay in Ellwood City for the fireworks, but couldn't find the information online. I didn't want to chance missing out. Next year can someone post the times in the calendar to ensure we know of the times? Thanks.

07/07/10 (20)
Answer...My parents taught me how to wipe my nose. When I was in school I just kept my nose clean and followed the rules of the day. I would never have written a letter about anything that I did not approve of. I raised my children and taught them to blow their nose too. Please don't place me in the same house of some of the nutty parents of today. They are the ones that raised you and the likes of you. I wish you luck as you grow older and I hope you take the best pictures ever.

--------------------------------------------

Uhm... well I am glad you know how to wipe your nose? It would be a shame if you went around, spreading your germs to the other students. Wouldn't want them to catch your bad attitude and closed mind. I do not know when you went through high school but I do know from some of my older teachers that things were much different back then. One told me boys had to wear pants all year and girls skirts had to hit the floor while sitting on their knees. Kids could NEVER right about how they felt mistreated or how the rules were ridiculous back then. News flash! Things have changed. Kids are told through out school and at home to stand up for themselves and to voice their opinions. FK has told me to complain somewhere else so I did. I am extremely glad that our dress code is not that strict and that we do not have to wear uniforms. That is not my point though. We do have a dress code and while I do not agree with some of the things we are not allowed to wear, I go by it. At least I try to. My point is that it is impossible to go by rules when a man is constantly contradicting himself. Like I said before, I got suspended for wearing a pair of jeans that I was told previously in the year were totally okay! You think this is right? What about the fact that he picks out certain girls to get in trouble and lets others go? Two girls could be standing right beside each other and have the same outfit on and only one of them would get in trouble! You think we should all just let this go? Like I've said before if you try to voice your opinion to him it is immediately "disrespect" when you simply ask "How am i breaking the rules?". You get interrupted, laughed at, taken as a joke. I was always taught if I were in a situation I did not like to grin and bear it and deal with it in the best way I could. My mother, who by the way did a hell of a job raising me by the way, was even disrespected when she came in to talk to him about me being suspended. He scoffed at her when she said she would be attending the school board meeting. I don't know how people like you expect us kids to be respectful to you when someone who is supposed to be setting an example for us shows so much disrespect everyday! As for "the likes of me" I would like you to know that several of the people I am closely friends with just got excepted into The Nation Honor Society or have accomplished other things you would expect from a good kid. So maybe you want to re-think your judgment. I don't know if your last sentence was being sarcastic about taking pictures, I know you take them as a joke, but don't worry I plan on it.

07/07/10 (21)
Is there anyone locally who makes and sells that corn hole game?

07/07/10 (22)
I agree! The festival had the same stuff...in the same location as the year before...and the year before that...and the years before that! Anyone can make a mass order from a catalog and sell it at the festival! JUNK!

07/07/10 (23)
For the person who sees their old neighbor beating his small dogs....animals dont have a voice and they depend on us humans. The same if it were children being abused..I could not stand back and watch day after day. If it were my neighbor, I would first approach him about why he beats his dogs and if that doesnt work..animals do have rights..this old man needs to know that if he continues to beat his dogs they can be taken away from him and he could be fined!

07/06/10 (01)

07/06/10 (02)

07/06/10 (03)

07/06/10 (04)
I am telling you that I still do not get it. I have heard no good explanation on here for why the admin offices had to be renovated, the gym had to be renovated, and the auditorium needed renovated. All of these things were no doubt in need, but to put them as a priority? Hogwash! And the "safety and security" excuse does not hold water for the admin offices. Safety and security could have been taken care of for much less, I am sure. My kid will spend just an hour or two a week (if that) in the new gym, but will soon be back in a classroom at Lincoln which is blazing hot in the fall and spring, frigid in the summer. I guess that's okay as long as the admin offices are cool and comfortable though, right? Unbelievable.

07/06/10 (05)
All this talk about the skateboarders and the constant putting THEM and their PARENTS down, but your missing the point. I do not like them destroying property, which I'm sure they probably don't even notice their doing, I also do not like making assumptions or nasty comments about people I do not know. What right do I or any of us have to judge anybody none the less 13, 14, 15- year old boys. While I know first hand some of them are down right disrespectful but I do know some of the others are good kids that treated me with good manners. I am also friends with other parents who's sons enjoy skateboarding, biking, etc. and their kids are a joy! They get good grades and were raised in a way at least I see proper. All kids make mistakes and we have to get over that. The "horrible, greasy, every bad word in the book, skaters" are NOT doing the right thing but I'm sure if instead of sitting on your computer and talking absolute trash on them (CHILDREN!) you should get out and actually do something productive! This is why the skate park that was talked of but never done should be built! Now you may say "Oh yeah so they can destroy that too?!" Well no! They can be permitted to skate there and on their own property and if they are seen damaging other property then they will get in trouble, just like any other time. If they do destroy the skate park, their loss. Then they will only have their own property to do their tricks that have damaged property. I just hate seeing children being disrespected in such a big way when we are supposed to be setting an example for them.

07/06/10 (06)

07/06/10 (07)
07/02/10 (04)
To 07/01/ (13)
You completely missed the point! Censorship by one individual is what we are talking about. Libelous or slanderous statements aside, opinions about public officials and the way they vote, act, or violate the law is fair game. Your statement makes no sense whatsoever when considering comments made about, Obama, Bush, LaGrotta, FK, Cheney, etc., etc., etc. When a site like "Sound Off" is put out there for comments and public opinion, personal censorship should never happen. Either let this site do what was intended or do away with it altogether. My personal experiences with this site are: do not comment about certain topics or certain public officials. I was censored for no apparent reason other than personal censorship.

No you are missing the point you are making statements about local people.Without singing your name.There are restrictions to what you can say unless you sign your name.

07/06/10 (08)
07/02/10 (05) "Is this a real word or is it old, bitter people slang?"

Google it. Actually, I'm surprised it is allowed to be posted because it is somewhat crude.

07/06/10 (09)

07/06/10 (10)
Re: 6/25/2010

In regards to some of your comments that were made I do not believe that you have all the facts:
1. The Ellwood District has lowered standards-

Actually due to "No Child Left Behind" standards have been increased. The school district is required by the State to make sure the students are meeting standards in reading, writing, and science. Starting in 2010 - 2011 the State will be phasing in "Keystone Exams" which will require each student to achieve a minimum score in order to advance to the next grade level. If this is not achieved then the district is put on a probation list. Continual failure to meet these standards will then result in lack of funding and teachers losing their jobs. So making the comment that standards have been lowered really shows you do NOT have all the facts. Students and teachers are under more pressure to do well than ever before.

2. You said that students are not prepared for college - This might be the case for some students but let us look into this further. You said your "example" was an honors student and who received many scholarships. Do you know what courses they took in high school? Did they take any of the following: Calculus? Honors Physics? AP Biology? College Psychology? Honors Chemistry? AP English? Anatomy and Physiology? AP Government? I am willing to guess this answer is no because if they would have I know for a fact they would have been very prepared for the course load they would see freshman year in college. Some of these courses mentioned are offered for college credit. I know of DOZENS, and I repeat DOZENS, of examples of students who did take many if not all of these courses and who were in the top of their freshman classes especially in chemistry and biology. If none of these courses are on the transcript then I am sure the person you referred to must have had a difficult time in college. Blowing off senior year with easy classes in no way going to prep one for an undergraduate major. One gets out what one puts into it.

3.A comment was made about what is going on in class. Well the teachers are required to update EDLINE weekly. This shows the course work and grades for each student each week. How about email? Have you ever emailed any of your students' teachers to check the progress? How about midterm progress reports? Any student below a 70% receives on via mail for each course at the midpoint of each 9 weeks. You don't have a computer? Use the library they have plenty? Don't want to go to the library? Make a phone call. If you are a parent and want to keep tabs on your child's progress it can be done. It might take a little effort on your part but it can be done.

4. The ever dreaded Dress Code- The dress code was created by..................now listen closely........... THE SCHOOL BOARD!! Yes believe it or not the ones YOU voted on the board are the ones who created it. The administration is only enforcing the rules that were created by the school board back in 2005. If there is a complaint about the code please talk to your nearest board member and maybe some amendments will be made to it. The principles (all of whom have gotten their position after 2005) are only doing their jobs in enforcing the rules. I am sure if you asked any of them they would say that some of the rules are a little ridiculous. But at the same time they are required to make sure it is enforced. Do not worry about the dress code too much because if you do then there is always the option of school uniforms haha.

Have a great day.

07/06/10 (11)

07/06/10 (12)

07/06/10 (13)
Does anyone know if the town will be having fireworks for the 4th this year? I cant find anything about it anywhere.

07/06/10 (14)
07/02/10 (07)
Govt. assistance should have a 1 year limit, that can be renewed through 10 years of working. While I'd rather not pay taxes at all, I have no problem with my tax money going to people who truly need it.

this makes no sense at all. there are people who made bad decisions who you look down on from your uppity snooty nose who do truly need assistence.

-----------------------

Welfare is a good thing and I am glad that it is available to people. There are people out there that actually need and use it. There are people who work 2 and 3 jobs and still need some assistance. I do believe in putting a cap on how long someone can be on welfare who does not work, but only after 1 year in my opinion is extreme. I am a republican and I know what it is to need some assistance when job availability becomes limited. I got out of the military thinking that I could get a job easily and found that wasn't the case. I had bills to pay and mouths to feed and had no choice for a few months to swallow my pride and ask for help. It wasn't like I was uneducated I have a degree in business management and my wife was going to school to be a nurse, but sometimes bad things happen. What I think people are sick of is the people who live the majority of their lives on welfare and do the bare minimum just so they can keep recieving the welfare checks. People today feel they are entitled to that money I felt embarrassed and did what I could to get off of it. I have a good job now, but I live within my means. I don't drive around in a 20 thousand dollar vehicle, but what is often seen is people driving around in nice expensive cars. How can they afford that? There needs to be audits and more checks and balances of people who are on welfare. Career link is available to people for a reason. That is so people can apply and get assistance so he or she can get some education. Another big problem is how many of them have criminal records especially felony convictions? A person with a felony pretty much has very few doors open to them. Every time a person is convicted of a felony that is another person that we are going to have to pay for for the rest of their lives. There needs to be more intervention and education available. Everything starts when we are children and how we are brought up by our parents. If the schools see a troubled child then bring the parents in if they need some remidial training on basic math, reading, and spelling then they should get it. Fix the problems early so it does not repeat itself.
___________
Thank you for serving our country. There should be benefits available to those who served in the military if they can't find work. I think previous employer is required to reinstate you. For felons at some point after serving time maybe records need to be expunged accept for repeated offenders. Time limits on welfare is the only thing that will motivate abusers of the system. Exceptions as extensions could be made on case by case review so someone like you that has served their country and is making the effort to find work are not penalized.

07/06/10 (15)

07/06/10 (16)
There should be a new law for animal owners. How about, FOR AS HARD AS YOU HIT YOUR SMALL DOG, YOU should also be hit by someone as much bigger than you AND AS HARD! I watch out by back door at an old man who BEATS his small dogs. Cant someone PLEASE beat him just as hard? I'm suprised the poor little things dont have internal damage. God Bless them. I hope they survive.

07/06/10 (17)

07/06/10 (18)
I thought that level quality level of the "arts & crafts" booths at the Festival was terrible! It was all the same stuff and mostly made in China or bought from the Oriental Trading catalog.

07/06/10 (19)
RE: 07/02/10 (17)
"Today's teachers are afraid of their students and their principals.
The principals are afraid of the superintendant.
The superintendant is afraid of the school board.
The school board is afraid of the parents.
The parents are afraid of their own kids and the kids are afraid of NO ONE"
-------------------------------------------------
This is not true at Ellwood... me and my friends are scared of ONE principal...
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The worst part about this situation is student enrolment has dropped to the point where Ellwood doesn’t need 3 principals. Obviously this person doesn’t have enough to do if they can spend this much time harassing students. This is one area the board could have reduced costs but failed to do so.

07/06/10 (20)
I know this has been said before.However I have had three children graduate from Lincoln High. And one from college.I have been to all four commencements, including the one from college.This year was the first That I heard School Board President Leroy Cortez.His speech was by far the best that , I have heard.I am saying this now because I just seen him at the festival.

07/06/10 (21)
RE: 07/01/10 (04)
I am a housewife and I count myself lucky to be so.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
You are lucky and you are smart to continue to do so. Our society was much better off when the wife stayed home and worked hard to keep an excellent home for the rest of the family. Don’t listen to all the nonsense posted here; many people don’t even know what they are talking about because they weren’t around when mothers use to put their family before a career. This county didn’t have half the problems it has now when moms were able to concentrate on raising their children. I’m proud of you. Great job! Thank you.

07/06/10 (22)
When the Socialist-in-chief took officeI was worried. Subsequent acts like taking over government private businesses and bowing to Muslims made we worry that America, as we know it, would be destroyed. My faith in Americans. however, was strengthened,at the Festival. When B.E. Taylor, a very patriotic man sang the Star Spangled Banner, people stood with their hands over their heart. A tear went own the cheek of many vets, including me. These people are the same ones I saw at the Beaver Tea Party, who love their country-who defended their country, and who will vote in November. We will sustain.

07/06/10 (23)
There was a robbery at the Festival, while police, getting double or triple pay were there.

07/06/10 (24)
does anyone know who is doing the driveway paving on mecklam lane??????

07/06/10 (25)

07/06/10 (26)
Attention LINCOLN CLASS OF 1983 GRADS (including VoTech) - if you have not received an invitation to the reunion, to be held Sat., July 24 at the SOI, please email maryprence@live.com as soon as possible. Thanks.

07/06/10 (27)
Are we seriously supposed to believe the biggest complaint of E.C. residents are animals running loose and loud radios? Seriously? How about drug dealing and shootings? No one mentioned those? I do not even feel comfortable letting my 6 year old child play in the backyard without someone out there with her and we live on the North Side. Can we get a committee for that?
**posted as a story comment

07/06/10 (28)
I enjoy attending the festival however I have an objection: Friday is a working day which cutsdown attendance, Saturday is OK, Sunday is OK, but why Friday? Why not Sat., Sun. and Monday. Monday is the day that working people have off for the 4th. Sat., Sun. and Monday makes more sense. Why are these days set in stone? Next year when the 4th is on Monday, will it still be held Friday, Sat. & Sunday?
**posted as a story comment

07/02/10 (01)
"this makes no sense at all. there are people who made bad decisions who you look down on from your uppity snooty nose who do truly need assistence."

Yes, it makes a LOT of sense. If you go to Vegas and put all your money on 12, should I have to pay you back if you lose????

I suggested a full year of benefits to get back on your feet with the only requirement being that you had to work for the next 10 to recharge it. If you can't turn your life around in a year, there's something wrong.

07/02/10 (02)
07/01/10 (14)
I can't wait for you to get out of Dodge either...sick of your snoty nose and not going by the rules...wait until you are on your own and then see what's what. You and your other skate board friends are welcome to leave now if you wish..you don't know how well you have things...you will however see my point when you grow up!!!
--------------------------------------------------
See you don't get the point of my argument... I am saying WE FOLLOW THE RULES, it doesn't matter if you wear "mid-thigh" shorts... ITS STILL SOMEHOW BREAKING THE RULES! I'm sorry your life is so horrible that you think us kids should have to suffer also but you are wrong! As for you saying I'm snotty? NO. I stand up for what I think is right in a respectful way like I was taught at home and throughout school. The past year has been hell for us kids because no matter how hard we try to be respectful and follow these rules, we are always in the wrong with that man!!!! And as for you saying I dont go by the rules, I'd like you to know if you knew me there isnt anything I have ever been in trouble for LEGITIMATELY at that school before this ridiculous past year! As for my "skate board friends" uhm wut?! I get along with almost everybody at that school but I'm not personally close with any of them. The one or two that I DO know better are really nice and don't sit there and talk crap on you bitter people all day. Oh and by the way I will NEVER see your point of view when I grow up because I will never let myself as a grown human being bad mouth kids and their opinions and talents. I know you may not have none this but what I love to do is TAKE PICTURES and I plan to go to college for it and make a career out of it. So maybe next time you decide to put your self on a high horse and put down those "horrible skaters" and alternatives... you should think who you may be affecting because what you said definitely offended me and other photographers I know.

Myabe I am acting "snotty".... must be because of people like you who taught us kids that way ;)

Answer...My parents taught me how to wipe my nose. When I was in school I just kept my nose clean and followed the rules of the day. I would never have written a letter about anything that I did not approve of. I raised my children and taught them to blow their nose too. Please don't place me in the same house of some of the nutty parents of today. They are the ones that raised you and the likes of you. I wish you luck as you grow older and I hope you take the best pictures ever.

07/02/10 (03)
I'm quite sorry to say this but all of you need to grow up. Maybe if we wouldn't have such whiny adults like all of you, we wouldn't have the drama in Ellwood City. Okay?!?!?!?! So just let things so my gosh!!!

07/02/10 (04)
To 07/01/ (13)
You completely missed the point! Censorship by one individual is what we are talking about. Libelous or slanderous statements aside, opinions about public officials and the way they vote, act, or violate the law is fair game. Your statement makes no sense whatsoever when considering comments made about, Obama, Bush, LaGrotta, FK, Cheney, etc., etc., etc. When a site like "Sound Off" is put out there for comments and public opinion, personal censorship should never happen. Either let this site do what was intended or do away with it altogether. My personal experiences with this site are: do not comment about certain topics or certain public officials. I was censored for no apparent reason other than personal censorship.

07/02/10 (05)

07/02/10 (06)
07/01/10 (12) "The parents are now clinging to their Bible since they no longer can cling to their confiscated guns. Will charges be brought against the irresponsible parents? Probably not since the NRA will fight for their second amendment right."

The NRA actually sponsors a program warning children not to play around with guns. Your suggestion that they would protect irresponsible parents is irresponsible in itself. Find better things to do than looking for tragedies that you can use as an excuse to attack human rights.

07/02/10 (07)
Govt. assistance should have a 1 year limit, that can be renewed through 10 years of working. While I'd rather not pay taxes at all, I have no problem with my tax money going to people who truly need it.

this makes no sense at all. there are people who made bad decisions who you look down on from your uppity snooty nose who do truly need assistence.

-----------------------

Welfare is a good thing and I am glad that it is available to people. There are people out there that actually need and use it. There are people who work 2 and 3 jobs and still need some assistance. I do believe in putting a cap on how long someone can be on welfare who does not work, but only after 1 year in my opinion is extreme. I am a republican and I know what it is to need some assistance when job availability becomes limited. I got out of the military thinking that I could get a job easily and found that wasn't the case. I had bills to pay and mouths to feed and had no choice for a few months to swallow my pride and ask for help. It wasn't like I was uneducated I have a degree in business management and my wife was going to school to be a nurse, but sometimes bad things happen. What I think people are sick of is the people who live the majority of their lives on welfare and do the bare minimum just so they can keep recieving the welfare checks. People today feel they are entitled to that money I felt embarrassed and did what I could to get off of it. I have a good job now, but I live within my means. I don't drive around in a 20 thousand dollar vehicle, but what is often seen is people driving around in nice expensive cars. How can they afford that? There needs to be audits and more checks and balances of people who are on welfare. Career link is available to people for a reason. That is so people can apply and get assistance so he or she can get some education. Another big problem is how many of them have criminal records especially felony convictions? A person with a felony pretty much has very few doors open to them. Every time a person is convicted of a felony that is another person that we are going to have to pay for for the rest of their lives. There needs to be more intervention and education available. Everything starts when we are children and how we are brought up by our parents. If the schools see a troubled child then bring the parents in if they need some remidial training on basic math, reading, and spelling then they should get it. Fix the problems early so it does not repeat itself.

07/02/10 (08)
RE: 07/01/10 (09)
Putting Cameras in the Classroom for parent Internet viewing: What a violation of the child and parent's rights!
Being the adoptive parent of two children whose lives were almost ended by their birth parents along with the in court threats of death for the children. I would be the first to refuse to let my child attend any school where cameras had Internet access for anyone.
As a teacher, we must obtain signed parent releases to video tape and/or take photos of any child in our classrooms no matter what the reason. This includes photos for the yearbook as well. This makes a lot of sense today with split families, court orders, and witness protection programs.
Yes, we have cameras in our hallways and on the grounds but only the School Administrators and the Police Officers asigned as the school SRO can access those videos for investigative purposes only.
If 100% of the parents would do their job at home and teach their child discipline we would not have the problems we are seeing in school.
Not too long ago our administration sent this around:
"Today's teachers are afraid of their students and their principals.
The principals are afraid of the superintendant.
The superintendant is afraid of the school board.
The school board is afraid of the parents
The parents are afraid of their own kids and the kids are afraid of NO ONE@
_______________________________________________________
It is no surprise that a teacher would object to this but public education was never meant to be about the teachers. It doesn’t seem to violate anyone’s rights when this method is used in a daycare environment. It seems the only ones that would object to this are the ones that have something to hide. It appears the kids are afraid of cameras; there have been very few break-ins since they have been utilized in the schools. Your children’s pictures are already on numerous security systems viewed by people you have no control over at most businesses you visit. I bet you don’t refuse to let your children go to these places.

07/02/10 (09)
Actually- I have several comments to make--

First off, I am really dis-satisfied w/ the waste management take over... for one thing, they broke my garbage can, then another time my garbage sat out on the curb all day (I set it out on Sunday night for Monday pick up-- they actually didn't come to get it until some time late monday night early Tuesday Morning).

Secondly, to all of those people who are slamming childern-- I have two very good children who attend lincoln. These kids are hard workers...they hang around in Ellwood over summer vacation--but, they are not disruptive--just because a kid likes to skate board & hang out doesn't make a kid bad-- wake up-- there are alot worse things they could be doing!

And Finally, to the person who commented that the staff has to have nicer offices because they are there longer-- I understand that. But, if it was your kid who was in that school w/ no heat & ceiling tiles were falling on them, you would think differently.

07/02/10 (10)
Rep 7/1/10 #12

The second amendment gives the parents the right to bear arms but not child under 18 is allowed to carry a handgun anywhere. Kids must be 17 to even go hunting with rifles by themselves and these boys were younger than that so the parents should be charged if not don't blame the NRA blame the police for not doing there jobs correctly. Didn't you see a couple of years ago a state senator left his handgun out where the teen neighbor got it and died and he was held responsible so why wouldn't parents that let their son take the guns.

07/02/10 (11)
To the 7-1-10(7) comment. You must go out to eat everyday, have your clothes done professionaly, Molly Maids must come in and clean your place, Do not get any mail, and no newspapers, Never buy anything that comes in boxes, plastic containers...etc. My bin get full because I cook, clean, do laundry, get mail, buy things. Therefore my bin is overflowing with recycables. That is why my bin is TOO small.

07/02/10 (12)
RE: 07/01/10 (09) If 100% of the parents would do their job at home and teach their child discipline we would not have the problems we are seeing in school.
Not too long ago our administration sent this around:
"Today's teachers are afraid of their students and their principals.
The principals are afraid of the superintendant.
The superintendant is afraid of the school board.
The school board is afraid of the parents.
The parents are afraid of their own kids and the kids are afraid of NO ONE@
____________________________________________________________
But the teachers, with the protection of their union, are not afraid of the tax payers and in Ellwood, with their ties to the board, are not afraid of them also.

07/02/10 (13)
I just heard that a local church was going to do something nice to honor someone and one person has total control over everything that goes on at that church office. I have not been back to the church since and will never step foot in there again. Who is in charge of the church the pastor or the person who picks up the phone and has control over everything that passes through that office. I think I will take this one step above the pastor and write a letter to the BIG office in Pittsburgh. The pastors always used to be in charge not afraid of what one person might have to say. I have been going to this church for over 50 years and this is horrible.

07/02/10 (14)

07/02/10 (15)

07/02/10 (16)
WOW When I posted the question on housewives, I knew it would get some attention but I never dreamed it would bring out every housewife in Ellwood professing their days aren't filled with eating bon-bons and watchign Oprah. It does leave me wondering though... If none of you housewives are watching Oprah, how is it that her show one of the most watched on television? Things that make yah say hmmm...
------------------------------------------------
Hahahaha, have you been watching "George Lopez" recently? He was saying the same things about his wife who was a stay at home mom. They switched postions and made it into a competition and he realized her job was just as hard as his at the factory! Haha... good show... good show...

07/02/10 (17)
"Today's teachers are afraid of their students and their principals.

The principals are afraid of the superintendant.

The superintendant is afraid of the school board.

The school board is afraid of the parents.

The parents are afraid of their own kids and the kids are afraid of NO ONE"
-------------------------------------------------
This is not true at Ellwood... me and my friends are scared of ONE principal...

07/02/10 (18)
...The school board is afraid of the parents.

The parents are afraid of their own kids and the kids are afraid of NO ONE@

I find this entry very sad if indeed, it was sent out by any school administration. We cannot and should not lump all young people together as rude or thugs. I have met many young people in this community who are just terrific. Remember "Bye Bye Birdie" and Paul Lynde's rant: Kids! What's the matter with kids today? Look for the good in them and look past the clothing styles and the way they wear their hair. Let's be better models for them and perhaps we just might influence them as they mature.

07/01/10 (01)
Govt. assistance should have a 1 year limit, that can be renewed through 10 years of working. While I'd rather not pay taxes at all, I have no problem with my tax money going to people who truly need it.

this makes no sense at all. there are people who made bad decisions who you look down on from your uppity snooty nose who do truly need assistence.

07/01/10 (02)

07/01/10 (03)
to....06/30/10 (10)

Plenty of my family members have made that same "mistake." I don't expect YOU to pay for them. I believe marriage was still "for better or WORSE," the last time I checked.

Volunteering. Yes, I've done a lot of that, and if anything it's ruining my compassion for the folks of Ellwood, whom as some have pointed out would complain about a free meal. Don't get me wrong, there are a bunch of great people in this town. Unfortunately, there are a lot of idiots as well.

From,
Oh High and Mighty

07/01/10 (04)
I am a housewife and I count myself lucky to be so.

WOW When I posted the question on housewives, I knew it would get some attention but I never dreamed it would bring out every housewife in Ellwood professing their days aren't filled with eating bon-bons and watchign Oprah. It does leave me wondering though... If none of you housewives are watching Oprah, how is it that her show one of the most watched on television? Things that make yah say hmmm...

07/01/10 (05)
I said not longterm welfare! If the welfare stops, they will fend for themselves, otherwise they do not need to. I am sick of the helpless talk. Get a job and take care of your family just like the majority of us do. Who says ultimately the money is spent on the children? I know of cases where this did not happen. Let them at least pay the money back at some point. This will motivate individuals to become self sufficient promptly.

A little lesson to start your day, not that I think it will matter, I just want you to know the facts. There are A LOT of people who pay the Welfare system back. If a parent is left with no support system, they can apply for, and receieve welfare and food stamps. Once a support system has been established, either via job or Domestic Relations, a percentage is taken out each month to pay back the collected welfare.

07/01/10 (06)
The divorce rate is over 50%, hardly the majority are due to abuse. Good try, but most are due simply to bad decisions and the fact that the government will take care of them. Many do not even bother to marry, many do not know who the father is! Many drove their spouse away! Bad karma? There won't be any if the time on welfare is limited and they pay back the handout when they get on their feet. I know too many single parents that worked their butt off and supported their children without welfare.

You don't have the slightest clue what you're talking about! You had a number pop into your little head and your fingers couldn't write it down fast enough! Do some research before you post your b/s comments. Are there people undeserving of welfare on welfare, yes indeed! Are you able to follow them around on a daily basis watching their every move so they can be arrested for such a crime? I know I'm not. Maybe that's a job for the elderly? Get them earning their Medicare and Social Security checks?

07/01/10 (07)
06/30/10 (01)
Well council members, it has been 1 week since the burning ban, and have not heard or seen any movement on Bigger recycling containers. You are expecting us to recycle more, and yet, we have no room in the Undersized bins that have been used for the past 10 years plus. Wake up. We need bigger recycling containers.
**********
What the heck did you burn ? All I put in my recycle blue box is glass, cans, plastic and magazines plus old newspapers. My can is always big enough to handle these items. My blue bags hold everything else. Quit bellie acking and follow the law.

07/01/10 (08)

07/01/10 (09)
Putting Cameras in the Classroom for parent Internet viewing: What a violation of the child and parent's rights!

Being the adoptive parent of two children whose lives were almost ended by their birth parents along with the in court threats of death for the children. I would be the first to refuse to let my child attend any school where cameras had Internet access for anyone.

As a teacher, we must obtain signed parent releases to video tape and/or take photos of any child in our classrooms no matter what the reason. This includes photos for the yearbook as well. This makes a lot of sense today with split families, court orders, and witness protection programs.

Yes, we have cameras in our hallways and on the grounds but only the School Administrators and the Police Officers asigned as the school SRO can access those videos for investigative purposes only.

If 100% of the parents would do their job at home and teach their child discipline we would not have the problems we are seeing in school.

Not too long ago our administration sent this around:

"Today's teachers are afraid of their students and their principals.

The principals are afraid of the superintendant.

The superintendant is afraid of the school board.

The school board is afraid of the parents.

The parents are afraid of their own kids and the kids are afraid of NO ONE@

07/01/10 (10)
06/30/10 (12)
06/29/10 (03) COURT, and make his butt pay support, not longterm welfare!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Oh, knowing why he left might be appropriate also. Did Mom cause the problem? Maybe, Welfare Recipients should have to pay back the handouts at some point. Certainly the taxpayers did not cause him to leave. Sure COURT sounds like the logical answer but now imagine this scenario...
...................

I was married in 1990 to a man , we had two beautiful children and then someone ,somewhere introduced him to crack. Did mom cause the problem? NO. He became more and more addicted until he ended up stealing all of our money and beating me and the kids. He was removed in handcuffs in 1996. Now, without income, I found a job,minimum wage at the time and still couldn't handle the bills and rent. I was told to go to Domestic relations. We went to "Court" and they ordered him to pay an amount for both of his kids per month. I did not ask for money for myself, just for the kids. THAT was 1996. To date I have received about $500. at the most. I HAD to get food stamps. I worked harder and got better jobs, took care of my children. HE owes Welfare the moneys that WE received. I will NEVER see any support and they will NEVER get the money either. GREAT SYSTEM "Court" $50,000 unpaid later!

07/01/10 (11)
6-30-10 (07) You are very welcome, anything else you need to know just ask!

07/01/10 (12)
HICKORY TOWNSHIP ¯ Authorities are continuing to investigate after a 14-year-old boy was shot and critically injured while on a camping trip in Lawrence County. One of the teens reportedly got the weapon from his parents. The parents knew that guns were being taken on the unsupervised trip.

The parents are now clinging to their Bible since they no longer can cling to their confiscated guns. Will charges be brought against the irresponsible parents? Probably not since the NRA will fight for their second amendment right.

07/01/10 (13)
To The person complaining about the moderator not posting your comments.The owners of this page have every right to post what than want.Furthermore did it ever occur to you that posting slanderous things on this sight even if true could leave the owners at risk of a law suite.If you are so committed to letting everyone know who and what happened.Then you can put it in a letter to the editor of any local news paper.As long as you sign your name it will be published.

07/01/10 (14)
I can't wait for you to get out of Dodge either...sick of your snoty nose and not going by the rules...wait until you are on your own and then see what's what. You and your other skate board friends are welcome to leave now if you wish..you don't know how well you have things...you will however see my point when you grow up!!!
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See you don't get the point of my argument... I am saying WE FOLLOW THE RULES, it doesn't matter if you wear "mid-thigh" shorts... ITS STILL SOMEHOW BREAKING THE RULES! I'm sorry your life is so horrible that you think us kids should have to suffer also but you are wrong! As for you saying I'm snotty? NO. I stand up for what I think is right in a respectful way like I was taught at home and throughout school. The past year has been hell for us kids because no matter how hard we try to be respectful and follow these rules, we are always in the wrong with that man!!!! And as for you saying I dont go by the rules, I'd like you to know if you knew me there isnt anything I have ever been in trouble for LEGITIMATELY at that school before this ridiculous past year! As for my "skate board friends" uhm wut?! I get along with almost everybody at that school but I'm not personally close with any of them. The one or two that I DO know better are really nice and don't sit there and talk crap on you bitter people all day. Oh and by the way I will NEVER see your point of view when I grow up because I will never let myself as a grown human being bad mouth kids and their opinions and talents. I know you may not have none this but what I love to do is TAKE PICTURES and I plan to go to college for it and make a career out of it. So maybe next time you decide to put your self on a high horse and put down those "horrible skaters" and alternatives... you should think who you may be affecting because what you said definitely offended me and other photographers I know.

Myabe I am acting "snotty".... must be because of people like you who taught us kids that way ;)

07/01/10 (15)

07/01/10 (16)
Did anyone else only have a partial pick-up of their recyclables? Alot of cans and empty plastic bags wwere left in mine.

06/30/10 (01)
Well council members, it has been 1 week since the burning ban, and have not heard or seen any movement on Bigger recycling containers. You are expecting us to recycle more, and yet, we have no room in the Undersized bins that have been used for the past 10 years plus. Wake up. We need bigger recycling containers.

06/30/10 (02)
06/29/10 (01) "I have tried to post many things on here, that have complied with terms. The moderator picks and chooses what is listed. I can definately tell who they are friends with in this town. Sad that this is for "Sounding Off" but only if the moderator agrees. Like I said this will probably not get posted!!"

Well, look at the bright side: at least the moderator allows your posts complaining about the moderator.

06/30/10 (02)

06/30/10 (03)
RE: 06/29/10 (23) SIMPLE: SHE WAS BREAKING THE RULES!!!
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OH AND ALSO!!!!!! I can see where you might say Cyber School is a joke but LINCOLN PARK?!!? You are seriously so closed minded and judgmental of us KIDS that you call us a joke?! Those kids go there and have their regular core classes and also get to practice doing what they LOVE and what they plan to do in the future! I'm sure the people who take photos for the ledger you read and for this very website would BE HAPPY to know you think what they do is a joke and not a talent. How bout you come back to high school and try to not complain about it once or twice especially with the way things have went in the past year. Stop being bitter and a downer. People like you are the very reason myself and several other people are complaining and can not WAIT to get out of this town!
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I can't wait for you to get out of Dodge either...sick of your snoty nose and not going by the rules...wait until you are on your own and then see what's what. You and your other skate board friends are welcome to leave now if you wish..you don't know how well you have things...you will however see my point when you grow up!!!

06/30/10 (04)

06/30/10 (05)
So, really happy they said there would be a curb-side pickup for Ellwood with the big clean up day, but they still havent' said WHEN IT IS GOING TO HAPPEN

06/30/10 (06)
Hey, there's some really nice stuff on the classifieds page. I didn't even know there was a classifieds page.

06/30/10 (07)
06/29/10 (25) 6-28-10 (02)there are two or three drug houses in the loop street area, i know it, the cops know it and so does everyone else in Ellwood. But there are alot more than three drug houses around Ellwood City so your comment is Bulls**t! You may want to think that but you are wrong. I am not saying the loop street area is the best place but it is far from the worst and alot of people up ther are great people but there are a few trouble makers also and only a few! One bad seed ruins a good apple and that is true with Loop Street!! I was unaware of this, Thank you!

06/30/10 (08)
I am a housewife and I count myself lucky to be so. It's not that I can't work outside the home, in fact I have done so for many years and in a corporate environment too. (No, I wasn't a secretary) Our family is young and it's my "season in life" to be their mother full time. I rejoice in this vocation, just as I rejoiced when I worked outside the home for a paycheck. I am lucky because we can afford to live on one income.

I am lucky because everyone values my unpaid contributions to the family. I am the grounding force for this family. When someone is sick, I don't have to take time off from a job. When there is a field trip, I don't have switch days with someone. We never have to rush home, to rush through dinner (or worse, consume take out regularly) to rush to be somewhere else on time. The children that I chose to bring into the world are able to count on me all.the.time. I never have to tell them that I can't because I have to work, and I am so thankful to never feel that twinge of guilt.

Not everyone can do this and I feel bad about that. I feel worse that some people think it's an attempt to be lazy - my family would hardly call me lazy. I am raising my own children, I am incredibly busy with that job alone. And society should be glad that I am so busy with that as well. My children aren't entertaining themselves after school before I get home and finding trouble in those hours.

06/30/10 (09)
RE: 06/28/10 (15) According to what I have read on this site before you have the right to enter the school at anytime to observe a class or classes if you like. If you take them up on this offer let us know if you could pick classes yourself or if they (school officals) picked them for you. Also, let us know, if you could walk down the halls and just listen at doors to hear and also to observe what was going on without the students and teachers knowing of your presents. If an appointment has to be made it will all be for not. It will be handled as if an inspection was coming and you were given a 2 week notice to clean up the place, as it was in the mills where I worked. Just knock at the door one day and ask if you can observe..!!
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I realize parents do have the right to visit the school although I’m not sure it can be unannounced. This can be very difficult with the two parent working family though. I still believe that cameras in all classrooms would solve a tremendous amount of problems. Parents and the public in general have quite a large investment in public education and it is much too easy to hide things from them the way it is run now. This has worked well in daycare which is very similar to a classroom. It is nice to read where someone understands about how situations can be staged and public organizations are masters at this.

06/30/10 (10)
I moved from Ellwood City several years ago. I enjoy reading sound-off comments but for a week ame thing only a different day.There have been alot of moranic statements. My grandaughter goes to Lincoln,and things that happened in the school were beyond belief so before you start condeming kids know the facts. My grandaughter is a high honor student and I'm sure she isn't making things up. YOU are tired of paying for spouses that make the wrong choice, I hope and pray a family member of yours is never put in that situation (oh high and mighty one).Here again before you start judging KNOW the facts. The laws in Penna. are very lacks when it comes to child support and non payment.Go through domestic relations and forget that, when there is over $10,000 in rearages mother works making $9.00 an hr. and supporting 2 kids that are in high school, is she suppose to tell her kids so no food today because bills had to be paid.So now moral, where is she to go. We help her out as much as we can because she is our daughter and our grandchildren. It is people like you that I am glad I no longer live in Ellwood,judgemental on everything. you have to be a miserable adult instead of complaining about people that you think are below you. Volunteer somewhere and maybe just maybe you might become a compassionate person.

06/30/10 (11)
Govt. assistance should have a 1 year limit, that can be renewed through 10 years of working. While I'd rather not pay taxes at all, I have no problem with my tax money going to people who truly need it.

This is an absolutely GREAT idea....you should submit it to our state reps....I really like it. And I agree with your statement about my tax money....just don't think of it as your job.

06/30/10 (12)
06/29/10 (03) COURT, and make his butt pay support, not longterm welfare!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Oh, knowing why he left might be appropriate also. Did Mom cause the problem? Maybe, Welfare Recipients should have to pay back the handouts at some point. Certainly the taxpayers did not cause him to leave. Sure COURT sounds like the logical answer but now imagine this scenario... He/She moves out of state to avoid tehir responsiblities, How about this one.. He/She works for or has a business where they are paid in cash.. It is a much deeper issue than just "go to court". To address the remainder of your comment; I don't care what either parent has done to end their marriage, supporting the children they brought into this world is all I care about. You would be shocked, I mean shocked! at how unbelievably hard it is to get adults to understand that when they are spewing hatred and pointing fingers at one another.
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I said not longterm welfare! If the welfare stops, they will fend for themselves, otherwise they do not need to. I am sick of the helpless talk. Get a job and take care of your family just like the majority of us do. Who says ultimately the money is spent on the children? I know of cases where this did not happen. Let them at least pay the money back at some point. This will motivate individuals to become self sufficient promptly.

06/30/10 (13)
06/29/10 (05) The government makes it too easy to leave your husband. Welfare was not always around and consequently spouses learned to work things out. It should not be the taxpayers responsiblility to educate and cuddle the parent who left their spouse and take care of those that made bad decisions. Children have two parents who should provide for them whether they divorce or not. Child support, daycare expenses, food, where was the father while the taxpayers footed the bill? Without welfare, maybe families would stick together and nurture their own children creating their own stepping stone. This is why we have so many survivors of abuse and molestation. This is why you have sooo many of those "druggies" as you called it. They were abused by one parent and the other stayed because they had no where else to go, no one to offer a helping hand. You are throwing out some really bad karma, Im hoping for your childrens sake it waits to come back at you.
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The divorce rate is over 50%, hardly the majority are due to abuse. Good try, but most are due simply to bad decisions and the fact that the government will take care of them. Many do not even bother to marry, many do not know who the father is! Many drove their spouse away! Bad karma? There won't be any if the time on welfare is limited and they pay back the handout when they get on their feet. I know too many single parents that worked their butt off and supported their children without welfare.

06/30/10 (14)
RE: SIMPLE: SHE WAS BREAKING THE RULES!!!
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Three words.... How Dare You?

Take your negative opinion on kids and leave it somewhere wanted! I have never been more ashamed of a post....

06/30/10 (15)
It's good to see one of our locals make national headlines...Best of Luck to Stephen Johns!

http://ellwoodcity.org/localnews/062910_johnsdrafted.html

06/29/10 (01)
I have tried to post many things on here, that have complied with terms. The moderator picks and chooses what is listed. I can definately tell who they are friends with in this town. Sad that this is for "Sounding Off" but only if the moderator agrees. Like I said this will probably not get posted!!

06/29/10 (02)
06/28/10 (02)
The vast majority of druggies live in public housing...
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How very astute of you!

Since public housing is public, there should be no problem with your militia invading Rambo style and bringing the drug problem to an end once and for all.

The truth of the matter is you believe that drugs are not everywhere.

06/29/10 (03)
COURT, and make his butt pay support, not longterm welfare!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Oh, knowing why he left might be appropriate also. Did Mom cause the problem? Maybe, Welfare Recipients should have to pay back the handouts at some point. Certainly the taxpayers did not cause him to leave.

Sure COURT sounds like the logical answer but now imagine this scenario... He/She moves out of state to avoid tehir responsiblities, How about this one.. He/She works for or has a business where they are paid in cash.. It is a much deeper issue than just "go to court".
To address the remainder of your comment; I don't care what either parent has done to end their marriage, supporting the children they brought into this world is all I care about. You would be shocked, I mean shocked! at how unbelievably hard it is to get adults to understand that when they are spewing hatred and pointing fingers at one another.

06/29/10 (04)
06/28/10 (13)
Today the waste management truck picked up yard waste for the only time this month. Along Pershing Street someone had placed a small limb near a container. The workers dumped the container but couldn't bend over and then throw the limb into the truck... This about sums up our service.

You want to talk about service.. I have a good one for you! A limb fell across the street in front of my home, blocking both lanes. Seeing the problem I went outside and pulled the limb off the street and placed it along the edge of my yard. I called the street dept and reported this limb. To my great surprise when they arrived to pick up the limb, they refused to take it because I had placed it in my yard! I explained what had happened and still they said no. To quote the one, they're "not permitted to pick up limbs laying on private property" (that reads much nicer than it was stated but you get the gist) and they left. Let me tell you, that limb went right back out onto the street and an hour later they showed up, I gave them my bestest smile as they heaved it into the truck, and off they went. Remember that the next time you think about helping the borough employees.

06/29/10 (05)
The government makes it too easy to leave your husband. Welfare was not always around and consequently spouses learned to work things out. It should not be the taxpayers responsiblility to educate and cuddle the parent who left their spouse and take care of those that made bad decisions. Children have two parents who should provide for them whether they divorce or not. Child support, daycare expenses, food, where was the father while the taxpayers footed the bill? Without welfare, maybe families would stick together and nurture their own children creating their own stepping stone.

This is why we have so many survivors of abuse and molestation. This is why you have sooo many of those "druggies" as you called it. They were abused by one parent and the other stayed because they had no where else to go, no one to offer a helping hand. You are throwing out some really bad karma, Im hoping for your childrens sake it waits to come back at you.

06/29/10 (06)

06/29/10 (07)
Re: 06/25/10 (21)

Easy to make website, easy to maintain - webstarts.com
even if it's YOUR site, you would still have to be very careful of comments or names you allowed to be posted.

06/29/10 (08)

06/29/10 (09)
RE: 06/28/10 (05)
I would like to point out you are judging “conservative” women. You assume “conservative” women are married and they don't “need” to work. There are “conservative” women who work to support themselves or their families just as women using public assistance. These same “conservative” women work very hard to provide for their families. And, they may be tired of also supporting the families of women & men using public assistance as a hand out instead of the hand out it was intended to be. So, you should take your own advice and not judge lest you find yourself in their shoes.

06/29/10 (10)
Congrats to Stephen Johns. 2nd round pick of the Chicago Blackhawks. A classy kid from a classy family.

06/29/10 (11)
RE: 06/28/10 (14)

Did you stop and think for a second about the fact that the moderator that you feel is so "evil" actually allowed your post to be published? A post bashing him or her? I think the moderators do a great job keeping things on this forum "safe for work". I don't see you personally signing your posts, so I guess it is safe to say that you prefer to remain anonymous too. Think about it, if it were you, and someone didn't like the way you were doing your job, would you like someone to name you, by name, here on the forum and assassinate your character? If you were really that concerned about things at the school, the school board meets monthly, and their meetings are public. I'm sure you can get that person's name there if you need it that badly.

06/29/10 (12)

06/29/10 (13)
alot of conservative women come on this site and mock and ridicule women who are on foodstamps or some other gov't help and never stop long enough to put themselves in their shoes. maybe your just a very blessed or fortunate woman who married a guy with a good paying job and you dont have to work and you can stay at home and raise the kids or you can go to work just for whatever reason but dont HAVE TO. maybe these women on gov't help are just as righteous and good as you but for a number of reasons including marrying the wrong person are now stuck. don't be so quick to judge lest you find yourself in their shoes.
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Why should I feel bad for a man or woman that married the wrong person? They made that choice, not me. I shouldn't have to pay for their mistakes, I have enough of my own to worry about.

It burns me when I have to pay for people's "choices." You chose not to work. You chose to marry the abusive cheating spouse. You chose to buy a house you can't afford. You chose to max out your credit cards.

Govt. assistance should have a 1 year limit, that can be renewed through 10 years of working. While I'd rather not pay taxes at all, I have no problem with my tax money going to people who truly need it.

06/29/10 (14)
Speaking of kids,I understand a few Lincoln 8th and 9th graders were along the natural trail last week and smoking weed. From my sources, the police were called, but I don't know if any action was taken and/or parents/guardians notified. When visiting Kids Kingdom keep your eyes and ears open and report such conduct.

06/29/10 (15)
At the intersection of Mt. Vernon and Line Ave. there is a strip of land between Line Ave. and Patricia Dr. which is not being mowed. Right now it is becoming hazardous. It appears the rest of that strip of grass is being mowed and taken care of, why not that area? Leaning around high grass at that intersection is dangerous.

06/29/10 (16)
06/25/10 (14)
Burning paper is not a health issue. Smoking is a health issue...the orange smoke coming after dark is a health issue. There is more filth coming out in one night than from burning for a year.

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You are right. But because that place provides employment for a small amount of local people,it is basically okay ......

06/29/10 (17)
Not all people in the system have come from welfare families or are they still on welfare. I myself lived in the projects with my kids for numerous years, yea i got food stamps, yea i worked but you no the only thing we did have enough of was food and i didn't buy a lot of prepackaged stuff...I cooked.We drank a lot of Kool- Aid. I also went to school became a nurse and got out of the system and have paid my own way. My parents, grandparents, siblings nor anyone else has ever been on welfare but it was what i had when i left my husband and had three kids to support. Yea, there are people that have been on welfare as there parents had and maybe even there grandparents but there are more people, that i know, that used it as it was intended. It was used as a stepping stone to get to a better life for themselves and there children.So don't judge these people, you don't know them, you don't know what they may be doing to better themselves.Believe me if they didn't need the help they wouldn't be getting the food stamps because no matter what you may think, not everyone can get food stamps or even if they can they don't want them because of the stigma people like you put on people that do use them

You did it the right way - you did not make a career of welfare/food stamps. Its the families who have been living off the government all their lives and keep getting pregnant. Congratulations on your accomplishments - everyone should do as well as you did....But to the people who keep having kids while on Welfare -BIRTH CONTROL IS FREE TOO !!

06/29/10 (18)
definition of a housewife/homemaker, over worked, underpaid, must have many skills, no union, multitasking is a daily routine and there are usually children and the large kid who comes home from work and lays out all his problems at work that day, but she doesn't dare complain or she will be reminded about how easy SHE GOT IT.thats all folks

Um...this description describes all the woman who do go out to work everyday, underpaid, un-appreciated, multi-tasking,no union and a family who complains...but doesn't get to stay in her house to enjoy the pleasure....big difference

06/29/10 (19)
Hey, Burger, I burned Saturday-had a hot dog with me so if anybody complained I could say I was having a cook-off!

06/29/10 (20)

06/29/10 (21)
ummmm...hello! michael jackson, heath ledger? who do you think supplies the drugs? the doctors. street drugs are almost gone. its prescribed meds now. and then these drugs are mixed with others to make something else. don't people read? our doctors are now referred to as "health care prescribers" and our fda and the medical association let it happen. why? pharmacuticals make billions.why the afgan war? opium..........

06/29/10 (22)
SIMPLE: SHE WAS BREAKING THE RULES!!! They have a dress code policy at the high school, LEARN TO FOLLOW IT! What is wrong with you people? Instead of teaching our children to be responsible and to follow RULES we want to baby them and tell them that its okay. Wrong, wrong, WRONG... the same thing applies to Cyber School. Instead of telling our children to learn to deal with the difficults at hand we make EXCUSES and send them to a computer to sit and pretend they are getting an education! Cyber is a joke, Lincoln Park is a BIGGER joke. Kids go and play for 4 hours while the people of Ellwood pay for them to attend. These kids have "talent"... I don't consider taking photos a talent...sorry.... Ellwood's high school DOES prepare students for college. Those that want to learn do...end of discussion. Yes some students cruise in high school, didn't you? I did and only learned at college that I needed to apply myself. Its just like life, those that want to work do,and those that are taught to run away, hide and or come up with an excuse often do. Our society needs to look in the mirror and wake up before its too late!
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ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!!?!! Was I breaking the rules on the last day of school when i wore a pair of jeans that had a fray on the pocket EVEN THOUGH previously in the year I had to change a different pair of jeans that had a hole in them into the jeans I wore on the last day. I walk into school and get told I have to miss seeing all my teachers and getting introduced to all my new classes and that I am being suspended for wearing THOSE SAME JEANS I was told I was allowed to wear and that they were fine!!!!!!! BEFORE YOU SAY WE ARE IRRESPONSIBLE, TAKE A LOOK AT THE OTHER SIDE! I have worn those jeans I got suspended for ALL YEAR and it just so happens on the last day I'm "not allowed to wear them and it was an oversight on his part" BULLCRAP! bullcrap.

06/29/10 (23)
SIMPLE: SHE WAS BREAKING THE RULES!!! They have a dress code policy at the high school, LEARN TO FOLLOW IT! What is wrong with you people? Instead of teaching our children to be responsible and to follow RULES we want to baby them and tell them that its okay. Wrong, wrong, WRONG... the same thing applies to Cyber School. Instead of telling our children to learn to deal with the difficults at hand we make EXCUSES and send them to a computer to sit and pretend they are getting an education! Cyber is a joke, Lincoln Park is a BIGGER joke. Kids go and play for 4 hours while the people of Ellwood pay for them to attend. These kids have "talent"... I don't consider taking photos a talent...sorry.... Ellwood's high school DOES prepare students for college. Those that want to learn do...end of discussion. Yes some students cruise in high school, didn't you? I did and only learned at college that I needed to apply myself. Its just like life, those that want to work do,and those that are taught to run away, hide and or come up with an excuse often do. Our society needs to look in the mirror and wake up before its too late!
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OH AND ALSO!!!!!! I can see where you might say Cyber School is a joke but LINCOLN PARK?!!? You are seriously so closed minded and judgmental of us KIDS that you call us a joke?! Those kids go there and have their regular core classes and also get to practice doing what they LOVE and what they plan to do in the future! I'm sure the people who take photos for the ledger you read and for this very website would BE HAPPY to know you think what they do is a joke and not a talent. How bout you come back to high school and try to not complain about it once or twice especially with the way things have went in the past year. Stop being bitter and a downer. People like you are the very reason myself and several other people are complaining and can not WAIT to get out of this town!

06/29/10 (24)
This is a prime example of the censorship on this site myself and others have written about. We have no idea who this person is writing about when saying HE will sit in his new office. Who the hell is HE? "We The People" need to know and I'm sure this commentor named he or she and it was censored, by the moderator. Hey Mr./Ms Moderator, am I right?
You've done this very censoring when different stores were written about, and in my case when counsel people were named and now someone within the high school.
You better be careful, owner of this site, someone says if it continues they will ask your sponsors to limit their funds that come your way. OUCH..!!
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THIS IS TRUE! I did name him and they took it out! They won't even let me say his position in the office. It is a disappointment because he is the problem! I tried to clarify by saying "new addition" and "started this previous year" and I still don't know if the people know who I am speaking of...

06/29/10 (25)
6-28-10 (02)there are two or three drug houses in the loop street area, i know it, the cops know it and so does everyone else in Ellwood. But there are alot more than three drug houses around Ellwood City so your comment is Bulls**t! You may want to think that but you are wrong. I am not saying the loop street area is the best place but it is far from the worst and alot of people up ther are great people but there are a few trouble makers also and only a few! One bad seed ruins a good apple and that is true with Loop Street!!

06/29/10 (26)
Congrats And Best Wishes Tim ! And thank you and your family for all the Childhood Memories at the Rink !!
** posted as a story comment

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06/28/10 (01)
06/25/10 (17)
I see the complaints about the high school and i had to not really disagree but add my opnion from a side more favorable. I see the school calling me for when tests will be and when my child is absent and to give small reminders thru the year. And I for one enjoyed them letting me know what was going on because sometimes it seems the high school forgets that just because they grow-up they still have parents who care. And I truly believe there are going to be different faculty and younger teachers who will help change, if we as parents also step up. I see them trying to care and i believe they care and i appriciate that
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Right.... Good for the parents, horrible for the students. Let me remind you that for 180 days a year 7 hours a day our children attend this school. My daughter and her large group of friends could all testify to being made uncomfortable and harassed . Its a shame with all the new improvements being made that he is ruining it for them! If they cant enjoy themselves and feel comfortable in their own school then they aren't going to get the grades and achievements we expect. Obviously you parents are oblivious to the previous comments made by other parents who have experienced his wrath. While he sits in his NEW, air conditioned office acting all superior, the kids suffer. Standing in the pouring rain? My daughter has called home crying twice in the last month of school. Why?
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SIMPLE: SHE WAS BREAKING THE RULES!!! They have a dress code policy at the high school, LEARN TO FOLLOW IT! What is wrong with you people? Instead of teaching our children to be responsible and to follow RULES we want to baby them and tell them that its okay. Wrong, wrong, WRONG... the same thing applies to Cyber School. Instead of telling our children to learn to deal with the difficults at hand we make EXCUSES and send them to a computer to sit and pretend they are getting an education! Cyber is a joke, Lincoln Park is a BIGGER joke. Kids go and play for 4 hours while the people of Ellwood pay for them to attend. These kids have "talent"... I don't consider taking photos a talent...sorry.... Ellwood's high school DOES prepare students for college. Those that want to learn do...end of discussion. Yes some students cruise in high school, didn't you? I did and only learned at college that I needed to apply myself. Its just like life, those that want to work do,and those that are taught to run away, hide and or come up with an excuse often do. Our society needs to look in the mirror and wake up before its too late!

06/28/10 (02)
The vast majority of druggies live in public housing. That is why some politicians want welfare recipients checked for drugs if they want a check. If you watch any of the "cop" shows you will notice 90% of their arrests are in public housing. Try Plan 11 in Aliquippa. If one business person takes drugs that doesn't mean that the MAJORITY of druggies don't live in publci housing. Try Loop Street.

06/28/10 (03)
Rep#6 6/25

Did it ever occur to you that maybe said child was used to being told what to do instead of taking a little initiative and reading their books on their own. A lot of college proffesors teach some things but others the students are supposed to learn on their own.
After sitting thru orientation for my child who is starting college this fall one of the comments they made is that alot of students have trouble transitioning the first year. They also told the parents and students plan to study 2 hours for every hour you have class.
And while my child was not a high honor student took every class they would let him. He did pass his placement tests so maybe its just the student.
Of course they also go by SAT scores for part of the placement.

06/28/10 (04)
06/25/10 (20)
I totally agree with the comments about the moderator. This site should no longer be called "Sound Off," it should be called moderator's comments or opinions. The moderator must be related to certain people in the borough.
A public official is fair game in case you haven't heard. Also, why are comments about the various departments in the borough never ever put on this site unless they are positive? What the moderator is doing is unfair and makes "Sound Off" worthless.

i totally agree. a certain individual who committed a clear crime and was only not charged because his christian sisters chose not to to protect his reputation and job didnt make it on to this site. the moderator must know him !

06/28/10 (05)
alot of conservative women come on this site and mock and ridicule women who are on foodstamps or some other gov't help and never stop long enough to put themselves in their shoes. maybe your just a very blessed or fortunate woman who married a guy with a good paying job and you dont have to work and you can stay at home and raise the kids or you can go to work just for whatever reason but dont HAVE TO. maybe these women on gov't help are just as righteous and good as you but for a number of reasons including marrying the wrong person are now stuck. don't be so quick to judge lest you find yourself in their shoes.

06/28/10 (06)
Give an Ellwoodian lemonade and they will cry about handouts..

06/28/10 (07)
6-25-10 (01) I always see you put that stupid comment on here about did you find the birth certificate yet? wa-wa-wa-wa-wa-wa. Are you talking about the same birth certificate that you have never seen either? I am very sad to say i voted for this myself and it is a disgrace what he is doing to our country, I am very sorry that i cast a vote for him because i thought he was telling the truth but all he does is lies. I am sorry America but it sure will never happen again!!! I guess he doesnt have to get a bull horn, or cheer on the people cleaning up the oil or even have lunch with Gov. Jingles but he sures should tell the American people the truth!

06/28/10 (08)
To the 4 town council members ( that will not get re-elected) When are you going to do something about the drugs.Why not make the highest paid police department in the world work a 21-turn schedule.Yow will have more coverage with less overtime.Or did you negotiate away you right to make the work schedule.

06/28/10 (09)
My two cents on the burning ban is that it is ridiculous. If you cannot breathe for the four hours that it is approved, maybe move to a more rural area that in an area where the houses are barely separated by an alley if you are lucky. Ellwood does really give a new meaning to a tight-knit community. I do not live in the area, but just outside of it. I hope this does not catch up with my township because it is absolutely moronic to say what I can and cannot do on my own property. It's bad enough going off your property to work or anywhere else and you need to be mindful of the do's and don'ts of your surroundings. I understand that because I don't own the properties I go to I need to obey the rules, but when I am home, I have my own rules and it's silly I can be told how high my grass can be, to fix something because my neighbors don't think it looks classy enough. It's sad really... I thought being a home owner would be great because I no longer had a land-lord, but instead got a bunch of nebby politicians that don't know which battles are worth fighting and those which make no sense to fight at all...

06/28/10 (10)
Im just curious, what is your take on housewives?

First of all, I will say that I am a working mother. However, I think that if you are a housewife or stay at home mom and you take your job seriously and do it to the best of your ability, then you work more hours in one week than the rest of us do. I personally don't think that I could be a full time housewife, so I give credit to those who do it, and do it well.

06/28/10 (11)
definition of a housewife/homemaker, over worked, underpaid, must have many skills, no union, multitasking is a daily routine and there are usually children and the large kid who comes home from work and lays out all his problems at work that day, but she doesn't dare complain or she will be reminded about how easy SHE GOT IT.thats all folks

06/28/10 (12)
06/25/10 (04)
A true housewife is one that does not depend on the goverment or state for aid.

No she depends on her husband! What happens to her and the children if he leaves, taking all his money with him?
___________
COURT, and make his butt pay support, not longterm welfare!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Oh, knowing why he left might be appropriate also. Did Mom cause the problem? Maybe, Welfare Recipients should have to pay back the handouts at some point. Certainly the taxpayers did not cause him to leave.

06/28/10 (13)
Today the waste management truck picked up yard waste for the only time this month. Along Pershing Street someone had placed a small limb near a container. The workers dumped the container but couldn't bend over and then throw the limb into the truck... This about sums up our service.

06/28/10 (14)
06/25/10 (17)
I see the complaints about the high school and i had to not really disagree but add my opnion from a side more favorable. I see the school calling me for when tests will be and when my child is absent and to give small reminders thru the year. And I for one enjoyed them letting me know what was going on because sometimes it seems the high school forgets that just because they grow-up they still have parents who care. And I truly believe there are going to be different faculty and younger teachers who will help change, if we as parents also step up. I see them trying to care and i believe they care and i appriciate that
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Right.... Good for the parents, horrible for the students. Let me remind you that for 180 days a year 7 hours a day our children attend this school. My daughter and her large group of friends could all testify to being made uncomfortable and harassed . Its a shame with all the new improvements being made that he is ruining it for them! If they cant enjoy themselves and feel comfortable in their own school then they aren't going to get the grades and achievements we expect. Obviously you parents are oblivious to the previous comments made by other parents who have experienced his wrath. While he sits in his NEW, air conditioned office acting all superior, the kids suffer. Standing in the pouring rain? My daughter has called home crying twice in the last month of school. Why?
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This is a prime example of the censorship on this site myself and others have written about. We have no idea who this person is writing about when saying HE will sit in his new office. Who the hell is HE? "We The People" need to know and I'm sure this commentor named he or she and it was censored, by the moderator. Hey Mr./Ms Moderator, am I right?
You've done this very censoring when different stores were written about, and in my case when counsel people were named and now someone within the high school.
You better be careful, owner of this site, someone says if it continues they will ask your sponsors to limit their funds that come your way. OUCH..!!

06/28/10 (15)
6-25-2010 (06)
I also have a child in Ellwood that I know is not prepared to enter college and tells me how little is done in many of their classes. Parents need a way to see what is actually going on in their child’s classrooms. It is the only way for them to indentify what is productive and where waste can be eliminated. It is no different that being able to watch someone work on your house or car to see exactly what you are paying for.
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According to what I have read on this site before you have the right to enter the school at anytime to observe a class or classes if you like. If you take them up on this offer let us know if you could pick classes yourself or if they (school officals) picked them for you. Also, let us know, if you could walk down the halls and just listen at doors to hear and also to observe what was going on without the students and teachers knowing of your presents.
If an appointment has to be made it will all be for not. It will be handled as if an inspection was coming and you were given a 2 week notice to clean up the place, as it was in the mills where I worked.
Just knock at the door one day and ask if you can observe..!!

06/28/10 (16)
06/25/10 (24)
Its more than losing $10,000...you also lose points for future grants...but you probably don't even know how the awarding of grants work. It's okay, maybe you can run for council :)
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Typical LIBERAL/PROGRESSIVE move. Add something to the fire after the fact. I never heard mention by anyone about some point system coming into play.

As someone wrote for printing on Friday. Why in the world do the majority have to knee down for the MINORITY?
Someone else wrote, or maybe it was written by the same person, if you smoked all your life and you need oxegen now why must we all have to pay for your mistake? BURN, BABY, BURN...!!!

06/28/10 (17)
It so funy how lazy people are; that they complain about recycling aka saving our planet for our kids. hahahaha people are generally stupid...we should be tested to vote.

06/28/10 (18)
06/24/10 (22)
Im just curious, what is your take on housewives? Do you MEAN "Domestic Goddess"

06/28/10 (19)
The government didn't make it easy to leave my spouse...my husband did. He became a drug addict and abusive. I came home to a safe place to raise my kids. So you need to keep your opinions to yourself about something you obviously no nothing about !!!!!!

06/28/10 (20)
06/25/10 (36)
06/21/10 (25)
in reference to the comment on 06/17/10(10)
Not all people in the system have come from welfare families or are they still on welfare. I myself lived in the projects with my kids for numerous years, yea i got food stamps, yea i worked but you no the only thing we did have enough of was food and i didn't buy a lot of prepackaged stuff...I cooked.We drank a lot of Kool- Aid. I also went to school became a nurse and got out of the system and have paid my own way. My parents, grandparents, siblings nor anyone else has ever been on welfare but it was what i had when i left my husband and had three kids to support. Yea, there are people that have been on welfare as there parents had and maybe even there grandparents but there are more people, that i know, that used it as it was intended. It was used as a stepping stone to get to a better life for themselves and there children.So don't judge these people, you don't know them, you don't know what they may be doing to better themselves.Believe me if they didn't need the help they wouldn't be getting the food stamps because no matter what you may think, not everyone can get food stamps or even if they can they don't want them because of the stigma people like you put on people that do use them

_______________________________--
The government makes it too easy to leave your husband. Welfare was not always around and consequently spouses learned to work things out. It should not be the taxpayers responsiblility to educate and cuddle the parent who left their spouse and take care of those that made bad decisions. Children have two parents who should provide for them whether they divorce or not. Child support, daycare expenses, food, where was the father while the taxpayers footed the bill? Without welfare, maybe families would stick together and nurture their own children creating their own stepping stone.

To the person that left this comment. The lady that WROTE the first statement, just happens to be MY mother. Just a little insight for you. MY father was a DRUG addict, and abusive and THATS WHY she left him. If your significant other was a drug addict and beating you, would you want to have YOUR children in that kind of situation?! I THINK NOT. So before your start passing judgement on people, think of what THAT person went thru

06/28/10 (21)

06/28/10 (22)
I don't know about you but I burned Saturday. I built a fire to roast some hot dogs and I used my letters/legal papers to make the fire. Yep, I had one weiner by the fire is case anyody checked.

06/28/10 (23)
06/25/10 (26)
Does anyone know whe the online version of the Ellwood City Ledger has the same news stories for days. I know someone is updating the site because the obituaries change, but the stories change maybe once a week. Just wondering...
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I had to laugh when I looked at the Ledger online Sat.. Someone must have told them of your comment because they changed the look but kept the same stories that we have been looking at for the past WEEK...!!!

06/28/10 (24)
Okay you've told me what you "think" is my opinion, now lets hear yours! Maybe I shouldn't ask after seeing your use of "so called Housewives". Read, process, think about the point you want to make, and then reply.. Otherwise you come across as unintelligent, as you did above.

Thank You!

06/28/10 (25)

06/28/10 (26)
06/25/10 (21)
"If I had the technology to maintain a site like this I would start a rival that TRULY allowed free speech"

You do have the technology...the internet. you can start your own blog or even start up a facebook group.

I'd support you.

America = Free Speech & Free Speech = America

06/28/10 (27)
Police believe the 50-year-old man riding the motorcycle was travelling 80 mph in a 45 mph zone on route 65 when he slammed into a car. That motorcycle also caught fire.
I guess the zoom zoom zoom of the motorcycle was the ultimate thrill.

06/28/10 (28)
Burn baby burn so that you can see Wampum from your porch.

06/25/10 (01)

06/25/10 (02)
06/23/10 (26)
Mr/Ms moderator, just whose opinion are we allowed to read YOUR'S or our's.
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I've abided by the terms and conditions and some of my posts do not get published. Yes, they are opinionated but this is titled "SOUND OFF".

If this type of censorship continues, I will discuss it with those who place ads here. Plain and simple.

06/25/10 (03)
Typical response from a state employee! Housewive= lazy! A true housewife is one that does not depend on the goverment or state for aid. We have alot of so called "Housewives" in ellwood, it sounds better than saying i have multiple children,collect welfare, and pretty much just plain lazy1

Okay you've told me what you "think" is my opinion, now lets hear yours! Maybe I shouldn't ask after seeing your use of "so called Housewives". Read, process, think about the point you want to make, and then reply.. Otherwise you come across as unintelligent, as you did above. :)

06/25/10 (04)
A true housewife is one that does not depend on the goverment or state for aid.

No she depends on her husband! What happens to her and the children if he leaves, taking all his money with him?

06/25/10 (05)
Rep 6/24/10

In the first place I wasn't wrong. I could name names but they frown on this site. Why is it that cyber school only requires 24 credits to graduate and lIncoln 27 do the math more core courses. Also if it is such a good education then why do all of the top students in the class not go there ? You can spout all of your statistics you want but the fact remains the students who learn early on and put the work in do very well in traditional schools the ones who don't usually end up in cyber school or vo tech.

06/25/10 (06)
RE: 06/23/10 (13)
Rep#31
How have they lowereed the standards it seems to me if you want lower standards you need to look at cyber schools they are alot lower than Ellwood. I personally know of students who went there then tried to come back to high school only to be told they couldn't graduate with their class because they didn't have the aprropriate credits.
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Ellwood lowered its grading standard a while ago making it easier for students to get higher grades. Many graduate from Ellwood at the top of their class finding themselves at the bottom in their first year of college. I recently had a visit from a high honor roll Ellwood graduate that just completed their first year of college. This is a hard working, highly motivated self disciplined person that received several awards and scholarships while in high school, took the tough courses and even tutored other students. They stated their first year of college was unbelievably challenging. They found themselves very ill prepared and failed placement tests in several subjects they got straight A’s in Ellwood. They said their high school courses did not teach them half of what their first year beginner college courses did. They recalled many days in their High school classes where they did very little or were allowed to bring food in and have a party which they now resented. I know another high honor roll Ellwood student that moved to Seneca and struggled to make C’s and D’s because of tougher classes grading scale. I also have a child in Ellwood that I know is not prepared to enter college and tells me how little is done in many of their classes. Parents need a way to see what is actually going on in their child’s classrooms. It is the only way for them to indentify what is productive and where waste can be eliminated. It is no different that being able to watch someone work on your house or car to see exactly what you are paying for.

06/25/10 (07)
06/24/10 (22)
Im just curious, what is your take on housewives?

Wow- what a low blow! My wife worked harder raising our family and making a home than I ever did working my 40plus hour weeks. Her days never ended and I appreciate all the wonderful things she did to make our family what it is today. (And I like the word homemaker because she wasn't married to a house)

Dang.. You people are sooo quick to jump to a conclusion, you don't even take notice that it was just a question. A question posed to someone with some completely out of wack opinions.

06/25/10 (08)
RE: 06/24/10 (06)
I see the complaints about the high school and i had to not really disagree but add my opnion from a side more favorable. I see the school calling me for when tests will be and when my child is absent and to give small reminders thru the year. And I for one enjoyed them letting me know what was going on because sometimes it seems the high school forgets that just because they grow-up they still have parents who care. And I truly believe there are going to be different faculty and younger teachers who will help change,
if we as parents also step up. I see them trying to care and i believe they care and i appriciate that
____________________________________________________________________
It is nice that the school calls parents today to give reminders but what they are actually doing is baby sitting parents who fail to teach their children to be responsible. As a student it was my responsibility to bring reminders home and inform my parents what was going on in school. There were only phone calls when I failed to do this which meant I was in trouble. When I was younger my parents monitored my education every day and as I got older this responsibility was handed to me. If I did poorly without letting my parents know I needed help, before I failed, there was a consequence. I personally think we need to go back to the way older teachers taught. They were there for business and had the authority hold a student responsible if they didn’t make an effort to learn. They gave you hug and a pat on the back or behind when you needed it. They were far more in touch with the students mentally and physically and didn’t feel distant or cold like today. They didn’t need a computer to do their job unless it was part of the curriculum and realize that it actually provides a way for teachers to goof off while looking busy. Most knew they were public servants and didn’t act like they belonged to an elite group. They appreciated the opportunity to have such a wonderful job and realized parents were the most important teachers of all.

06/25/10 (09)
Saw on the news that the area had an earthquake the other day anyone feel anything?

06/25/10 (10)
Although my address is Ellwood City, I am not in Ellwood and when voting comes up, your mayor is not on my ballot. No, this isn't about the mayor; just my take on something regarding the address I live in but am not a part of.

I see more and more the lack of remembrance of government by the people, for the people. And I'm pretty sure that from big government on down to EC's governing body, we all understand that sometimes the rules/laws are made or changed to suit the people in charge - to make them feel they have control - and sometimes to load their pockets.

Bringing it down to a local level - a while back a mayor who didn't give his all to your community. People would say to me, "I see your Mayor is in the news again over a cell phone bill or b/c he can't be located", etc. And I'd say he's not MY mayor - he wasn't on MY ballot.

If what I hear is correct, your local governing body, for the most part, has lied to you about this money to be lost if a ban on burning wasn't sealed. Yes, I know about the honest ones too in that body. Thank goodness a few still do exist!

In EC you're locked into EC electric and, correct me if I'm wrong which I'm sure you will (lol), you can't get some of the breaks that Penn Power offers with financial assistance.

Seems like EC residents, many times, get screwed one way or another and have tried to get the boro to understand or hear their take on things, but to no avail.

With regard to the burn ban, I think that 'you, the people' should've been allowed to have a vote. yeah, there are people who abuse it, no doubt, but there are also people in your area that do a heck of a lot worse things and the area isn't getting a handle on that.

The 'people' should start making stands, hard stands, across the nation yes, but here locally on home territory to bring the 'people' and their freedoms back to the table. Will it happen? Probably not. It'll be like when removal of prayer in the schools was being considered - the 'people' said it wouldn't happen, and sat on their collective bottoms and POOF! it was passed. There are many examples I could use but that one came to mind first.

I believe that city council needs to understand that while they are in office to do the best for their constituents, there are some things going on a lot more important than burning, and those things keep on keeping on.

I believe that when something is to be passed for the community it should be up to the community. Especially if there were lies or misinformation being used as the foundation for this change.

06/25/10 (11)
I am burning as we speak, so look out your window and take a peek! If the smoke is making you pale, join the fleet that saves the whales. Burn on my friends, burn burn!

06/25/10 (12)
as a resident, maybe I will sell subs on the corner and raise money...and say I help the community too....

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And why don't you you have a right to it and so do the local businesses and that includes the bars.

06/25/10 (13)
You see, it's a never ending battle of what's good enough. I work for the State, I don't mandate the rules and regulations of Welfare and/or food stamps, you don't like it, stop wasting time on this site and write your congressman!
Im just curious, what is your take on housewives?

----------------------

What is the point you are trying to make about housewives?

06/25/10 (14)
Burning paper is not a health issue. Smoking is a health issue...the orange smoke coming after dark is a health issue. There is more filth coming out in one night than from burning for a year.

06/25/10 (15)
Tomorrow or Saturday Stephen Johns from Ellwood City (Wampum) will be selected in the 1st or 2nd round of the NHL Entry Draft. I am young, but I would have to say that this might be the best athlete in a particular sport to come out of Ellwood City. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe this to be true. Football 1st or 2nd round NFL? Baseball 1st or 2nd Round MLB? Basketball 1st or 2nd NBA?

Good luck to him and his family!!

06/25/10 (16)
In the news this week:

In 2006, a St. Louis surgeon hooked on pain pills poked a hole in the colon of a patient he was operating on, causing so much damage that about 12 inches of the man's colon would later have to be removed.

In 2007, a Pennsylvania dermatologist who was addicted to the powerful pain reliever hydrocodone was arrested by police. Her staff told investigators the doctor was sometimes so zonked out that she had trouble finishing surgery, and that on one occasion a patient was left with part of her nose hanging free because the doctor had missed a stitch.

In 2008, a Massachusetts nurse was sentenced to 4 1/2 years in jail after she had siphoned pain medication from bottles and replaced it with saline. Numerous patients just out of surgery were given the watered-down, completely ineffective drugs.

So to all those thinking a drup problem exists only in public housing, you are living under a rock.

06/25/10 (17)
I see the complaints about the high school and i had to not really disagree but add my opnion from a side more favorable. I see the school calling me for when tests will be and when my child is absent and to give small reminders thru the year. And I for one enjoyed them letting me know what was going on because sometimes it seems the high school forgets that just because they grow-up they still have parents who care. And I truly believe there are going to be different faculty and younger teachers who will help change, if we as parents also step up. I see them trying to care and i believe they care and i appriciate that
---------------------------------------------------
Right.... Good for the parents, horrible for the students. Let me remind you that for 180 days a year 7 hours a day our children attend this school. My daughter and her large group of friends could all testify to being made uncomfortable and harassed . Its a shame with all the new improvements being made that he is ruining it for them! If they cant enjoy themselves and feel comfortable in their own school then they aren't going to get the grades and achievements we expect. Obviously you parents are oblivious to the previous comments made by other parents who have experienced his wrath. While he sits in his NEW, air conditioned office acting all superior, the kids suffer. Standing in the pouring rain? My daughter has called home crying twice in the last month of school. Why?

06/25/10 (18)
So, if you smoke all of your life and now have to use oxygen, that means I should not be able to burn my legal papers. I am tired of the small minority trying to stop the majority from using their freedoms.

06/25/10 (19)

06/25/10 (20)
I totally agree with the comments about the moderator. This site should no longer be called "Sound Off," it should be called moderator's comments or opinions. The moderator must be related to certain people in the borough.
A public official is fair game in case you haven't heard. Also, why are comments about the various departments in the borough never ever put on this site unless they are positive? What the moderator is doing is unfair and makes "Sound Off" worthless.

06/25/10 (21)
"submitted comments may not be posted without prior warning, notice, or explanation, at the sole discretion of Moderator."

Translation: sensorship, conflict of interest, personal preferences.

If I had the technology to maintain a site like this I would start a rival that TRULY allowed free speech.

06/25/10 (22)

06/25/10 (23)
well, now we can't burn. all that did was make a little more work for me. i will just haul my stuff to a relatives house outside the gestapo state of ellwood. what ever happened to letting the people decide or are we considered too insignificant to matter? i too will remember this at election time, i have the names written down so i never forget who shoved this down our throats.

06/25/10 (24)
Its more than losing $10,000...you also lose points for future grants...but you probably don't even know how the awarding of grants work. It's okay, maybe you can run for council :)

06/25/10 (25)
help me please, i have a question. since we are to seperate our recyclables, why do they just dump it all together in the back of a garbage truck? guess they want to keep us busy separating everything so we don't have time to get p.o.'d about the burning ban. ya think? don't forget folks, write down the names so we don't forget at election time.

06/25/10 (26)
Does anyone know whe the online version of the Ellwood City Ledger has the same news stories for days. I know someone is updating the site because the obituaries change, but the stories change maybe once a week. Just wondering...

06/25/10 (27)
Drug dealers peddling their goods ,drug addicts breaking into homes , people viciously attacked at ATM machines,
And 4 members of our town council, think it is ok to tell the residents of Ellwwod City what they cannot do on their own property.Can someone anyone tell me what have any of these 4 have done for good of this community other than serve their own interest.Lets remember all 4 at election time.

I agree - we are worried about a stage, farmers market, burn barrels -but nothing is done about the drug addicts who roam this town....if you don't get EC cleaned up, no one will come to your fancy state...just the skateboarders - when will Council wake up and do something about the real problems....most of them know nothing about running a town - just wanna be "publicity hounds"....and if we clean up the town where will our highly paid police officers find another job - another reason no one is interested in getting rid of drugs...right or wrong?

06/25/10 (28)
Wow- what a low blow! My wife worked harder raising our family and making a home than I ever did working my 40plus hour weeks. Her days never ended and I appreciate all the wonderful things she did to make our family what it is today. (And I like the word homemaker because she wasn't married to a house)

Women work outside the home and have all the work at home to do..housewives just wait for their hubby to bring home the pay....big deal...everyone should have to work outside the home to collect ANYTHING from the government including their husbands SS

06/25/10 (29)
Well, it seems that some council members have no COMPATION for the many people that walk around this town carrying oxygen bottles or their neighbors that are confined to their homes with oxygen so that they may have the right to BREATH and LIVE. As stated by one council member, it is a HEALTH issue!

why would people walk around town if they are on oxygen - I haven't seen too many people walking all over Ellwood with oxygen - have you?

06/25/10 (30)
I am so tired of people using the excuse there are no jobs, your wrong there are jobs you just dont want to work. You think you should be able to choose where you work and how much you should make! The point is if i lost my job and it came down to eventually taking what ever i could to make a buck! This is not intended for those who have worked for the last 20-30years and have been laid off, but rather the ones who still continue to sit home and be lazy.

You're right - if you can't find a job after at least 6 months, you're not looking - go outside of town and look....you just want to sit home and collect unemployment....most are hoping for an extension again....quit giving out extensions - or they will never get as job.....LAZY

06/25/10 (31)
The problem is that some of the people on food stamps keep having kid after kid...enough is enough....birthcontrol is also free at our "government run clinics" dont hear of anyone running out to get any....why would you, when you can live off the people who work? Its the generation after generation of "feeders" that my taxes go for....why do you feel sorry for these people who continue to have kids and don't marry? Why do you think they do not marry? You must be on welfare if you think its okay to make welfare a career...you're feeling quilty of being LAZY....take your birth control pills

06/25/10 (32)
WOW! Oh please... nobody cares about the concrete outside Hartman but a handle full of you people that come on here and like to complain all day. Start complaining about something worthwhile.

Obviously you aren't a tax payer -or are so rich you don't care if the taxes are raised....everyone should care about the school - the old school didn't look that bad....skateboarders are okay if they skate on their parents property...would you want ATV's riding all over your property -NO -

06/25/10 (33)
06/24/10 (08)
You people of Ellwood City reall should GROW UP! All of you who are against the ban on burning have proven one more thing. YOU DON'T CARE about us people with health problems who can't go outdoors on Saturday while you are burning garbage(illegal) because you don't want to buy the blue bags! Burning plastic bags(illegal) putting more toxins in the air! walking away from your fires to let them smolder all day causing more breathing problems! You really brought this all on yourselves with irresponsibilties of letting fires get out of hand and nearly causing fires. Putting lives in danger starting with our firemen. KUDO'S to the councilmen who voted for the ban and having the GUTS to stand up for ALL OF THE RESIDENTS of Ellwood City and not just for those people who only care for themselves and don't care about their neighbors!! Like I said GROW UP!!!!
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My wife is asthmatic and if and when it bothers her she closes the door for the whole, get this now, 4 hours. But that has never happened. You act like the only time you can go out is 4 hours a week instead of it being the other way around. Let me make it clear for you. There are 168 hours in a week and only 4 were used for burning. That leaves you with 164 hours to be outdoors breathing fresh air. Get it..!!
As for the burning of garbage that should be illegal. Walking away from a fire is irresponsible, yes and when YOU saw it YOU should've called the cops.
We should be allowed to burn and those who break the law while doing so should've paid a heavy fine. But first YOU have to report it and put the ball in court of the police.
Oh and one more thing. The 4 counsel members didn't vote to ban burning for you, they voted for the $10,000.00. If they voted for the people, they would've voted to burn because the majority of Ellwoodians wanted to BURN, BABY, BURN..!!

06/25/10 (34)

06/25/10 (35)
I'm sure that the few people that burn in Ellwood really put a dent in your health compared to the constant mushroom cloud that pours out of a certain Ellport area business.

Keep catching bluegills and swimming with sharks.

06/25/10 (36)
06/21/10 (25)
in reference to the comment on 06/17/10(10)
Not all people in the system have come from welfare families or are they still on welfare. I myself lived in the projects with my kids for numerous years, yea i got food stamps, yea i worked but you no the only thing we did have enough of was food and i didn't buy a lot of prepackaged stuff...I cooked.We drank a lot of Kool- Aid. I also went to school became a nurse and got out of the system and have paid my own way. My parents, grandparents, siblings nor anyone else has ever been on welfare but it was what i had when i left my husband and had three kids to support. Yea, there are people that have been on welfare as there parents had and maybe even there grandparents but there are more people, that i know, that used it as it was intended. It was used as a stepping stone to get to a better life for themselves and there children.So don't judge these people, you don't know them, you don't know what they may be doing to better themselves.Believe me if they didn't need the help they wouldn't be getting the food stamps because no matter what you may think, not everyone can get food stamps or even if they can they don't want them because of the stigma people like you put on people that do use them

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The government makes it too easy to leave your husband. Welfare was not always around and consequently spouses learned to work things out. It should not be the taxpayers responsiblility to educate and cuddle the parent who left their spouse and take care of those that made bad decisions. Children have two parents who should provide for them whether they divorce or not. Child support, daycare expenses, food, where was the father while the taxpayers footed the bill? Without welfare, maybe families would stick together and nurture their own children creating their own stepping stone.

06/24/10 (01)

06/24/10 (02)
You see, it's a never ending battle of what's good enough. I work for the State, I don't mandate the rules and regulations of Welfare and/or food stamps, you don't like it, stop wasting time on this site and write your congressman!
Im just curious, what is your take on housewives?

Typical response from a state employee! Housewive= lazy! A true housewife is one that does not depend on the goverment or state for aid. We have alot of so called "Housewives" in ellwood, it sounds better than saying i have multiple children,collect welfare, and pretty much just plain lazy1

06/24/10 (03)
The burn ban was a waste of time, people just take your burnable items outside of our wonderful town and burn them! Who really cares? I know i dont! We wont crack down on drugs or the drunks in this town but we will stop burning? You know why because it is an easy thing to do and it makes council look like they are actually doing something for a change.

FORGET THE STAGE, OUR TOWN NEEDS A CAGE!

06/24/10 (04)
Re: 6/23 #26. You are correct. "We the people" mean nothing to the politicians. If the burning ban was such a divided issue, why not have "we the people" vote on it? If the borough lost $10,000, just have a giant block party and sell 50-50 tickets. You could replace that 10 grand without help from another government agency trying to run our lives. It won't be long before breathing will be illegal.

06/24/10 (05)
06/23/10 (13)
Rep#31
"How have they lowereed the standards it seems to me if you want lower standards you need to look at cyber schools they are alot lower than Ellwood. I personally know of students who went there then tried to come back to high school only to be told they couldn't graduate with their class because they didn't have the aprropriate credits."

--Incorrect my ill-informed friend. The Pennsylvania Cyber Charter School, based in Midland, uses the same standards set by the Pennsylvania Department of Education and actually made AYP on last year's PSSA exams. This school assists over 10,000 students throughout the commonwealth of Pennsylvania and recently graduated over 1200. There were national merit finalists, major scholarship recipients, and those who intended to transfer their education into the military.

The fact is that may students from Ellwood found that they did not have the work ethic to be able to succeed at PA Cyber, so Lincoln was a much easier route.

Try doing some research about Cyber Schooling before spouting off. And if you would like to challenge me on this, feel free. I would be more than happy to quote you statistic upon statistic proving that students who gain their education at a cyber school gain a better education and have a better retention of knowledge than those who attend a traditional brick and mortar school.

06/24/10 (06)
I see the complaints about the high school and i had to not really disagree but add my opnion from a side more favorable. I see the school calling me for when tests will be and when my child is absent and to give small reminders thru the year. And I for one enjoyed them letting me know what was going on because sometimes it seems the high school forgets that just because they grow-up they still have parents who care. And I truly believe there are going to be different faculty and younger teachers who will help change, if we as parents also step up. I see them trying to care and i believe they care and i appriciate that

06/24/10 (07)
Great job Councial on baning burning,this is not 1930 or 1940's anymore come on Ellwood get with the times!....

06/24/10 (08)
You people of Ellwood City reall should GROW UP! All of you who are against the ban on burning have proven one more thing. YOU DON'T CARE about us people with health problems who can't go outdoors on Saturday while you are burning garbage(illegal) because you don't want to buy the blue bags! Burning plastic bags(illegal) putting more toxins in the air! walking away from your fires to let them smolder all day causing more breathing problems! You really brought this all on yourselves with irresponsibilties of letting fires get out of hand and nearly causing fires. Putting lives in danger starting with our firemen. KUDO'S to the councilmen who voted for the ban and having the GUTS to stand up for ALL OF THE RESIDENTS of Ellwood City and not just for those people who only care for themselves and don't care about their neighbors!! Like I said GROW UP!!!!

06/24/10 (09)
It does not matter to me that we can no longer burn because I quit burning a year ago. My question is, is the boro going to pick up all the burn barrels now? They should. Some people didn't care when we were allowed to burn before and burned anytime they felt the need. I am sure the same will continue to burn.

06/24/10 (10)
Okay, even though I'm a "burner", I can accept the burning ban. I do agree that residents be provided with recycling containers to accommodate the extra that we will all be putting on the curb. I also think that Aiken should pick up what we're recycling every week. The little blue bins just don't cut it for plastic and aluminum, let along cardboard and paper products. I don't know about everyone else, but I have limited space and have trouble finding a place for my recycle-ables now!!

Aiken is going to have alot more work on their hands. The next time the contract is up for negotiation, it's going to COST the borough alot more for recycling and trash removal... although in the long run it won't cost the BOROUGH, but you and me with the cost of our little blue bags and increased recycling fees on our utility bills.

06/24/10 (11)
as a resident, maybe I will sell subs on the corner and raise money...and say I help the community too....

06/24/10 (12)

06/24/10 (13)

06/24/10 (14)

06/24/10 (15)
A local doctor is facing charges for allegedly prescribing drugs in exchange for sex and writing prescriptions for large amounts of highly addictive drugs.

According to the state attorney general's office, one of his patients died from a drug overdose.

Attorney General Tom Corbett today identified the suspect as Dr. Michael Vogini, 54, of Gibsonia.

And they wonder why malpractice insurance is so high!

06/24/10 (16)

06/24/10 (17)
Drug dealers peddling their goods ,drug addicts breaking into homes , people viciously attacked at ATM machines,
And 4 members of our town council, think it is ok to tell the residents of Ellwwod City what they cannot do on their own property.Can someone anyone tell me what have any of these 4 have done for good of this community other than serve their own interest.Lets remember all 4 at election time.

06/24/10 (18)
06/23/10 (26)
Mr/Ms moderator, just whose opinion are we allowed to read YOUR'S or our's.
Why did you leave out my saying that the Tea Party People are the ones looking out for us? This site is not for your opinions alone, or is it?
Why were my comments on the men who voted against "the people's will" left out also? Why was that? Are you, somehow personally connect to one or maybe all I wrote about? Those MEN have thick skin or they wouldn't be in politics.
To the owner of this site. You need to find a person to moderate this site who has every intention of printing what people write when it's not vile in nature, or shut the site down. Lots of people have bitched about the moderator you have now. You do read some of the things he/she leaves out don't you?

06/24/10 (19)

06/24/10 (20)
I'm not sure who can bring this up for me since I can't attend the meeting for Perry Township on the second Thursday of the month, but I would love to see repairs made to Lookout Avenue. It is basically split in two with a seam that curves back and forth going down the hill. The seam is getting deeper and it's getting harder to maneuver down the hill. I have to use this hill so another road is not an option. Thank you for anyone that can bring this up at the next meeting. I appreciate your assistance!

06/24/10 (21)
I can't believe everyone thinks the construction at the high school was for new offices for admin. The security at the high school was probably one of the worst setups in the entire state. Who would want their kids to attend school where anyone is "buzzed in," then has to walk down a couple hallways to get to the office. In a secure environment, the office needs to be attached to the entrance of the building, which is now the case at lincoln. The renovating was done for the overall safety of the students.

Everyone complains about the high school, but also complains when they try to make changes. Make up you mind people!!

======================

It's not complaining. These are facts. Security at the school could have been achieved without renovating and improving every administrator and guidance counselor's office space. My guess is that you are one of the one's who is in the new, comfortable, cool offices. It's a shame and the teachers and kids are the ones who are suffering because of such selfish decisions.

06/24/10 (22)
Im just curious, what is your take on housewives?

Wow- what a low blow! My wife worked harder raising our family and making a home than I ever did working my 40plus hour weeks. Her days never ended and I appreciate all the wonderful things she did to make our family what it is today. (And I like the word homemaker because she wasn't married to a house)

06/24/10 (23)
Well, it seems that some council members have no COMPATION for the many people that walk around this town carrying oxygen bottles or their neighbors that are confined to their homes with oxygen so that they may have the right to BREATH and LIVE. As stated by a council member, it is a HEALTH issue!

06/24/10 (24)
CLEAN UP DAY....The council meeting was this past Monday, in which they were to discuss when and if the clean up "junk day" will be. It was said that it would be posted as soon as a decision was made. Does anyone have any information on clean up day???

06/23/10 (01)
I can't believe everyone thinks the construction at the high school was for new offices for admin. The security at the high school was probably one of the worst setups in the entire state. Who would want their kids to attend school where anyone is "buzzed in," then has to walk down a couple hallways to get to the office. In a secure environment, the office needs to be attached to the entrance of the building, which is now the case at lincoln. The renovating was done for the overall safety of the students.

Everyone complains about the high school, but also complains when they try to make changes. Make up you mind people!!!

06/23/10 (02)
Concrete at hartman: Our tax dollars were used to pay for that school, why would we not care?

Food Stamps: You just dont get it, why should others who do not work be able to purchase all the good treats when we the "workers" can barely afford!

I am so tired of people using the excuse there are no jobs, your wrong there are jobs you just dont want to work. You think you should be able to choose where you work and how much you should make! The point is if i lost my job and it came down to eventually taking what ever i could to make a buck! This is not intended for those who have worked for the last 20-30years and have been laid off, but rather the ones who still continue to sit home and be lazy.

06/23/10 (03)
06/22/10 (21)
REMEMBER - these kids are the future!!
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Yes, they are...kind of scary, isn't it?

06/23/10 (04)
You seem to be awfully nebby to know their names AND where they live! You must be a secret agent or a spy, and P.S. (destroy)-(destruction)

You have someone DESTROY (since it mattered so much to you) your surroundings and tell me you wont look into who they are and I will call you a LIAR! It isn't hard to get their names and where they dwell, this is Ellwood City for Petes sake! All you need do is ask someone or read the police reports, and by Jove you have it man! If it makes you feel any better (it isnt secret agent or spy material but pretty impressive none the less) I do have a deputy sheriff sticker!

06/23/10 (05)
06/22/10 (11)
only the community service groups should be on the streets selling subs........PERIOD not the bars and clubs.......PERIOD

06/23/10 (06)
06/22/10 (03)
I work in the welfare office?

So if they are required to work 30 hours a week then why not add 10 more hours and work full time instead of free loading off everyone else.

You see, it's a never ending battle of what's good enough. I work for the State, I don't mandate the rules and regulations of Welfare and/or food stamps, you don't like it, stop wasting time on this site and write your congressman!
Im just curious, what is your take on housewives?

06/23/10 (07)
06/22/10 (11)
only the community service groups should be on the streets selling subs........PERIOD not the bars and clubs.......PERIOD

No one forces you to purchase their products and you are entitled to your opinons.

However, I would be remiss in not pointing out that we have a number of "clubs" such as The Loyal Order of the Moose, The Elks. Who do charitable work and provide scholarships with the funds raised through their fund raising endevors both via sub sandwhich sales as well as through their bar sales.

In addition, there are a number of projects done by members of the other social clubs such as the Wolves, SOI, Hungarian Club and Saxon Club, jaycees, and Masons that benefit the children as well as the less fortunate families of the community. I can think of several individuals and families struck by tragedy over the past few years that the members of our community have rallied to support. Be they service organizations or bars. I for one do not begrudge one cent of the money raised by those orgainzations. In fact, they should each be recoginized for seeing a need and working to help.

You, as a "responsible adult" are free to make your own choices as to which organizations you are willing to support by your own donations and produect purchases.

You, as a "responsible adult" are free to express your opinions under the First Admendment of our Constitution.

However, you as a "responsible adult" are not empowered to tell me and others whom we may choose to support.

Remember that we are all just one heartbeat away from disaster, be it illness or an accident. Which means that one of us could be the next person that these organziations and individuals rally to help.

06/23/10 (08)
I see there was a petition that was submitted for the road work up past Walnut Ridge school. It is great to see people stepping up at these meetings.

I think another area that needs addressed is the road that winds by the Walnut Ridge School itself. With the amount of residence past the school and traffic, that is a difficult stretch of road as it winds almost at a 90 degree angle two times past the small parking lot in front of Walnut Ridge. Between residents walking on the road (lack of sidewalks) and vehicle traffic, its a tricky stretch of road.

06/23/10 (09)
Anyone know how long the Ewing Park Nature Trail is from start to finish? It is a nice little hike.

06/23/10 (10)
In responce to road repairs up at medowridge,I was under the impression that was wayne township is that not so?

06/23/10 (11)
So now that we can no longer burn and we are supposed to recycle everything when will the city provide everyone with much, much, larger recycling containers.......

06/23/10 (12)
Any other concerned parents out there? AT ALL?!

I posted a comment to the same effect a few months ago. I know adults swear, and I know teachers swear. If you are going to suspend a child for swearing, shouldn't there be some punishment for a teacher? When I called to complain about a teacher using profanity and telling students that "theyre from Ellwood, Ellwood has always been losers, and always will be losers". I was told he has a "coaches mentality". First of all, I have no idea what that is supposed to mean and secondly, HE'S THE GOLF COACH! What on earth kind of stress does the golf coach have to make him behave so badly?

06/23/10 (13)
Rep#31
How have they lowereed the standards it seems to me if you want lower standards you need to look at cyber schools they are alot lower than Ellwood. I personally know of students who went there then tried to come back to high school only to be told they couldn't graduate with their class because they didn't have the aprropriate credits.

06/23/10 (14)

06/23/10 (15)
I see a lot of info input here on the sports scene but haven't seen anything yet on Stephen Johns who just graduated Lincoln High School, taking classes at Notre Dame and was already drafted by the Windsor Spitfires - - - and maybe, could be, a 1st round draft pick in the NHL this Friday. A pretty remarkable distinction since the closet Ellwood City has to a hockey program is an outdoor roller hockey rink!
Good luck to the kid.... He could be a Penguin.

06/23/10 (16)

06/23/10 (17)
only the community service groups should be on the streets selling subs........PERIOD not the bars and clubs.......PERIOD

You must be one angry person with a lot of hate in your heart! The best thing for you to do is to just not buy one of the subs being sold by those bad, bad people! Because it is a free country and you have that right! The same as they have a right to offer them for sale. They will continue on selling them to support their various charities and services to the PUBLIC. Yes even you might someday get services from them. And it will be for FREE. The same as all the service they provide!

06/23/10 (18)
Anybody who could vote to ban burning after hearing Joe Mancini's impassioned speech supporting it has no heart and no brains. First, Todorich, Chiappetta and Viccari lied to the people when they said that the City would lose a large Grant if they coninued burning. Judy Dici and Marilyn Mancine, however, proved tht was a lie when they both read letters from the state saying Ellwood would not lose that money. George Celli who was originally against burning changed his mind and said he did not like being lied to and voted to continue the burning. Glen Jones, in a surprise vote, voted with Todorich, Chiappetta and DeCarbo. First, Todorich is against everything butcollecting expenses when he takes a trip and Chiappetta doesn't even live in Ellwood. Remember their names next election.

06/23/10 (19)
So the all wise Borough Council banned burning for our own good! 16 hours of burning a month is just too much freedom for us rabble to handle. Property rights be damned! Their reasons were that we wouldn't get the dole out from the DEP and of course those health concerns! You will someday soon get your reward when We the People take our country back!

06/23/10 (20)
It was great to see Veon in handcuffs going to prison. Too bad it wasn't for life. He joins many other corrupt Democrats, going back to Sam Neff, Frank Clark and Joe Kolter. The Democrats ruined the Valley and chased out industry. Hopefully we can come back now that all office holders are Republicans.

06/23/10 (21)
I personally know a few kids that are going to home school for their final year. The High school is a joke. You can have two people standing across the hall from one another, dressed exactly the same and they will pick one to go to the office for dress code and let the other stand there watching. Cell phones, same thing. How about when they call home when you are late to school or miss a day? I have been home sick and my mom NEVER even got the call. I have been at school and then she DOES get a call. That's a joke too! I had a teacher ASK ME for a cigarette! What a disgusting joke of a place.
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AMEN TO THAT! What a good description of the things that happen at the school. As a student there I can back that up 100%. It has been its worst in the past year because of FK!!!!!!!!!!!!

06/23/10 (22)
i read so much on here talking about this being wrong and that wrong! Has anyone really taken a look at their neighbor and said good morning to them or shook their hand? Has the ones calling these kids names ever sat and talked to these kids and learned who they are and what great kids they are? What their dreams might be? Everyone is so cought up in what and who and blame and name calling that the fine moral structure that started this town has diminished! Does one stop and help a kid needing help or help the old woman or man needing assistance to cross the street? They are laughed at, ridiculed and called names. Get out of my way old man or old woman - Dam kids are no good these days. labled because they enjoy riding skateboards or roller blades. Can you not see that the individuality of each and every person in this town is a gift needing nurtured. People turn their heads and drive or walk away. What happened to the structure and kindness that allways was a part of this town? I have seen public figures ruin young peoples lives for their gain. They wont go to bat when these kids fall. They walk away and go back to their lovely little lives and sleep well at night. Familys dont - people who love them dont. Some people like long hair - does that make them freaks? so what a cpl piercings - they hurt like you do. so what a skateboard - might be our president one day. Drugs - why not - no one seems to care anymore. We lost the focuse on what this town is really about - who cares what that lady bought her child on food stamp - did that child eat well all month? may it have been a treat she waited for all month? How can you judge when you dont know? We tend to see our neighbors back yard very clearly and what they need to do - but have you looked in your own back yard latelly? Maybe its time you do!! Stop looking for things to complain about other people for and take care of yourself and look into whats in your own heart. Might find a buck of old paperbacks needing read threw - maybe a bible or two.

06/23/10 (23)
the code enforcer is busy in New Castle, he will be at your house next week, be patient

06/23/10 (24)
06/22/10 (21)
I can recall the day when we played in the streets and road bikes in out neighborhoods without complaint. when parents took the time to clean out ponds and clear feilds so we could ice skate in winters and play ball in summertimes. why is it so diffrent today that kids be tucked away out of sight to keep people from complaining. MY GOD THEIR KIDS!!! let them have a childhood of playing. 3/4 of our youth are over weight - they need to run - ride bikes - skate board and do things kids do to stay health. People should support the youth of this town instead of labeling them for their intrests. REMEMBER - these kids are the future!!

Amen! With the society the way it is most parents need to work a job or sometimes two to support their families. The family values are more lax than they used to be. Kids know way too much about the cost of living, bills, and so many adult worries that they don't need to...let them go out and play and have fun. People complain if they sit in the house all day playing video games and watching TV because that's a built in babysitter, but if you let the kids go out and try to have a little fun they are considered drug addicts and bad kids. That's like saying that Ellwood is full of old cranky people and maybe the state should give the town money to bring in caretakers for every household. Ubsurd isn't it?!

06/23/10 (25)
Yet, Ellwood City Borough Manager Dom Viccari said that the borough would be “treading on thin ice” if they rely on the information that the two provided. He stated this because of a previous letter from the DEP stating that the without the ban, the grant would be taken away.

Wow! I care more about community rights when I read that the council chambers were packed with residents opposing the ban and their wishes were overlooked for money. I'd like to say thanks, Judi and Marilyn, you're decent people who care about what others want. You have my vote if you care to run again.

06/23/10 (26)
As in all levels of OUR government the will of the people is spat upon by those we elect to do as we want. The burning ban is just another example.

I'm sick of this kind of action against the will of the people. If "We The People" don't start to recognize this kind of abuse, and don't do all we can do to stop it, it will continue indefinitely. The people of Ellwood City spoke out and were ignored, as we are on the federal, state and county levels of government all the time.

But they are the only ones who seem to care about what is going on and are trying desperately to remedy the situation. We can help, with the remedy, by voting out the people who don't listen to us and don't think, as we do. All that is needed from you, as a voter, is to listen to their words (which at times or should I say most times comes out both sides of their mouth)and watch their actions.

The 4 that voted against the will of the people need to go. They made this vote for a measly 10 grand. Money that as I said before could very easily have been taken from the continually RAIDED electric fund, once each year. This would've overcome the gigantic loss these 4 and the Borough Manager keep crying about. These people are hearing impaired. That's the only explanation I can come up with for their vote that slapped the face of the majority of Ellwoodians.

I want to say thank you to Miss Dici and Ms Mancini who swayed Mr. Celli to the corner of the people. Thank you ladies also for the research which brought out facts that were ignored. Thanks to all 3 of you.

Mr. Mayor don't sign "the ban" and you'll stay off the list of the unwanted. I believe your good for Ellwood and I don't want to see your job in jeopardy so don't sign. If you sign it you will be going against the will of a majority of people who live in Ellwood and vote.

06/23/10 (27)

06/22/10 (01)
Just what do these youn "ADULTS" want?
Ellwood has a very nice swiming pool, tennis courts, basket ball courts, base ball, soft ball, scocker, football,playgrounds that are staffed, a new library, church sponsored events, etc.
When I was a youngster, I worked. You say there are no jobs, Well creat one for yourself. I washed cars and mowed lawns.
If these activity neglected children want to be treated like adults, they need to act like it. Unfortunatly,some of their parrents/roll models think that everything should be given to them.
Ask your grand parents what they did as young adults and you might find that they CREATED their own activities. They are not entitled to get everything that they can think of.

06/22/10 (02)
RE:
No one is mad at them for riding the skateboard. You wont find one complaint about that. What is so upsetting is they distroy the area in which they are riding these skateboards. I think a clear sign of their distruction would be their parents homes. If you know any of these boys, take a ride past their home and you will see what Im talking about.

You seem to be awfully nebby to know their names AND where they live! You must be a secret agent or a spy, and P.S. (destroy)-(destruction)

06/22/10 (03)
I work in the welfare office?

So if they are required to work 30 hours a week then why not add 10 more hours and work full time instead of free loading off everyone else.

06/22/10 (04)

06/22/10 (05)
The next closest bid for the painting contract was $24,822 from All Pro Painting and Wall of Ellwood City.

Sad really that we didn't choose to go with a local company. This is why ellwood will never see a skate park or anything else pro active or revitalizing, we will never support our own.

06/22/10 (06)
RE: Because I paid for ALL THAT JUNK she bought - and she was overweight and didn't need it...if its my money doing the buying then I do have the right to tell her what to eat, what to wear and what do drive
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I've been working for over 30 years, and was recently laid-off. I dont qualify for food stamps, or welfare. I'm so happy that YOU paid for her "junk food". I know that I have paid in to programs that will help ME for the past 30 years, and if I become eligible I hope YOU will buy MY "junk food" too. I'm very happy that woman even HAS a program that will enable her to purchase ANYTHING for her children. God Bless America! God Bless Pepsi, AND God Bless Captain Crunch cereal. God Bless Overweight people if they get food stamps OR NOT!!! By the way, you or I have absolutely NO right to "tell" ANYONE what they can eat, wear, OR drive.

06/22/10 (07)
06/21/10 (24)
I would like to know where our code inforcer is in Ellwood? Every week I read in the New Castle News about people being fined for uncut grass, cracked sidewalks, broken down spouts, trash in and around their yards. We have the same thing here. Where is the enforcement? Why are Bouough workers cutting the grass around Apple in Elport? Even if it belongs to the Borough now and they are renting or leasing it out, it should be the responsibility of Apple to maintain it. If you rent out a house it is the tenants responsibility to maintain the yard. We need to utilize our workers right. The parks,municiple building,entrance to Ellwood in West end,ends of 5th st and ewing park bridges etc look awesome. Good job to the crew.
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Where ARE the code enforcers? I read my lease and I am NOT responsible for maintaining the yard,OR the gutters, roof, paint etc. I am moving so I live in a place where it actually looks like someone lives there, even if I have to maintain the yard myself.

06/22/10 (08)
I personally know a few kids that are going to home school for their final year. The High school is a joke. You can have two people standing across the hall from one another, dressed exactly the same and they will pick one to go to the office for dress code and let the other stand there watching. Cell phones, same thing. How about when they call home when you are late to school or miss a day? I have been home sick and my mom NEVER even got the call. I have been at school and then she DOES get a call. That's a joke too! I had a teacher ASK ME for a cigarette! What a disgusting joke of a place.

06/22/10 (09)
Reply to post 6/21/10(11) I should not have to pay a fee to pick up at my curbside. I DO NOT always have junk to get rid of every year. Maybe a permit would be better, go to boro offices and buy a permit for the yearly junk pickup.

06/22/10 (10)

06/22/10 (11)
only the community service groups should be on the streets selling subs........PERIOD not the bars and clubs.......PERIOD

06/22/10 (12)
Here is the agenda most Americans will vote for:
Secure the border
Stop the Spending
Cut the government by at least 50%
Get rid of the Dept. of Education
Cut the EPA to the bone
Stop and repeal Obamacare
Cut IRS install flat tax for everyone
Restructure Medicare/medicade
Restructure Social security
Stop government intrusion into our way of life
Stop the FCC takeover of the internet
Cut many subsidies
Halt government takeover of property belonging to states or individuials
The government does not need unions
Cut the pay and benifits for congress and senate,
Term limits, no retirement
I'm sure I have missed hundreds of other ideas that others will post, but this is a start.
Remember in November

---------

I agree with you on most of those. If a person is paid by tax dollars they should not be allowed to be in a union. Pennsylvania should get rid of the Turnpike Commission and combine them with Penndot. No more raises for congress and senate. I think our borders should be militarized instead of having a border patrol. All welfare recipients should be audited yearly. Welfare is not a life long income.

The only thing I somewhat disagree with is social security. I think we have gotten too used to social security and pretty much getting rid of it would have severe economic impacts.

06/22/10 (13)
I had to reply to this post because i was just appalled at the fact that someone not only posted this but believes it. I have no problem with people having a treat for children when on welfare or food stamps, however or tax moneys went for making our schools have "healthy" food and there is a branch of government that regulates and mandates what public schools are allowed to serve or not serve and they expect these children to be healthy because of one meal? in school?

So you are saying you never purchase soda because it will rot your teech away,(they make this new thing called toothpaste) and you never buy your family a bag of chips out of fear they will get fat. Responsible is buying snacks and showing the children how the whole family can share them. NOT THE WHOLE BOTTLE AND NOT THE WHOLE BAG as you seem to think. Kids who have never been shown how to moderate their food/snack choices are the children that will almost always battle obesity in their adult life. I find it appalling that I have to tell you this, it is obvious you aren't being a responsible parent! Are you at all aware that the school has available two meals a day, breakfast and lunch. Furthermore, are you aware that they serve (as just two quick examples) french fries, and sell nacho chips with processed cheese.. They portion them out so the... yes thats right.. The nutritional content is received but not overdone. You are most welcome!

06/22/10 (14)

06/22/10 (15)
Thank you to the last poster...Let me tell you this my husband as worked all his life we have 4 children.. He worked at his current job over 10 years and got laid off back in Febuary. I have recieved food stamps since Feb. Whatever i choose to buy with that card is my business not yours. It dont matter to you how many children i have or what my situation is.. You are one to stand in line and judge a person on what you see and thats very sad..Hope you dont raise your own to judge a person before knowing them..

Please don't thank me, what's right is right! You are one example of the many who receive food stamps. Don't you ever allow anyone to make you feel anything but pride in the job you are doing with your children and, I cannot even believe im saying this... what you are feeding them. :)

06/22/10 (16)
Because I paid for ALL THAT JUNK she bought - and she was overweight and didn't need it...if its my money doing the buying then I do have the right to tell her what to eat, what to wear and what do drive

Now the truth comes out. Youre jealous of her! You looked her up and down, then into her buggy, you need a life! I sure hope, as you get older, that your family doesn't abondon you and leave you to fend for yourself. I hope you never have to sit in your own urine for hours because you cannot afford to buy diapers and there isn't any county assistance because of people like...well, you!

06/22/10 (17)
I think the Code Enforcer is from Pitt., which is a good thing. The Code Enforcer will not enforce anything unless a complaint form is filed. It's going to take the borough getting sued because someone gets hurt for something like can't see stop signs due to trees, pool and fence violation...then you'll see change.

06/22/10 (18)
We just got home from the Council Meeting. And, although EVERY speaker spoke on behalf of continuing burning, the Council voted, 4-3 against burning. Todorich, Chiappetta (does he live in Ellwood City?) Jones and Decarbo voted against the majority of speakers and against burninng. Dici, Mancini and Celli voted to continue burning, I guess that is why we have elections.

06/22/10 (19)
Where is this new community plaza and stage going to be located?

It was not mentioned in the article.

06/22/10 (20)

06/22/10 (21)
I can recall the day when we played in the streets and road bikes in out neighborhoods without complaint. when parents took the time to clean out ponds and clear feilds so we could ice skate in winters and play ball in summertimes. why is it so diffrent today that kids be tucked away out of sight to keep people from complaining. MY GOD THEIR KIDS!!! let them have a childhood of playing. 3/4 of our youth are over weight - they need to run - ride bikes - skate board and do things kids do to stay health. People should support the youth of this town instead of labeling them for their intrests. REMEMBER - these kids are the future!!

06/22/10 (22)
who are you to say the skate boarders will turn to drugs, its former politicians that turn to drugs when they are caught RED handed, and hide out in a rehab hoping everyone will pity them its time to grow up and face your own created problems

06/22/10 (23)
Being a parent of a student that attends LHS, I agree wholeheartedly with the person who wrote on 06/16/10 (16). It does not seem many people are concerned or care about what the person is trying to say. It seems clear to me that they are trying to express their opinion about how they are treated unfairly and with no respect and are made to feel uncomfortable in their own school. My own child was forced to stand outside in the pouring rain until I brought her a pair of jeans to wear. She was wearing her track shorts because she would be leaving later in the day to attend a track meet. I was obviously outraged when minutes later i see my daughters friend walking in with shorter shorts on. Not that anything was wrong with the shorts, but you know Ellwood's outrageous dress code policy. Later that day I asked my daughter if her friend was sent home or punished also. I found out she was not and made it through the whole school day with her shorts on. That man takes his job too seriously and too far. He pinpoints girls when he feels like it even if he is wrong. As far as what the girl said about him saying "oversight on my part" YOU ARE CORRECT! I called in a complaint and those were his exact words. Those kids have no voice in their school. If they were to attend the school board meeting they would be hounded by the same man that is the problem at the school. Something needs to be done and I cannot do it alone.

Any other concerned parents out there? AT ALL?!

06/22/10 (24)
No one is mad at them for riding the skateboard. You wont find one complaint about that. What is so upsetting is they distroy the area in which they are riding these skateboards. I think a clear sign of their distruction would be their parents homes. If you know any of these boys, take a ride past their home and you will see what Im talking about.
---------------------------------------------------
WOW! Oh please... nobody cares about the concrete outside Hartman but a handle full of you people that come on here and like to complain all day. Start complaining about something worthwhile.

06/22/10 (25)
I was at the Ellwood Council meeting tonight and the visitors were voicing their support to keep burning. It didn't matter to Todorich,DeCarbo,Jones or Chiappetta--they voted to ban burning. Remember that next election--don't give them a vote!!! Todorich only supports Ewing Park projects, DeCarbo & Jones are NO to everything and Chiappetta doesn't even live in EC Boro!!!

06/22/10 (26)
I think that the new admin position is supposed to relieve one or two of the current administrators of some of their duties. I heard that there were a couple that couldn't handle all of the things in their jobs. Is this right? Hey, we're paying for it.

06/22/10 (27)
Wow..I cant believe nobody posted about the awesome softball tournament this weekend at Steifel Park. Congrats to Wilsons who won and to Riverside Sportswear Graphics on second place. Those girls endured the heat for 2 days. The pitcher for riverside Sportswear Graphics played 3 games hurt, she couldnt even run but she stayed out there and played with heart. Congratulations girls you earned it!!!!

06/22/10 (28)
Ok folks, I know its been awhile since we talked about the Inmetco union thing but, I have some interesting info, in 3 months since the union was voted in Horseheads lawyer has chose to meet with the negotiating board a whoping 2 times!!! Horsehead has a combined 8 plants, their operating earnings for the first quarter were 6.8 million, of that 6.8 million Inmetco contributed 4.7 million. So with only 48 hourly men on shift and another 13 maintanence guys Inmetco made 4.7 million in 3 months, I am sure any small business owner would be flabergasted with those types of numbers. Oh and by the way Inmetco doesnt have supervisors on shift. WOW, those guys actually do their jobs without supervisors, weekends, 3 11, nite turn. Also Inmetco cant seem to be ab le to hire anyone, I guess people just dont want to work shifts. They are forcing overtime every day, I know this my husband works there. They cant get anyone who wants to make good money cause they will be working shifts, and weekends??? Give me a break. Horsehead bought Inmetco for a paltry 34 million, the place will be paid for in 2 years. There is an expansion planned which will boost production 30 percent, and yet they refuse to bargain, they arent asking for the world. It would be a travesty for horsehead to lose such an excellent workforce because they wanna nickle and dime these guys who made 70% of their profit.

06/22/10 (29)

06/22/10 (30)

06/22/10 (31)
RE: 06/21/10 (14)
Times are tough and the school district is adding an administrative position. Why? Who is not doing their job that we need to add this position?
It can't be due to increasing student population. It doesn't make sense.
Sure it makes sense, someone on the school board or one of the "elite" needs a job....perfectly normal for a school district with less than 1000 kids....Ellwood is a rich community- didn't you know that? If some of the old timers would retire in the school district they do not need replaced...they'll die in their chairs (in their NEW OFFICES)
Another problem Ellwood has is for the past 15yrs. or so our school boards have been able to go on a spending frenzy. The economy was better and they were simply able to raise taxes. There is no doubt that something needed to be done with our stadium and elementary buildings but as usual many projects that are done in Ellwood fall short in the long run. The old stadium functioned far better than the new one and could have been remodeled. Instead of utilizing the largest properties in the district to build its largest elementary schools, they were stuffed into the smallest properties with inadequate playgrounds and parking space. Now Ellwood is in need of school board members that can sensibly scale back as the student population drops, and as corporate America has shown us, it is difficult to find people today that have the skills to do that. School boards have been able to sell new administrative and teaching positions to the public by saying it is for the sake of the students but in reality Ellwood has never employed more teaching staff and the students are still struggling. They have lowered the standards to make it easier for the students which fails to prepare them for college. At this rate the bottom is going to fall out sometime in the future.

06/21/10 (01)
AMEN! You people would find the most ridiculous things to complain about. And in regard to the skate park...if you gave the kids some place to ride, maybe they wouldn't be destroying all of the other places in Ellwood. You all act like because a kid rides a skate board they are evil. Get a grip!

No one is mad at them for riding the skateboard. You wont find one complaint about that. What is so upsetting is they distroy the area in which they are riding these skateboards. I think a clear sign of their distruction would be their parents homes. If you know any of these boys, take a ride past their home and you will see what Im talking about.

06/21/10 (02)
I work in the welfare office. I can tell you that the people you are talking about are a small percentage of those who receive welfare. I do not understand why you are so angry about them using food stamps to purchase food?. ALL food has some nutritional value to it when eaten in moderation. If you see them selling items they have purchased or purchasing items for other people, then you call my office but until then, they aren't breaking any laws and they sure aren't hurting anyone. A mother with three children buying two bottles of soda and one bag of chips, four people sharing two bottles of soda and a bag of chips, I believe that hardly constitutes such an attack.
Just so you know, food stamps are completely different than welfare, I knew what you meant so I just answered your reply. Furthermore, most of the food stamp recipients are required to work a thirty hour work week in order to continue receiving the stamps. I'm not real sure where you're getting your information, but you are completely misinformed.
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I am not angry. That was my only post on the subject, and I was speaking in general terms. I don't disparage anyone who really needs help, nor do I monitor what they buy, being I never mentioned food in my post.

06/21/10 (03)
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
Would you rather spend money for:
1) a skateboard park, or
2) drug rehab?

If these kids had nothing to do (ie. skateboard) then what else is them to do? Many would turn to drugs.

I guess while we're at it, we might as well demolish the tennis and basketball courts. After all, look at how the surface is being destroyed.

Oh, and lets not forget the damage done to the grass at the football field.

---------------

What do you want these kids to do sit around twittle there thumbs and watch tv all day? Anytime kids do anything anymore people like you complain about them. No wonder why they lack respect anymore I sure wouldn't respect you if you hassled me. The community needs to get together and offer them something instead of ridiculing them. Do you guys seriously have nothing better to do than whine all the time?

06/21/10 (04)
I do not understand why you are so angry about them using food stamps to purchase food?. ALL food has some nutritional value to it when eaten in moderation.

I had to reply to this post because i was just appalled at the fact that someone not only posted this but believes it. I have no problem with people having a treat for children when on welfare or food stamps, however or tax moneys went for making our schools have "healthy" food and there is a branch of government that regulates and mandates what public schools are allowed to serve or not serve and they expect these children to be healthy because of one meal? in school? It is still a free country last i checked and yes you should be able to buy what you want with your own money...but welfare fraud needs to be curbed and i am amazed someone who works in this system would say all food contains something healthy. mountain dew and most odas cheap or not will rott your teeth and make your kids hyper and eventually fat. If you need snacks and treats fine but even pop for a childs party is unhealthy and not needed. kool aide is great or if you need caffiene how about iced tea? It's not about placing judgement here on who's on welfare or what they buy but teaching a new generation how to be healthy and live better lives. This will always start at home.I think it would better serve if there were checks for fresh fruits and veggies and lets face it, it is really expensive to eat healthy, but if you had to spend your own money on pop maybe you'd do it less often.Not because someone told you to but because no one child or adult needs to be sucking down pop after pop, try water it's free

06/21/10 (05)
According to the police reports posted on this site:

May 19: Main St, 10th St, Lawrence Ave

Not once is Loop St mentioned between May 19 and June 14.

every move the police make is not noted there - they get called to the Loop more than any other place in town....someone is not always arrested because they get a call up there....

Because the police were called to the above locations, does not always mean that the person doing wrong lives at that location. Lets all keep an open mind.

06/21/10 (06)
Please...kids have plenty to do in Ellwood. There is the park, the tennis courts, the basketball courts, the swimming pool, and a game room in the emporium. Not to mention they could always get a summer job.There is no reason for kids to be ruin things or cause damage when there is so much they could do.

06/21/10 (07)
06/18/10 (07)
I agree - I saw a woman with 3 small kids at GE - buying Captain Crunch Cereal, Mountain Dew, Potato Chips -Pepsi....even if you are buying for a party - buy the cheap pop....if you're not working - you cannot afford it (at least I can't)....and 3 kids are enough if you're on food stamps

Heck why stop there.. Why not tell her what kind of clothing you allow her to wear, and what type of car you permit her to drive. You're crazy!
How on earth did what she was buying effect your life in any way, shape or form?
Giant Eagle has a special on Pepsi products 4 for 5, 5 for 5 if you have the Advantage card. Get your long nose out of her cart and into your own house!

Thank you to the last poster...Let me tell you this my husband as worked all his life we have 4 children.. He worked at his current job over 10 years and got laid off back in Febuary. I have recieved food stamps since Feb. Whatever i choose to buy with that card is my business not yours. It dont matter to you how many children i have or what my situation is.. You are one to stand in line and judge a person on what you see and thats very sad..Hope you dont raise your own to judge a person before knowing them..

06/21/10 (08)
For all those who want to keep things as they are on the burning issue in Ellwood City Monday will be your last chance to voice an opinion. The vote Monday night will forever make it illegal to burn within the city limits.
So if you want to burn as we have for along time, from 10AM to 2PM on Sat. only, you better speak up or forever be silent, because after Todrich and his merry ban are done Monday night burning will be forever ban and all the bitching anyone does will not make a bit of difference.

06/21/10 (09)
06/18/10 (03)
I am a working female age 52 and been working all my life from the age 16. I wake up every morning at 4 am. to go to work. A drug test is required to be employed there, among many other places of work that require drug testing, I think that if you do not or can not find work and need the assistance from Public Welfare, they also need to be Drug Tested. I think many Welfare people not just in Ellwood abuse the System.. I't just isn't fair. We definitly need change to our system. Who agree's with Me?
______
I agree...if someone on wellfare does not want to have a drug test then the checks should stop

06/21/10 (10)
AMEN! You people would find the most ridiculous things to complain about. And in regard to the skate park...if you gave the kids some place to ride, maybe they wouldn't be destroying all of the other places in Ellwood. You all act like because a kid rides a skate board they are evil. Get a grip!
-----
Reply:
They are evil for the most part....and if their parents would smack their A*s once in awhile maybe just maybe they could have more respect for other peoples property. Lets face it..most people now a days feel they can do anything they want to without any fear of the law. Alot of young people today act like they have Lawyers on a retainer and a lot of parents stick up for them even though they know they are guilty of brakiong rules. Oh well who really cares anymore?

06/21/10 (11)
06/18/10 (08)
My opinion on the junk pick-up---- Doing some research on Ellwood City, there are approximately 1,382 occupied homes in this town. If each household was charged a one time fee of $15.00 (electric bill of course) that would generate $20,730.00 for curb side pick-up and let the borough pick up the rest that is needed. I for one would rather pay for that then go to a drop off place that I can't handle any more. Some of the elderly can't do a drop-off and there are many who don't have a truck to go to a drop-off. So counsel on your meeting Monday please consider this option.

I am elderly and not only would I have trouble taking my 'clean-up' items to a designated location, but I do not have a pickup truck or the means to get it there. Besides, what would prevent a non-resident from dropping off at a designated location?

I would gladly pay the $15 for curb side pick-up.

06/21/10 (12)
Not once is Loop St mentioned between May 19 and June 14.

every move the police make is not noted there - they get called to the Loop more than any other place in town....someone is not always arrested because they get a call up there....

The new Right to Know law went into full effect on January 1, 2009 and it states that all documents will be presumed to be open to the public unless the agency holding them can prove otherwise.

Types of records that can be withheld include records related to personal or public security, DNA/RNA records, autopsy records, social security numbers, personal financial information, personal email addresses, marital status, identity of a covert law enforcement officer, home address of judges or law enforcement, confidential source records, victim information.

Pennsylvania defines records as, "Information, regardless of physical form or characteristics, that documents a transaction or activity of any agency and that is created, received or retained pursuant to law or in connection with a transaction, business or activity of the agency"
Pennsylvania law explicitly includes all branches of government at both the state and local level.

Are you saying:
1) police reports are being manipulated and if so why?
2) the borough is in violation of the Right to Know law?
3) Loop St receives ‘special’ exemption?

Since you state “every move the police make is not noted there” then you are in violation of the Right to Know law.

Since the police receive extra compensation for calls to Loop St, then that borders on fraud. Yes fraud for taking our tax money and not reporting the incident.

I sincerely doubt the Loop St incidents are not reported. You’re just looking down your nose so hard that you don’t see the crime in other areas of Ellwood.

06/21/10 (13)
I am a working female age 52 and been working all my life from the age 16. I wake up every morning at 4 am. to go to work. A drug test is required to be employed there, among many other places of work that require drug testing, I think that if you do not or can not find work and need the assistance from Public Welfare, they also need to be Drug Tested. I think many Welfare people not just in Ellwood abuse the System.. I't just isn't fair. We definitly need change to our system. Who agree's with Me?

I agree with you, but you never hear our government bring this up....Welfare needs an overhaul....scum will never work...I thought in order to be on Welfare today, you had to have some kind of job...and it was only for a short-time...what happened...I am sick and tired of supporting them

06/21/10 (14)
Times are tough and the school district is adding an administrative position. Why? Who is not doing their job that we need to add this position?
It can't be due to increasing student population. It doesn't make sense.

Sure it makes sense, someone on the school board or one of the "elite" needs a job....perfectly normal for a school district with less than 1000 kids....Ellwood is a rich community- didn't you know that? If some of the old timers would retire in the school district they do not need replaced...they'll die in their chairs (in their NEW OFFICES)

06/21/10 (15)
Heck why stop there.. Why not tell her what kind of clothing you allow her to wear, and what type of car you permit her to drive. You're crazy!
How on earth did what she was buying effect your life in any way, shape or form?
Giant Eagle has a special on Pepsi products 4 for 5, 5 for 5 if you have the Advantage card. Get your long nose out of her cart and into your own house!

Because I paid for ALL THAT JUNK she bought - and she was overweight and didn't need it...if its my money doing the buying then I do have the right to tell her what to eat, what to wear and what do drive

06/21/10 (16)

06/21/10 (17)
They destroyed the cement at Hartman by slamming on it and not by normal wear as was done on the tennis courts.

06/21/10 (18)
To the poster of the BPOE 1356 I thank you! I wanted to say exactly what you did, but was unsure if I was authorized to say anything. I wouldn't normally volunteer to support a "bar" with my time, but with all of the volunteer work that is actually charity...I love to assist and also to have my children assist...so thank you for putting the truth on this site!

06/21/10 (19)
I was just actually approved for a small amount of food stamps for the first time in my life and it bothers me that I need help, but sometimes you have to put down your pride. I find it bothersome how people are cart-watching to see who checks out with what and how they are paying. I'm embarhassed that I need to use the system temporarily, but sometimes you need a hand up...not a hand out. I hope that no one comes on here to complain about me. It's ridiculous and if you could for one minute stop and think...how do you know if those two bottles of soda and a bag of chips weren't use for a birthday celebration for the night or the family's once a week family night. You don't...so quit with the hatred and hiding behind a keyboard...maybe try a church so you can feel nicer, if only for a few hours.

06/21/10 (20)
Holy Redeemer Open House Sunday,July 11th Noon-2pm.
Join us for an opportunity to tour our amazing school, meet teachers and register for the fall.

All faiths are welcome.

We can't wait to meet you!!!

06/21/10 (21)
"I've seen a counselor, I've taken medication. I've gone through a depression. I will never ever ever recover from seeing what happened to my sister and my niece and my mom and dad," he told KDKA-TV last November.

Not once does he ever mention what happened to the citizens of Pennsylvania that he represented. I guess it always about him.

06/21/10 (22)
if skateboarders can tear up the concrete, whats that say about the contracters who worked the concrete? we jack hammered sidewalks that were 50 plus , I guess we should have called in a few skateboarders, eh

06/21/10 (23)
Individual sports is the way to go in this town.

06/21/10 (24)
I would like to know where our code inforcer is in Ellwood? Every week I read in the New Castle News about people being fined for uncut grass, cracked sidewalks, broken down spouts, trash in and around their yards. We have the same thing here. Where is the enforcement? Why are Bouough workers cutting the grass around Apple in Elport? Even if it belongs to the Borough now and they are renting or leasing it out, it should be the responsibility of Apple to maintain it. If you rent out a house it is the tenants responsibility to maintain the yard. We need to utilize our workers right. The parks,municiple building,entrance to Ellwood in West end,ends of 5th st and ewing park bridges etc look awesome. Good job to the crew.

06/21/10 (25)
in reference to the comment on 06/17/10(10)
Not all people in the system have come from welfare families or are they still on welfare. I myself lived in the projects with my kids for numerous years, yea i got food stamps, yea i worked but you no the only thing we did have enough of was food and i didn't buy a lot of prepackaged stuff...I cooked.We drank a lot of Kool- Aid. I also went to school became a nurse and got out of the system and have paid my own way. My parents, grandparents, siblings nor anyone else has ever been on welfare but it was what i had when i left my husband and had three kids to support. Yea, there are people that have been on welfare as there parents had and maybe even there grandparents but there are more people, that i know, that used it as it was intended. It was used as a stepping stone to get to a better life for themselves and there children.So don't judge these people, you don't know them, you don't know what they may be doing to better themselves.Believe me if they didn't need the help they wouldn't be getting the food stamps because no matter what you may think, not everyone can get food stamps or even if they can they don't want them because of the stigma people like you put on people that do use them

06/21/10 (26)
There is some discussion about drug testing people recieving food stamps but I feel we are missing something. In most communities random drug testing of public workers including police and summer help are done regularly. In Ellwood City our LEADERS do not have this done not even the Police [ the police take drugs from people all the time and I have been told drugs were found in the front seat of one of the cruisers where only police officers should be, by a police officer, but no one knew where they came from]. We pay our employees very well, we are entitled to know our empoyees are drug free [ if I were a police person mayor or other elected official I would want and welcome testing so no one could question or suspect me of using drugs ].We can find money for another tree & etc. in ewing park we should be able to find the money for testing [ unless it is benificial to some persons not to].

06/21/10 (27)
Clean Up Night - Why would I want to pay ANOTHER $15 for clean up night when several people on here have pointed out that council already charged us for it??? How about at the next council meeting they explain where our money went???

Food Stamps - I had them when I was laid off a few years ago. Don't worry about the FOOD they buy with the money. For a family of 4 they gave us $600 a month, which was more than we spent normally. The access card can be used as a debit card, which means that $600 can be withdrawn as CASH and used for smokes, beer, drugs or whatever else they see fit to buy. With all the programs they had we made more money when I was laid off than when I was working. I can only imagine what welfare pays and you get a free house.

Loop Street - I can't believe that someone posted in defense of the people at Loop getting a free ride. Telling me about how hard they have it isn't getting you anywhere. The fact that they cut "my" grass doesn't impress me. Ask someone with a lawn mowing business how many lawns they cut to get by. They spend time with their family???? How many WORKING parents would give anything to spend more time with their families? Finally, if you ask ANYONE in Ellwood where to go to buy drugs, where do you think they are going to say??????

06/21/10 (28)
If you want to continue to burn in Ellwood City, let the 4 councilmen who want to have it banned
know--Lefty DeCarbo, Glenn Jones, Ralph Chiappetta and John Todorich. Come to the council meeting Monday 6-21 at 6 pm-2nd floor of municipal building.

06/18/10 (01)

06/18/10 (02)
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
Would you rather spend money for:
1) a skateboard park, or
2) drug rehab?

If these kids had nothing to do (ie. skateboard) then what else is them to do? Many would turn to drugs.

I guess while we're at it, we might as well demolish the tennis and basketball courts. After all, look at how the surface is being destroyed.

Oh, and lets not forget the damage done to the grass at the football field.

06/18/10 (03)
I am a working female age 52 and been working all my life from the age 16. I wake up every morning at 4 am. to go to work. A drug test is required to be employed there, among many other places of work that require drug testing, I think that if you do not or can not find work and need the assistance from Public Welfare, they also need to be Drug Tested. I think many Welfare people not just in Ellwood abuse the System.. I't just isn't fair. We definitly need change to our system. Who agree's with Me?

06/18/10 (04)
Times are tough and the school district is adding an administrative position. Why? Who is not doing their job that we need to add this position?
It can't be due to increasing student population. It doesn't make sense.

06/18/10 (05)

06/18/10 (06)

06/18/10 (07)
I agree - I saw a woman with 3 small kids at GE - buying Captain Crunch Cereal, Mountain Dew, Potato Chips -Pepsi....even if you are buying for a party - buy the cheap pop....if you're not working - you cannot afford it (at least I can't)....and 3 kids are enough if you're on food stamps

Heck why stop there.. Why not tell her what kind of clothing you allow her to wear, and what type of car you permit her to drive. You're crazy!
How on earth did what she was buying effect your life in any way, shape or form?
Giant Eagle has a special on Pepsi products 4 for 5, 5 for 5 if you have the Advantage card. Get your long nose out of her cart and into your own house!

06/18/10 (08)
My opinion on the junk pick-up---- Doing some research on Ellwood City, there are approximately 1,382 occupied homes in this town. If each household was charged a one time fee of $15.00 (electric bill of course) that would generate $20,730.00 for curb side pick-up and let the borough pick up the rest that is needed. I for one would rather pay for that then go to a drop off place that I can't handle any more. Some of the elderly can't do a drop-off and there are many who don't have a truck to go to a drop-off. So counsel on your meeting Monday please consider this option.

06/18/10 (09)
There will always be people who abuse anything. I don't have a problem with those who actually need some help. To those that abuse it, it's a way of life and I feel sorry for them. They were never taught self responsibility, pride or self respect

I work in the welfare office. I can tell you that the people you are talking about are a small percentage of those who receive welfare. I do not understand why you are so angry about them using food stamps to purchase food?. ALL food has some nutritional value to it when eaten in moderation. If you see them selling items they have purchased or purchasing items for other people, then you call my office but until then, they aren't breaking any laws and they sure aren't hurting anyone. A mother with three children buying two bottles of soda and one bag of chips, four people sharing two bottles of soda and a bag of chips, I believe that hardly constitutes such an attack.
Just so you know, food stamps are completely different than welfare, I knew what you meant so I just answered your reply. Furthermore, most of the food stamp recipients are required to work a thirty hour work week in order to continue receiving the stamps. I'm not real sure where you're getting your information, but you are completely misinformed.

06/18/10 (10)
I'm tired at the sense of entitlement some lifer's have. I'm really tired of those that abuse the system and in no way, shape or form use it for what it is intended for.

Not for nothing but those people tend to be the same people involved with or arrested for illegal activities. Our local police can't even stop them, how do you expect the state to? Maybe that should be the point of cut off. You get convicted of a crime, you loose your help up.

06/18/10 (11)

06/18/10 (12)
Bars and hoagie sales! Are you serious what are they supporting? Its one big joke, people please wake and quit letting the BS fill your minds. Look what happened at PNC BANK the other night! and not far from the bank is a bar! Fact are facts, you can try and hide them as much as you want. I will not give a dime to a town that does not do anything to clean up its act! Hey, instead of worrying about who has the nicest yard, lets crack down on the local bars and scum that pollute our town!

You say in your message that facts are facts. Ok, here are a few FACTS! The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks does the following things:

1. We are second only to the Federal Goverment in the amount of College Scholarships we give away. Last year through the Elks National Foundation over 4 MILLION Dollars were given in scholarships! Several Students from Ellwood City have been awarded scholarships in the past!

2. Last year the 2200 Elks Lodges across the country and the 11 million dollars that was distributed by the Elks National Foundation gave 316 MILLION Dollars in Money, Goods and Services back to America! Yes, I did say million!

On the State Level! The Pennsylvania State Elks Association operates the Home Service Nurse Program which provides 22 Registered Nurses who service over 5200 clients in the state. They make visits to the homes of people with Developmental Diseases such as Cerebral Palsy and so forth! You may see their cars around from time to time because they DO service several people who live in the Ellwood City Area. This program is provided to anybody needing it at no cost to the client. It costs the Elks of Pennsylvania slightly over 1 million dollars per year to operate this program!

Now on the local level! The Ellwood City Elks while contributing to all the above also supports Little League. WE are the oldest continuing sponsor having sponsored a team since 1953 when the league was started. This at a cost of around 500.00 to 800.00 a year

We provide funds for the Veterans at Deshon Hospital and make several visits there every year.

We sponsor various projects and provide space for various projects that request our help. We provide donations to various local projects

We have just undertaken a project to provide Dictionaries to all 3rd Grade Students in the Ellwood City School District.

Now everything that I have outlined above is absolutely true and can be verified if you wish. Just call the lodge after 4:00pm at 724-758-8599. Ask for the Secretary. Leave your number and he WILL call you back.

And yes, the funds for much of what you have read above are raised from such fund raisers as Ho