Traffic Pattern Change - July 6
On July 6th, 2008, there will be a traffic pattern change as a result of fireworks display held at Helling Stadium. Jefferson Avenue between Foch Street and Joffre Street will be closed off from vehicle traffic. This are will be accessible for pedestrian traffic only. Additionally Petain Street between Adams and Jefferson will be blocked as a result.

Shelter Renovation
July 3, 2008
ECO staff - Eric Johnson, Student Journalist

Just in time for the Arts and Crafts festival, the main shelter in Ewing Park, 2A-2B recently underwent a full renovation. ECO talked to Ellwood City’s borough manager and he provided information on the renovation and how it was possible to be completed.

The renovation was made possible through an organization called Adopt-A-Shelter. There were 10 sponsors who each gave $1,000 towards the overall renovation. The work will continue in the fall and next year to include all of the shelters in the park. (more information on the project)


They Really Are Man's Best Friend !
July 3, 2008
ECO staff – Laure Cioffi, Senior Journalist

WAYNE TWP. – Teaching dogs and their owners has always been a passion for Danielle Wilson.

And for the last few years the Wayne Township woman has taken that passion to a new level training assistance dogs that go to people with disabilities.

Wilson, a Hermitage, Pa., native, is a field instructor for Paws With A Cause, a national organization that trains and places service dogs with people who are deaf, confined to wheelchairs or have mobility issues such as those associated with muscular dystrophy or multiple sclerosis. (read more)



Local Youngsters Wanted For a Youth Hockey League
July 2, 2008
ECO staff – Laure Cioffi, Senior Journalist

ELLWOOD CITY – The members of the Stiefel Roller Hockey League realize that they have to start bringing in younger players if they want the organization to survive.

That is why the group is working to start a youth hockey league.

Caleb Cragle, a member of the adult league since its inception 11 years ago, is trying to gauge interest from parents and youngsters to start a youth hockey league later this year. They haven’t set an age range on participation because they want to know how many children in different age groups would be interested, he said.

Cragle said they hope to start the youth league in late August or early September to coincide with the beginning of the school year. Games will likely be on Saturdays at the roller hockey rink in Stiefel Park, he said. (find out more)


Super Sizzling Sidewalk Sales
July 2, 2008
ECO staff – Laure Cioffi, Senior Journalist

Get a jump on the holiday bargains at the Fifth Annual Super Sizzling Sidewalk Sales,
featuring downtown shops and other Ellwood City area businesses.

Discount flags will be at all participating businesses along Lawrence Avenue and shopping will be from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday.

Other participation businesses setting up on Lawrence Avenue include Behavioral Unit of Ellwood City Hospital, Northview Estates, Yellow Ribbon Girls, Ferrante Upholstery, Mr. B’s, Hazen Insurance, Shakespeare’s Restaurant, Ellwood City Revitalization, Ellwood City Area Chamber of Commerce, Clearwater Estates, Pa. State Rep. Jaret Gibbons, Thanks A Latte, and others.


Building A Dream
July 1, 2008
ECO staff – Laure Cioffi, Senior Journalist

ELLWOOD CITY – When Christina Norris moves into her new home, she can boast that she helped build it with her own two hands.

“I helped with the framework. I helped lay the floor and the cement. I hold the wood while they cut it, I don’t want to use the saw,” said Norris.

Norris will be the owner of the first home built in Ellwood City through Lawrence County’s Habitat for Humanity. A ceremonial groundbreaking was held on June 1 and construction work started June 18 on the two-story home being built on the 500 block of Seventh Street.

In just a month workers have put up the first floor framing and were working Monday on the joists for the second floor. (read more) (view photos)


Firework Displays in Lawrence County
July, 1, 2008
ECO staff - Eric Johnson, Student Journalist

(Find out where and when)


The Dangers of Salmonella
June 30, 2008
ECO staff - Eric Johnson, Student Journalist

Everyone is familiar with the “tomato incident” and the dangerous bacteria that were recently found in most of the tomatoes. Most health conscious people know about the bacteria salmonella, but does anyone know how it came about, where its from, how to prevent it, or how it got its name?

Salmonella got its name after Daniel Elmer Salmon, an American veterinary pathologist. Salmonella is a gram-negative bacterium and is found in many reptiles and animals. But how does salmonella get transported on to the food we eat? (find out)