Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by Jim Orr
Visit with a true World War II hero
The article originally ran in the May 18, 2012 edition of the Connersville News-Examiner. Sunday marked the 79th anniversary of Doolittle’s Raid. By April of 1942, as the United States entered the fifth month of World War II, both its armed forces and citizens were in bad need of a morale boost. Following Japan’s devastating surprise attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, our country was bombarded by continuing bad news from both the European and Pacific theaters of the war. kAmx?
Letter to the Editor
Traitors or reunited fellow loyal citizens? This letter was motivated by persons who frequently refer to former Confederate General Robert E. Lee as a traitor. kAmsFC:?8 9:D EH@ E6C>D 2D !C6D:56?E W`hda\e_X sH:89E s2G:5 t:D6?9@H6C 925 A9@E@8C2A9D @7 7@FC @7 9:D 72G@C:E6 p>6C:42? 96C@6D 92?8:?8 @? E96 H2==D @7 E96 ~G2= ~77:46] ~?6 @7 E96D6 A9@E@D H2D @7 #@36CE t] {66]k^Am kAm~?
German police raid Audi in VW Dieselgate investigation
German police raid Audi offices in connection with Volkswagen Dieselgate investigation Posted March 21, 2017 by Jay Pate Police in Germany raided the offices of automaker Audi last week in connection with an investigation into the Volkswagen Dieselgate scandal. Volkswagen is facing criminal investigations in connection with the emissions cheating scandal from authorities in the city of Braunschweig, Germany, as well as a separate investigation of Audi by authorities in Munich.
Ellwood City Family Video store closed to make room for new tenant
"We have a different opportunity with that property," Zembower said. Ellwood City borough Manager Robert Villella said Monday that DaVita Kidney Care, a division of DaVita Health Care Partners, will open an outlet in the building that previously housed Family Video. DaVita Kidney Care, based in Denver, operates more than 2,200 outpatient dialysis centers in the United States, according to information on its website.
North Sewickley Township forum to focus on developing oil and gas industries
NORTH SEWICKLEY TWP. -- A Keystone Energy Forum event hoped to build interest in developing this region’s oil and gas industries is planned for May 12.A panel of industry and government officials will visit to participate in the forum at Shakespeare’s Restaurant along Route 65 in North Sewickley Township.“We’re hoping for a break with industry and jobs, and we hope this is it,” said Raymond Santillo, executive director of the sponsoring Ellwood City Area Chamber of Commerce.
North Sewickley Township forum to focus on developing oil and gas industries
“We’re hoping for a break with industry and jobs, and we hope this is it,” said Raymond Santillo, executive director of the sponsoring Ellwood City Area Chamber of Commerce. “I don’t know if it will be, but I hope it is.” He’s not alone. Partners in promoting the event include the Lawrence County Economic Development Corp. and the chambers of commerce in Beaver, Butler and Lawrence counties. The list of panelists includes former state Rep.
Ellwood City Council aims to put new life in Boiler Room building
Borough Manager Robert Villella said the building, which the borough purchased in 2013 from Rich Cancilliere, needs repairs to make it more attractive to a business looking to relocate. Villella estimated Monday that the renovations could cost in excess of $250,000. That figure would be in addition to $120,000 that the borough spent to purchase the building in the first place -- an investment that, as Villella was quick to point out, was completed by a previous council.
Tanis Fox helps set Table of Grace for Lawrence, Beaver counties
Fox delivers to the Holy Redeemer Food Bank in Ellwood City, the Ellwood City Community Partnership and food banks in Franklin Township at Lillyville Church of God and the Church of the Nazarene. Beyond the Ellwood City area, she delivers to the Portersville Food Bank, the Beaver Falls Salvation Army, two soup kitchens in Beaver Falls and the Crossroads Shelter for the homeless in the basement of Christ's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Beaver Falls.
Race day arrives Saturday in Ellport
“Runners tell us all the time about the people standing on their porches in Ellport, clapping for the runners as they run by,” race organizer Herb Cratty said Thursday. “And with the way the weather is looking for Saturday, you’ll probably have that.” Dry morning conditions and a high of 40 degrees are in the Saturday forecast. Cratty, an accomplished runner who lives in Ellport, said he expects the usual 100 or 120 entrants. About 60 were signed up Thursday afternoon.
The lamb gets a day, but the lion marches into March
Most of Wednesday was expected to feel bitter cold with wind chills in the mid-teens, said meteorologist Tom Green of the National Weather Service in Moon Township. The NWS issued a wind advisory for 6 p.m. Tuesday to 5 a.m. Wednesday as a cold front from the West blew in with anticipated gusts of up to 45 to 50 mph overnight. “We think the winds will remain gusty after daylight arrives with gusts of up to 30 mph in the morning and 25 mph in the afternoon,” Green said.
Adult literacy class begins at Ellwood City Community Partnership
Shaner has started an adult literacy class in the Ellwood City Community Partnership building at 309 Fifth St. "Reading is so important just for daily living and for getting employment," said Shaner, an Ellwood City resident. "I have a background in literacy from when I lived in Michigan. I have tutored, and it is highly rewarding and satisfying." A couple of adults have joined the program so far, she said. The classes are held weekly at 10 a.m. Thursdays.
Tanix Fox helps set Table of Grace for Lawrence, Beaver counties
Fox delivers to the Holy Redeemer Food Bank in Ellwood City, the Ellwood City Community Partnership and food banks in Franklin Township at Lillyville Church of God and the Church of the Nazarene. Beyond the Ellwood City area, she delivers to the Portersville Food Bank, the Beaver Falls Salvation Army, two soup kitchens in Beaver Falls and the Crossroads Shelter for the homeless in the basement of Christ's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Beaver Falls.
Final days of St. Agatha's Church salvaged for television
Black Dog Salvage, an architectural salvage business in Roanoke, Va., has been collecting the material at St. Agatha’s. Mike Whiteside, a co-star on the show and co-owner of the salvage company, said CVS contacted Black Dog Salvage to gather some of the former church’s treasures. “A church means so much to people, and we respect that,” he said Thursday during a break from his work at the site. “The items that we salvage will live on for more than 100 years. We preserve history.
Loccisano family ties: The bond behind supermarket's 100th anniversary
"Danny's daughters -- Jessica, Alexis and Rachel -- are the fourth generation," Lordi said during her presentation at the Ellwood City History Center. "They are doing a wonderful job of keeping our legacy and heritage alive." Lordi's grandfather, Guiseppe Nicola (Nick) Loccisano, was born Nov. 22, 1886, and her grandmother, Bettina, was born in July 1897 in Calabria, Italy.
In the market for a historic celebration? Loccisano's marking 100 years
The Ellwood City institution marks its centennial in 2016. The historical society has put up a display and invited a guest speaker with Loccisano family ties to get the celebration going. “The importance of Loccisano’s, naturally, is that it’s been in business 100 continuous years,” said Everett Bleakney Jr., the society board’s second vice president. “They’re family. Local family.
Benefit fish fry sells 1,700 dinners in four hours for Kyree Beachem
ELLWOOD CITY — Kyree Beachem’s hometown loves her.Absolutely loves her.The benefit fish fry for the multiple-organ transplant recipient Friday at Ellwood City Moose Lodge 93 sold about 1,700 fish dinners and went through about 150 pounds of fish in four hours. Demand was so strong that those ordering faced waits of more than 1 1/2 hours.“I think it’s great,” Moose kitchen and bar manager Barb Lutz said while taking a breather on her busy night. “It’s a good cause.
Benefit fish fry sells 1,700 dinners in four hours for Kyree Beachem
The benefit fish fry for the multiple-organ transplant recipient Friday at Ellwood City Moose Lodge 93 sold about 1,700 fish dinners and went through about 150 pounds of fish in four hours. Demand was so strong that those ordering faced waits of more than 1½ hours. “I think it’s great,” Moose kitchen and bar manager Barb Lutz said while taking a breather on her busy night. “It’s a good cause.
Beaver County region has been warmer than average
That’s a change for Pittsburgh, which has been firmly above average in temperature the past several months. National Weather Service temperature data shows that the average temperature was higher than normal in seven of the 12 months of the year. November and December were both the warmest of their respective months in the past five years, data shows.
Historical society on track with record train display attendance
“It was the most successful display or event we’ve had for people coming to the History Center,” society board member Dom Viccari said. Organizers said the display, sponsored in cooperation with the Beaver-Lawrence Railway Historical Society, brought in visitors from across the two counties, Ohio and as far as Virginia. Special tours were given to Ellwood City Boy Scouts and special-needs clients of the Beaver County Rehabilitation Center’s WIN Services.
Hazel Louise Johnson was a special delivery
The infant, all 6 pounds and 13 ounces of her, was born at her Crescent Avenue home in Ellwood City. With little time to spare, her father delivered her. Chris Johnson delivered the baby when his wife, Janie Evans Johnson, was in labor and her water broke. Chris' parents, Nancy and Les Johnson of Wayne Township, assisted him. "I thought it was special," Nancy said. Little Hazel entered the world at 3:25 a.m. She was 20.5 inches long.
Kyree Beachem stable, sedated after multiple organ transplant
ELLWOOD CITY -- Kyree Beachem’s loved ones didn’t gather for Thanksgiving dinner as planned. They shared no turkey, no stuffing. But this was better. The Ellwood City girl finally was undergoing a multiple organ transplant hoped to save her life, a rare procedure that was no guarantee to ever happen. Kyree's family, including her seven older brothers and sisters, joined her at the hospital.
Ellwood City girl stable, sedated after multiple organ transplant
ELLWOOD CITY -- Kyree Beachem’s loved ones didn’t gather for Thanksgiving dinner as planned. They shared no turkey, no stuffing.But this was better.The Ellwood City girl finally was undergoing a multiple organ transplant hoped to save her life, a rare procedure that was no guarantee to ever happen.
Possible additions to Ewing, Stiefel parks get a look Monday
Residents get the chance to look in the crystal ball Monday at a number of significant additions being considered for the two parks. Master site plans for the parks will be discussed during the Ellwood City Council meeting that begins at 7 p.m. in the municipal building auditorium. “Hopefully, one of the major projects can get done next year,” Borough Manager Robert Villella said Friday. “It’s a great opportunity for our parks.
Sunday morning fire at Inmetco under control
Ellwood City police said employees were in the building when the fire began but none were reported injured. Police said they would not evacuate neighbors from the area, but advised them to stay indoors due to heavy smoke. Many onlookers gathered along area roadways. Metals from batteries and hazardous wastes are recycled at the plant at 1 Inmetco Drive. Because the fire involved lithium, firefighters could not use water to extinguish it due to the dangerous reaction it would cause.
Little girl with big voice called up to the big leagues
The Riverside Elementary School fifth-grader, 10, will sing the national anthem at PNC Park before the evening’s other important event on the field: Pirates vs. Cardinals. “She is completely honored,” her mother, Tanya Speicher, said Tuesday. “It’s a moment of a lifetime for her.” The little girl with the big voice got her break after singing the national anthem this past summer during New Sewickley Township Community Day.
Little girl with big voice called up to the big leagues
“She is completely honored,” her mother, Tanya Speicher, said Tuesday. “It’s a moment of a lifetime for her.” The little girl with the big voice got her break after singing the national anthem this past summer during New Sewickley Township Community Day. An admirer who heard her there helped arrange an audition for the PNC Park gig. Alexa, who lives with her family in Franklin Township, will have a bit of company.
Ellwood City Fall Fest growing up quickly
“It’s been absolutely fantastic,” said Bob Rivers, owner of the National Grind coffee shop at 400 Lawrence Ave. “This was definitely one of our biggest days (for sales) of the year, right up there with the Christmas parade and the holidays.” That was the idea. While event goers and participants filled downtown to enjoy activities, attractions and food, Fall Fest was all about giving local merchants and organizations a shot in the arm, Rivers said.
Salvation Army restructuring in Ellwood City, closing center
In a news release, the Salvation Army said that since the Ellwood City center is "not being fully utilized for community programming," money being spent on rent and other expenses would be more wisely used to provide direct assistance to those in need. Other than a weekly community dinner at the center, limited additional activity does not warrant paying for the space and staff, according to the release.
Show More
loading
Actions
Is this you?
As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.Get in touch with Jim
Contact Jim, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack