Articles by Press Releases

Senator Vogel Responds to Governor’s Budget Proposal

The Senate will carefully study the $36.1 billion state General Fund budget for Fiscal Year 2020-21 unveiled by Governor Tom Wolf on Tuesday (February 4) before a joint session of the General Assembly, according to Senator Elder Vogel (R-47). “Obviously, it’s more of the same old, same old,” said Senator Vogel. “We hear that he doesn’t want to raise taxes, yet there is over $1 billion in new spending in the budget and that money has to come from somewhere. We don’t know where that is coming from yet. He is taking a lot of money out of other programs….


Final United Fund Campaign Report

The Ellwood City United Fund campaign ends on Friday, January 31, 2020 – but there still is time to donate! The fund did not make the campaign goal of $50,000.00 and is short $10,500.00 with five days to go this month according to treasurer Andrew Kindle in a statement. “It is only by the generosity of the community that the United Fund agencies are able to serve our neighbors and friends who are in need, and who are going through rough times in their lives,” said Kindle. “It is not the amount you donate but that you give. Your donation…


Senate Approves Two Bills Supporting PA Fire & EMS Companies

Recognizing the major issues facing Pennsylvania’s firefighters, the Senate on Tuesday approved two bills based on recommendations made by a bi-partisan commission established to study emergency services across the Commonwealth, according to Senator Elder Vogel. “The Senate Resolution 6 Commission built upon the foundation set by the previous Senate Resolution 60 Commission to develop a new set of recommendations that provides the next steps toward providing needed assistance to Pennsylvania’s first responders,” said Senator Vogel. “Using that background information as a guide, these bills help address some of the issues facing Pennsylvania’s fire departments. Senate Bill 908 would create a…


Riverside SD Announces New Student Online Enrollment; Students of the Month

Riverside will be implementing Skyward New Student Online Enrollment on February 10, 2020. The Riverside School District is creating a new way to enroll students new to our district, including NEW KINDERGARTEN ENROLLMENTS FOR 20-21.  The process is automated and eliminates the need for printing endless forms.  The process walks new parents/guardians through a series of questions and will help improve the efficiency of the enrollment process.  We will be working diligently this week to create and test our new system.  Access will be available February 10, 2020.  No phone calls for kindergarten enrollment will be received until Monday, Feb…


BC3 Announces President’s List, Dean’s List and Graduates for Fall 2019

Several area residents were recognized by Butler County Community College for making the President’s List and Dean’s List for the Fall 2019 semester, as well as five local students who have graduated recently. Students who have achieved a cumulative GPA (grade-point average) of 3.75 or higher are named to the President’s List following completion of at least 12 semester hours or upon completion of degree requirements.  Students who have achieved a cumulative GPA (grade-point average) of 3.5 to 3.74 are named to the Dean’s List following completion of at least 12 semester hours or upon completion of degree requirements. Area…


CFA Awards $33,963 Grant to Help Lawrence County Dairy Farm

The Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA) awarded a $33,963 Pennsylvania Dairy Investment Program grant to help a Lawrence County dairy farm, according to Senator Elder Vogel. Leslie Farm in Little Beaver Township was awarded the grant to assist with the purchase and installation of new equipment to produce yogurt from grass-fed cows. Leslie Farm plans to construct a value-added dairy facility that will require renovations to its existing barn and milk house. Leslie Farm anticipates this project will allow it to process 90,000 pounds of milk annually into 32- and 6-ounce yogurt containers. The initial plan calls for plain yogurt in…


Ellwood City Historical Society January Meeting Recap

The January meeting of the Ellwood City Area Historical Society was called to order by Everett Bleakney, who welcomed the 27 people attending, after which WWII veteran Guy Prestia led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance to the American flag. Everett then introduced the Society officers and board of directors for the year 2020. Minutes of the previous November meeting were read by Secretary Lois Liebendorfer and the Treasurer’s report was given by Charles Brown. Ways & Means Chairman, Andy Kindle advised the new tee shirts can be purchased at the low cost of $12.00.  He will have meetings…


Wurtemburg-Perry VFD Holding 1st Annual Night at the Casino

The Wurtemburg-Perry Volunteer Fire Department will be holding its first annual Night at the Casino in February. Their first annual trip will take party-goers to the Rivers Casino on Saturday, February 15 beginning at 5:00 p.m. The bus will leave from the fire department parking lot at 4:00 p.m. and the bus will leave from the casino no later than 10:15 p.m.  Approximate time of return to the fire department parking lot is 11:15 p.m. According to a social media post, there are still a few tickets available. Ticket pricing announced at $40.00 per ticket. Ticket includes bus trip to…


Pennsylvania Third-Grade Students Invited to Enter Dental Health Contest

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Dental Association (PDA) invites third-graders across Pennsylvania to show their creativity this February in celebration of National Children’s Dental Health Month (NCDHM). The theme for 2020 is: “Fluoride in Water Prevents Cavities!” This year marks the 75th anniversary of community water fluoridation. Those who participate in PDA’s poster contest will have a chance at winning several different prizes. Three statewide winners will be selected from the entries. The first-place winner will be awarded $500. In addition, the first-place winner’s school and teacher will each receive a $250 prize. The grand prize will be awarded to the…


Bernstine Bill to Access Information Prior to a Public Meeting Passes House

HARRISBURG – Legislation sponsored by Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Beaver/Butler/Lawrence) that would amend the Sunshine Act to require a public agency to post public meeting agendas no later than 24 hours prior to the start of a meeting passed the House today. House Bill 1069 would also prohibit an agency from taking official action on items not on the meeting agenda unless added by a majority vote. “I believe that we understand the intent and importance of the Sunshine Act in maintaining and enhancing the transparency of government decision-making and to allow Pennsylvanians to participate in their government,” said Bernstine. “Unfortunately,…