Columns

Legislators Must End Funding Delay for Community Colleges

NOTE: The following is an op-ed related to the state funding impasse and signed by members of the Butler County Community College board of trustees and the BC3 Education Foundation board of directors as provided by BC3 in e-mail. Nearly six months into the fiscal year, Butler County Community College and Pennsylvania’s 14 other community colleges have yet to receive operating funds authorized in the state’s FY 2023-24 budget. In fact, community colleges are the only public higher education institutions in Pennsylvania still awaiting state payments. The state budget included a two percent operating fund increase for the community colleges,…


Bernstine: PA House Democrats Destruct Democracy in the Dark

While many Pennsylvanians were tuned into the dysfunction in Washington D.C. last week, Democrats in the state House were one-upping Congress and leading one of the most destructive assaults on democracy I’ve seen in my time in Harrisburg. The week was full of shady last-minute legislation, the silencing of debate when anyone objected to their ideas, and passage of a bill that spends $800 million more of your tax dollars. But by far the worst and most concerning action happened while most Pennsylvanians were sleeping. House Democrats bypassed a chamber rule that prevents voting after 11 p.m. and rammed through…


Bernstine: Harrisburg Politicians Continue to Attack Small Businesses

When I first started out in politics, I naively believed that anyone getting into public service must want to help others. As lawmakers, we are tasked with putting forth policies that support the average Pennsylvanian and building a Commonwealth where anyone can thrive. I have since learned that this is just not the case. Too many of my peers in Harrisburg have made it their mission to jeopardize small businesses – the backbone of our economy – and threaten the livelihoods of their own constituents. Even worse, some of those same politicians have put the wishes of big, internationally owned…


Historical Society Announces Two Scholarship Winners

The annual Robert and Janice Barensfeld Scholarships were awarded at the Ellwood City Historical Society on Monday. Emily Fox, of Riverside High School, and Mark VanHorn, of Lincoln High School, were the graduating seniors who each earned the the scholarships. The meeting was opened by President Everett Bleakney, who welcomed all present to an exciting evening. Guy Prestia, a WWII veteran lead the group in the Pledge of Allegiance. A thank you card from Guy, to the History Center was read for his 100th birthday celebration hosted by the Center. A letter of commendation from President Biden given to Guy,…


Ethel Snare Celebrates 100th Birthday

Ellwood City native Ethel Snare joined the centennial celebrations this week, celebrating her 100th birthday on Wednesday.  Snare joins Guy Prestia whom celebrated his 100th birthday on Tuesday. Snare was born on April 27,1922 to George and Gladys Wallis in the Ewing Park area of Ellwood City, Pennsylvania. She grew up with her three siblings, Virginia, Robert, and Roberta during the Depression and the lessons of being thrifty and self-sufficient have stayed with her to this day. On October 5, 1944 she married Russell Snare who was on leave from the Army. Her parents saved their transportation stamps so the…


Letter To The Editor: Artificial Turf

Does it make good financial sense to spend approximately a million dollars to install artificial turf on a football field that is used only a few months a year? At first, when considering upkeep and maintenance, it may seem worthwhile. However, there are many concerns about artificial turf besides the exorbitant upfront costs. Since artificial turf lasts only 8-10 years, there is a high replacement cost. It is not biodegradable making disposal expensive. Artificial turf gets far hotter than natural grass and can reach a temperature of 200° Artificial turf has a surface harder than grass which increases the risk…


Letter To The Editor: Ellwood City After Prom

On Friday, May 8th, ninety-seven Ellwood City Juniors & Seniors attended an After Prom in the Lincoln High School big gym. This effort was planned and implemented in less than a month by a dedicated group of parent & community volunteers. The goal of the 2021 After Prom Committee was to provide a safe and fun atmosphere for the students to enjoy at the end of a tough year. The event was held from 11pm-5am directly following the prom. The kids danced the night away to the tunes of DJ Ed DiBuono, had a blast in Clark’s Studio photo booth,…


Letter to the Editor: Promising Senior Year Forthcoming For LHS-Alum

This year, Lincoln High graduate Nick Ioanilli will wrap up a stellar career at Colgate University where he won many awards both on and off the field. In 2018, Nick was chosen All-Patriot League Second Team, Defensive Player of the Week and was named to both the Patriot League Academic Honor Roll and the Colgate Raider Academic Honor Roll. Nick had three interceptions, returning one for a touchdown during the 2018 season. One of Nick’s best games was against Cornell where he had a career-high 11 tackles. Continued improvement is expected from Nick this season and he is expected to…


Letter to the Editor: Little League Field

Attached is the original letter that I presented to the school board regarding the Lincoln High School Varsity and Junior High softball teams on Thursday evening. Dear School Board Members, My name is Bill Garroway.  I come to you today as a borough resident, property owner,  and taxpayer.  I attended Wayne School at the elementary level and am a proud member of the Lincoln High School Class of 1987.  I am also the leader of the summer youth fastpitch softball program, Junior High School Softball Head Coach, and Varsity Softball Assistant Coach. My question is can someone tell me why…


Letter to the Editor: Ellwood Medical Center – Americore

How much do you know, or care, about what is happening at the Ellwood City Medical Center now operated by Americore, which was once our beloved community hospital? There’s been some news about Americore’s financial difficulties elsewhere, and according to Americore, they’ve been settled.  However, according to court documents obtained by The Lee Daily Register from the Supreme Court Clerk of New York the headline story reads “All Americore Hospitals Tied Up In Supreme Court Legal Battle.”  Specifically mentioned in the list: “Ellwood City Hospital, Ellwood City Medical Center LLC, Ellwood Medical LLC, Ellwood Medical Center Operations LLC.” Perhaps this…