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May 29, 2025

Distracted Driving Law Takes Effect Next Week

Harrisburg – In keeping with Governor Shapiro’s commitment to safety on Pennsylvania roads, the Shapiro Administration urged drivers to put down the phone while driving, ahead of the June 5 effective date for “Paul Miller’s Law,” which makes it illegal to use a hand-held cell phone while driving. As part of his mission to provide a safe transportation system for all Pennsylvanians, Governor Josh Shapiro signed Senate Bill 37 into law on June 5, 2024. Effective June 5, 2025, the law – known as “Paul Miller’s Law” – prohibits the use of hand-held devices while driving, even while stopped temporarily due to traffic, a red…

May 23, 2025

Three Community Projects in Beaver and Lawrence Counties Awarded Over $53,000 from the State Environmental Education Grants Program

Senator Elder Vogel, Jr. (R-47) announced three community projects in Beaver and Lawrence counties have been awarded over $53,000 from the state Environmental Education Grants Program. “Providing children and young adults with opportunities to learn about the importance of being environmental stewards is essential to aid conservation efforts for the future,” said Vogel. “These local projects will help achieve that goal.” Beaver County RiverWise was awarded $19,180 to host a “Summer Sustainability Institute” for middle and high school students, who will be engaged in hands-on learning, create video interviews, and write sustainability-themed articles. Lawrence County Ellwood City Area School District…

May 19, 2025

Second Grade Students Celebrate Ellwood City Community Days

The spirit of community came alive during Ellwood City Community Days as second grade students from the Ellwood City Area School District took part in an educational and fun-filled day that gave students the opportunity to explore and connect with the people and places that help make Ellwood City a strong community. Throughout the day, students visited key locations around town and engaged with community leaders, learning firsthand about the roles they play in keeping Ellwood City safe, welcoming, and thriving. From public service to local history, the event highlighted the importance of civic engagement and local pride. Second grade…

May 17, 2025

BC3 Golf Team Wins Again, To Contend For National Championship

Apollo, PA – Butler County Community College men’s golfer Jacob Marquardt on Tuesday became the lowest-scoring Region 20 medalist in program history, and the undefeated Pioneers qualified for the national championship tournament in western New York with a postseason victory against three teams. BC3 (8-0) captured its seventh National Junior College Athletic Association Division III Region 20 crown with the 36-hole tournament win against the Community College of Allegheny County, Westmoreland County Community College and Pennsylvania Highlands Community College at the Links at Spring Church in Apollo. As the Region 20 champion, the Pioneers earned an automatic berth to the…

May 9, 2025

Brown Vehemently Opposes Legalizing Recreational Marijuana in Pennsylvania

HARRISBURG – Rep. Marla Brown (R-Lawrence) this week voted “no” on legalizing recreational marijuana in Pennsylvania. Brown issued the following statement after the House approved House Bill 1200: “The 173-page bill was just introduced Sunday, May 4, and was fast tracked through the House Health Committee, of which I am a member, Monday. It was quickly brought up for a final vote in the House on Wednesday. It’s a misguided mess that does nothing to help Pennsylvanians who could benefit from the work we should be doing on boosting homegrown energy and matching our educational systems to the jobs of the…

May 8, 2025

Vogel, Kinkead Kick Off the 15th Capitol Hunger Garden Season

HARRISBURG – Sen. Elder Vogel, Jr. (R-47) and Rep. Emily Kinkead (D-20), co-chairs of the Hunger Caucus, gathered at the Capitol Hunger Garden to highlight how the Harrisburg community benefits from the produce grown in the Hunger Garden. In addition to Vogel and Kinkead, remarks were also offered by Peter Flynn, President of the Pennsylvania Vegetable Growers Association; Mieshia Jackson, Director of Operations for Downtown Daily Bread; Rep. Dan Moul, minority chair of the House Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee; and Joe Arthur, CEO of the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank. “Food insecurity affects all walks of life here in Pennsylvania,”…

May 6, 2025

Covert Shoots Lowest Score Of Spring, Leads BC3 Golf Team to 7-0 Start

Butler, PA – Lincoln High School graduate, Mitchell Covert, shot his lowest score of the spring Friday and won medalist honor for the second time in his past three matches as the Butler County Community College men’s golf team defeated the Community College of Allegheny County and moved to 7-0. Covert birdied four of six consecutive holes on the front nine and finished with a 3-over 75 at Lake Arthur Golf Club. The Pioneers also posted their lowest team score of the spring in their 319-383 victory. The four lowest individual scores are added to determine the team score. BC3’s…

April 28, 2025

Bernstine Announces Loan for Portersville Muddy Creek EMS Ambulance Upgrade

HARRISBURG – Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Butler/Lawrence) today announced the Portersville Muddy Creek Township Volunteer Fire Department has been approved for an $81,740 loan from the Office of the State Fire Commissioner. The funding will support the purchase of a Ford E350 Crestline CCL150 ambulance, significantly enhancing the department’s emergency response capabilities. “This investment ensures our local EMS professionals have the resources they need to respond quickly and safely in emergencies,” said Bernstine. “I’m proud to support initiatives that protect the health and safety of our communities in Butler and Lawrence counties.” The loan was awarded through the Fire Company and Emergency…

April 25, 2025

Wayne Township 2025 Clean-Up Day Announced

Wayne Township residents are invited to participate in the annual clean-up day, which will take place on Saturday, May 17, 2025, from 8:00 a.m. until Noon at the Wayne Township Municipal Building, located at 1418 Wampum Road, Ellwood City, PA 16117. This event is for Wayne Township residents only. Proof of residency is required. The cost to participate is $10.00 per load with a $50.00 per load fee for vehicles larger than a car or regular pick-up truck. Each mattress will be $15.00. We are ready to accept and properly dispose of household items, furniture, and other non-hazardous materials. However,…

April 24, 2025

Ellwood City Community Health Foundation Accepting Scholarship Applications

The Ellwood City Community Health Foundation (ECCHF) will issue scholarships each year to individuals who enroll in higher education to pursue a career in the medical field. The individual needs to be a resident of either Ellwood City, Lawrence County, or Beaver County, Pennsylvania. On April 1st, the Foundation began to accept scholarship applications for scholastic achievement and financial need through June 30, 2025, for the 2025-2026 Academic Year. Each candidate must demonstrate how their career in the medical field will improve, foster, promote, and enhance the quality of life and health for the general public of Ellwood City, Lawrence…