Articles by Press Releases

Riv-Ell Business Plans: Traveling Ultrasound Business To Surprises For Outdoor Enthusiasts

Ten Riverside or Lincoln high school students participated in Butler County Community College’s Riv-Ell Entrepreneurship program in 2024-2025. They earned 16 transferrable college credits and BC3’s workplace certificate in entrepreneurship upon completing the program that required a capstone-project business plan. Students presented business plans May 5 in Lincoln’s library. About Riv-Ell’s Class of 2025, their business plans and extra-curricular activities: Shaelyn Freed, Lincoln. “Little Miracle Imaging,” a traveling ultrasound business with 3D and 4D technology. Clientele may include women with high-risk pregnancies or without transportation. Freed’s research showed estimated startup costs to be $81,110, which would include $31,000 for a…


Riv-Ell Students Pitch Business Plans, Earn BC3 Certificate

Caitlin Kreitzer goes fishing up to 20 times a year for bass, catfish and trout in creeks, ponds and rivers – “anywhere,” the 17-year-old Lincoln High School senior said, “I can get my line in the water.” What the Wampum resident said she wishes were part of her gear is a waterproof tackle box outfitted with a fish-finder and solar-powered charging stations. “Something so useful to have,” Kreitzer said. And so she envisioned and pitched “Tackle Tech: Charge, Catch, Conquer” as her business plan to complete Butler County Community College’s Riv-Ell Entrepreneurship program. Kreitzer and nine other Riverside or Lincoln…


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…


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…


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…


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…


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…


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,”…


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…


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…