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April 25, 2024

Over $6.3 Million in State Infrastructure Grants Announced For Beaver & Lawrence Counties

Sen. Elder Vogel, Jr. (R-47) and State Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Butler/Lawrence) each announced on Wednesday that over $6.3 million in state infrastructure grants have been awarded to the Beaver & Lawrence Counties, including $5 million to a waterline and sewer project in Wampum Borough. “It is great to see the continued investments into the 47th District, especially when it comes to investing in water line and stormwater improvement projects that are a priority in our area,” said Vogel. “Maintaining all aspects of our local infrastructure is a crucial part of providing a safe community for our residents to thrive in.”…

April 24, 2024

$600M Settlement Reached By Norfolk Southern Related To East Palestine Train Derailment

HARRISBURG – In the wake of the recent $600 million settlement reached by Norfolk Southern in its class-action lawsuit related to its train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, last year, state Sens. Doug Mastriano (R-33), Elder Vogel, Jr. (R-47), and Michele Brooks (R-50) today introduced legislation to provide a state tax deduction for Pennsylvanians who receive payments. “Ohio has already established a deduction for their residents who received payments and I believe it’s fair to do the same for Pennsylvanians.,” said Mastriano, who serves as chairman of the Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee, hosted a hearing immediately following…

April 19, 2024

Vogel Announces Over $20 Million Awarded in Beaver & Butler Counties To Improve Access to High-Speed Internet

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority (PBDA) announced today that Comcast Cable Communications, LLC (Beaver County) is being awarded over $4.2 million and Armstrong Telecommunications, Inc. (Butler County) is being awarded over $16.6 million to increase access to reliable, high-speed internet, according to Sen. Elder Vogel, Jr. (R-47). “Access to high-speed internet is a must for Pennsylvanians especially in this day and age,” said Vogel. “There is such a heavy reliance on this crucial service to connect with health care providers, assist with educational needs, and take part in ever evolving telework positions. This funding will further allow for…

April 9, 2024

Bernstine to Host Concealed Carry Seminar April 13

HARRISBURG – In his continuing efforts to better inform area gun owners regarding Pennsylvania’s firearms laws, Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Butler/Lawrence) is hosting a concealed carry seminar on Saturday, April 13, in Butler. The free event will take place at the Penn Township Municipal Building, 157 East Airport Road, starting at 10 a.m. “The goal of concealed carry training is not only to teach about guns and safety, but also about state laws regarding concealed carry regulations, how they differ among states and how those laws apply in different situations,” said Bernstine. An official from Firearms Owners Against Crime will be…

March 26, 2024

Bills Aim to Support, Promote Startup Initiatives Across Pennsylvania

HARRISBURG – A group of state House Republicans announced last week a package of bills designed to support and promote startup initiatives across the Commonwealth. The bills aim to capitalize on Pennsylvania’s many assets, including talented, hard-working people and valuable geographic location. The Commonwealth cannot afford to miss any more opportunities to Silicon Valley, New York or other start-up friendly areas. The eight bills are being sponsored by Reps. Mike Armanini (R-Clearfield/Elk), Valerie Gaydos (R-Allegheny), Aaron Bernstine (R-Lawrence/Butler), Marla Brown (R-Lawrence) and Michael Stender (R-Northumberland/Montour). Armanini has three bills as part of the package. The first would designate March 18-24…

March 19, 2024

Ellwood City Schools Plan To Dismiss Early For Solar Eclipse

The Ellwood City Area School District is planning an early dismissal on Monday, April 8, 2024 due to the solar eclipse that day. Lincoln Jr/Sr High School and Hartman Upper Intermediate will dismiss at 12:15 PM and Perry Lower Intermediate and North Side will dismiss at 1:15 PM. All district students will receive their lunch prior to dismissal on this day. “We are planning the timing of this dismissal for several reasons, but most importantly is safety,” said Superintendent Dr. Wesley Shipley in a statement. “Our normal dismissal time is right in the middle of the timeframe of the eclipse…

March 14, 2024

Jehovah’s Witnesses Launch Invitation Campaign

During March 2024, Jehovah’s Witnesses will be launching a special campaign to invite fellow residents of New Castle and Ellwood City to two special events. On Sunday, March 24th, millions of Jehovah’s Witnesses around the world will gather to commemorate the death of Jesus Christ. The annual observance of the Lord’s Evening Meal will feature a talk highlighting the significance of Jesus’ death and what it means for all of mankind. The one-hour event will begin and conclude with prayer. To learn more about how Jehovah’s Witnesses observe the Lord’s Supper, please visit the event’s Frequently Asked Questions page found…

March 13, 2024

Bernstine to Host Town Hall Meetings

HARRISBURG – Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Butler/Lawrence) is looking forward to meeting with residents of the 8th Legislative District during a series of town hall meetings he will be hosting in April. “It is my responsibility to hear your concerns and questions and take them to Harrisburg, and face-to-face opportunities are the easiest way for me to do that,” said Bernstine. “We should take this time to learn from each other so that we can focus on solutions that benefit everyone.” The schedule of these town hall meetings is as follows: Tuesday, April 2, 6 p.m., Forward Township Municipal Building, 207…

March 11, 2024

ELLWOOD Hosts 18th Annual High School Engineering Day

ELLWOOD, in partnership with Lawrence County School-to-Work, hosted their 18th annual High School Engineering Day on Thursday, March 7, at ELLWOOD City Forge. More than 20 students from area high schools visited the ELLWOOD location to learn about engineering careers and more. The event is designed to be both fun and educational as the students had the opportunity to witness ELLWOOD City Forge’s state-of-the-art forging process as well as material testing and machining. The students were selected by their respective schools to attend the event because they have an interest in engineering or a related career field. Participating juniors and…

March 8, 2024

Open House & Ribbon Cutting Set For Perry School Construction Completion

The Ellwood City Area School District is pleased to announce that the construction at Perry Lower Intermediate School has been completed. “We are so excited to bring this project to a close and to allow our students to benefit from the updated learning spaces that are available to them,” said Dr. Wesley Shipley, Superintendent of Schools. The project included updating the electric and plumbing systems as well as installing new HVAC throughout the entire building. An addition that includes four classroom spaces and new toilet facilities was built to make room for growing academic service programs within the building.  The…