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July 15, 2016

Ellwood City Rotary Club Annual Scholarships

Ellwood City Rotary Club’s annual Scholarship Dinner was, as always, a special night for Rotarians, guests, scholarship recipients and their families. The yearly event, which took place May 19 at the Connoquenessing Country Club, was conducted by master of ceremonies and Scholarship Committee chair Mark Smith. Each year, our Club presents academic scholarships to worthy Lincoln and Riverside high school students. A 2016 Genevieve Blank Memorial Scholarship of $1,000 was awarded to Riverside High School senior Shanna Ridgley. The daughter of Don and Sheri Ridgley, Shanna will be attending the University of Pittsburgh, pursuing studies in Pre-Dental. Also receiving a…

July 15, 2016

Ellwood City Area Public Library Annual Book Sale

The Ellwood City Area Public Library will hold its annual book sale from October 3 through 8 this year, and is now accepting donations for the event. Books of all types will be accepted, both paperback and hardback. The sale generally features a large variety of fiction, non-fiction, history, sports, self-help, books on religion and spirituality, children’s books and much more. Also accepted are DVDs, audio books on CDs and music CDs. All books and donated items must be in good condition and may be taken to the library during regular business hours. The library will NOT accept any donations…

July 14, 2016

Senator Vogel’s Statement on Passage of the 2016-17 Budget

Yesterday, the Legislature approved the final portion of the balanced budget for the 2016-17 fiscal year. I am thankful that both sides were able to come together and avoid a repeat of last year’s prolonged budget impasse that negatively impacted both schools and nonprofit service providers that rely on stable state funding. Two weeks ago, I voted for the bipartisan spending compromise bill that boosted Pre-K-to-12 state funding for education to unprecedented levels, fully funded core functions of state government, and devoted vital resources to addressing the ever-increasing opioid addiction epidemic in Pennsylvania. We were able to negotiate with the…

July 14, 2016

Gibbons Votes ‘No’ to Tax Increases

HARRISBURG, July 13 – State Rep. Jaret Gibbons, D- Beaver/Butler/Lawrence, said he voted against more than a half-dozen new and increased taxes proposed to fund the 2016-17 state budget. Gibbons previously voted against the unbalanced budget plan that increased total state spending by $1.6 billion, or 5.3 percent, and boosted the legislature’s funding by $18.6 million while failing to invest in economic development or adequately fund public education. “We need to get spending under control and deal with the cost drivers that are increasing our state budget before we continue to ask residents and businesses to pay more taxes,” Gibbons…

July 13, 2016

Heat Doesn’t Deter Good Works: Carpenter’s Project 2016

Despite an exceptionally hot, humid week, volunteers weren’t deterred from the Carpenter’s Project. Throughout the week, over 100 volunteers divided into 18 crews will work on an estimated 100 projects at 58 houses. The Carpenter’s Project is a volunteer, community organization that provides external repairs to the houses of the elderly, disabled and others who are unable to perform the work themselves. Projects range from painting (the most predominant), to porch railings, demolition, concrete pouring and yard work. The Carpenter’s Project is formed by a collaboration of local churches. Equipment and food are all purchased from local businesses. This year,…

July 13, 2016

Franklin Township’s Fourth Annual Community Days

Franklin Township’s Fourth Annual Community Days will be on Tue, Aug. 2 from 6 p.m., to 9 p.m. The event will be located at Franklin Plaza on State Route 288 and will feature music, food, and fun for the whole family. Booths and Vendors will be set up to fundraiser for various organizations and causes. There are still spots available to set up a booth, if you are part of a local organization or a business that wants to show your support please contact Franklin Township Secretary, Shannon Schlosser at twpsecretary@zoominternet.net. Local businesses have made donations to make the night…

July 13, 2016

Borough Offers Payment Arrangement for Most Recent Electric Bill

The Borough Of Ellwood City Collections Department will be available to assist residents and others who are desirous of entering into a payment arrangement plan for the most recent electric bill that was issued. If a payment arrangement is needed please come to the Borough Electric Collections Office window on or before Friday, July 15, 2016. You will need to complete the required forms for our record keeping purposes. In the cases where a payment arrangement has been requested the penalty will not be applied. If you are a tenant, you may also apply for a payment arrangement , however…

July 12, 2016

In Depth: Residents Protest Electric Rates, Council Proposes Resolution Amending Rates

Over 50 residents attended Monday’s council agenda meeting to protest a spike in electric bills from May to June, forcing the meeting to be moved from council chambers to the auditorium. Council had forewarning of citizen unrest and had already prepared a preliminary resolution adjusting electric rates. Ellwood City Power and Light The Ellwood City Borough has a municipal-operated electric company, Ellwood City’s Power and Light. The borough purchases power from the American Municipal Power Supply [AMP] at a current rate of $.08529 per kilowatt and resells it to Ellwood citizens for a profit. Funds are subsequently transferred from the…

July 12, 2016

Aaron Bernstine Statement on Passing of PA Budget

Today, Pennsylvania’s $31 billion state “budget” has become law. At a time when many Pennsylvania families have to do more with less, the Harrisburg politicians increased overall state spending to record levels by approving a 4.8% increase. No household would try to increase its spending by 4.8% without knowing where the additional money was coming from. Yet, Pennsylvania’s legislators have done just that — with taxpayer money, not their own. This budget proves once again how out of touch Harrisburg and career politicians are. They cannot balance this budget without raising taxes on the rest of us. Harrisburg politicians have increased…