Local News

LIVE! PennDOT Officials to Discuss Bridge Inspections, Conditions in Pennsylvania

Has the recent bridge collapse in Pittsburgh given you a scare or pause for concern over the poor conditions of many of the bridges in the area? On Friday, PennDOT hopes to bring some answers and closure to many drivers’ concerns. PennDOT will host a live stream with Acting Executive Deputy Secretary Melissa Batula and Acting Deputy Secretary for Highway Administration Mike Keiser to answer media questions about bridge inspections, condition ratings, load-posting and related topics. Conversation will be livestreamed on PennDOT’s Facebook Page on Friday, February 4th at 1:30 p.m. PennDOT has inspection oversight of Pennsylvania’s over 25,400 state-owned…


BC3 Announces President’s List, Dean’s List and Graduates for Fall 2021

Butler County Community College is proud to announce the names of students who have made the President’s List and Dean’s List for the Fall 2021 semester, as well as the names of those who have graduated recently. Students who have achieved a cumulative GPA (grade-point average) of 3.75 or higher are named to the President’s List following completion of at least 12 semester hours or upon completion of degree requirements. Students who have achieved a cumulative GPA (grade-point average) of 3.5 to 3.74 are named to the Dean’s List following completion of at least 12 semester hours or upon completion…


Gov Wolf Announces $1.7 Billion Plan to Secure a Brighter Pennsylvania for Generations

Governor Tom Wolf announced this week his $1.7 billion plan to help Pennsylvania fully recover from the pandemic and pave the way for a successful future with support for families and workers, small businesses, the healthcare system, and statewide community revitalization through the American Rescue Plan​ Act (ARPA). “As Pennsylvania endured the pandemic, we strategically invested to support small businesses, frontline workers, agriculture, healthcare, first responders, and more. This ensured that Pennsylvania survived,” said Wolf. “Now it’s time for Pennsylvanians to thrive and investing $1.7 billion in a bright future for this commonwealth will give Pennsylvanians a sense of security…


PennDOT Reduces Speed Limits in Lawrence County

Pittsburgh, PA – Due to the winter storm, PennDOT is temporarily reducing the speed limit on several roadways in Lawrence County. PennDOT is urging motorists to avoid unnecessary travel but those who must head out will see speeds reduced to 45 mph on the following highways: Lawrence County Interstate 79 Interstate 376 On roadways with speed restrictions, commercial vehicles not affected by restrictions on these or other roadways must move to the right lane. Although PennDOT crews have been treating roadways, the department’s primary goal is to keep roads passable, not completely free of ice and snow. PennDOT will continue to…


Lawrence County Woman Sentenced For Involvement In Capitol Riot

NOTE: The following article originally appeared on www.businessinsider.com A Pennsylvania woman who initially lied to investigators about her role in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot was sentenced to one year of probation and a $2,000 fine at a Tuesday hearing. Julia Sizer pleaded guilty to one count of parading, demonstrating, or picketing in a Capitol building in November. The nail technician initially faced four charges stemming from her role in the insurrection, including knowingly entering or remaining in a restricted building and disorderly conduct in a Capitol building. But as the government works to prosecute more than 760 people…


Valentines Day Carriage Rides Offered At Shakespeares Restaurant

Enjoy a unique opportunity to enjoy a special moment with a loved one. Misty Lane Farms is hosting scenic carriage rides through the beautiful Olde Stonewall Golf Course on February 12th and 14th as part of a Shakespeares Restaurant Valentines Day event. The rides are approximately 15 minutes long and are $25.00 per group (up to 4 people). “The carriage rides on the beautiful Olde Stonewall Golf Course offers gorgeous views of the course and of the castle,” says Mindy Stoops, of Misty Lane Performance Horses. The private carriages have a roof in the case of inclement weather. Shakespeare’s Restaurant…


Lawrence County Man Convicted In Newborn’s Death Dies At Rockview State Prison

NOTE: This article originally published on www.centredaily.com A Lawrence County man detained at Rockview state prison and convicted of conspiring to kill a newborn died Friday, the state Department of Corrections said Monday. Christopher Kennedy, 42, was serving an 18 to 36-year sentence after he was pleaded no contest in June to conspiracy to commit third-degree murder. The plea meant he accepted the conviction, but did not expressly admit he committed the crime. He pleaded guilty to one felony count of involuntary deviate sexual intercourse. Kennedy was found unresponsive in his cell, where prison staff provided life-saving measures until facility…


Bernstine Announces Food Equipment Grants for Area Schools

HARRISBURG – Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Beaver/Butler/Lawrence) today announced state grants were awarded to schools in the 10th Legislative District that will help schools upgrade their facilities to continue to provide critical food services to students. The grants were made possible by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE). The department awarded more than $946,000 in competitive grants to 44 elementary, middle and high schools in 23 counties to purchase new food service equipment for cafeterias. Schools receiving funding include: Big Beaver Elementary School – $22,174 to be used for a convection steamer and gas oven. Central Elementary School – $22,174 for…


Ellwood City Public Library Activities For Week of January 31

The Ellwood City Area Public Library offers a variety of weekly activities. Information is available by calling the library at 724-758-6458. PLEASE NOTE: The Library has partnered with Seneca Library District, Oil Creek Library District, Erie County Public Library and Crawford County Federated Library System for e-books. You can now use the Overdrive or Libby App. to borrow books from the above Libraries. Please call the library with any questions. WE’RE OPEN! The Library is open. Newspapers, magazines and toys will not be available for the time being. Masks are required to be worn, covering mouth and nose, while in…


POLICE: Weekly Police Blotter

THEFT: Michael Henry, 40, of Ellwood City is charged with Theft and Receiving Stolen Property after an incident on January 13th. According to a criminal complaint, and at approximately 7:43 a.m., officers were contacted by the manager at Seven-Eleven who stated a male walked into the convenience store and stole a donation jar from the front counter and exited the store. Officers were able to obtain and review surveillance footage that showed the male enter the store, take the donation jar, exit the store and continue on foot into the 600 block of Wampum Avenue. A Seven-Eleven employee identified the…