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March 11, 2025

Bernstine Introduces Legislation to Establish Registry for Individuals Convicted of Child Abuse

HARRISBURG – Legislation aimed at improving community safety by establishing a public registry for individuals convicted of child abuse has been introduced by Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Butler/Lawrence). This new registry would ensure information about child abusers is easily accessible to the public, empowering communities across the Commonwealth to take necessary precautions. “Every child deserves to grow up in a safe environment, free from harm,” said Bernstine. “By creating this registry, we are taking an important step toward protecting our children and giving communities the tools they need to prevent abuse. The public has a right to know who is in their…

February 28, 2025

Bernstine Introduces Legislation to Protect Parental Rights in Medical Decisions for Minor Children

HARRISBURG – Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Butler/Lawrence) has introduced legislation aimed at protecting the rights of parents and guardians in the medical decision-making process for their minor children. The bill, known as Simon’s Law, would require health care professionals or facilities to notify parents before placing a do-not-resuscitate (DNR) order on any patient under the age of 18. The law would also require written or oral consent from at least one parent or guardian before a DNR order can be issued. “This bill is designed to ensure no parent is kept in the dark when it comes to life-altering decisions for…

February 20, 2025

Residents at Risk of Losing Trash Service Because of Delinquent Bills

During Ellwood City Borough Council’s Regular Meeting, Ellwood City’s Borough Manager Kevin Swogger said that some residents are at risk to have their trash service ended because of delinquent bills. Swogger said that residents are still responsible for paying their trash bill in the winter months, and unlike with electric accounts that get a grace period during cold winter months, trash bills that are four months delinquent will see an end to service. “If you are not paying your trash bill and are over four months delinquent, you need to pay your bill,” he said. According to Swogger, residents can…

February 18, 2025

Bernstine Introduces Legislation to Create Two-Tiered Concealed Carry System, Supporting Constitutional Carry Rights

HARRISBURG – Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Butler/Lawrence) has introduced legislation designed to enhance the concealed carry process for firearm owners in Pennsylvania. House Bill 454 would create a two-tiered system to streamline firearm carrying laws, ensuring greater protection of citizens’ Second Amendment rights while balancing public safety. “Pennsylvanians have the fundamental right to protect themselves and their families, and this legislation is a step toward ensuring that right is respected,” said Bernstine. “Law-abiding citizens who follow the rules should not face undue obstacles when it comes to exercising their constitutional rights. The proposed two-tiered system provides more freedom, more choice and…

February 11, 2025

ECASD Board of Directors Authorizes Appeal for Proposed Softball Field

The Ellwood City Area School District’s Board of Directors voted to appeal the Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law and Adjudication of the Zoning Hearing Board of the Borough of Ellwood City relating to the proposed softball field during Monday’s regular meeting. All board members in attendance voted yes to support the appeal, and director Norman Boots was absent from the meeting. Director Kevin Boariu said he supports the appeal because he does not want the property to sit vacant and that he does not believe that the District should be in the business of owning unused property. Chris Voltz,…

January 29, 2025

Bernstine Named Chairman of Subcommittee on Railroads

HARRISBURG – Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Butler/Lawrence) has been appointed by House Republican Transportation Committee Chairman Kerry Benninghoff (R-Centre/Mifflin) to serve as chairman of the Subcommittee on Railroads for the 2025-26 Legislative Session. Bernstine represents a district affected by recent rail incidents, specifically the Norfolk Southern train derailments in East Palestine, OH, and New Castle. “The safety and well-being of our communities is a top priority, and these recent derailments have underscored the need for strong oversight and enhanced safety standards,” said Bernstine. “As subcommittee chairman, I will work to ensure Pennsylvania’s railroads operate safely, with a focus on the safety…

January 23, 2025

Ellwood City Borough Council Approves Numerous Upcoming Annual Events

Ellwood City Borough Council passed motions to approve numerous upcoming annual events that will be held on Borough property including Wander Ellwood, Dog Days of Summer, The Ellwood City Arts, Crafts & Foods Festival, and many others (please see motions passed below for details) during the January 21 Regular Meeting. Council also received an update on the Wampum Pump Station Project. Borough Manager Kevin Swogger announced that the Wampum Avenue Pump Station Project is about 93 percent completed. The Borough had announced the start of the project in October of 2023 in an effort to improve the infrastructure in the…

January 22, 2025

Zoning Hearing Board Denies ECASD Application for Special Exception to Build Softball Field at Ewing Park Property

The Zoning Hearing Board of the Borough of Ellwood City has denied the Ellwood City Area School District’s application for special exception to build a softball field on the Ewing Park School property. The board held a hearing on December 4, 2024, to take the District’s application into consideration and has determined that the proposed use of the property is not a permitted use as a public park/playground in a Low-Density R-1(A) District. The findings offered by Zoning Hearing Board members Joseph Lamenza, Timothy O’Brien, and David Parker on January 17, 2025, stated that the proposed softball field, its related…

January 17, 2025

$1.2 Million in Funding for Lawrence County Social Services to Combat Housing Crisis, Says Brown

LAWRENCE COUNTY – Rep. Marla Brown (R-Lawrence) today announced Lawrence County Social Services Inc., a local nonprofit organization, has been awarded $1.2 million in funding through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED). This grant will support a regional project aimed at alleviating the housing crisis in western Pennsylvania, providing vital assistance to more than 600 households through emergency shelter, homelessness prevention, rapid rehousing and street outreach services. “This funding represents a critical step forward in addressing the urgent housing needs of families and individuals in Lawrence County and surrounding areas,” said Brown. “By investing in the tools…

January 12, 2025

Brown Takes Oath of Office for Second Term in PA House

HARRISBURG – Surrounded by family, friends and supporters, Rep. Marla Brown (R-Lawrence) was sworn in on Tuesday at the state Capitol to begin her second term in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. First elected in 2020, Brown made history as the first Republican to represent the 9th Legislative District since 1952. She is also the first female elected to hold the position in the district. “It is an incredible honor to continue representing the residents of Lawrence County and to serve as their voice in Harrisburg,” said Brown. “Over the past two years, we have made great strides in improving…