Politics

VOTE: Ellwood City Polling Locations

According to information made available on the Lawrence County government website, polling locations for Ellwood City and surrounding locations are as follows. Registered voters can cast ballots from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on May 18 at their designated polling place, and those voting by mail-in or absentee ballot should drop their ballots off at the Lawrence County Courthouse by 8 p.m. Tuesday. Voters must return their own ballots under state law, with few exceptions.  All Precincts are handicapped accessible on Election Day. ELLWOOD CITY BORO FIRST WARD: 1st Dist Community Action; 926 Crescent Ave. SECOND WARD: 1st Dist First…


Bernstine Introduces Constitutional Carry Legislation

HARRISBURG – Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Beaver/Butler/Lawrence) today introduced “constitutional carry” legislation, which would no longer require law-abiding citizens to obtain a government-issued license to carry a concealed firearm in Pennsylvania. Constitutional carry, or permitless carry, allows an individual over 21 years of age who has passed a criminal background check upon purchase of a firearm to legally carry a handgun concealed without first having to obtain government permission. Current law does not require citizens to obtain a license to openly carry a firearm in Pennsylvania. Bernstine, a vocal pro-Second Amendment lawmaker, called the current concealed carry process a duplicative abuse…


Wolf to Increase Indoor & Outdoor Events and Gatherings Maximum Capacity on May 17

The Wolf Administration announced Monday that event and gathering maximum occupancy limits will be increased to 50 percent for indoor events and gatherings and 75 percent for outdoor events and gatherings effective Monday, May 17 at 12:01 AM. “As more Pennsylvania adults get vaccinated and guidance from the CDC evolves, we can continue to move forward with the commonwealth’s reopening efforts,” said Governor Wolf. “We recognize the significant strain businesses have faced during COVID-19 mitigation efforts. Throughout the last year and half, we have seen businesses continue to put the safety of their patrons first and I believe they will…


Part Three: 2021 Primary Election Candidate Q&A

This is the third in a three-part series featuring a Q&A with the candidates for Ellwood City Borough Council and Ellwood City Area School District’s Board of Directors. Today’s Q&A features Ellwood City Area School District’s Board of Directors candidates Barbara Wilson and Claire Fauzey. Yesterday’s Q&A featured candidates Kathleen McCommons, Renee Pitrelli, and Kathy Tillia. (Candidates Norman Boots, JoEllen Eichler, and Kathy Pansera did not participate).  Primary Elections are just around the corner. Residents will be able to place their votes on May 18. To find your polling location, click here. To learn more about the voting process and how…


Part Two: 2021 Primary Election Candidate Q&A

This is the second in a three-part series featuring a Q&A with the candidates for Ellwood City Borough Council and Ellwood City Area School District’s Board of Directors. Today’s Q&A features Ellwood City Area School District’s Board of Directors candidates Kathleen McCommons, Renee Pitrelli, and Kathy Tillia. Tomorrow’s Q&A will  feature school director candidates: Barbara Wilson and Claire Fauzey (Candidates Norman Boots, JoEllen Eichler, and Kathy Pansera did not participate). Primary Elections are just around the corner. Residents will be able to place their votes on May 18. To find your polling location, click here. To learn more about the voting…


Part One: 2021 Primary Election Candidate Q&A

This is the first in a three-part series featuring a Q&A with the candidates for Ellwood City Borough Council and Ellwood City Area School District’s Board of Directors. Today’s Q&A features Ellwood City Borough Council candidates Jan Williams, Brad Ovial, and Jim Barry (Michele Lamenza did not participate). Tomorrow’s Q&A will feature school director candidates. Primary Elections are just around the corner. Residents will be able to place their votes on May 18. To find your polling location, click here. To learn more about the voting process and how to cast your vote, click here. Take a moment to get to…


Vogel Bill Would Improve Work Zone Safety for Workers, Motorists

Even as Pennsylvania recognizes National Work Zone Awareness Week from April 26-30, Senator Elder Vogel (R-47) is introducing legislation intended to provide workers with a safe environment and prevent accidents. “Pennsylvania’s road work is often a topic of discussion. Between tolls, bridges and future projects, we spend a lot of time talking about our infrastructure, but not enough time focusing on the safety of the workers,” said Senator Vogel. “In connection with National Work Zone Awareness Week, I am introducing Senate Bill 614 to enhance penalties for offenses in active work zones that do not result in an accident. By…


Bernstine Appointed to the Subcommittee on Small Business

HARRRISBURG – Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Beaver/Butler/Lawrence) has added to his responsibilities for the 2021-22 session by being appointed to the Subcommittee on Small Business under House Commerce Committee Chairman Brad Roae (R-Crawford/Erie). The subcommittee will be looking at ways to better enhance opportunities for employers and small businesses. “When I first took office in early 2017, the economy was growing stronger, and we were looking forward to a more prosperous future in Western Pennsylvania,” said Bernstine. “Then came COVID-19 and many of our gains in recent years were wiped out with a shutdown that has lasted far too long. To…


Borough Awards Waste Removal Bid

Ellwood City Borough Council awarded the bid for collection of refuse, recycling, and yard waste to Valley Waste during Monday’s meeting. Borough Manager David Allen said garbage has been on the top of his priority list since he arrived in his position at the borough a little more than two years ago. He said the new program provides the most options possible for smooth, efficient, and cost friendly removal of waste. “We negotiated fantastic pricing to hit all needs and concerns of the citizens,” he said. The new program will offer residents the choice of containers as well as a…


Ellwood City Borough Council to Meet Tonight

Ellwood City Borough Council will meet in person tonight, April 19, at 5:30 for a special meeting where council will consider the Intermunicipal transfer of liquor license (Barry Quick Mart, LLC). Another special meeting will be held at 5:45 for the consideration of a Conditional Use Request (EFN Ellwood Property, LLC). The regular council meeting will follow at 6 p.m. On the agenda: A motion to approve the Pre-Paid Voucher List dated 4/13/21, in the amount of $416,469.38, and the List of Vouchers to be Paid dated 4/15/21, in the amount of $485,212.42. A motion to approve the Departmental Reports,…