Politics

Bernstine Votes ‘No’ on State Budget That Increases Spending by 8.8%

HARRISBURG – Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Butler/Beaver/Lawrence) today voted “no” on the state budget for Fiscal Year 2021-22. Bernstine issued the following statement citing excessive government spending led to his negative vote. “When it comes to spending taxpayers’ money, I don’t think we ought to look at a budget and say it’s not perfect, but it’s good enough. This budget is an 8.8% increase in government spending, and that will set the stage for excessive borrowing and tax hikes when President Biden’s bailout money disappears. This budget does nothing to help our struggling local businesses or help to rebuild our economy,…


Ellwood City Council Urges Residents to Obey Traffic Signs, Property Ordinances

The resounding message provided by Ellwood City Borough Council on Monday was urgency from officials to follow the rules and the laws and to take pride in their city. Mayor Anthony Court warned residents that speeding and stop sign violations will result in citations. “This is the warning,” he said. Councilman Rob Brough addressed blight and said that violations of ordinances regarding yard waste and lawn maintenance will be enforced. Specific requirements can be viewed by clicking here. Borough Manager David Allen said because of incidents of vandalism, cameras will be installed in Ewing Park for monitoring. He also provided…


New Brighton Historical Society Receives Grant Says Bernstine

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC) awarded a $25,000 grant to the New Brighton Historical Society in Beaver County, announced Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Beaver/Butler/Lawrence). “The society provides a valuable service to our residents and the state grant will go toward preserving the history and heritage of Beaver County, which dates back more than 50 years,” said Bernstine. “It is very satisfying to know that we are giving a significant piece of local history a new, fresh look. I was pleased to advocate for this important funding.” The New Brighton Historical Society has determined that the preparation and…


House Committee Passes Bernstine Constitutional Carry Legislation

HARRISBURG – Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Beaver/Butler/Lawrence) announced today that his legislation which would no longer require law-abiding citizens to obtain a government-issued license to carry a concealed firearm in Pennsylvania passed the House Judiciary Committee. Bernstine called the current concealed carry process a duplicative abuse of the constitutional rights of law-abiding gun owners. “House Bill 659 defends the rights of the citizens in our Commonwealth,” said Bernstine. “Those Pennsylvanians who follow the law each day should not be punished or hindered if they choose to carry a firearm.” Constitutional carry, or permitless carry, would provide a new system for concealed…


Mayor Anthony Court Elected as President of the AMBP

Ellwood City Mayor, Anthony J. Court, has been elected as President for the AMBP (Association of Mayors of the Boroughs of PA). Mayor Court will officially take office on June 1, 2021, for a two-year term. In a quote from the mayor, he stated “As a “Mayor of the Year Award recipient in 2014″, I believe leadership is something a community looks for in a mayor. As a hard-working public servant, I believe in always putting the community first and making a positive difference statewide. I also feel our main goal as Association of Mayors of the Boroughs of Pennsylvania…


Bernstine Announces Local School District to Receive Ag and Youth Grant

HARRISBURG – Through the Pennsylvania Ag and Youth Grant Program, which Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Beaver/Butler/Lawrence) supported, a school district located in Lawrence County will receive a grant to help promote student development in agriculture, community leadership, vocational training and peer fellowship. The Perry Lower Intermediate School in Ellwood City was awarded a $7,482 grant to enhance and extend the Garden at Perry Project. The project started three years ago in the back portion of the school. The students have augmented this space by constructing a greenhouse and a glass building in which plants are grown that need protection from cold…


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…