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February 21, 2022

Council Approves New Server for Police Department

Ellwood City Borough Council approved the quote for a Microsoft SQL Server (license & software) for the police department. The $7,254.74 quote approval will allow the police department to upgrade their server, which houses vital information regarding arrests, etc. According to Officer Josh Sipe, the current server dates to 2013. He said it is slow and poses an issue when it comes to safely storing important information that is required by the state. Sipe said there is a possibility that the old system could cause a loss of information which could cause legal issues. The department also announced a renewed…

February 10, 2022

Bernstine Issues Statement on the Governor’s Budget Address

HARRISBURG – Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Beaver/Butler/Lawrence) today joined his colleagues in a joint session of the General Assembly as Gov. Tom Wolf delivered his eighth and final state budget address. He released the following statement on the governor’s proposal: “It’s easy for a lame duck governor to propose a massive spending wish list when he knows he won’t be around to clean up the economic mess he caused. Families are dealing with record-setting inflation, higher prices, and supply chain shortages because of excessive government spending and borrowing. We don’t need to set them up for future tax hikes too. The…

February 7, 2022

Bernstine Announces He Will Run for Re-Election to PA House of Representatives

NEW GALILEE— Citing an urgent need to fight back against the destructive liberal agenda in Harrisburg, Aaron Bernstine announced today he will run for re-election this year, seeking a fourth term in the state House of Representatives. “We are in the heat of a war to preserve our freedoms and constitutional rights in Pennsylvania, and the Harrisburg political class on both sides are to blame. I was on the front lines fighting against the Governor’s shutdowns and stood up to every attempt at weakening our rights. I am proven and tested in tough battles, and with so much at stake,…

February 4, 2022

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…

February 1, 2022

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…

January 26, 2022

Senate Passes New Funding for Hospitals, Health Care Workers

HARRISBURG (Jan. 26, 2022) – The state Senate this week approved critical funding for hospitals and frontline health care workers who continue to keep Pennsylvanians safe during the COVID-19 pandemic, Sen. Elder Vogel, R-47, said. House Bill 253 would allocate a total of $225 million to hospitals and their employees. The additional dollars will be allocated as follows: $100 million for acute care general hospitals. $110 million for critical access hospitals, facilities with a high volume of Medicaid patients, and behavioral/psychiatric providers. $15 million for the PA Student Loan Relief for Nurses Program. Of that total, the major health care…

January 25, 2022

Bernstine Bill Takes Aim at Nurse Shortage, Provides Support for Health Care Professionals

HARRISBURG – Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Beaver/Butler/Lawrence) today introduced legislation that will expand the number of nursing education programs in Pennsylvania and help improve the quality of life for current nurses. “Our nurses do more than care for individuals,” said Bernstine. “They are at the forefront of change in health care and public health. During the COVID-19 pandemic our nurses have been providing the best care for patients. We must consider what we can do to ensure they have adequate support in the future. This will have a direct impact on our health care professionals and the quality of patient care.”…

January 18, 2022

Borough Approves Liquor License Transfer to El Canelo IX, LLC; Mayor Names New K9 Officer

Ellwood City Borough Council voted to approve the intermunicipal transfer of restaurant liquor license #R-17325 to El Canelo IX, LLC. El Canelo opened in Ellwood City at 1226 Lawrence Ave in October and has been serving Mexican food in Lawrence County since 2001. The manager of the restaurant, Antonio Porras, said at a January 10 council meeting that the license will be a great addition to help serve delicious beverages at the Ellwood City location. Porras said the transfer follows a decision to temporarily close the West State Street location because a lack of staffing. In other council news: Mayor…

January 11, 2022

Ellwood City Borough Looking For New Patrolman

Applications are being accepted for the position of full time Borough of Ellwood City Patrolman. An application is required to be completed and submitted with a non-refundable fee of $35.00 to the Borough of Ellwood City, c/o Borough Secretary at 525 Lawrence Avenue, Ellwood City, PA, 16117. All applications must be submitted by Friday, February 4th, 2022. All applicants must be 21 years of age or older, have a valid Pennsylvania driver’s license, possess an accredited high school diploma or GED equivalent, and be certified by MPOETC Act 120 training. Each applicant is to be medically and physically fit for…

January 3, 2022

Ellwood City Borough Council Reorganizes, Sets 2022 Meeting Dates

Ellwood City Borough Council held its reorganizational meeting Monday night. Newly elected Mayor Anthony Court was administered his oath of office by Jerry Cartwright, magisterial district judge. Court then administered the oath of office to the newly elected council members: Jim Barry, Michele Lamenza, Brad Ovial, and Jan Williams. Ovial joined council after Councilwoman Lisa Guerrera resigned in August. Her term was set to expire on December 31, 2021. Guerrera had moved out of the borough, leaving her legally unable to fulfill the rest of her term. Ovial and Williams both submitted letters of interest in filling the vacant seat…