Politics

Borough Manager Completes The Certified Borough Officials Program

Ellwood City’s Borough Manager, Kevin Swogger, recently completed The Certified Borough Officials Program. I feel the training and courses I have completed help me to be a better leader/manager for the community and the Borough,” Swogger said. “The classes range from on-line to in classroom and cover a wide range of areas such as administrative, management, planning, zoning, and code enforcement to name a few. It also includes Annual Conferences and Newly Elected Municipal Officials (NEMO) Boot Camp.” The Certified Borough Officials (CBO) designation is a voluntary, educational achievement program for borough officials. It is designed to promote continuing education for…


ECASD Board of Directors Reorganizes, Welcomes Newcomer, Announces Meeting 2026 Dates

The Ellwood City Area School District’s Board of Directors held its election of officers for 2026 during Thursday’s combined meeting. The meeting began with swearing in re-elected and newly elected board members including: Norman Boots, Claire Fauzey, Kathy Galbreath, Nick Mancini, and Kathy Tillia. Galbreath will serve as board president for 2026. She was nominated by Boots and received votes from Boots, Director Kevin Boariu, Tillia, and Mancini. Board President for 2025, Jennifer Tomon, was also nominated by Director Jean Biehls and received votes from Biehls, Director Erica Gray, and Fauzey. Boots will serve as board vice president for 2026….


Bernstine to Host Senior Citizen Breakfast in Ellwood City

HARRISBURG – Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Butler/Lawrence) invites senior citizens from the 8th Legislative District to attend his upcoming Senior Citizen Breakfast. The event will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 3, from 10:30 a.m. to noon, at the Wayne Township Fire Hall, located at 5153 Ellwood Road, Ellwood City. “Pennsylvania is home to one of the largest senior populations in the country, and it’s important every senior has access to the resources and support they deserve,” said Bernstine. “I look forward to meeting with residents, hearing their concerns and making sure they have the information they need to thrive.” Seniors will…


Borough Of Ellwood City Advertising Upcoming Board Vacancies

According to information made available by the borough, the Ellwood City Borough Council is advertising the vacancies on the following Boards and Commissions of Ellwood City Borough: Zoning Hearing Board, Planning Commission, Economic Development Authority, Civil Service Commission, Library Board, Board of Health, and Recreation Board. Any Borough resident interested in serving on any of the above positions is asked to submit a letter of interest to the Borough Secretary, 525 Lawrence Avenue, Ellwood City, PA 16117. All letters must be due/postmarked on or before 4:00 p.m. on December 5, 2025. For questions, please contact the borough at 724-758-7777 x7777.


Bernstine Co-Hosts Town Hall Meeting on Property Tax Elimination

HARRISBURG – Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Butler/Lawrence) will join Reps. Jeremy Shaffer (R-Allegheny) and Roman Kozak (R-Beaver) to host a town hall on property tax elimination. The event will take place on Thursday, Nov. 20, beginning at 5 p.m., at the West Deer American Legion located at 57 Superior Road, Tarentum. “Property taxes keep climbing and that has real consequences for people in our communities,” said Bernstine. “People should not have to worry about losing their homes or feeling pushed out of Pennsylvania. This town hall is a chance for everyone to learn more about what is being discussed in Harrisburg…


Council Establishes Stop Intersection on College Street at First Avenue

Ellwood City Borough Council voted 4-2 to establish a stop intersection on College Street at First Avenue (northbound and southbound). “No” votes came from Councilman George Celli and Councilwoman Jan Williams. Councilman Caleb Cragle was absent from the meeting. Before the vote, Borough Resident Robert Dibuono asked council to vote down the stop intersection. He said forcing traffic to stop there would impact the ability for some vehicles to get a running start to make it up the hill in the winter and might also be difficult for vehicles to stop at the bottom of the hill. Dibuono typically travels…


Local State Representatives React To PA State $50.6B Budget Passes

Local state representatives in the Ellwood City area expressed differing opinions on the recently passed 2025-26 Pennsylvania state budget, with reactions generally falling along party lines. The budget, which faced a 135-day delay, was approved by the legislature on Wednesday. Governor Josh Shapiro is expected to sign the General Appropriations Act into law today, November 12, 2025.  Bernstine: Can’t Support a Budget That Risks Future Tax Increases HARRISBURG – Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Butler/Lawrence) issued the following statement explaining his “no” vote on the $50.1 billion budget for the 2025–26 fiscal year: “While this plan includes several positive elements, I could not…


Nov 4 Municipal Election Results: Lawrence County

Unofficial results from today’s (Nov 4, 2025) Municipal Election have been posted. According to Lawrence County’s website, there were 25,423 ballots cast in Lawrence County. Of those, 5,646 were mail in votes. The total voter turnout was 44.38%. Click here for full unofficial results. Ellwood City Borough Council welcomes back 3 incumbents and one newcomer (vote total next to candidate): Newcomer, JOSEPH D MANCINI (Dem/Rep) 1,204 (with an additional 20 votes in the one Beaver County precinct) MICHELE LAMENZA (Dem/Rep) 1,017  (with an additional 14 votes in the one Beaver County precinct) BRAD OVIAL (Rep) 897 (with an additional 8…


Capitol Hunger Garden Closes Out Its 15th Season

HARRISBURG – Legislative Hunger Caucus Senate Chair Sen. Elder Vogel, Jr. (R-Beaver/Butler/Lawrence) and House Chair Rep. Emily Kinkead (D-Allegheny) gathered at the Capitol Hunger Garden today with local and state leaders as they reflected on another impactful harvesting season and the need for communities to have access to fresh food options. “Our Hunger Garden is a shining example of how we can support and strengthen our communities across the commonwealth, assisting some of our most vulnerable neighbors,” Vogel said. “Whether you donate your own produce or contribute to your local food banks or volunteer your time at an area soup…


October 2025 Designated Italian American History and Culture Month in PA

NEW CASTLE – The House of Representatives today overwhelmingly approved House Resolution 353, sponsored by Rep. Marla Brown (R-Lawrence). The measure designates October 2025 as Italian and Italian American History and Culture Month in Pennsylvania. Brown, who is an Italian American and longtime resident of New Castle, said the resolution is deeply personal and celebrates the history, culture and contributions of Italian Americans across the Commonwealth. “New Castle is home to one of the most vibrant Italian American communities in the country,” said Brown. “More than one in four residents here trace their roots to Italy, and their cultural legacy…