Politics

Ellwood City Borough Council to Advertise for New Borough Manager

Ellwood City Borough Council voted during Tuesday evening’s regular meeting to advertise for employment of a new borough manager. The move comes after Council voted 4-3 on January 5, during a reorganizational meeting, to not renew the contract for Kevin Swogger. Councilwoman Jan Williams was joined by Councilmen Caleb Cragle, Brad Ovial, and Joseph Mancini in voting to not renew. Swogger joined the borough as manager in 2023. (Council voted to hire him in November of 2022). Ovial, president of council, said. “The majority of council decided to go in a different direction.” He said they are working to put…


Bernstine to Run for Re-Election to PA House of Representatives in 2026

NEW GALILEE — Citing the growing threat posed by the radical left agenda being pushed by Democrats in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and Governor Josh Shapiro, State Representative Aaron Bernstine (R-Butler/Lawrence) today announced he is running for re-election in 2026, seeking another term representing the 8th Legislative District. “With Democrats and Governor Shapiro doubling down on policies that undermine our freedoms, weaken public safety, and make life more expensive for working families, now is not the time to send timid lawmakers to Harrisburg,” Bernstine said. “We need proven conservative fighters who are willing to stand in the line of…


Local State Lawmakers Announce $4.6 Million in State Funding for 22 Beaver County Projects

Darlington Township, Franklin Township and North Sewickley Township were among those awarded over $4.6 million in state grant funding focused on improving municipal infrastructure and public safety according to Sen. Elder Vogel, Jr. (R-47) and Reps. Roman Kozak (R-14), Josh Kail (R-15) and Robert Matzie (D-16). The funding was administered by the Commonwealth Financing Authority. Darlington Township will look to receive two new police vehicles, Franklin Township will acquire 392 acres of the Hereford Manor Lakes property ensuring the cherished property remains a protected green space for future generations to enjoy, and North Sewickley Township will replace the flat roof…


Bernstine, Brown Announce Grant for Lawrence County Historical Society

LAWRENCE COUNTY – Reps. Aaron Bernstine (R-Butler/Lawrence) and Marla Brown (R-Lawrence) today announced the Lawrence County Historical Society has been awarded a $9,000 grant to support the preservation, care and maintenance of the county’s historically significant records and artifacts. “The Lawrence County Historical Society is a vital guardian of our community’s past, and this grant helps ensure its irreplaceable records and artifacts remain protected,” said Bernstine. “I’m proud to support funding that preserves our shared history and keeps it accessible for future generations.” “Our historical societies play an essential role in educating the public and strengthening our sense of place,” said…


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…